Astronomers have recently detected the longest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever observed in the universe, with the event lasting an unprecedented seven hours, or 25,000 seconds. Named GRB 250702B, this remarkable cosmic phenomenon could represent an entirely new type of stellar explosion, with scientists speculating that it may have been triggered by a black hole consuming a star. This finding drastically alters current understanding of cosmic explosions, which typically last only a few seconds to minutes.

Eliza Neights from George Washington University and NASA, who shared insights on this discovery, explained that the initial gamma-ray wave persisted for nearly twice as long as the previous record. This duration not only surprises researchers but also raises intriguing questions about the nature of such explosions and the processes behind them. The event, which occurred in the summer of 2025, is a milestone in astronomical research, prompting scientists to hypothesize various theories to explain the phenomena observed during GRB 250702B.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere observation; they challenge existing theories of stellar explosion mechanisms and offer new avenues for research into black holes and their interactions with surrounding matter. As astronomers delve deeper into analyzing this extraordinary event, it is likely to yield significant advancements in understanding the life cycles of stars and the behavior of the universe at large.