A Gamma Ray Burst Supernova
Explanation:
Did a
gamma-ray burst precede this
supernova? This
intriguing suggestion came to light
yesterday with the discovery of an evolving supernova
that is
potentially coincident with the position of
gamma-ray burst
GRB 980425, which occurred just
two weeks ago.
If true, this would tie together the two most
violent phenomena
known in the universe. The supernova,
indicated by the arrow, appears to be somewhat unusual,
for one reason because of its
extremely bright radio emission. The
host galaxy
has a redshift of 0.0085, placing it at the relatively
close distance of about 125 million light years away.
Today it remains undetermined whether the
two events are related - perhaps the evolution of the
supernova over the
next few weeks will provide some clues.
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.
