Gamma-Ray flare detected by India’s MACE telescope is older than Earth

Indian scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting a powerful gamma-ray flare from a distant galaxy that predates the formation of Earth. This observation was made using the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope, located in Hanle, Ladakh, and inaugurated on October 4.

The MACE telescope, perched 4.3 km above sea level, captured the high-energy burst from a source situated 8 billion light-years away. The flare's light has been traveling through space for billions of years, reaching Earth from a time when the universe was less than half its current age—long before Earth even existed. This makes the flare significantly older than our planet, which scientists estimate formed about 4.5 billion years ago.

Gamma-ray bursts are the most intense explosions in the universe, typically occurring when massive stars collapse or black holes merge. These cosmic events are among the brightest phenomena in space, and this particular flare gives scientists valuable insights into the early universe.

The MACE telescope, unique for its focus on cosmic phenomena like supernovae, black holes, and dark matter, is the largest telescope in Asia and the highest in the world. With 356 mirror panels, a 21-meter diameter, and a weight of 180 tons, MACE also boasts a 1200-kilogram high-resolution imaging camera, making it a powerful tool for observing the farthest reaches of space.

This discovery highlights the telescope’s capability to uncover celestial events that shed light on the universe's past, offering a glimpse into cosmic history from a time long before our planet's formation.