Spectrum of GRB 990510 afterglow

The object of study is the remnant of a mysterious cosmic explosion far out in space, first detected as a gigantic outburst of gamma rays on May 10. Gamma-Ray Bursters (GRBs) are brief flashes of very energetic radiation - they represent by far the most powerful type of explosion known in the Universe and their afterglow in optical light can be 10 million times brighter than the brightest supernovae. The May 10 event ranks among the brightest one hundred of the over 2500 GRB''s detected in the last decade. It is a spectrum of the afterglow of GRB 990510, obtained with VLT ANTU and the multi-mode FORS1 instrument during the night of May 10-11, 1999. Some of the redshifted absorption lines are identified and the stronger bands from the terrestrial atmosphere are also indicated.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso9926f
Type:Observation
Release date:18 May 1999
Related releases:eso9926
Size:800 x 819 px

About the Object

Name:GRB 990510
Type:Early Universe : Cosmology : Phenomenon : Gamma Ray Burst
Distance:z=1.619 (redshift)
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
121.5 KB
Screensize JPEG
133.7 KB

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Very Large Telescope
FORS1