Gamma-ray burst from distant star hits Earth's ionosphere, strongest ever measured
A burst from an exploding star 2 billion lightyears away struck Earth with unprecedented energy, detected across multiple satellites.
What to know
- Gamma-ray burst GRB 221009A from an exploding star 2 billion lightyears away struck Earth with the strongest intensity ever measured since detection began in the 1960s.
- The burst created measurable disturbances in Earth's ionosphere for several hours and was detected by multiple satellites including ESA's Integral mission and lightning detectors in India.
- Such bursts are statistically expected to impact Earth approximately once every 10,000 years; scientists say analyzing the effects could reveal information about mass extinction events throughout Earth's history.
Mirko Piersanti Lead researcher, University of L'AquilaPietro Ubertini Co-author, National Institute for Astrophysics RomeLaura Hayes Research fellow and solar physicist, ESAEuropean Space Agency Space research organization
How it unfolded 3 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts
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Scientists identify unprecedented ionosphere disturbance from burst
Research team detected strong signal in Earth's ionosphere from the burst, including electric field variations in the uppermost ionosphere layer. The disturbance, originating from an event 2 billion years ago, left an imprint comparable to a major solar flare despite the vast distance.
“We've been measuring gamma-ray bursts since the 1960s, and this is the strongest ever measured.”
— Pietro Ubertini -
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ESA confirms GRB 221009A as strongest gamma-ray burst ever detected
European Space Agency analysis reveals the burst—designated GRB 221009A—was the strongest gamma-ray burst ever measured. Multiple high-energy satellites including Integral mission detected the event, which impacted Earth's ionosphere and was recorded by lightning detectors in India.
“It was probably the brightest gamma-ray burst we have ever detected.”
— Mirko Piersanti -
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BBC Sky at Night Magazine reports gamma-ray burst from distant star
BBC Sky at Night Magazine publishes report on Earth being hit by gamma rays from an exploding star 2 billion lightyears away.
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first by BBC Sky at Night Magazine, 4d ago
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