Artist conception of a gamma-ray burst (IMAGE)

University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science

Artist conception of a gamma-ray burst

Caption

Artist’s conception of a gamma-ray burst caused by the violent collision of two massive neutron stars, following their inspiraling danse macabre. In addition to high-energy radiation and matter spewed out in a narrow jet, the event is thought to be the Universe's main factory of heavy elements, including gold and platinum.

Credit

A. Simonnet (Sonoma State University) and Goddard Space Flight Center.

Usage Restrictions

Permission for use must be acquired from A. Simonnet (Sonoma State University) and Goddard Space Flight Center.

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