Cosmic Explosion Second Only to the Sun in Brightness

  • Released Friday, August 18th, 2006
  • Updated Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 1:55PM
  • ID: 20077

The gamma ray flare produced by neutron star SGR 1806-20, traveled 50,000 light years before impacting Earth. The burst was so powerful, that it disrupted Earth's ionosphere. Scientists know of only two other giant flares in the past 35 years, and this December 27, 2005 event was one hundred times more powerful than either of those

This animation illustrates Neutron star SGR 1806-20 which produced a gamma ray flare that disrupted Earth's ionosphere.

This high resolution print still illustrates Neutron star SGR 1806-20 producing a gamma ray flare.

This high resolution print still illustrates Neutron star SGR 1806-20 producing a gamma ray flare.

This high resolution print still illustrates the wave of the gamma ray flare from Neutron star SGR 1806-20 as it disrupts Earth's ionosphere.

This high resolution print still illustrates the wave of the gamma ray flare from Neutron star SGR 1806-20 as it disrupts Earth's ionosphere.

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

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