Using GRBs to Probe the Young Universe

Using GRBs to Probe the Young Universe

TNRTB Archive – Retained for reference information

Astronomers used a gamma-ray burst (GRB) to probe the properties of the early universe and confirm the hot big bang picture, which forms the basis of RTB’s creation model. The Swift satellite measured the spectrum of a GRB explosion that occurred when the universe was only 3 billion years old. Using the spectra, scientists determined that the host galaxy of the GRB contained 1% of the fraction of metals (elements heavier than helium) comprising the sun even though the galaxy contained abundant dust. This result accords with a hot big bang model, where heavier elements are produced in multiple generations of stars that explode in supernovae events, spewing metals into the interstellar and intergalactic media. Thus, the hot big bang picture continues to pass each observational test, further strengthening RTB’s cosmic creation model.