Astronomers Detect the Brightest Gamma-Ray Burst in Space
Numerous space detectors recorded a powerful gamma-ray burst passing through our solar system. The burst was officially named GRB 221009A, but unofficially it was dubbed BOAT, which stands for "brightest of all time."
Astronomers have recorded the brightest gamma-ray burst in space so far. It occurred two billion light-years from Earth and illuminated most of the galaxy.
The burst was officially named GRB 221009A, but unofficially it was dubbed BOAT, which stands for "brightest of all time." Experts say the gamma-ray burst was approximately 70 times brighter than any previously detected.
Astronomers note that by studying this bright gamma-ray burst in great detail, they can better understand the blast wave's physics.
Gamma-ray bursts are what scientists call the most powerful class of explosions in the universe, which release more energy than the Sun would in 10 billion years.