Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are among the most energetic cosmic events since the Big Bang, releasing the most energetic type of radiation, gamma rays – the stuff that turned unassuming Bruce Banner into the rampaging Hulk, but on an astronomical, potentially planet-sterilizing level.

GRBs are classed by transience, including short-duration ones that last less than two seconds and long-duration ones that last over two seconds (possibly much longer).

The former are thought to originate from the various collisions and resultant mergers of compact celestial objects, such as neutron stars and black holes.