GAMMA-RAY BURSTS - SHOULD COSMOLOGISTS CARE

Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) locations are distributed isotropically on the s ky, but the intensity distribution of the bursts seems clearly incompa tible with spatial homogeneity. Of the scenarios that attempt to provi de an explanation, there are two that enjoy current popularity: (1) GR Bs are produced by high-velocity neutron stars that have formed an ext ended (similar to 100 kpc) spherical halo or ''corona'' around our gal axy. (2) The bursters are at cosmological distances, with redshifts ne ar unity for the weaker events. The major evidence used to argue for o r against each of these scenarios remains inconclusive. Assuming, not unreasonably, that the cosmological scenario is correct, one can discu ss the advantages and disadvantages of studying GRBs as opposed to oth er objects at moderate redshift. We find that the advantages of GRBs-h igh intensity, penetrating radiation, rapid variability, and no expect ed source evolution-are offset by observational difficulties pertainin g to the extraction of cosmological information from GRB data. If the cosmological scenario proves to be correct and if the observational di fficulties are overcome, then cosmologists certainly should care.