Update: Possible 'Nearby' Gamma Ray Burst Alert Was False Alarm

By Nancy Atkinson May 28, 2014
Update: Possible 'Nearby' Gamma Ray Burst Alert Was False Alarm

The dangers of instant science: #GRBM31 was a false alarm. http://t.co/RGXPpJ4bZF @Summer_Ash @mikamckinnon

The dangers of instant science: #GRBM31 was a false alarm. http://t.co/RGXPpJ4bZF @Summer_Ash @mikamckinnon

(8/15) The science 'Chain of Evidence' means, wrong analysis produces wrong numbers produces wrong conclusions #GRBm31 #doesnotexist

(8/15) The science 'Chain of Evidence' means, wrong analysis produces wrong numbers produces wrong conclusions #GRBm31 #doesnotexist

(9/15) So: Wrong X-ray brightness -> wrong conclusion abt nature of source = No GRB = No ULX. #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(9/15) So: Wrong X-ray brightness -> wrong conclusion abt nature of source = No GRB = No ULX. #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(10/15) You may ask: How could @NASASwift scientists get the brightness wrong of #GRBm31 by a factor of 300? #DoesNotExist

(10/15) You may ask: How could @NASASwift scientists get the brightness wrong of #GRBm31 by a factor of 300? #DoesNotExist

(11/15) First, @NASASwift scientists are among the best in the world. Top rated by NASA in the recent Senior Review! #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(11/15) First, @NASASwift scientists are among the best in the world. Top rated by NASA in the recent Senior Review! #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(12/15) Here, they probably relied on analysis programs which NORMALLY work. But, the programs 'glitched' #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(12/15) Here, they probably relied on analysis programs which NORMALLY work. But, the programs 'glitched' #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(13/15) Usu. other scientists would get the data and look too! BUT last night, a storm took out @NASAGoddard Internet #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(13/15) Usu. other scientists would get the data and look too! BUT last night, a storm took out @NASAGoddard Internet #GRBM31 #DoesNotExist

(14/15) With @NASAGoddard internet disrupted nobody else could analyse the #GRBM31 Data! We all relied on the @NASASwift GCN #DoesNotExist

(14/15) With @NASAGoddard internet disrupted nobody else could analyse the #GRBM31 Data! We all relied on the @NASASwift GCN #DoesNotExist

(15/15) Analysis mistake->wrong result+ @NASAGoddard Internet down->no 'second eyes' to double check->wrong conclusion #GRBm31 #DoesNotExist

(15/15) Analysis mistake->wrong result+ @NASAGoddard Internet down->no 'second eyes' to double check->wrong conclusion #GRBm31 #DoesNotExist

Nancy Atkinson

Nancy Atkinson

Nancy Atkinson is a space journalist and author with a passion for telling the stories of people involved in space exploration and astronomy. She is currently retired from daily writing, but worked at Universe Today for 20 years as a writer and editor. She also contributed articles to The Planetary Society, Ad Astra (National Space Society), New Scientist and many other online outlets.

Her 2019 book, "Eight Years to the Moon: The History of the Apollo Missions,” shares the untold stories of engineers and scientists who worked behind the scenes to make the Apollo program so successful, despite the daunting odds against it. Her first book “Incredible Stories From Space: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Missions Changing Our View of the Cosmos” (2016) tells the stories of 37 scientists and engineers that work on several current NASA robotic missions to explore the solar system and beyond.

Nancy is also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and through this program, she has the opportunity to share her passion of space and astronomy with children and adults through presentations and programs. Nancy's personal website is nancyatkinson.com