In October 2022, the strongest gamma-ray burst ever detected, GRB 221009A, occurred in a distant galaxy and had a measurable impact on Earth’s atmosphere. Gamma-ray bursts are some of the most energetic events in space, releasing more radiation in a few seconds than the sun does in its entire lifetime. They are caused by either supernovae or collisions of neutron stars. GRB 221009A was detected by NASA’s Fermi and Swift space telescopes and the Chinese High Altitude Air Shower Observatory. Despite occurring two billion light-years away, the gamma-ray burst had an unusually high energy upon arrival on Earth due to its radiation cone being directed towards our solar system.
Researchers from the University of L’Aquila have published a study in Nature Communications that investigates whether the gamma-ray burst had any impact on Earth’s atmosphere, specifically the ionosphere. The ionosphere is a layer of the atmosphere that is important for satellite communication and radio waves. The researchers analyzed data from various satellites and the European Space Agency’s Integral space telescope and found that GRB 221009A significantly affected the conductivity of ionization in the ionosphere. The arrival of the high-energy radiation caused a significant increase in ionized particles in the affected layer of the atmosphere, which in turn had a profound effect on the electric field of that region.
The study shows that even very distant cosmic events can have an impact on Earth. The effects of GRB 221009A demonstrate that such an explosion can cause significant disruptions in Earth’s atmosphere, even if it occurs at the other end of our galaxy. In extreme cases, not only the ionosphere but also the ozone layer, which is crucial for protection against ultraviolet radiation, could be affected. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the potential impact of cosmic events on Earth’s atmosphere and the need for continued research in this area.
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