University of North Carolina Astronomers Investigate Record-Breaking Gamma-Ray Burst
Astronomers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have contributed to the study of the longest-lasting gamma-ray burst ever observed, known as GRB 250702B. This cosmic explosion lasted nearly seven hours, challenging existing models of gamma-ray bursts, which typically last only seconds or minutes. The event was detected by space-based observatories, and subsequent observations were conducted using some of the world's largest ground-based telescopes. The data collected suggests several possible origins for the burst, including the collapse of a massive star, the collision of exotic stellar remnants, or a star being torn apart by a black hole. However, the exact cause remains uncertain. The burst originated from a distant, massive galaxy full of dust, which blocked visible light and allowed only infrared and high-energy emissions to be detected.