Hobbies And Interests
History
The Earth's atmosphere absorbs most of the gamma rays coming from space, so gamma-ray astronomy did not develop until the ability to put gamma-ray telescopes above all or most of the atmosphere was developed. In 1961, the first gamma-ray telescope was carried into space by the Explorer XI.
Facts
Gamma rays are a high-energy form of light produced when energetic forces accelerate electrons and send them racing through space. The hottest regions of the universe and events such as supernova explosions or decay of radioactive material generate gamma rays.
Function
Gamma-ray telescopes collect information from celestial objects such as solar flares, supernovae, neutron stars, black holes and active galaxies by capturing images of the gamma rays they emit.
Features
Celestial images are captured using the Compton scattering process, in which a gamma ray strikes an electron and bounces off of it.
Significance
Gamma-ray telescopes are important instruments in helping scientists examine celestial bodies and understand how matter and radiation interact with each other.