Astronomers have discovered a gamma-ray burst with energy equivalent to a billion suns after initially missing the direct event, according to new research. The cosmic explosion was only detected when scientists observed its "echo" — reflected light signatures that revealed the massive energetic event.
Gamma-ray bursts represent some of the most powerful explosions in the universe, typically occurring when massive stars collapse or neutron stars merge. This particular burst's energy output matches that of approximately one billion solar masses, placing it among the most energetic phenomena observed in space.