Gamma-ray Burst (IMAGE) University of California - Berkeley Caption This is an artist's illustration of a gamma-ray burst occurring in a dusty region of intense star formation. If a dust cloud lies between the burst and Earth, the optical light will be almost entirely absorbed, but the gamma-rays and X-rays will easily penetrate the dust. New evidence suggests that most "dark" gamma-ray bursts -- those without optical afterglows -- form in similar dusty environments. Credit Aurore Simonnet/Sonoma State University, NASA Education & Public Outreach Usage Restrictions None 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.