Produced by: Manoj Kumar
The Einstein Probe detected an unprecedented 17-minute burst of soft X-rays, marking the first time such an event has been captured from 12.5 billion light-years away.
The X-ray burst, designated EP240315a, originated when the universe was just 10% of its current age, offering a rare glimpse into ancient cosmic phenomena.
Yuan Liu, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led the team that developed the algorithm enabling this groundbreaking detection, proving the Einstein Probe’s capabilities.
Observatories in South Africa, Hawaii, Chile, and Australia contributed to understanding EP240315a, demonstrating the power of international teamwork in astronomy.
The burst was linked to GRB 240315C, a gamma-ray burst, but its characteristics—like a 6-minute delay between X-rays and gamma rays—challenge existing theories of GRB formation.
The Einstein Probe, equipped with cutting-edge X-ray technology, can detect faint and distant cosmic events with unmatched sensitivity and a wide field of view.
EP240315a lasted much longer than typical X-ray bursts, prompting researchers like Hui Sun to suggest a need for rethinking GRB explosion models.
Weimin Yuan, the mission’s principal investigator, highlighted that the unusual behavior of this burst could lead to revisions of existing gamma-ray burst theories.
Einstein Probe’s early success shows its capacity to uncover new cosmic phenomena, as noted by ESA’s Erik Kuulkers: “This is just the beginning.”