NASA’s Fermi Space Telescope is a mission that enables astronomers to study the universe at gamma-ray wavelengths, offering insights into some of the most energetic and extreme phenomena in the cosmos. The night sky is filled with a dazzling display of cosmic fireworks that are invisible to the naked eye. However, thanks to the Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, we can witness these breathtaking phenomena. 

An animation has been created that showcases the frenzied activity of the gamma-ray sky, which was recorded by the LAT over a year-long period from February 2022 to February 2023, according to SciTechDaily. The animation features pulsing circles, which represent just a fraction of the more than 1,500 light curves collected by the LAT over the course of almost 15 years in space. These light curves provide records of how the sources in the gamma-ray sky change in brightness over time, revealing a wealth of information about the nature and behavior of these fascinating phenomena.

In addition to its ability to observe the universe at gamma-ray wavelengths, there are several other important things to keep in mind about the Fermi Space Telescope.

Firstly, the telescope is a multi-purpose observatory capable of conducting a range of scientific studies beyond gamma-ray astronomy. For example, it has also been used to study the composition of the Earth’s upper atmosphere, to search for evidence of dark matter, and to detect high-energy particles from the sun and beyond.

Secondly, the Fermi Space Telescope is a collaborative effort, with contributions from scientists and institutions around the world. The telescope is operated by NASA, but it also involves partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy, international space agencies, and research organizations.

The Fermi telescope is designed to detect high-energy gamma rays, which are produced by sources such as supernova explosions, black holes, and pulsars.

Fermi’s observations have contributed significantly to our understanding of these phenomena and have provided crucial data for researchers studying the nature of dark matter and the history of the universe.

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