The Gamma-ray Burst with 2 Jets (IMAGE) ESO Caption The gamma-ray burst GRB 080319B was so intense that, despite happening halfway across the Universe, it could have been seen briefly with the unaided eye. Astronomers from around the world combined data from ground- and space-based telescopes to conclude that the burst's extraordinary brightness arose from a jet that shot material almost directly towards Earth at almost the speed of light - the difference is only 1 part in 20,000. This 0.4 degree wide jet is contained within another slightly less energetic jet about 20 times wider. It also appears that the jets were aimed almost directly at the Earth. Credit ESO Usage Restrictions All ESO photographs are Copyright ESO. ESO press photos are clearly marked with as ESO pictures. Regarding permission to reproduce ESO images, editors of newspapers and bona-fide science magazines and journals (including popular science magazines) may use these pictures without any reproduction charge, but reference must be always be given to ESO, e.g. by the line License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.