AMSTERDAM – Scientists have discovered a mysterious 10-second signal from a distance of 13 billion light-years, which was probably caused by a supernova explosion at the beginning of the universe. This rare gamma-ray burst fascinates astronomers and raises questions about the possible origin of an interstellar object that recently entered our solar system.
Scientists have been stunned after discovering a mysterious signal that appears to be coming from the edge of space, created billions of years ago when a star exploded at the beginning of time. The signal lasted only 10 seconds, but its origin raises big questions among experts.
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What is the most likely theory?
Two Earth satellites confirmed that the signal came from a distance of 13 billion light years from Earth. The most likely theory is that it is a supernova that exploded when the universe was only 730 million years old. The universe is so vast that it takes billions of years for light from a star to reach us, so what we see now happened billions of years ago. Dubbed GRB 250314A, this latest mysterious signal is likely a high-energy gamma-ray supernova explosion from the earliest period of the universe.
Gamma rays are an invisible and extremely powerful form of light energy that contains a huge amount of radiation and is produced in massive stellar explosions. As reported by the portal Daily Starscientists don’t yet know why this ancient supernova looks almost exactly like some recently exploding stars. Andrew Levan, lead author of the new study from Radboud University in the Netherlands, said: “Very few gamma-ray bursts in the last 50 years have been recorded from the first billion year of the universe. This particular case is very rare and extremely exciting.”
A newly discovered interstellar object
Meanwhile, US intelligence officials have refused to confirm or deny whether they have records of the newly discovered interstellar object, fueling public speculation about a possible alien connection, although scientists say the object looks like a natural comet.
The object, known as 3I/ATLAS, is only the third confirmed object ever to enter the Solar System from interstellar space. Astronomers say it is moving too fast to be captured by the Sun’s gravity and will eventually leave the solar system forever. Observations through ground-based telescopes show that 3I/ATLAS has a visible coma and tail – typical features of a comet made of ice and dust. Data released by civilian space agencies, including NASA, showed no signs of an artificial origin of the object.
However, public attention turned to secrets after the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) issued the so-called A “Glomar response” to a Freedom of Information Act request for documents related to the facility — the agency said it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of the documents in question.
