The most Powerful Explosions in the Universe...

Abstract

THE DRAMA of 18 February 2006, will be remembered for a very long time by astronomers working with the Swift gamma-ray observatory, adding to the growing list of exciting times in gamma-ray astronomy. On that memorable day, a cosmic gamma-ray burst that later turned out to be the second closest recorded event to date was detected. That alone would be reason for excitement. But this burst was different in a number of ways. Its uniqueness represents exactly the kind of object the Swift spacecraft was built to detect, and the quick follow-up observations that were triggered by Swift will provide valuable data helping to unravel one of the longest standing mysteries in astronomy today.