Brightest Gamma Ray Burst on Record Creates Disturbance in Earth’s Ionosphere
The Unprecedented Brightness of GRB 221009A and Its Impact on Earth’s Ionosphere
Over a year ago, scientists announced the discovery of the brightest gamma-ray burst, named GRB 221009A.
Now, researchers report that this event, dubbed the ‘brightest of all time’ (BOAT), has caused disturbances in Earth’s ionosphere, located approximately 310 miles above the planet’s surface.
The Significance of Earth’s Ionosphere
The ionosphere, spanning 50 to 400 miles above Earth, is a crucial region where our atmosphere meets space.
It serves a vital role in shielding Earth from harmful radiation and facilitating radio communication.
However, the extent of the impact on the ionosphere remains uncertain.
Understanding Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs)
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are brief outbursts of gamma-ray light, the most energetic form of light.
These bursts, the brightest cosmic gamma-ray photons, can last from milliseconds to several minutes.
There are two types: long GRBs, associated with supernovae, and short GRBs, resulting from the merger of neutron stars.
The Research Led by Dr. Stefano Piersanti
An international team, led by Dr. Stefano Piersanti at the University of L’Aquila, Italy, conducted a study on the effects of cosmic explosions on Earth’s atmosphere, particularly high-energy gamma-ray bursts.
They observed a significant disturbance in the ionosphere, indicating the impact of GRB 221009A.
GRB 221009A’s Characteristics and Detection
GRB 221009A, lasting around seven minutes, was detectable for more than 10 hours after the initial observation.
Originating from the constellation Sagitta, it traveled an estimated 1.9 billion years to reach Earth.
Space observatories, including NASA’s Swift and Fermi, and ESA’s INTEGRAL, detected the burst.
Ionospheric Perturbation and Earth’s Response
The researchers found evidence of an ‘ionospheric perturbation,’ causing variations in the electric field in Earth’s upper ionosphere.
This perturbation correlated with the occurrence of GRB 221009A. Ground-based GNSS receivers recorded a significant increase in total electron content in the Mediterranean region.
Potential Implications of GRB Impact
The study concludes that GRB 221009A had a profound impact on Earth’s ionospheric conductivity.
While the chance of extinction-level events due to gamma-ray bursts is deemed slim, astrophysicists acknowledge the potential risks associated with their immense power.
Conclusion
Published in the journal Nature Communications, this research sheds light on the intricate interactions between cosmic phenomena and Earth’s atmospheric layers, offering valuable insights into the consequences of extreme astrophysical events on our planet.
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