The gamma-ray burst most recently observed is a momentous event that is not hypothesised to reoccur for the next several lifetimes. It has inherited the nickname BOAT, brightest of all time, and rightfully so due to its evident intensity that has been observed by astronomers.

A gamma-ray burst is an explosion that is composed of high energy that occurs in distant galaxies. These bursts can last between mere milliseconds to several hours [2]. The first gamma-ray bursts, also known as GRBs, were observed over 50 years ago in the late 1960s. By analysing the data that has been accumulated since, astronomers have collectively determined that they have not observed a burst as bright as this one.

NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is a gamma ray telescope located in space, immediately recognized the burst which occurred on October 9th, 2022 around 10:15 a.m. EDT. The official name of the burst is GRB 221009A [1]. This burst is said to have been triggered by a number of different factors, but the most common theory is that it resulted from a supernova or a black hole in a galaxy. The prospective galaxy is said to be approximately 2 billion light years from Earth [1].

It has been additionally hypothesised, based on the brightness of the GRB, that the energy released is equivalent to roughly three suns converting all of their mass to pure energy [1]. To put this into perspective, the average adult is said to be able to run ten to fifteen minutes without stopping. A persistent marathon runner can run for two hours without needing to stop [6]. Converting this energy by three times would result in a marathon runner being able to run for six consecutive hours. Simply put, the amount of energy released by GRB is astronomical.

Radio telescopes generally detect lightning. However, this instrument additionally identified and confirmed the effects caused by GRB 221009A by measuring its immense brightness and release of radiation. Space radiation is composed of atoms that have had electrons stripped from them in Earth’s atmosphere [1]. With the GRB being relatively close to Earth, or at least close enough for us to see, the concern of GRB’s emitting radiation that reaches Earth is imminent. If the radiation were to reach Earth, it would diminish the ozone layer first of the atmosphere first. This would significantly decrease protection from harmful cosmic rays. The immense doses of the emitted radiation holds the power to destroy the Earth’s atmosphere and would result in the extinction of most of the species on Earth [4].

This burst was much closer than other GRBs that have been studied over the years, allowing for details to be analysed that would otherwise be too faint to see, such as how long the GRB emits light, the distance that it reaches, and the relative amount of radiation that is released. This information and discovery allow for new theories to be introduced and old theories to undergo change. Prior to this event, scientists generally agreed that gamma-ray bursts were a result of black holes. However, the data compiled from GRB 221009A is challenging that theory.

New research conducted by a team of astrophysicists found that some short-duration GRBs are generated by the birth of a supramassive star [5]. This data will encourage the gamma burst to continue being analysed, revealing additional information regarding its cause and how this may affect other systems in the galaxy.

Continuing to study the GRB over time is a key component that will challenge outdated theories. GRB 221009A will move behind the sun from Earth’s perspective starting in late November, shielding it temporarily from view. However, because its glow is still so bright now, astronomers are hopeful that they’ll still be able to see it when it becomes visible again in February [1].

Analysing GRBs and their effects are important due to the vital role they play in gaining further knowledge about the universe. For example; elements used abundantly such as gold and platinum are hypothesised to be a product of supernova events and neutron star mergers. Gamma-ray bursts provide informative insight into these incidents which leads to more advanced data collection on the chemical composition of the elements as well as what changes they have undergone over time [3].

The new data and research that GRB 221009A introduces welcome a new perspective and school of thought that would otherwise be restricted.

References

1. Grossman, L. (2022, October 28). Meet the boat, the brightest gamma-ray burst of all time. Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/boat-brightest-gamma-ray-burst-supernova
2. Ouellette, J. (2022, October 17). It’s The boat: Astronomers observe “brightest of all time” gamma-ray burst. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/10/its-the-boat-astronomers-observe-brightest-of-all-time-gamma-ray-burst/
3. O’Callaghan, J. (2022, October 31). Brightest-ever space explosion could help explain dark matter. Quanta Magazine. https://www.quantamagazine.org/brightest-ever-space-explosion-could-help-explain-dark-matter-20221026/
4. John P. Millis, P. D. (2020, January 10). Death from the skies via Gamma-Ray Burst? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/gamma-ray-burst-destroy-life-earth-3072521
5. New Discovery Challenges Formation Theory of gamma-ray bursts. Innovation News Network. (2022, November 14). https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/new-discovery-challenges-formation-theory-gamma-ray-bursts/27246/
6. How far should you be able to run without stopping? Vidar. (2021, December 18). https://www.vidar.com.au/how-far-you-can-run-without-stopping/#:~:text=You%20should%20be%20able%20to,to%20running%20longer%20without%20stopping.