Amaterasu and GRB221009A: A Comparison of Cosmic Rays and Gamma Ray Bursts

  • B
  • Thread starter paulalex7000
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Gamma ray
  • #1
paulalex7000
2
4
TL;DR Summary
Can this "Amaterasu" particle and GRB221009A be compared against each other? The former is always noted as a gamma ray (singular), nowhere have I read it being referred to as a gammy-ray burst, however.
Can this Amaterasu particle and GRB221009A be compared against each other? The former is always noted as a gamma ray (singular), nowhere have I read it being referred to as a gammy-ray burst, however. Does this mean scientists have detected this one lone gamma ray and only one?

[Edit/Update: I just reread an article and noticed it said "cosmic" ray, not "gamma" ray. So I guess this nullifies my questions posted?]

They say that Amaterasu gave off energy equaling 244 exa-electron volts. Doesn't that beat out GRB221009A, which was about 18 tera-electron volts? Please correct my misunderstood interpretation.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'm not sure what the total energy of GRB221009A ended up being, as it was a gamma ray burst lasting several minutes at its peak with over 5,000 high energy photons detected. So it could go either way I suppose.
 
  • #3
paulalex7000 said:
TL;DR Summary: Can this "Amaterasu" particle and GRB221009A be compared against each other? The former is always noted as a gamma ray (singular), nowhere have I read it being referred to as a gammy-ray burst, however.

Can this Amaterasu particle and GRB221009A be compared against each other? The former is always noted as a gamma ray (singular), nowhere have I read it being referred to as a gammy-ray burst, however. Does this mean scientists have detected this one lone gamma ray and only one?

[Edit/Update: I just reread an article and noticed it said "cosmic" ray, not "gamma" ray. So I guess this nullifies my questions posted?]

They say that Amaterasu gave off energy equaling 244 exa-electron volts. Doesn't that beat out GRB221009A, which was about 18 tera-electron volts? Please correct my misunderstood interpretation.

The Amaterasu cosmic ray was not a gamma ray burst or even a gamma ray at all. It was an extremely high energy single particle of origin unknown. Maybe a proton.

The GRB221009 event was an extremely energetic collapse of a star.
 
  • Like
Likes paulalex7000
  • #4
Using cutsie-poo names is unnecessary, and does not add to one's credibility. Science popularizers and university press offices might not know any better, but we should. We can just call them ultra-high energy cosmic rays.

Some facts:
1. It is known that these are extremely energetic. Are the energy measurements accurate at these energies? Hard to tell. You don't have an independent calibration, and you are plagued by statistical fluctuations.
2. Primary cosmic rays are not photons/gamma rays. They are protons or nuclei.
3. Charged particles bend in magnetic fields: the directiopn where the particle appears to come from is not the direction of the source.
4. The acceleration process for ultra-high energy cosmic rays is poorly understood. It is likely electromagnetic. Thus, it may be easier to accelerate these particles if they are fully-stripped nuclei, such as iron.None of these suggest a relationship with any GRB.
 
  • Like
Likes paulalex7000
  • #5
I guess that's on me... I'm not part of any academia, just a layperson who has an interest in cosmology, but from a civilian viewpoint.
 
  • #6
paulalex7000 said:
I guess that's on me... I'm not part of any academia, just a layperson who has an interest in cosmology, but from a civilian viewpoint.
No fault on you. We're just quite... thorough... around these parts. :wink:
 
  • Like
Likes paulalex7000

Related to Amaterasu and GRB221009A: A Comparison of Cosmic Rays and Gamma Ray Bursts

What is the significance of comparing Amaterasu and GRB221009A?

Comparing Amaterasu, a mythical figure often associated with the Sun in Japanese mythology, to GRB221009A, a highly energetic gamma-ray burst, serves to highlight the differences and similarities between cultural interpretations of cosmic events and actual astrophysical phenomena. This comparison can help bridge the gap between science and mythology, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and relatable.

What are cosmic rays and how do they differ from gamma-ray bursts?

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles, primarily protons and atomic nuclei, that travel through space at nearly the speed of light. Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), on the other hand, are extremely energetic explosions that occur in distant galaxies, emitting intense gamma radiation. While cosmic rays are a continuous background radiation, GRBs are transient events lasting from milliseconds to several minutes.

What makes GRB221009A particularly notable?

GRB221009A is notable for its exceptional brightness and energy, making it one of the most powerful gamma-ray bursts ever observed. Its detection has provided valuable data for understanding the mechanisms behind such bursts and their impact on the surrounding environment, as well as on the interstellar medium.

How do scientists detect and study gamma-ray bursts like GRB221009A?

Scientists detect gamma-ray bursts using space-based observatories equipped with gamma-ray detectors, such as the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and the Swift Observatory. These instruments can quickly pinpoint the location of a GRB and relay the information to other observatories, allowing for multi-wavelength follow-up observations to study the burst's afterglow and its effects on the surrounding space.

What implications does the study of GRB221009A have for our understanding of the universe?

The study of GRB221009A provides insights into the life cycles of massive stars, the processes that lead to gamma-ray bursts, and the conditions of the early universe. It also helps refine models of stellar evolution and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions, contributing to our broader understanding of astrophysical phenomena and the fundamental forces of nature.

Similar threads

B What is the significance of the record-breaking Gamma-Ray Burst GRB221009A?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
2K
Detection of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top