Gamma Ray Burst was aimed directly at Earth
Astronomers yesterday presented their findings on a rare cosmic event that was observed from several points worldwide.
On the 19th of March this year, a Gamma Ray Burst was spotted by the Swift satellite which then alerted other facilities worldwide.
GRBs are the universe’s brightest explosions. This particular one was seen from halfway across the universe, travelling at nearly the speed of light. The burst appears to have been directed straight at Earth and allowed observers to see the explosion with the naked eye.
GRB’s are created when a star runs out of fuel. The resulting collapse into a black hole forces matter out in these Gamma Ray Bursts, which propel matter at close to the speed of light.
The narrow jet, originating from the source of the explosion, was pointed at Earth, with the wider, secondary jet following behind.
The varying optical effects of the GRB are caused by the jet heating differing layers of outlying gases as it passes though them.
Brett Venter
