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Gamma-Ray Astronomy

The study of the most energetic wavelength, or frequency, of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma-rays have wavelengths smaller than 10^-11 meters and frequencies greater than 10^20 Hz. They can be quite harmful to life because they are strong enough to ionize atoms and thus destroy cells. Fortunately, Earth’s atmosphere shields us from most astronomical gamma-ray radiation.

Radio Programs

Gamma-Ray Bursts Giant cosmic “death rays” August 14, 2019

Lightning Lightning’s “cosmic” connection June 29, 2019

Magnetars A stellar corpse to avoid March 5, 2019

Arthur Compton From cosmic rays to gamma rays September 10, 2017

Fast Bursts Explaining a new kind of outburst January 18, 2017

Dark Downtown? The glow of the galaxy’s busy downtown August 16, 2016

Gamma-Ray Bursts The long and short of gamma-ray bursts April 18, 2016

Featured Images

Artist's concept of Fermi bubbles

Blowing Bubbles July 20, 2015
X-ray view of a gamma-ray burst

Zapping Earth March 26, 2013
HESS telescopes in Namibia, which study the gamma-ray universe

Extreme Telescope November 8, 2012