The BOAT: A Cosmic Firework Like No Other The Hubble Space Telescope captured the infrared afterglow (circled) of the gamma-ray burst known as GRB 221009A and its host galaxy.

The top panel shows the power-law evolution of the energy of gamma-ray line in GRB 221009A, while the prompt emission and afterglow are plotted in the bottom panel.

A large team has used the JWST to study the afterglow of GRB 221009A’s supernova for signs of something out of the box that could be responsible.

JWST detection of a supernova associated with GRB 221009A without an r-process signature. Nature Astronomy, 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02237-4 ...

However this GRB, dubbed GRB 221009A, was deemed so exceptional that astronomers said it was the brightest of all time (Boat) since the beginning of human civilisation.

Scientists didn't miss the BOAT The BOAT, officially designated GRB 221009A, was first spotted on Oct. 9, 2022, and it immediately stood out from other GRBs due to its extreme nature.

GRB 221009A is the brightest GRB ever observed and was found to be initiated by the collapse of a massive star, which is more than 20 times heavier than the Sun when its nuclear fuel ran out.

Eventually the afterglow fades away over days or years. Astronomers captured the prompt signal of GRB 221009A with multiple telescopes, and the afterglow across more than 100 other detectors.

Not only was its initial burst unusually bright, but GRB 221009A also exhibited a long afterglow, which persisted for months. RELATED: So, Um, Maybe the Sun *Will* Eventually Swallow the Earth.

“GRB 221009A represents a massive step forward in our understanding of gamma-ray bursts, and demonstrates that the most extreme explosions do not obey the standard physics assumed for garden ...