What is a gamma ray burst and how do you observe it?

A gamma ray burst (GRB) is an extremely energetic explosion that occurs in space, typically associated with the collapse of a massive star or the collision of two neutron stars. GRBs release vast amounts of energy in the form of gamma rays, the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation.

GRBs are typically observed by satellite-based observatories, such as the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope or the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission. These observatories are specifically designed to detect and study high-energy gamma rays, and are equipped with specialized instruments that can detect and measure the properties of these bursts.

When a GRB is detected, observatories will often follow up with observations at other wavelengths, such as optical or X-ray wavelengths, to better understand the properties and characteristics of the burst. This can involve ground-based telescopes or other space-based observatories, such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory or the Hubble Space Telescope.

Studying GRBs is important for a number of reasons. They provide insights into the early universe, as they are thought to have been more common in the early universe than they are today. They also provide a way to study the properties of extremely energetic events, such as black hole formation or neutron star collisions, that are difficult to observe through other means.