An instance of one near Earth would probably destroy us all.
Experiments currently studying these phenomena include Konus on Wind and a namesake Coordinates Network that continuously searches for them. These entities are often found in conjunction with type Ic ["one-C"] supernovae. Theories of their origins include the evaporation of primordial black holes, and their distribution can be explained by the collapsar model. In 2005, the first short one was observed, and that one was probably caused by the collision of two neutron stars. The satellite BeppoSAX played a role in mapping their distribution and location, which were first observed by Vela Satellites. They have a characteristic afterglow and are the most luminous phenomena in the universe. An instance of one near Earth would probably destroy us all. For 10 points, high-energy discharges of a namesake part of the electromagnetic spectrum characterize what events?
Experiments currently studying these phenomena include Konus on Wind and a namesake Coordinates Network that continuously searches for them.
gamma-ray bursts [accept grbs or gamma-ray bursters]