Astronomers are diving deep into the mystery behind gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), the universe’s most powerful explosions. These intense bursts usually happen when a star meets a fiery end or gets torn apart by a black hole.
Recently, scientists observed a rare event: multiple bursts in a single day—something unseen in over 50 years of GRB research. “It’s unlike anything we’ve seen,” says Antonio Martin-Carrillo, an astrophysics professor at University College Dublin. He co-authored a study published on August 29 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Typically, GRBs last from milliseconds to minutes. But this time, three bursts repeated over 24 hours, lasting 100 to 1,000 times longer than regular GRBs. Co-author Andrew Levan, a scientist at Radboud University, shared that understanding why these bursts occur could reshape our views on how stars die. “We might be on the brink of discovering a whole new category of explosions,” he said.
On July 2, NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope spotted four bursts from a similar region, sparking interest among researchers. Further analysis revealed that three of those bursts were linked. While Fermi provided initial locations, advanced data from the Einstein Probe—coordinated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the European Space Agency—offered a clearer picture for follow-up observations.
By using the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and other telescopes, researchers tracked the bursts and confirmed they originated beyond our galaxy. The exact galaxy is still being identified, but initial estimates suggest it lies billions of light-years away. “We need to know the distance to fully understand these bursts,” Martin-Carrillo emphasized.
As astronomers continue to observe, two significant theories about the cause of these bursts are emerging. One possibility is a unique type of supernova explosion lasting longer than typical gamma-ray sources. The other is a white dwarf star being torn apart by a rare black hole. Dr. Eric Burns from Louisiana State University noted that the nature of these bursts might challenge existing theories, whether they’re truly unique or part of a broader pattern we haven’t identified yet.
The InterPlanetary Network, which consists of various satellites, is essential for tracking GRBs. Burns believes that our current instruments may not be sensitive enough. He advocates for developing a new gamma-ray monitor to orbit at a strategic location, maintaining a clear view of the universe without interruptions caused by Earth’s shadow.
“Gamma-ray bursts deliver immense energy in just seconds—comparable to what the sun produces over its entire lifetime,” adds Levan. These bursts serve like cosmic beacons, guiding us toward distant corners of the universe. They are invaluable tools for exploring fundamental physics and the early universe, providing insights into star formation and other astronomical phenomena.
As research continues, understanding these bursts could reshape astrophysics. With each observation, we get closer to unraveling the universe’s deepest secrets.
