Gamma-Ray Bursts: The Universe’s Most Powerful Explosions

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the brightest explosions since the Big Bang.
They release more energy in seconds than the Sun will in 10 billion years.
Long GRBs are linked to collapsing massive stars forming black holes.
Short GRBs often come from merging neutron stars.
GRBs were discovered in the 1960s by satellites monitoring nuclear tests.
Their flashes last from milliseconds to minutes, followed by fading afterglows.
GRBs can be seen from billions of light-years away, acting as cosmic lighthouses.
Their powerful jets travel near the speed of light, focused in narrow beams.
They help astronomers study the early universe and star death.
Luckily, no GRB has ever been close enough to endanger Earth.