Astronomers detect record-breaking 27-day gamma-ray burst

Astronomers from the University of Birmingham have identified an unprecedented cosmic event: a gamma-ray burst (GRB) that remained active for nearly a month. Designated as GRB 220706A, the event lasted 27 days, surpassing the previous record by 20 days.

Gamma-ray bursts are among the most energetic electromagnetic phenomena in the universe, often releasing as much energy in seconds as the Sun does in 10 billion years. While their exact origins are debated, they are typically associated with supernovas, neutron star collisions, or the collapse of massive stars into black holes.

The researchers noted that the precise mechanism behind this extreme duration remains unknown. Hypotheses being investigated include the activity of a magnetar, a highly dense object with an intense magnetic field, or the cataclysmic collapse of a massive star.