Using gamma-ray bursts to probe large-scale structures
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most energetic events ever observed in the universe. These powerful outbursts can shine a quintillion (1018) times brighter than the sun. Since they were first detected in 1967 by the Vela 3 and 4 satellites, which were designed to detect nuclear detonations, astronomers have been searching for the origin of these events. At present, it is generally accepted that long-duration GRBs are caused by the collapse of massive stars, while short-duration bursts are caused by the merger of binary objects (neutron stars and/or black holes).
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most energetic events ever observed in the universe. These powerful outbursts can shine a quintillion (1018) times brighter than the sun. Since they were first detected in 1967 by the Vela 3 and 4 satellites, which were designed to detect nuclear detonations, astronomers have been searching for the origin of these events. At present, it is generally accepted that long-duration GRBs are caused by the collapse of massive stars, while short-duration bursts are caused by the merger of binary objects (neutron stars and/or black holes).
