Astronomers Spot Record-Breaking Gamma-Ray Burst Lasting 27 Days

Astronomers have detected a gamma-ray burst of extraordinary duration and power, lasting an unprecedented 27 days. The event, observed by a global network of telescopes, stands out as the longest of its kind ever recorded, dwarfing typical bursts that last only a few seconds to minutes. This 'Incredible Hulk' of cosmic explosions challenges existing models of how such bursts are produced, likely involving the collapse of a massive star into a black hole. The burst's prolonged emission suggests a highly magnetized, rapidly spinning stellar remnant—a magnetar—may be powering the afterglow. The discovery, published in a leading journal, provides critical new data for understanding the most energetic events in the universe since the Big Bang. As follow-up observations continue, scientists hope to unravel the mechanisms behind this cosmic monster and what it reveals about the life and death of massive stars.