Transient class · Gamma rays + afterglow
Gamma-Ray Burst
The most luminous electromagnetic events in the universe — brief, intense flashes of gamma rays. Long bursts come from the collapse of massive stars; short bursts from the mergers of neutron stars. Each is followed by a fading multi-wavelength afterglow.
Highlights
- ›The most luminous explosions known
Observed across & involves
Knowledge connections
- Associated withGamma-ray
- Associated withX-ray
- Associated withBinary Neutron Star Merger
- Associated withGravitational Waves + Gamma Rays
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.