GRB 990123 Host Galaxy Imaged
Explanation:
Do the powerful explosions known as
gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) originate in galaxies?
This subject took on new light yesterday with the
release of a
Hubble Space Telescope
image of the sky surrounding
GRB 990123.
This burst was
first detected only two weeks ago and cataloged
as one of the most
powerful GRBs ever.
The
optical transient
(OT) counterpart to the GRB can be
seen as the bright spot just below center.
Once so bright it was briefly visible with just binoculars,
this OT has since become four million times dimmer
and continues to fade.
Now, it can be seen easily with only a large telescope.
The diffuse object above is
of particular interest because it appears to be the
host galaxy of GRB 990123.
This
distant galaxy seems to have a normal
brightness but an irregular shape. This discovery increases the
evidence that most OTs do occur in galaxies.
Are all host galaxies this strange?
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
