Discovery of Gamma-Ray Bursts: Unveiling Universe's Origin and Evolution

The Sino-French astronomical satellite has detected multiple gamma-ray bursts, which are useful for studying the origin and evolution of the universe

The Sino-French astronomical satellite was launched on June 22 of this year, and the reporter received information from the Chinese Academy of Sciences that it had observed several gamma-ray bursts in the last few days. As of right now, the satellite platform is operating as intended, providing the groundwork for future scientific observations and investigations.

△Astronomical satellite from China and France, provided by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Microsatellite Innovation

It is believed that after being switched on on June 24, the Sino-French astronomy satellite's gamma-ray sensor underwent testing while in orbit. As a consequence of the Sino-French astronomical satellite's initial in-orbit scientific exploration, the monitor successfully recorded the first gamma-ray burst on June 27. Upon examination, it can be shown that the gamma-ray burst's light curve matches both the findings from the first Chuangxin X satellite in China and the findings from overseas Fermi satellite observations.

The second and third gamma-ray bursts were once more discovered by the Sino-French astronomical satellite on June 29 and July 2, respectively. The initial set of detection results confirms beyond doubt the high-precision gamma-ray burst triggering detection capability of French and Chinese astronomical satellites. Currently, the satellite's four payloads—developed by China and France—have been powered on and tested, and the Gamma-ray Burst Global Observation Network has received three gamma-ray burst coordinates.

△ Sino-French astronomical satellite payload arrangement (image sourced from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Microsatellite Innovation)

An important international cooperation project in the field of space science, the Sino-French Astronomical Satellite was successfully launched on June 22 of this year. It is the satellite with the strongest multi-band comprehensive observation capability for gamma-ray bursts in the world and integrates four payload instruments developed by China and France. In August of this year, the satellite is anticipated to begin the scientific mission observation test.

The energy released in a matter of seconds during a gamma-ray burst is comparable to the sun's entire radiation energy during a period of 10 billion years, making them the most intense celestial explosions since the Big Bang. Gamma-ray burst detection and analysis will aid humankind in understanding the universe's creation and evolutionary history as well as other important scientific topics.