Summary:
- Astronomers have traced a massive cosmic explosion back to 12 billion years ago, making it the most distant event where we can directly see light escaping from around stars.
- This explosion, known as a gamma-ray burst, is believed to have been caused by the collapse of a massive star into a black hole, releasing a powerful jet of energy.
- The observation of this ancient event provides valuable insights into the early universe and the formation of the first stars and galaxies, helping scientists better understand the evolution of the cosmos.