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Gamma Ray Bursts
Chandra image of GRB991216
(Credit: NASA/CXC/Piro et al.)
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X-ray observatories such as Chandra should help to solve the mystery of gamma ray
bursts. By studying the X-ray afterglow, they can measure the amount of gas in
the vicinity of the burst, and tell which elements are present. This should help
to pin down which theory is correct. For example, the Chandra observation of GRB991216 provides evidence for a large,
iron-rich cloud moving away from the site of the burst. Although much more work
needs to be done, this observation would appear to support the hypernova
model.
Gamma Ray Bursts Links:
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