A super-short gamma-ray burst defies astronomers’ expectations
The high-energy flash came from an imploding star, not colliding neutron stars
![illustration of a massive star collapsing and emitting gamma rays](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/072821_mt_grb_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
When the core of a massive star collapsed in a distant galaxy, the implosion produced high-speed jets giving off powerful gamma rays (illustrated).
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Chris Smith/KBRwyle