A flash of powerful light from a galaxy just over a billion light-years away is upending our understanding of the most powerful explosions in the Universe.
, we saw, for the first time, how these events can unfold. It described a kilonova explosion – between a classical nova and a supernova in strength – accompanied by a relatively short gamma-ray burst. Taken together, the full spectrum of light gave us a blueprint for interpreting similarly brief bursts of gamma radiation.
When the long duration gamma-ray burst was observed in December of last year , astronomers turned their telescopes to take a look at the afterglow that generally follows such an explosion. To their surprise, they found an object that faded too rapidly to be a supernova, and an excess of infrared light.of Northwestern University.
An analysis of the event revealed some more interesting tidbits. For example, tracing the event to its host galaxy 1.1 billion light-years away revealed a young galaxy still in the throes of star formation. This is very different from the old, dead, non-star-forming galaxy from which the 2017 collision emerged. This means that the search for kilonova events might need to be expanded to a wider range of galaxy types.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tucson City Council considers restrictions to prevent predatory towingFor Star subscribers: Action being considered following Star article on issues arising from tow company.
Read more »
UC Santa Cruz astronomers take lead in search for life on alien worlds“Ultimately, I want to understand the conditions that make a rock into a living world.” — UCSC astronomer Natalie Batalha.
Read more »
Ground Telescopes can Adapt to Satellite Megaconstellations if They get Accurate Telemetry DataGround Telescopes can Adapt to Satellite Megaconstellations if They get Accurate Telemetry Data - by spacewriter
Read more »
World's largest communication satellite is a photobombing menace, astronomers warnThe International Astronomical Union has issued a warning over the newly launched BlueWalker 3 satellite, which is causing interference for both optical and radio telescopes.
Read more »
Ben Simmons Expecting To Return On FridayBen Simmons Expecting To Return On Friday - RealGM Wiretap
Read more »
BNP Paribas studied 100 years of market crashes — here's what it says is coming nextStrategists at the French bank are expecting a capitulation event next year in the stock market.
Read more »