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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

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

Fermi Bubbles Blowing bubbles in the Milky Way July 19, 2015

African Astronomy III Blue flashes from the distant universe March 26, 2015

WIMP-y Glow Bright evidence of dark matter July 29, 2014

VERITAS Sparks from extreme cosmic environments November 8, 2012

Namibian Astronomy II Strange eyes on the gamma-ray sky November 7, 2012

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