Gamma-Ray Bursts

The video explores the discovery and understanding of gamma ray bursts (GRBs), starting from their detection during the Cold War using Vela satellites. Initially a mystery, GRBs were later understood to be the most violent events in the universe, caused by hypernovae and merging neutron stars. The video discusses the types of GRBs, their potential dangers, and modern detection methods, highlighting the role of satellites like Swift in advancing our knowledge.

What historical event led to the discovery of gamma ray bursts?

• The Space Race

• The Cuban Missile Crisis

• The Cold War

• The Moon Landing

Why were gamma ray bursts initially puzzling to astronomers?

• They were too faint to detect

• They were associated with known stars

• They appeared randomly in the sky

• They were only visible during the day

What discovery helped astronomers understand the true nature of GRBs?

• They were caused by solar flares

• They originated from nearby stars

• They were linked to distant galaxies

• They were a result of asteroid impacts

What is a hypernova?

• A type of gamma ray burst

• A type of neutron star

• A massive star explosion more powerful than a supernova

• A small black hole

What causes short-duration gamma ray bursts?

• Exploding supernovae

• Collapsing black holes

• Colliding galaxies

• Merging neutron stars

How far away can a gamma ray burst be and still pose a threat to Earth?

• A few hundred light years

• 7,000 light years

• 10,000 light years

• 50,000 light years

What technological advancement has improved our ability to study GRBs?

• The Bepposax satellite

• The Vela satellites

• The Mars Rover

• The Hubble Space Telescope

What is the significance of the beams emitted during a GRB?

• They are only visible from space

• They are visible only during the day

• They are narrow and focused, reducing the chance of hitting Earth

• They are weak and harmless

What is the role of black holes in gamma ray bursts?

• They absorb all the energy

• They create the beams of energy

• They prevent GRBs from occurring

• They are unrelated to GRBs

What is the main reason GRBs are difficult to detect?

• They are blocked by Earth's atmosphere

• They are too far away

• They last for a very short time

• They occur only at night