The origin and nature of gamma-ray bursts is currently one of the greatest mysteries in astrophysics. These tremendously powerful blasts produce more energy in a fraction of a second than our Sun does in ten billion years. Since their accidental discovery by American spy satellites over thirty years ago, astronomers have striven to understand these enigmatic explosions. It is only recently, thanks to an Italian-Dutch satellite, and powerful telescopes both on the ground and in space, that the mystery is beginning to be unravelled. Astronomers now realise that gamma-ray bursts are probably related to the birth of black holes in extremely distant galaxies. Flash! describes the fast moving field of gamma ray burst research, from the initial detection right up to the most recent discoveries. Based on interviews with leading scientists, this exciting book provides an inside view of the scientific challenges involved in unravelling the mystery of gamma-ray bursts.
- ISBN13 9780521800532
- Publish Date 18 April 2002
- Publish Status Inactive
- Out of Print 23 February 2011
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Cambridge University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 304
- Language English