ISRO’s AstroSat Gamma Ray Burst Detection

India’s AstroSat space telescope has achieved a significant milestone by detecting its 600th Gamma-Ray Burst. GRBs are highly energetic explosions that represent the death of a massive star or the...

Ruby Thakur
November 29, 2023
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India’s AstroSat space telescope has achieved a significant milestone by detecting its 600th Gamma-Ray Burst. GRBs are highly energetic explosions that represent the death of a massive star or the merger of neutron stars. These bursts release an enormous amount of energy in just a matter of seconds, surpassing the energy output of the sun over its entire lifetime.

ISRO’s AstroSat Gamma Ray Burst Detection

Why In News

India’s AstroSat space telescope has achieved a significant milestone by detecting its 600th Gamma-Ray Burst. GRBs are highly energetic explosions that represent the death of a massive star or the merger of neutron stars. These bursts release an enormous amount of energy in just a matter of seconds, surpassing the energy output of the sun over its entire lifetime.

They are often referred to as mini big-bangs due to their immense power. This latest detection highlights the exceptional performance of the Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI), which has far surpassed its design lifespan.

What is Gamma Ray Burst?

Gamma-Ray Bursts, often referred to as “mini big-bangs,” are the most energetic explosions known to the universe.
GRBs pack a massive punch as they contain huge amount of energy that represent the death of a massive star or the merger of neutron stars.
All this energy is emitted in a matter of seconds, and it can be greater than what the sun would emit over its entire lifetime. They are also accompanied by birth of a black hole.
All this energy is emitted in a matter of seconds, and it can be greater than what the sun would emit over its entire lifetime. They may last from a fraction of a second to several minutes. They are also accompanied by birth of a black hole.

What is AstroSat?

Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2015, AstroSat was initially designed to operate for five years.
However, the telescope has surpassed its expected lifespan and continues to function remarkably well, making critical observations of celestial objects.
AstroSat is the first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory launched by India.
It has a suite of payloads that enables it to observe celestial objects simultaneously across multiple wavelengths, like from ultraviolet to X-Rays.

Recent Detection

The recent detection of the 600th GRB by AstroSat’s CZTI detector is a remarkable achievement.
The Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI) is a detector onboard AstroSat that is responsible for detecting Gamma-Ray Bursts. It has demonstrated remarkable performance, surpassing its expected lifespan.

The astounding success of AstroSat has motivated several institutes to propose the development of a next-generation GRB space telescope called Daksha.
If approved, Daksha aims to surpass the capabilities of any existing satellite worldwide.
He stated, “Daksha will be sensitive enough to detect in just over a year what CZTI did in eight.”
The observation data will contribute to a deeper understanding of these explosive events that occurred billions of years ago.

AstroSat’s ongoing success serves as a testament to India’s advancements in space technology and its contributions to astronomical research.
As the mission continues to make groundbreaking discoveries, the future looks promising for India’s space exploration endeavors.

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Ruby Thakur

General Studies Lecturer SSBCrackExams, BSc In PCM, Trained Students For State Services Exams. Expertise in Geography ,Polity & Current Affairs. Love Travelling.