Potential for Gamma Ray Bursts to Pose a Threat to Earth?

Thread starter Jonnyb42
Start date May 22, 2010
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Gamma Gamma ray Ray

AI Thread Summary

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) could pose a threat to Earth if originating from a nearby celestial body, but none are currently identified as imminent threats. WR 104 was previously considered a potential source, but its angle has been determined to be less concerning. For a GRB to be dangerous, the source would need to be relatively close to Earth. Existing discussions on this topic provide further insights and details. Overall, the likelihood of a GRB impacting Earth remains low based on current astronomical observations.

May 22, 2010

Jonnyb42

Are there any known celestial bodies that at any time could collapse and produce a GRB directed towards earth?

I know WR 104 used to be one, but they discovered it to be off at an angle.

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May 22, 2010

IcedEcliptic

None that I am aware of, and they would need to be pretty close to be one of "doom". Close in relative terms of course. There have been some good threads on this topic already as well, a search should find them.

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