How many times more powerful are gammaray bursts than supernovas

  • Thread starter dangerbird
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In summary, gamma-ray bursts (GRB) are believed to originate from supernovas. The most powerful GRB recorded was GRB 080916C in September 2008, which had the energy of about 9,000 supernovae and emitted gamma rays at 99.9999 percent the speed of light. This was confirmed by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.
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dangerbird
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i just want to know like on average how much stronger usually. thousands or millions? the same?
 
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"The gamma-ray burst GRB 080916C in the constellation Carina, which occurred in September 2008 and recorded by the telescope has been confirmed to have "the greatest total energy, the fastest motions, and the highest-energy initial emissions" ever seen. The explosion had the power of about 9,000 ordinary supernovae, and the gas bullets emitting the initial gamma rays must have moved at 99.9999 percent the speed of light. The tremendous power and speed make this blast the most extreme recorded to date."

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_Gamma-ray_Space_Telescope#Discoveries
 

1. How are gamma ray bursts and supernovas measured?

Gamma ray bursts and supernovas are measured in terms of their energy output. This is typically measured in ergs or joules, and is often compared in terms of their luminosity, or the amount of energy they emit per unit of time.

2. How much more powerful are gamma ray bursts compared to supernovas?

The energy output of gamma ray bursts can vary greatly, but on average they are estimated to be about 100 times more powerful than supernovas. However, some gamma ray bursts have been observed to be up to 10,000 times more powerful than supernovas.

3. What causes gamma ray bursts and supernovas to occur?

Gamma ray bursts are believed to be caused by the collapse of a massive star or the merging of two neutron stars. Supernovas, on the other hand, occur when a star reaches the end of its life and explodes, either due to fusion reactions or gravitational collapse.

4. Are gamma ray bursts and supernovas dangerous to Earth?

While gamma ray bursts and supernovas are incredibly powerful and can release immense amounts of energy, they are typically too far away from Earth to have any significant impact. However, if a gamma ray burst or supernova occurred within a certain distance from Earth, it could potentially have harmful effects on our planet.

5. Can gamma ray bursts and supernovas be predicted?

Currently, scientists do not have the ability to predict when a gamma ray burst or supernova will occur. However, they are constantly studying and monitoring these events in hopes of gaining a better understanding and potentially being able to predict them in the future.

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