Cosmic explosions: A new unifying theory
Scientist opposes prevailing theory about powerful cosmic explosions at Santa Fe meeting.
University of Chicago scientists have challenged the reigning theory about the puzzling nature of gamma-ray bursts, which signal the birth of black holes. A key element of their theory is the discovery that gamma-ray bursts occurring early in the history of the universe are brighter and therefore just as easy to see as modern bursts. The discovery means that scientists can use the ancient bursts to identify the moment when the first stars formed and address other important cosmological questions...