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Description

computer simulation of particle distribution
Movie (1 MB)

AUDIO:
None.

VIDEO:
This computer simulation shows the distribution of relativistic particles (moving near light speed) in the jet as it breaks out of the star. Yellow and orange are very high energy and will ultimately make a gamma-ray burst, but only for an observer looking along the jet (+/- about 5 degrees). Note also the presence of some small amount of energy in mildly relativistic matter (blue) at larger angles off the jet. These will produce X-ray flashes that may be much more frequently seen.

 

A service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC), Dr. Andy Ptak (Director), within the Astrophysics Science Division (ASD) at NASA/GSFC

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Goddard