Gamma-ray burst charged Earth’s ionosphere from 2 billion light-years away

A gamma-ray burst from 2 billion light-years away charged Earth's ionosphere, impacting its top-side layer. The phenomenon was observed by the China Seismo Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES). The connection between gamma-ray bursts and ionosphere disturbances was unexpected but supported by data analysis from CSES and ESA's Integral space telescope. While the specific events generating the gamma-ray burst are unknown, the research suggests that even distant events can cause disturbances in the ionosphere, which raises concerns about potential damage to the Earth's ozone layer.