Gamma Ray Burst – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Out With a Bang: Explosive Neutron Star Merger Captured for the First Time in Millimeter Light

Posted on August 3, 2022August 3, 2022

Scientists using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)— an international observatory co-operated by the US National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)— have for the first time recorded millimeter-wavelength light from a fiery explosion caused by the merger of a neutron star with another star. The team also confirmed this flash of light to be one of the most energetic short-duration gamma-ray bursts ever observed, leaving behind one of the most luminous afterglows on record.

Astronomers Discover New Class of Cosmic Explosions

Posted on May 26, 2020May 26, 2020

Analysis of two cosmic explosions indicates to astronomers that the pair, along with a puzzling blast from 2018, constitute a new type of event, with similarities to some supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, but also with significant differences.

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