BATSE GRB Final Sky Map
Explanation:
What causes the most powerful explosions in the universe?
The
BATSE
modules that flew on the
Compton Gamma Ray Observatory allowed more
insight into enigmatic
gamma-ray burst (GRB) explosions than ever before.
From 1991-2000, BATSE detected 2704 GRBs,
much more than ever previously recorded.
The
above final sky map of GRB locations (and
fluence) shows them to occur at
random locations on the sky - strong
evidence that
GRBs occur across our universe and not in
sky bands indicative of our
Solar System or our
Galaxy.
As with any successful mission, answers create
more questions, and astronomers continue to
puzzle over what object creates a
GRB, and what happens in the initial stages of the explosion.
BATSE's legacy
includes
recording 1190
gamma-ray flares from the Sun and the discovery of
Terrestrial Gamma Flashes, unusual bursts of
gamma rays that emanate from the
Earth itself.
To protect people from an uncontrolled re-entry,
Compton was
recently crashed into the
Pacific Ocean.
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.
