Daily Current Affairs : 16-November-2023
In a groundbreaking event that has captivated the scientific community, Earth recently experienced the impact of a massive Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB). Detected by lightning detectors in India, this burst of energy originated from a distant exploding star outside our Solar System, labeled as GRB 221009A.
Significance of the Discovery:
This discovery is of paramount importance as it highlights the tangible effects of cosmic events occurring billions of light-years away on our planet. The GRB’s influence disturbed Earth’s ionosphere, akin to the effects of a major solar flare. The disturbance altered very low frequency radio signals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of celestial events and terrestrial phenomena.
Implications for Earth:
- The disturbance in Earth’s ionosphere raises concerns about potential impacts on communication systems and technology.
- Similar events occurring within our galaxy could pose serious threats, potentially damaging the ozone layer and exposing the Earth to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Link to Past Extinction Events:
- Speculations exist regarding the role of GRBs in past mass extinction events on Earth, adding a layer of intrigue and urgency to understanding these cosmic phenomena.
Gamma-Ray Bursts: Exploring the Universe’s Most Powerful Explosions:
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) stand as the most potent and violent explosions known to science. Originating from events such as the birth of black holes and collisions between neutron stars, these brief flashes of high-energy light can outshine even the brightest supernovae, briefly becoming the most luminous sources in the observable universe.
Causes of Gamma-Ray Bursts:
- Short-duration GRBs (lasting less than two seconds) result from the merger of neutron stars or a neutron star colliding with a black hole.
- Longer GRBs, spanning hours, occur when a massive star collapses, giving birth to a black hole.
Energy Output:
- The sheer power of a gamma-ray burst is staggering, emitting as much energy in a few seconds as the sun produces over its entire 9 billion-year lifetime.
Important Points:
Significance of the Discovery:
- Demonstrates that cosmic events occurring billions of light-years away can impact Earth.
- Earth’s ionosphere experienced disturbance, affecting very low frequency radio signals.
- Similar events within our galaxy could have detrimental effects, including ozone layer damage and harmful UV radiation reaching the surface.
- Speculations link GRBs to past mass extinction events on Earth.
Gamma-Ray Bursts: Exploring the Universe’s Most Powerful Explosions:
- GRBs are the most powerful and violent explosions known in the universe.
- Originates from events like the birth of black holes and collisions between neutron stars.
- Brief flashes of high-energy light, outshining even the brightest supernovae.
Causes of Gamma-Ray Bursts:
- Short-duration GRBs (lasting less than two seconds) result from the merger of neutron stars or a neutron star colliding with a black hole.
- Longer GRBs, spanning hours, occur when a massive star collapses, giving birth to a black hole.
Energy Output:
- In just a few seconds, a gamma-ray burst can emit as much energy as the sun produces over its entire 9 billion-year lifetime.
Why In News
Earth was hit by a massive Gamma Ray Bursts, causing widespread disruptions to electronic systems and prompting scientists worldwide to collaborate on finding ways to mitigate the potential impact on future technological infrastructure.
MCQs about Earth’s Interaction with Gamma-Ray Burst 221009A
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What is GRB 221009A?
A. A new type of solar flare
B. A distant exploding star’s gamma-ray burst
C. A satellite detecting gamma radiation
D. An asteroid passing close to Earth
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Why is the discovery of GRB 221009A considered significant?
A. It caused earthquakes on Earth
B. It demonstrated the impact of cosmic events on Earth
C. It increased global temperatures
D. It affected the Earth’s magnetosphere
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What causes short-duration gamma-ray bursts?
A. Birth of black holes
B. Collisions between neutron stars
C. Merging of neutron stars or a neutron star with a black hole
D. Massive star collapse
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Why are longer gamma-ray bursts a cause for concern?
A. They create beautiful celestial displays
B. They trigger auroras on Earth
C. They can damage the ozone layer and expose Earth to harmful UV radiation
D. They lead to the formation of new planets
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