In 1967, US satellites searching for nuclear tests detected mysterious flashes from space. Decades later, scientists uncovered secrets of gamma-ray bursts, which can release more energy in 10 seconds than Sun will emit over its entire 10-billion-year lifetime

Gamma-ray bursts, first detected accidentally in 1967, have long puzzled astronomers. Recent observations of their afterglows are now challenging established theories. These powerful cosmic explosions release extraordinary amounts of energy in mere seconds. Ground-based observatories detect gamma rays indirectly through atmospheric interactions. These new findings suggest the physics behind these events is more complex.