Reality Check

• GRB afterglows are difficult to observe with small telescopes since most of them are faint.

• Swift pointing is an advantage.

• GRB polarimetry data are scarce, inconclusive, and subject to error in statistical analysis.

• There is much room for improvement.

• Interpretation of GRB polarimetry is complicated because multiple physical effects may be present:

  • intrinsic
  • interstellar (Galactic + host galaxy)
  • associated supernova

• Any variability must be due either to the GRB or to the associated SN.