Trying to comprehend the explosive power of a gamma ray burst?

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The_Absolute
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I'm not sure if this thread fits into this particular forum, but about how many megatons would be equal to the explosive power of a gamma ray burst?
 
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The_Absolute said:
I'm not sure if this thread fits into this particular forum, but about how many megatons would be equal to the explosive power of a gamma ray burst?

A GRB typically puts out about ~1045-1047 joules, which is about 1030-1032 megatons TNT equivalent.

Or, if you dig big number names, that's about 1-100 nonillion (short scale) joules. Roughly the rest mass energy of the Sun.
 
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Related to Trying to comprehend the explosive power of a gamma ray burst?

1. What is a gamma ray burst?

A gamma ray burst (GRB) is a powerful, energetic burst of gamma rays that is released from a distant source in space. It is considered to be one of the most powerful explosions in the universe.

2. How is a gamma ray burst formed?

GRBs are believed to be formed from the collapse of a massive star or the merger of two neutron stars. This results in the release of intense radiation in the form of gamma rays.

3. How long do gamma ray bursts last?

GRBs can last anywhere from a fraction of a second to several minutes. However, the afterglow of the explosion can last for days or even weeks.

4. Can gamma ray bursts harm Earth?

Although gamma ray bursts are incredibly powerful, they are typically too far away from Earth to cause any harm. However, if a GRB occurred within our own galaxy, it could potentially have devastating effects on life on Earth.

5. What can we learn from studying gamma ray bursts?

Studying gamma ray bursts can provide scientists with valuable information about the universe, such as the formation of black holes, the structure of stars, and the evolution of the universe. It can also help us better understand the physics of extreme events and the nature of high-energy radiation.

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