Puzzled by GRB 060218

We study the optical–UV/X–ray spectral energy distribution of GRB 060218 during the prompt phase and during what seems to be the afterglow phase. The results are puzzling, since if the opt–UV and the X–ray emission belong to a single black–body, then its luminosity is too large, and this black–body cannot be interpreted as the signature of the shock breakout of the supernova. There are also serious problems in associating the emission expected by the supernova shock breakout with either the opt–UV or the X–ray emission. In the former case we derive too small ejecta velocities; in the latter case, on the contrary, the required velocity is too large, corresponding to the large radius of a black–body required to peak close to the UV band. We then present what we think is the most conservative alternative explanation, namely a synchrotron spectrum, self–absorbed in the opt–UV and extending up to the X–ray band, where we observe the emission of the most energetic electrons, which are responsible for the exponential roll–over of the spectrum. The obtained fit can explain the entire spectrum except the black–body observed in the X–rays, which must be a separate component. The puzzling feature of this interpretation is that the same model is required to explain the spectrum also at later times, up to 10 s, because the opt–UV emission remains constant in shape and also (approximately) in normalisation. In this case the observed X–ray flux is produced by self–Compton emission. Thus the prompt emission phase should last for ∼ 10 s or more. Finally, we show that the black–body observed in X–rays, up to 7000 seconds, can be photospheric emission from the cocoon or stellar material, energized by the GRB jet at radii comparable to the stellar radius (i.e. 10–10 cm), not very far from where this material becomes transparent (e.g. 10 cm).