Gamma-burst positions - are they reliable?

Ever since the discovery of the Cosmic Gamma-Ray Bursts we have searched 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 counterparts in even the smallest gamma burst error boxes, it seems, that the next generation of satellite gamma burst detectors must be designed to allow immediate follow-up with sensitive telescopes. Concepts to achieve this goal are discussed.