Unveiling the Cosmos: Einstein Probe Detects Rare, Prolonged Soft X-ray Event in Outer Space

Beijing, China — In a groundbreaking observation, the Einstein Probe’s Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) has recorded a rare celestial phenomenon. On March 15, 2024, the spacecraft detected soft X-rays from an event lasting over 17 minutes. This occurrence, designated as EP240315a, displayed remarkable fluctuations in brightness before eventually dimming, capturing the attention of the global astronomical community. The detection marks a significant milestone in understanding fast X-ray transients (FXRTs), a type of event characterized by …

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NASA’s Mini Marvel: BurstCube Detects Monumental Gamma-Ray Burst from the Depths of Space

GREENBELT, Md. — NASA’s small but mighty BurstCube, a satellite no larger than a shoebox, has achieved a significant milestone by capturing its first gamma-ray burst, an intense cosmic explosion second only to the Big Bang in terms of energy magnitude. Launched from the International Space Station on April 18, the satellite detected the burst, designated GRB 240629A, in the southern constellation Microscopium on June 29. The success of BurstCube is not just a technical …

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