Long-lived gamma ray burst could signal a new kind of cosmic catastrophe.

The article discusses the unusual gamma ray burst (GRB) known as GRB 250702B, which was detected by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope on July 2, 2023, and lasted approximately 7 hours, significantly longer than typical GRBs. Researchers are exploring various theories regarding its origin, including the possibility of a black hole consuming a star from within, as well as interactions with other black holes. Observations from multiple telescopes indicate that the burst's afterglow originated from a distant galaxy, leading to speculation about the nature of the black hole involved and the mechanisms behind the burst's prolonged duration. The scientific community remains uncertain about the definitive explanation, emphasizing the need for further research and observation. [Extracted from the article]