NASA telescopes on the ground and in orbit filmed one of the brightest explosions in space ever seen on October 9.
There was an afterglow when the brilliant light flashed.
According to NASA (per WSVN), these gamma-ray bursts are the universe's most potent kind of explosions.
A large star, located 2.4 billion light-years distant, is thought to have fallen into a supernova explosion and turned into a black hole to cause this.
Most likely, the star was considerably bigger than the sun.
Other experts could study such an event to learn more about star formation, the interactions of matter near the speed of light, and possible circumstances in other galaxies.
According to astronomers, the next time there is a spectacular gamma-ray burst might be decades away.
NASA Telescopes Detect Gamma-Ray Near Star
Astronomers are currently observing the gamma-ray afterglow of GRB221009A, which NASA's Swift gamma-ray chaser satellite initially observed by noting the vibrant rings around the source in the early hours after the burst.
Gamma rays are the most powerful electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelength. Only extreme occurrences, like supernovae, nuclear explosions, and black holes, may create them.
Brendan O'Connor, an astronomer at the University of Maryland and George Washington University, told Space.com that GRB221009A was a once-in-a-century explosion since it was 10-100 times brighter than typical gamma-ray bursts. All optical and infrared wavelengths can see the GRB gamma-ray burst afterglow.
O'Connor anticipates that at that point, NASA's Hubble and James Webb space telescopes will join the endeavor, bringing their respective strengths in optical and infrared observation to the table.
Astronomers think GRB 221009A represents the birth of a new black hole formed within the heart of a collapsing star. In this illustration, the black hole drives powerful jets of particles traveling near the speed of light. The jets pierce through the star, emitting X-rays and gamma rays as they stream into space.
ALSO READ: Gamma-ray Burst Aftermath Spotted; Astronomers Say It Occurred 2.4 Billion Light-years From Earth
About The Gamma Ray
Andrew Klekociuk, an atmospheric scientist with the Antarctic Climate Program, utilized an Earth probe antenna to evaluate the impacts of the gamma-ray burst after it was discovered by satellites.
According to his measurements, the gamma-ray burst and the rise in electrical current at the Earth's surface had waveforms that were quite similar.
Meanwhile, University of Warwick astrophysics professor Andrew Levan said the ionosphere is where the consequences of the gamma-ray burst are felt rather than the Earth's crust.
"Because the gamma-ray photons aren't charged they don't interact with the magnetic field. However, because they are very energetic they can ionize the atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere-remove electrons from them," Levan told Newsweek.
Experts pointed out that the most massive stars in the cosmos pass away when their stellar cores collapse into black holes.
The newly formed black hole is fed by gas from the collapsing star envelopes, which causes it to expand and produce narrow outflows called jets that travel at the speed of light. The jets that are emitted from the dying star cause gamma-ray bursts to occur.
Experts added that humans need not be concerned despite the GRB's strength and closeness to Earth on October 9.
It is anticipated that the burst's effects may last for another week or so.
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