The universe is vast, and its mysteries seem endless. Recently, astronomers made a remarkable discovery: a cosmic explosion unlike anything previously seen, flipping our understanding of stellar deaths on its head.
According to a study published on the arXiv preprint server, scientists have identified the longest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever recorded. This event, named GRB 250702B, was detected by NASA’s Fermi telescope on July 2, 2025.
Gamma-ray bursts are known as the most intense explosions in the universe. They can last from a few milliseconds to several minutes and occur when massive stars collapse into black holes, or when two dense objects like black holes or neutron stars collide. These bursts can shine brighter than entire galaxies for a short time.
What sets GRB 250702B apart is its duration. Unlike typical bursts that erupt once, this one flared up for an entire day. To understand this phenomenon better, astronomers needed to measure its distance, which would help determine its energy and potential origins.
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers calculated its distance. They discovered that GRB 250702B released more energy than any other cosmic explosion on record. Normally, long gamma-ray bursts are associated with bright supernovae, but this time, they found only a faint light, likely obscured by dust from the host galaxy.
The astronomical team noted, “Our observations confirmed GRB 250702B is remarkably distant, considering the brightness of its host galaxy. The energy levels challenge existing models of gamma-ray burst formation.”
Experts are speculating about the potential causes of this cosmic event. Some believe it could result from a rare type of star collapse or from a black hole consuming a smaller star. Interestingly, the host galaxy is much larger and dustier than typical galaxies where GRBs normally occur. This raises questions about the role of the environment in shaping such an unusual burst.
As scientists continue to study GRB 250702B, they aim to uncover more mysteries, including the search for the hidden supernova and monitoring its afterglow over time. This event marks a significant step in our understanding of the cosmos and opens the door to further exploration of extreme astrophysical phenomena.
This discovery is reminiscent of past breakthroughs in astronomy, such as the identification of gravitational waves, which transformed our understanding of cosmic events. Just as that revelation reshaped how we observe the universe, GRB 250702B promises to do the same.
For more on this exciting development, read the full study by Benjamin P. Gompertz et al. on the arXiv website: DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2509.22778.
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