Artwork of a gamma-ray burster F006 / 9715
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Artwork of a gamma-ray burster F006 / 9715
This image represents a new type of gamma-ray burster (GRB), which lasts much longer than those found previously. Until now, GRBs created during the death throes of massive stars, or when stars collide were not known to last more than a few minutes. But in a new class of GRB the event goes on for far longer, up to several hours. These are thought to be created when a very massive red supergiant star (foreground), hundreds of times heavier and bigger than the Sun, collapses to form a black hole in a supernova explosion. Jets of rapidly moving subatomic particles pierce the stars poles just before collapse, and erupt into space. In the more usual GRBs, the progenitor is a blue supergiant (background), still massive but puny compared to red supergiant stars. The huge size of the new red supergiant progenitors are what enables to burst to last so long
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9257267
© MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Black Hole Explosion Gamma Ray Burst Jets Magnetic Field Magnetism Polar Pole Poles Spinning Star Death Stellar Universe
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork showcases a groundbreaking discovery in the realm of gamma-ray bursters (GRBs). Unlike their predecessors, which lasted only a few minutes, this new type of GRB defies expectations by persisting for several hours. The image depicts the birth of such an extraordinary event, believed to occur when a colossal red supergiant star collapses into a black hole during a supernova explosion. In the foreground, we witness the immense size and mass of the red supergiant progenitor, dwarfing our own Sun hundreds of times over. As it nears its cataclysmic end, jets composed of rapidly moving subatomic particles pierce through its poles before erupting into space. These powerful emissions are responsible for generating the mesmerizing display seen here. Contrasting with this massive red supergiant is a blue supergiant in the background – still substantial but significantly smaller compared to its counterpart. This disparity in size explains why these new GRBs can endure much longer than traditional ones. The intricate illustration captures not only the awe-inspiring beauty but also provides valuable insights into stellar evolution and death within our universe. With each brushstroke meticulously crafted by artist Mark Garlick, this print serves as both an artistic masterpiece and scientific marvel that invites viewers to contemplate the mysteries hidden within our vast cosmos.
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