Most Short-Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts Likely Originate From Merging Systems Containing Neutron Stars

Astronomers suspect that most short-duration gamma-ray bursts originate from merging systems containing neutron stars, objects more massive than the Sun but as small as a city. In this illustration, a brief blast of gamma rays (magenta) arises from jets launched when the objects collide.

Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center