  The unexpected nearby gamma-ray burst GRB 170817A associated with the LIGO
binary neutron star merger event GW170817 presents a challenge to the current
understanding of the emission physics of short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The
event's low luminosity but similar peak energy compared to standard short GRBs
are difficult to explain with current models, challenging our understanding of
the GRB emission process. Emission models invoking synchrotron radiation from
electrons accelerated in shocks and photospheric emission are particularly
challenging explanations for this burst.
