The burst is a flash of high-energy light , and this particular one lasted for less than two-tenths of a second , which is why it 's considered `` short duration . '' Scientists studied a gamma - ray burst associated with it . The burst was 3.9 million light - years away from Earth . This burst resulted from the collision of two neutron stars . Astronomer says such a burst can produce energy equivalent to 10 moon masses .
Scientists studied a gamma - ray burst associated with it . The burst was 3.9 million light - years away from Earth . This burst resulted from the collision of two neutron stars . Astronomer says such a burst can produce energy equivalent to 10 moon masses .