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Unusual Gamma-Ray Burst Reveals Secrets of Black Holes

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

On July 2, 2025, astronomers detected GRB 250702B, a gamma-ray burst that lasted seven hours, defying typical expectations.
The burst originated from a massive, dusty galaxy about eight billion light-years away, likely undergoing a merger.
Researchers propose that an intermediate-mass black hole, approximately 6,500 solar masses, shredded a sun-like star, generating the unusual burst.
The findings represent a significant advancement in high-energy astrophysics.

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Story summary

On July 2, 2025, astronomers detected GRB 250702B, a gamma-ray burst that lasted seven hours, defying typical expectations.
The burst originated from a massive, dusty galaxy about eight billion light-years away, likely undergoing a merger.
Researchers propose that an intermediate-mass black hole, approximately 6,500 solar masses, shredded a sun-like star, generating the unusual burst.
The findings represent a significant advancement in high-energy astrophysics.