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Credit: R. Klebesadel, I. Strong & R. Olson
(LANL),
Vela Project
Explanation:
Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs)
were discovered by accident.
Thirty three years ago today, satellites
first recorded a GRB.
The data plotted here show that
the count rate of the satellite gamma-ray instrument
abruptly jumped indicating a sudden
flash of gamma-rays.
The Vela
satellites
that detected this and other GRBs were
developed to test technology to monitor
nuclear
test ban treaties.
With on board sensors they
watched for brief
x-ray and
gamma-ray flashes, the telltale signatures of
nuclear explosions.
As intended, the Velas
found flashes of gamma-rays - but not
from nuclear detonations near Earth.
Instead, the flashes were determined to come from deep space!
Dubbed "cosmic gamma-ray bursts"
they are now known to be the most powerful explosions
originating in distant galaxies.
What could power a gamma-ray burst?
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: gamma-ray burst - explosion - vela satellite - gamma ray
Publications with words: gamma-ray burst - explosion - vela satellite - gamma ray
See also: