"For the sage, time is only of significance in that within it the steps of becoming can unfold in clearest sequence."
— I Ching
I was busy in Michigan this week...didn't notice the big glow in the sky LOL...
But here's a several billion year old gamma burst that occured well before the Earth existed!
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/21mar_nakedeye.htm?list880574
Astrophotography equipment