News by Levels · Level 1 · Student worksheet

Astronomers Study a Flash and a Bright Glow

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

A space telescope detected a flash from a distant explosion on March 10. The flash did not seem very strong. But the light that came after it became unusually bright.

Scientists think they may have viewed the explosion from the side. They say this could help explain the difference between the first flash and the later glow.

Source: University of Rome Tor Vergata via Phys.org, 2026-10-29. https://phys.org/news/2026-10-modest-gamma-ray-dazzling-afterglow.html

Read and practise

1. What happened after the first flash?

   1. A later light became unusually bright
   2. A later light faded quickly and disappeared
   3. The later glow stayed as faint as the first flash

2. What do scientists think may explain the difference?

   1. They may have viewed the explosion from the side
   2. They may have viewed the centre of its jet directly
   3. The glow came before the first flash

Your turn

How did the later glow differ from the flash, and what possible explanation do scientists give?

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/gamma-ray-burst-side-view-bright-afterglow-october-2026/level-1/