Fermi and Swift Observe Record-setting Gamma Ray Burst 107
symbolset writes "Phys.org shares a visual image of a 'shockingly bright' gamma ray burst observed April 27th, labelled GRB 130427A and subsequently observed by ground optical and radio telescopes. One gamma ray photon from the event measured 94 billion electron volts — three times the previous record. The burst lasted four hours and was observable for most of a day — another record. Typical duration of a gamma ray burst is from 10 milliseconds to a few minutes. Astronomers will now train optical telescopes on the spot searching for the supernova expected to have caused it — typically one is observed some few days after the burst. They expect to find one by the middle of May. The event occurred about 3.6 billion lightyears distant which is fairly close as gamma ray bursts go. Click on the GIF to view the actual burst."
Re:This may be important for quantum gravity (Score:5, Funny)
Mmm, hmm. I recognize some of these words.
Re:Betelgeuse? (Score:5, Funny)
Nope, I am going to go with the scientists here and say its very credible that it was a Galaxy far far away. Also a long long time ago.
So I'm going to further speculate that it was the death star blowing up the Aldebaran system. Or perhaps the deathstar being blown up it self.
Now how the Ewoks would survive such a massive gamma burst is anyones guess.
Re:This may be important for quantum gravity (Score:3, Funny)
New low for slashdot (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Betelgeuse? (Score:5, Funny)
I believe the Ewoks survive it by chortling, giggling, and jumping up and down. Did you wish to propose an alternative survival method?
Re:Betelgeuse? (Score:4, Funny)
As shown in historical media, the blast of the exploding Deathstar expanded on a two dimensional plane. This plane obviously did not bisect the ewok's midichlorians.
Re:Betelgeuse? (Score:4, Funny)
May the 4th... be with you.
Re:This may be important for quantum gravity (Score:2, Funny)
I'm uncertain about that one.
Colour (Score:4, Funny)
Aren't all photons created equal?
No, that was the early black and white universe: for the last 13.8 billion years we've had colour.