The Fastest-Approaching Object in the Universe

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In summary: Its54 million light years away, not 54 ly and 1000KPS is not 0.3c, it's 0.003c. Even if it were headed straight at us, it wouldn't arrive for billions of generations.
  • #1
CygnusX-1
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Found: The Fastest-Approaching Object in the Universe

by Dr. Ken Croswell

Most of the universe is rushing away from us. It's not that we're particularly repellent; it's just that the universe is expanding, pushing most other galaxies away. Light from distant galaxies travels toward us through this expanding space, which stretches their light to longer, or redder, wavelengths. As a result, the spectra of most galaxies exhibit redshifts. Now astronomers have accidentally discovered the greatest blueshift ever seen, in a star cluster that a giant black hole may have catapulted our way.

Link: Scientific American
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #3
awesome

we will be dead for sure :)
 
  • #4
If science succeed in arresting the cellular aging process we might live over 200 years old and witness it. The object is 54 lightyears away and incredibly blueshifted at1026 Km. per second.. 0.3 c? hence eta is about 165 years. It won't hit our solar system anyways because it surely has some sideways motion.
 
  • #5
Romulo Binuya said:
If science succeed in arresting the cellular aging process we might live over 200 years old and witness it. The object is 54 lightyears away and incredibly blueshifted at1026 Km. per second.. 0.3 c? hence eta is about 165 years. It won't hit our solar system anyways because it surely has some sideways motion.
You might want to recheck the article and your math. :rolleyes:
 
  • #6
It's an investigation in progress they don't know the exact figures yet. At least I gave an estimate from available data and perhaps prevent this thread going morbid :D
 
  • #7
Romulo Binuya said:
It's an investigation in progress they don't know the exact figures yet. At least I gave an estimate from available data and perhaps prevent this thread going morbid :D
It is nowhere near us. It is 54 MILLION light years away, not 54 ly and 1000KPS is not 0.3c, it's 0.003c. Even if it were headed straight at us, it wouldn't arrive for billions of generations. Your estimates and arrival date of 165 years are off by more orders of magnitude than I care to count.
 
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  • #8
Romulo Binuya said:
It's an investigation in progress they don't know the exact figures yet. At least I gave an estimate from available data and perhaps prevent this thread going morbid :D

As Borg pointed out, your math is ludicrous. On a forum like this it's a good idea to think through what you are posting because when you make mistakes like that, you will be called on it.
 
  • #9
Yes I blundered, thank you guys for telling me :-)
 

FAQ: The Fastest-Approaching Object in the Universe

1. What is the fastest-approaching object in the universe?

The fastest-approaching object in the universe is the GRB 080916C, a gamma-ray burst that occurred approximately 12.2 billion light years away from Earth. It was first observed in September 2008 by the Swift satellite and was estimated to be traveling at 99.99995% of the speed of light.

2. How does the speed of GRB 080916C compare to other objects in the universe?

GRB 080916C is considered the fastest-approaching object in the universe, as it is traveling at a speed that is very close to the speed of light. This is significantly faster than any other known object, including stars, galaxies, and even other gamma-ray bursts.

3. What causes GRB 080916C to travel at such incredible speeds?

GRB 080916C is believed to be the result of a massive explosion from a dying star, known as a supernova. This explosion created a jet of energy and matter that was directed towards Earth, traveling at nearly the speed of light.

4. Is GRB 080916C a threat to Earth or our solar system?

No, GRB 080916C is not a threat to Earth or our solar system. It occurred billions of light years away and the energy from the explosion has already dissipated. Additionally, Earth's atmosphere provides protection from gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy radiation.

5. How does the study of GRB 080916C contribute to our understanding of the universe?

Studying GRB 080916C and other gamma-ray bursts can provide valuable insights into the processes and events that occur in the universe. They can also help scientists better understand the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, as well as the fundamental laws of physics that govern our universe.

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