Friday, 30 May 2014

Bizarre: Stars Explode In Earth's Nearest Galaxy


According to the report, the massive explosion is
believed may have been caused by two stars
colliding resulting into a sudden burst of gamma-
rays in the Andromeda Galaxy.
Astronomers reveal that there are various
different types of gamma-ray emissions, and it is
unclear whether it was specifically a gamma ray
burst (GRB).
They say if it was, it may have been caused by
the collision of two neutron stars.
It was gathered that it would be significant given
that Andromeda is 2.5 million light years away -
the previous nearest GRB took place 2.6 billion
light years away.
By observing how the light fades over the next
24-48 hours, astronomers should be able to tell
what type of gamma-ray emission it was.
Nasa's Swift Burst Alert telescope watches the
skies for gamma-ray bursts and sends their
locations back to stations on the ground.
It observes around 90 gamma ray events every
year, but usually from much further away.

No comments:

Post a Comment