gamma-ray burst

noun

variants: or less commonly gamma ray burst

Definition of gamma-ray burst

: a brief, powerful jet of gamma rays detected deep in space that is generated by the collapse and explosion of a celestial object Eventually, though, the neutron star slows down, probably because of magnetic braking. Then it implodes, touching off a gamma ray burst.— Govert Schilling —abbreviation GRB

Examples of gamma-ray burst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In each instance, the gamma-ray burst does not come from the explosion itself. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Wired, 18 July 2021 In each instance, the gamma-ray burst does not come from the explosion itself. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Wired, 18 July 2021 In each instance, the gamma-ray burst does not come from the explosion itself. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Wired, 18 July 2021 In each instance, the gamma-ray burst does not come from the explosion itself. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Wired, 18 July 2021 In each instance, the gamma-ray burst does not come from the explosion itself. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Wired, 18 July 2021 On average, there is thought to be one observable gamma-ray burst in the visible universe every day. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Wired, 18 July 2021 In each instance, the gamma-ray burst does not come from the explosion itself. — Quanta Magazine, 5 July 2021 As researchers explain in a new paper published in the journal Science, the typical distance of a gamma-ray burst from Earth is around 20 billion light-years. — Mike Wehner, BGR, 4 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gamma-ray burst.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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gamma-ray astronomy

gamma-ray burst

gammarid

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Last Updated

20 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Gamma-ray burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gamma-ray%20burst. Accessed 23 Oct. 2021.

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