Gamma-Ray Bursts

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In this illustration, an exploding star powers jets of material. The star is shown as an almost flower-like shape. The purple �petals� represent clouds of material created in the explosion. The bluish-white and yellow center shows where the newly formed black hole begins driving the jets. The core of the jet pointed toward us is whitish and the broader regions are magenta. In the distance, on the far side of the star, you can see the opposite side of the jet disappearing into space.

5 Surprising NASA Heliophysics Discoveries Not Related to the Sun

5 min read

With NASA’s fleet of heliophysics spacecraft, scientists monitor our Sun and investigate its influences throughout the solar system. However, the…

Article3 weeks ago
Swift orbits above Earth in this artist's concept.

NASA’s Swift Reaches 20th Anniversary in Improved Pointing Mode

5 min read

After two decades in space, NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is performing better than ever thanks to a new operational…

Article3 weeks ago
The BurstCube and SNOOPI satellites deploy into space in this photograph.

NASA’s Mini BurstCube Mission Detects Mega Blast

3 min read

Editor’s note: BurstCube re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on Sept. 16, 2024, marking the end of the mission. The shoebox-sized BurstCube satellite…

Article3 months ago
Illustration of a particle jet emerging from a dying star

NASA’s Fermi Finds New Feature in Brightest Gamma-Ray Burst Yet Seen

4 min read

In October 2022, astronomers were stunned by what was quickly dubbed the BOAT — the brightest-of-all-time gamma-ray burst (GRB). Now…

Article5 months ago

SRPD Gamma-ray Astrophysics

5 min read

MSFC Relativistic Astrophysics Multi-Messenger Astrophysics Community Tools and Support Motivation The Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommended, as its highest-priority sustaining activity,…

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This artist’s concept shows the BurstCube satellite in orbit against a background of stars.

NASA’s Tiny BurstCube Mission Launches to Study Cosmic Blasts

4 min read

Editor’s note, April 18, 2024: BurstCube deployed into orbit from the space station April 18, 2024. It will begin a…

Article9 months ago