A photon that challenges Einstein: According to current physics, it should never have reached Earth
Astrophysicists have identified a high-energy photon from a gamma-ray burst that challenges current models of physics. The particle's energy levels suggest that spacetime may behave differently than predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity.
Why it matters
Potential discovery of new physics could fundamentally change our understanding of the universe and the nature of spacetime.
by National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF)
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Artist’s impression of a beam of ultra-high-energy photons emitted by GRB 221009A travelling through quantum spacetime. Credits: INAF / Giorgio Galanti / AI-generated How did a photon survive a journey of more than 2 billion light-years when, according to known physics, it should have been absorbed long before reaching Earth? This is the question at the heart of a new study by Giorgio Galanti (INAF) and Marco Roncadelli (INFN), accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in