Gamma Rays Origin: NASA, UMich, DOE Labs Confirm Death of Massive Star

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), particularly in relation to the death of massive stars and the concept of hypernovae. Participants explore various theories and evidence surrounding these astronomical phenomena, referencing recent findings and historical data.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that recent findings from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory confirm a connection between gamma-ray bursts and the death of massive stars, suggesting a narrowing of theories regarding their origins.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of hypernovae in relation to large gamma-ray bursts, asserting that there is substantial evidence supporting this connection.
  • Participants share various links to articles and studies that discuss the energy output and characteristics of gamma-ray bursts, highlighting their extraordinary intensity and proximity to Earth.
  • There is a focus on the significance of discussing well-supported theories rather than hypothetical ones, with participants expressing appreciation for solid foundations in the conversation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of hypernovae in the context of gamma-ray bursts, but the discussion includes multiple perspectives on the implications and interpretations of the evidence presented. No consensus is reached on the overall understanding of gamma-ray burst origins.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific measurements and interpretations of energy outputs, which may depend on definitions and assumptions that are not fully explored in the discussion.

wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
4,411
Reaction score
551
some news about the origin of gamma ray bursts, this may be
old news to some.there have been many theories for the production
of gamma rays, it seems now that the search is narrowing.



http://www1.msfc.nasa.gov/NEWSROOM/news/releases/2003/03-041.html

Using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, scientists have confirmed that a gamma-ray burst was connected to the death of a massive star. This result is an important step in understanding the origin of gamma-ray bursts, the most violent events in the present-day universe. The Marshall Center manages the Chandra program.

http://www.lanl.gov/worldview/news/releases/archive/99-056.shtml

Astronomers from the University of Michigan and the Department of Energy's Los Alamos and Livermore national laboratories described these new details -- including their measurements of the brightest optical celestial object ever recorded -- in the April 1 issue of the science journal Nature.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
I agree that "Hypernovae" and their direct connection to large GRB's can't be overlooked, or discounted when talking about large GRB's. Too much evidence of the unrefutable kind. Also, haven't seen much about them posted on PF, except yours above.

Anyone; Look up these:
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/astro-ph/pdf/0204/0204007.pdf

http://www.astrobio.net/news/article420.html

http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/features/news/20may99.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/04/990413065523.htm

http://science.msfc.nasa.gov/newhome/headlines/ast21oct98_2.htm

http://www.sciscoop.com/story/2003/4/6/175724/7206

http://universe.gsfc.nasa.gov/press/1999/cw99_09.html

http://chandra.harvard.edu/press/00_releases/press_110300.html

Labguy
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks LABGUY
its nice to talk about things that have a solid foundation rather
than hypothetical theories.

this clip from SCI SCOOP, posted by LABGUY above.

about 100 times more intense than anything we've ever seen before. It's also much closer to us than all other observed bursts so we can study it in considerably more detail," said Akerlof. ROTSE teammember Michael Ashley noted, "During the first minute after the explosion it emitted energy at a rate more than a million times the combined output of all the stars in the Milky Way. If you concentrated all the energy that the sun will put out over its entire 9 billion-year life into a tenth of a second, then you would have some idea of the brightness.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by wolram
thanks LABGUY
its nice to talk about things that have a solid foundation rather
than hypothetical theories.
I like this particular part of your post. Amen.

Those numbers given on the sites are HUGE amounts of energy.

Labguy
 

Similar threads

High School GRB 250702B, the longest gamma-ray burst in history
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K