[microgood]

That’s what I thought. It happened 12 billion years ago. I thought these things were supposed to be detrimental to radios etc.

Maybe we are so far away from this one that the effects are diluted. I am thinking since the universe is expanding and this is currently 12.2 billion light years, it may not be that old because it used to be closer, although I would not have any idea how to calculate such a thing.

[21twelve]

“Maybe we are so far away from this one that the effects are diluted.”

Actually - a telescope of this size “looks out” to a distance of about 3 light years. So, with this thing coming straight at us at the speed of light it will impact earth in 2012. Perhaps the Aztec WERE onto something.

...Okay - just kidding. Obviously a telescope can only observe light that is impacting its lens. (Heck - this was probably a radiotelescope anyway!) Which would work the same way.

The one I get concerned about is the satellite we have parked between us and the sun (SOHO I think it is called?)that monitors sun flares, etc. Can see the “kill shot” coming and gives us 18 minutes (or whatever) of warning.

[AvOrdVet]

I would not have any idea how to calculate such a thing.

Take a WAG or just make it up, as a lot of scientist do these days!

[samtheman]

I am thinking since the universe is expanding and this is currently 12.2 billion light years, it may not be that old because it used to be closer, although I would not have any idea how to calculate such a thing.

I don't think it matters about the expansion. If the blast is 12.2 billion light years away, and the light is reaching us now, it means it happened 12.2 billion light years ago (plus or minus our own scientific uncertainty in the measurement of how far away it is).