Ancient gamma ray burst detected from 12.8 billion years ago

Posted on Friday, March 10 2006 @ 0:05 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck

In September 2005 the Swift satellite from NASA picked up a gamma ray burst called GRB 050904. This explosion happened 12.8 billion years ago when the Universe was supposedly only 890 million years old.

This gives us some more insight about the early Universe.

"This means that not only did stars form in this short period of time after the Big Bang, but also that enough time had elapsed for them to evolve and collapse into black holes," Cusumano added.

Black holes have a gravitation pull so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from them. Gamma ray bursts are thought to be generated by the collapse of massive stars to form black holes.

More details over at Playfuls.

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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