Gamma-ray burst GRB 050724

On July 24, 2005, the NASA/PPARC/ASI Swift satellite detected another short gamma-ray burst, GRB 050724. Subsequent observations, including some with the ESO Very Large Telescope, allowed astronomers to precisely pinpoint the position of the object, lying about 13,000 light-years away from the centre of an elliptical galaxy that is located 3,000 million light-years away (redshift 0.258). (Left) VLT optical image taken on July 24, 12 hours after the burst, showing the position of the gamma-ray burst GRB 050724 as measured by the Swift X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and the Chandra X-ray satellite. The blue cross is the position of the optical afterglow. The burst positions are superimposed on a bright red galaxy at redshift z=0.258. (Right) Difference between two VLT images taken on July 24 and 29, clearly revealing the presence of the GRB.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0541a
Type:Collage
Release date:14 December 2005
Related releases:eso0541
Size:3265 x 1314 px

About the Object

Name:GRB 050724
Type:Early Universe : Cosmology : Phenomenon : Gamma Ray Burst
Distance:z=0.258 (redshift)
Category:Cosmology

Image Formats

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