We may finally know what caused the biggest cosmic explosion ever seen
Astronomers have identified a new energetic peak in gamma ray burst GRB221009A, suggesting a novel physical process. This challenges previous assumptions and may indicate similar features in other bursts.
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Astronomers have made significant progress in understanding the cause of the largest cosmic explosion ever observed, known as gamma ray burst GRB221009A. This event, identified in 2022, is notable for containing a previously undetected energetic peak at approximately 10 megaelectronvolts, suggesting a new physical process behind gamma ray bursts (GRBs). Traditionally, GRB spectra appeared smooth and featureless, leading researchers to believe that distinct lines could not exist. However, Maria Ravasio and her team at Radboud University utilized a different analytical method that allowed for the detection of peaks, revealing this new feature in GRB221009A's spectrum.
The researchers hypothesize that the observed peak may be linked to the annihilation of electrons and positrons, producing gamma rays at a specific energy level. This finding indicates that the jet responsible for the burst was moving at 99.99% of the speed of light, providing insights into the composition of the jet, which has been a longstanding mystery in the study of GRBs. The discovery has been met with surprise and excitement within the astrophysics community, as it challenges previous assumptions about gamma ray bursts. The potential for other GRBs to exhibit similar spectral peaks is now being considered, although GRB221009A's brightness may have made this observation uniquely possible.
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