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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

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

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

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