Gamma Ray Bursts: Windows on the Universe

Presenter: George Smoot

Published: July 2015

Age: 18-22 and upwards

Views: 835 views

Tags: gamma;ray;burst;energy;cosmology

Type: Lectures

Source/institution: Lindau-Nobel

Gamma-Ray Bursts are the most powerful explosions in the universe. They happen about once per day in the visible universe. Their fantastic engines pump out as much energy in a matter of seconds as all the stars in a galaxy do in a billion years. This bright light allows us to learn about these incredible energy sources but also shines a bright enough light on the contents of the very early universe so that we can see them even though they are not normally visible to our biggest and best telescopes. Detailed study of the light may provide information on their progenitors and the surrounding material.