Tell me more ×
Physics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for active researchers, academics and students of physics. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

Referencing this news article: http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/cosmic-burst-in-far-away-galaxy-puzzles-nasa-20110408-1d6kz.html

It also references an event id:
(GRB) 110328A

The article seems to imply that the reason for the unusually long period of gamma bursts being visible is because the remnants of the exploding star is near the centre of that galaxies nucleaus, and hence probably near the supermassive black hole. It goes on to say that the observable event is a stream of this energy towards the sm-bh.
Is this the most logical hypothesis for this event?
What other possibilities could explain such a lengthy burst of gamma radiation being visible?

Edit:
If it is even speculation that it is a star being ripped apart, then what other possibilites could explain the explosion that lead to the unusually long bursts?

share|improve this question
1  
I know only what I've read, which is speculation that a star was ripped apart by tidal interaction with the SMBH, and that gas from the former star is in the accretion disk near the event horizon. – Omega Centauri Apr 8 '11 at 2:17
Would you say at this stage its too early to determine other likely possible causes? Speculation until more data becomes available from hubble? – Anonymous Type Apr 8 '11 at 3:35
1  
I would say, that this "star being ripped apart" is speculation enough. – Georg Apr 8 '11 at 12:33
What is the conclusen You ask about? What is streaming to a black hole? Writing a reasonable question helps more than a bounty. – Georg Apr 20 '11 at 8:42

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.