X-ray flash (astronomy)

In astronomy, an X-ray flash (XRF) is a type of transient astronomical event characterized by the brief emission of X-rays. X-ray flashes are often associated with the explosive emissions from astrophysical phenomena, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) or the collapse of massive stars leading to supernovae. X-ray flashes are typically shorter than gamma-ray bursts and are believed to be among the early signatures of such explosive events, often occurring before the more energetic gamma rays.