Hundreds of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been documented in an extensive global initiative that astronomers say is comparable to the comprehensive catalog of deep-sky objects created by Messier over two centuries ago. GRBs represent the most powerful explosions in the universe, emitting more energy in a brief moment than our Sun produces in 10 billion years. These bursts result from the death of a massive star or the merging of two neutron stars.
Hundreds of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been documented as part of a vast global initiative, so extensive that it “competes with the catalogue of deep-sky objects established by Messier 250 years ago,” astronomers state.
GRBs are the most intense explosions known in the universe, emitting energy that surpasses what the Sun generates over 10 billion years. These events occur during the demise of a massive star or when two neutron stars collide.
The severity of these explosions is such that if one were to occur within 1,000 light-years of Earth—which is estimated to happen approximately every 500 million years—the radiation emitted could severely harm our ozone layer and threaten life as we know it. Fortunately, the probability of such an event happening soon is incredibly slim.
First detected nearly sixty years ago, GRBs hold the potential to deepen our comprehension of the universe’s history, stretching from its earliest stars to its present state.
The latest study documented a total of 535 GRBs, with the closest being 77 million light-years away, gathered using 455 telescopes and instruments worldwide.
This research was spearheaded by Professor Maria Giovanna Dainotti from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and recently published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
The researchers compared their extensive collection to the 110 deep-sky objects cataloged by Charles Messier in the 18th century, which still serves as a valuable reference for both professional and amateur astronomers alike.
Professor Dainotti remarked, “Our study enhances our grasp of these mysterious cosmic explosions and highlights the global collaboration involved.”
“The outcome is a catalogue similar to the one created by Messier 250 years ago, which classified deep-sky objects visible at that time.”
Co-author Professor Alan Watson from the National Autonomous University of Mexico praised the work as a “valuable resource” that has the potential to advance our understanding significantly.
Professors Watson and Dainotti were part of a team of over 50 scientists who diligently analyzed how GRB light travels to Earth over several weeks or even months post-explosion. They believe this effort has culminated in the largest catalogue of GRBs recorded in optical wavelengths along with their measured distances.
The compilation includes 64,813 photometric observations gathered over a span of 26 years, with significant contributions from the Swift satellites, RATIR camera, and Subaru Telescope.
One notable discovery was that nearly one-third (28 percent) of the recorded GRBs did not exhibit any changes as their light traversed the universe.
Co-author Dr. Rosa Becerra from the University of Tor Vergata in Rome pointed out that this observation indicates some of the most recent GRBs behave similarly to those that took place billions of years ago.
This finding contradicts the general trend observed in the universe, where objects have progressively evolved since the Big Bang.
Professor Dainotti suggested, “This phenomenon could hint at a very unique mechanism regarding how these explosions occur, indicating that the stars associated with GRBs are more primitive than those that formed later.”
“However, this theory requires further investigation.”
Conversely, for the few GRBs where optical evolution corresponds with X-ray evolution, a simpler explanation may apply.
“Specifically, we may be witnessing an expanding plasma made of electrons and positrons that cools over time. Much like a hot iron rod glowing redder as it cools, we can observe a shift in the emission mechanism,” explained fellow researcher Professor Bruce Gendre from the University of the Virgin Islands.
“In this scenario, this mechanism could be connected to the magnetic energy that fuels these events.”
The research team now seeks help from the broader astronomical community to further enrich their GRB database. They have made the data available via a user-friendly web application and are inviting their colleagues to contribute, preferably by sharing discoveries in the same format.
“Adopting a standardized format and units, possibly conforming to the International Virtual Observatory Alliance protocols, will improve the consistency and accessibility of the data in this field,” noted Professor Gendre.
“Once the data is consolidated, additional population studies will be performed, sparking new discoveries through the statistical analysis of this current research.”
