2006-09-05 17:14:55 · 2 answers · asked by tom science 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
They are caused by the formation of black holes. When a black hole is formed, a great deal of energy in the form of gamma rays is released from both poles, which is called a relativistic jet. If the relativistic jet is pointed toward Earth, then we are blasted with those gamma rays.
Gamma rays bursts were first detected when we launched satellites to detect nuclear testing during the cold war. Nuclear tests also emit bursts of gamma rays. We discovered that several of these bursts were occurring in distant galaxies.
If one of these bursts was directed toward Earth within our own galaxy and it was moderately close to Earth, it could cause our extinction. Some predict that a gamma ray burst is what caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
2006-09-05 17:35:07 · answer #1 · answered by Michael M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They think they are from the collision of black holes or neutron stars. Search and read up on those and youwill find some info.
2006-09-06 00:19:08 · answer #2 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋