Record-Breaking Gamma-Ray Burst Near Light Speed

Discover the fastest cosmic explosion ever recorded! We explore GRB 230307A, a gamma-ray burst detected by NASA's Fermi Space Telescope that reached 99.99998% of light speed—a breakthrough led by University of Alabama graduate researchers.

Learn how this ultrarelativistic jet from a neutron star merger revealed an associated kilonova, offering new insights into how heavy elements like tellurium form in our universe.

This episode highlights cutting-edge space science and the crucial role of student researchers in unlocking cosmic mysteries. Key topics: gamma-ray bursts, neutron star mergers, kilonova, heavy element formation, relativistic physics