A super-short gamma-ray burst defies astronomers’ expectations

The high-energy flash came from an imploding star, not colliding neutron stars

illustration of a massive star collapsing and emitting gamma rays

When the core of a massive star collapsed in a distant galaxy, the implosion produced high-speed jets giving off powerful gamma rays (illustrated).

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Chris Smith/KBRwyle

A surprisingly short gamma-ray burst has astronomers rethinking what triggers these celestial cataclysms.