Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are extremely energetic events occurring in distant galaxies which represent the brightest and most powerful class of explosion in the Universe. These extreme electromagnetic emissions are second only to the Big Bang as the most energetic and luminous phenomena known. Gamma-ray bursts can last from a few milliseconds to several hours. After the initial flash of gamma rays, a longer-lived afterglow is emitted, usually in the longer wavelengths of X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, microwave or radio frequencies.

There are explosions in the universe so powerful that, for a few seconds, they outshine entire galaxies. They are called Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). They arrive without warning, from random directions in the sky, releasing in seconds as much energy as the Sun will emit over its entire lifetime. For decades,Continue Reading