[E. Pluribus Unum]

If it’s 3.5 billion light years away from us, doesn’t that mean it happened 3.5 billion years ago and the light from the event is just now getting here?

[SampleMan]

If it’s 3.5 billion light years away from us, doesn’t that mean it happened 3.5 billion years ago and the light from the event is just now getting here?

No, they are Snap Chatting it live.

[LibWhacker]

Correct. But the gravitational wave front that blew away all the stars of the galaxy like leaves in storm also has yet to arrive here (although greatly attenuated; we’re safe). Should be interesting to watch (in 100,000 years or so).

[discostu]

Think of it like when NBC does the Olympics with their “live to tape” thing. We get to watch it like it’s live, even though it’s really on delay.

[mlo]

"If it’s 3.5 billion light years away from us, doesn’t that mean it happened 3.5 billion years ago and the light from the event is just now getting here?"

Only from your frame of reference.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Kee-rect. Already happened in real-time (whatever that means) but won’t be detectable here for-—ah-— a good long while.

[Behind the Blue Wall]

Yup that was mentioned in the article.