Do Gamma-Ray Bursts Travel Faster Than Light?

Discover the truth about gamma-ray bursts and their speed in the universe. Learn how they compare to the speed of light.

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Gamma-ray bursts are among the most energetic events in the universe but they do not travel faster than light. Nothing exceeds the speed of light in a vacuum, which remains the ultimate speed limit of the universe.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are gamma-ray bursts? Gamma-ray bursts are extremely energetic explosions in distant galaxies, often associated with supernovae and black holes.
  2. What is the speed of light? The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282 miles per second), and it's the fastest speed at which information can travel.
  3. Can anything travel faster than light? According to our current understanding of physics, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum.
  4. How do gamma-ray bursts affect Earth? While gamma-ray bursts are immensely powerful, most are too far away to impact Earth, but a nearby burst could have devastating effects on our atmosphere.