2. What Are Gamma Ray Bursts?
gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are immensely energetic explosions that have been observed in distant galaxies. They are the most energetic and luminous electromagnetic events since the Big Bang. The light curves of gamma-ray bursts are extremely diverse and complex. Events with a duration of less than about two seconds are classified as short gamma-ray bursts. Gamma-ray bursts are thought to be highly focused explosions, with most of the explosion energy collimated into a narrow jet.