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  1. Home
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  3. Gamma-Ray Burst
Astrophysics

Gamma-Ray Burst

Definition

The most energetic electromagnetic events in the universe, lasting milliseconds to minutes. They release more energy in seconds than the Sun will in its entire lifetime. They originate from massive star collapse or neutron star mergers.

Related Terms

Neutron Star

The collapsed core of a massive star after a supernova, with 1.4-2 solar masses in a sphere about 20 km across. Incredib...

Supernova

A powerful explosion at the end of a massive star's life, briefly outshining an entire galaxy. Supernovae scatter heavy ...

Black Hole

A region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape once past the event horizon. B...

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Full Glossary

Browse all 66+ space and astronomy terms.

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