Credit & Copyright: M. R. Metzger
(Caltech), D. Frail
(NRAO) et al.,
Palomar
Observatory,
200-in Hale Telescope
Explanation:
New evidence bolsters once controversial claims that
Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are
the most powerful explosions ever found by humanity.
Two weeks ago, an
average GRB became instantly historic
when prompt, coincident
X-ray and optical emissions were identified.
The glow in visible light
was particularly interesting because it showed color
gaps indicative of absorbing gas at the
very distant
redshift of 0.8. If
GRBs
do occur this far into our universe, then
radio emission was predicted to peak about a week after
the optical emission. Now, late reports do indicate that
radio emission has been detected and does
peak a week later than the optical. This adds credibility to the claim that these
bursts of gamma-radiation indeed
occur far from our familiar home Galaxy.
Shown above
are two photos highlighting the changing optical emission from
GRB970508 when it was increasing in brightness.
Now light from this enigmatic explosion is fading.
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& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: radio emission
Publications with words: radio emission
See also: