GRB 211211A could change the worldview of astronomers – at least with regard to the formation of gamma-ray bursts. NASA’s Swift research satellite recorded this gamma-ray burst signal on December 11, 2021, and a team led by Jun Yang of Nanjing University in China analyzed this data and fed it into a model. The scientists published their findings in »natural astronomy” And the “nature«.
A single gamma-ray burst lasts a long time, which is typical for a starburst, while the merger of two neutron stars lasts only a few seconds. The duration of GRB 211211A suggested a supernova, but other properties suggested the second option. Similar gamma-ray bursts have been observed before, but not yet identified. So, when Swift detected this outburst, many working groups devoted themselves to the flash using additional detectors and telescopes. This enabled them not only to analyze the gamma radiation emitted, but also to examine light, ultraviolet and X-rays.
With this data, they were able to show that the flash lasted 13 seconds. A second flare followed, now lasting 55 seconds, before another burst of high-energy gamma rays appeared 16 minutes later, lasting a full five hours. Yang and his colleagues fed this data into a model to figure out where the lightning came from.
“Total coffee aficionado. Travel buff. Music ninja. Bacon nerd. Beeraholic.”
More Stories
“His presence speaks powerfully.”
Experts informed patients about the topic of cervical cancer
'Gaia BH3': A massive black hole lurks here – a falling star that led to the discovery