gamma-ray astronomy

[ gam-uh-rey ]

noun

1. the branch of astronomy that deals with the study of celestial objects by means of the gamma rays that come from them.

gamma-ray astronomy

noun

1. the investigation of cosmic gamma rays, such as those from quasars

gamma ray astronomy

1. The study of astronomical objects by analyzing the gamma rays they emit. Because gamma rays are subject to atmospheric interference that makes them difficult to observe using ground-based telescopes, high-altitude balloons and orbiting observatories are often used to detect them. Most gamma rays in the universe are produced by events such as supernovas and black holes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamma-ray astronomy¹

First recorded in 1960–1965