In October 2022, a huge gamma-ray burst (GRB) was recorded in space and has since been the subject of dozens of studies. Already considered the brightest of all time, the burst has a unique composition and mysteries that have piqued the curiosity of scientists around the world.
Named BOAT, GRB 221009A (official name) is being observed by more than 160 telescopes. The phenomenon is causing the astrophysical community to revisit old theories, and it is hoped that the study of BOAT may provide big answers about the universe.
The phenomenon could help scientists understand the origin of GRBs.
One of the reasons it caught the attention of astrophysicists from different countries was precisely the strength of the initial BOAT explosion. The intensity of the gamma rays was so great that most of the telescopes used to investigate the phenomenon obtained oversaturated images.
However, the main reason for scientists' interest is that an explosion the size of BOAT may provide definitive answers about the origin of GRBs. Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) were discovered about 55 years ago. Since then, astronomers have developed some ideas and theories about their origin, but no conclusions have been confirmed.
One hypothesis is that strong explosions, such as GRBs, occur when a massive star collapses into a black hole. If the GRB is close enough to Earth, it is possible to analyze its center. And this is the case for BOAT.
Add the proximity of this GRB to our planet and its unprecedented size, and you will understand why astrophysicists are so excited. The phenomenon could allow them to study the hitherto enigmatic process that launches cosmic jets.
Evidence of mysterious and invisible matter
One of the telescopes that was able to observe BOAT belongs to the Large High Altitude Airshower Observatory (LHAASO) in Daocheng County, China. When BOAT's higher-energy gamma rays disturbed the Earth's atmosphere, LHAASO was able to capture the generated signals and collect tens of thousands of photons, a quantity hitherto unheard of in gamma-ray astronomy.
The gamma rays captured by LHAASO were also the highest energy GRBs ever recorded. This has led some astrophysicists to suggest that LHAASO may provide new physics and evidence for the existence of mysterious, invisible matter.
Another unexpected fact about the phenomenon is that GRB 221009A did not "quiet down" after the first signal. This means that whatever drove the jets of gamma radiation is still at work.
An event that only occurs every 10,000 years
For the reasons mentioned above, GRB 221009A has already become the most studied gamma-ray burst in history. As they continue to study the phenomenon, scientists are also working to gather individual observations so that everyone can do their own analysis.
Eric Burns, an astrophysicist at Louisiana State University who led the coordinated search to track the event, is creating a database where scientists can share their studies. In an interview with National Geographic, Burns revealed that he compared BOAT to GRB research over the past 50 years. "This happens once every 10,000 years. Basically, we've been incredibly lucky," he said.
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