X-ray Thunder After Gamma-ray Lightning ⚡ экспресс
Mergers of compact objects (neutron stars or black holes) produce gamma-ray bursts and gravitational waves, yet the initial phase of low-energy emission has remained largely unexplored. For the short gamma-ray burst GRB 250704B (duration ~0.4 s), the Einstein Probe telescope detected a record-long (~560 s) and soft X-ray burst immediately following the gamma-ray event. This component is interpreted as a distinctive stage of prompt X-ray emission, previously unconfirmed for short GRBs. The discovery shows that extended soft X-ray emission is likely a typical signature of mergers and a valuable electromagnetic indicator of gravitational-wave sources, opening new frontiers for multi-messenger observations.
The Einstein Probe space telescope detected a celestial storm: after a short (0.4-second) gamma-ray burst — a cosmic lightning bolt — came a long roll of X-ray thunder. It lasted nearly 10 minutes. This is the first direct proof that such explosions leave a lingering X-ray afterglow. These events are caused by collisions of neutron stars or black holes. The impact produces an instantaneous gamma-ray flash, and then the crash site continues to emit soft X-rays for a long time. This tail not only tells us about the merger details — it helps locate the source, even after the gravitational waves, the tremors of space, have subsided. But the biggest surprise is the power. In those same 10 minutes, this X-ray echo releases as much energy as hundreds of billions of Suns shining at once.
🎯 In 10 minutes, this X-ray signal releases energy equivalent to the luminosity of hundreds of billions of Suns.