GAMMA-BURST POSITIONS - ARE THEY RELIABLE

Ever since the discovery of the Cosmic Gamma-Ray Bursts we have search ed for the quiescent counterparts of these mysterious flashes. Without definite counterparts our pictures of the sources must remain vague. The review discusses a number of techniques which have been applied to the gamma burst localization problem and their limitations. The most accurate technique to-date is the Interplanetary Network (IPN) timing technique. Considering the lack of success in the searches for counter parts in even the smallest gamma burst error boxes, it seems, that the next generation of satellite gamma burst detectors must be designed t o allow immediate follow-up with sensitive telescopes. Concepts to ach ieve this goal are discussed.