Published , Modified Abstract on Falling Stardust, Wobbly Jets Explain Blinking Gamma Ray Bursts Original source
Falling Stardust, Wobbly Jets Explain Blinking Gamma Ray Bursts
Gamma ray bursts (GRBs) are some of the most powerful and mysterious events in the universe. These bursts of high-energy radiation can last from a few milliseconds to several minutes and are thought to be caused by the collapse of massive stars or the collision of neutron stars. Recently, a team of researchers has discovered that falling stardust and wobbly jets may explain the blinking of gamma ray bursts.
What are Gamma Ray Bursts?
Gamma ray bursts are brief and intense flashes of gamma rays, the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation. They are detected by satellites orbiting the Earth and are classified into two types: long and short bursts. Long bursts last for more than two seconds and are thought to be caused by the collapse of massive stars, while short bursts last for less than two seconds and are thought to be caused by the collision of neutron stars.
The Blinking of Gamma Ray Bursts
Gamma ray bursts have been observed to blink, or turn on and off, at irregular intervals. This phenomenon is known as the "quasi-periodic oscillation" (QPO) and has puzzled astronomers for decades. However, a recent study by a team of researchers from the University of Bath and the University of Leicester has shed new light on this mystery.
Falling Stardust and Wobbly Jets
The researchers used computer simulations to model the behavior of jets of material that are ejected from the collapsing star or neutron star. They found that the jets can become unstable and wobbly, causing them to emit radiation in a series of short bursts. These bursts of radiation are then absorbed and re-emitted by the falling stardust, causing the gamma ray burst to blink.
Implications for Astrophysics
The discovery of falling stardust and wobbly jets as the cause of blinking gamma ray bursts has important implications for astrophysics. It provides a new understanding of the behavior of these powerful events and may help to explain other phenomena in the universe, such as the formation of black holes and the origin of cosmic rays.
Conclusion
Gamma ray bursts are some of the most powerful and mysterious events in the universe. The recent discovery that falling stardust and wobbly jets may explain the blinking of gamma ray bursts is a significant breakthrough in our understanding of these phenomena. It provides a new perspective on the behavior of these powerful events and may help to explain other mysteries in the universe.
FAQs
1. What causes gamma ray bursts?
Gamma ray bursts are thought to be caused by the collapse of massive stars or the collision of neutron stars.
2. What is the quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO)?
The quasi-periodic oscillation is the blinking of gamma ray bursts at irregular intervals.
3. How did the researchers discover the cause of blinking gamma ray bursts?
The researchers used computer simulations to model the behavior of jets of material that are ejected from the collapsing star or neutron star.
4. What are the implications of this discovery for astrophysics?
The discovery provides a new understanding of the behavior of gamma ray bursts and may help to explain other phenomena in the universe, such as the formation of black holes and the origin of cosmic rays.
5. What is the significance of falling stardust and wobbly jets in the study of gamma ray bursts?
Falling stardust and wobbly jets are the cause of the blinking of gamma ray bursts, providing a new perspective on the behavior of these powerful events.
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