Gamma-Ray Telescope to Open New Window on Cosmic Explosions [News]
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 16:56
in Astronomy & Space
NASA on Saturday is set to launch the next generation of space-based gamma-ray detectors. If all goes as planned, GLAST--for Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope--will within months begin to send back detailed, real-time data on the most energetic explosions and flare-ups the cosmos has to offer.You may think of gamma rays as tools for scorching tumors or maybe as the stuff of comic book and TV lore that blasted mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner and turned him into the Incredible Hulk. In fact, gamma rays are very high energy x-rays produced when powerful energetic forces strongly accelerate electrons and send them hurtling through space. [More]