A brief, intense transient of gamma-ray emission from an astrophysical source. Short bursts include events powered by compact-star mergers, while many long bursts are associated with massive-star collapse. Jet structure and viewing geometry affect observed luminosities. GW170817 connected one short burst directly to a neutron-star merger.
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A gamma-ray burst (GRB) is an extremely energetic explosion that occurs in distant galaxies, characterized by the emission of intense gamma rays. These bursts are among the most luminous events known in the universe and can release more energy in a few seconds than the Sun will emit over its entire 10-billion-year lifetime.