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The Einstein Probe’s detection of an unprecedented cosmic phenomenon has captivated scientists worldwide. On January 9, 2024, the probe spotted a mysterious X-ray burst lasting over 15 minutes, defying conventional patterns and raising fresh questions about the origins of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).
This fast X-ray transient, designated EP240315a, is linked to GRB 240315C. Astronomers suspect it challenges existing theories on how these explosive events begin. Yuan Liu, a leading researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and first author of a new study, noted that his team’s detection marks a significant milestone in understanding cosmic processes.
The multi-wavelength findings were groundbreaking: visible light signals detected shortly after the X-ray peak confirmed the event’s distance—12.5 billion light-years—and revealed primordial processes shaping early star formation. This discovery also provided insights into relativistic jets, consistent with GRBs from massive stars collapsing.
The Einstein Probe’s wide field of view and innovative data collection methods are expected to yield more discoveries in the cosmos. Scientists hope this event will challenge current models and deepen our understanding of GRB triggers, potentially reshaping theories about massive star endings and black hole formation.
This milestone underscores the potential of the Einstein Probe to transform our knowledge of the universe’s earliest moments.
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Source: https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-cosmic-explosion-changes-what-we-know-about-space