Gamma-Ray Burst Illuminates Solar System After 2.4 Billion Year Journey
October 9, 2022 – Scientists have observed a rare and powerful phenomenon in our solar system as a gamma-ray burst (GRB) illuminated the skies. The burst of light, which had traveled for 2.4 billion years, provided a glimpse into the distant past when only bacteria and archaea existed on Earth.
The initial detection of the gamma-ray burst was made by the STEREO A spacecraft, one of the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory’s two spacecraft. Designed to study solar storms, STEREO A detected an ion surge as the GRB passed by.
Nearly 100 seconds later, the light from the event reached Earth, where it was observed by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The burst of light was so bright that it saturated Fermi’s detector. It remained bright enough in the visible spectrum for several hours, allowing even amateur astronomers to catch a glimpse of it. Simultaneously, the five THEMIS spacecraft, designed to study Earth’s magnetosphere, detected surges.
After approximately four minutes, the light of the GRB reached Mars, where it was detected by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft orbiting the red planet.
This extraordinary event provided valuable insights for astronomers. By analyzing the timing and locations of each observation, scientists were able to triangulate the source of the GRB. This study also demonstrated the potential impact of high-energy phenomena on our solar system’s heliosphere. The presence of multiple detectors throughout the solar system allowed for a more detailed analysis.
The significance of this event lies in the unexpected discoveries made possible by scientific instruments. Although none of the spacecraft that collected data were specifically designed to study GRBs, they happened to be in the right place at the right time to measure its effects. This study highlights the power of collaborative research and further emphasizes the importance of pooling data together.
As we continue to expand our interplanetary fleet, studies like this will become more prevalent, offering unprecedented insights into the mysteries of our universe.
Reference: Voshchepynets, Andrii, et al. “Multi-Point Detection of the Powerful Gamma Ray Burst GRB221009A Propagation through the Heliosphere on October 9, 2022.” arXiv preprint arXiv:2309.05856 (2023)