What are gamma-ray bursts and their impact on the Earth?
Gamma-ray bursts (or gamma-ray bursts, GRBs) are extremely powerful bursts of gamma rays, the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation. These bursts typically last from a few milliseconds to a few minutes and are the brightest explosions in the universe. They are often detected by satellites that are sensitive to gamma rays.
What causes gamma-ray bursts?
Gamma-ray bursts are caused by cosmic catastrophes that occur at great distances from the Earth. There are two main scenarios that lead to gamma-ray bursts:
-
Supernovae and Hypernovae: When a massive star comes to the end of its life, the core implodes and creates a black hole or neutron star. This process is accompanied by a gigantic explosion that releases gamma rays.
-
Merging compact objects: When two compact objects, such as neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole, come together, it causes a powerful burst of gamma rays.
