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How We Use Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are generated by nuclear explosions and some radioactive materials. Gamma rays have amazing medical applications. These high energy waves are used for radiation therapy on cancer patients because they can kill the cancer cells. Doctors can also use gamma rays for diagnostic testing by tracking radiation produced by slightly radioactive substances. In this way, doctors can see how certain organs are functioning. Gamma rays kill bacteria and are used for sterilizing surgical instruments and food.
What We Learn from Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are useful in studying very distant objects in the universe. Even events that are 12.8 billion light years away can be detected by gamma ray telescopes. Astronomers use gamma ray telescopes to study distant gamma ray bursts, the formation of black holes, and the structure of supernova explosions. Gamma rays can also be used to study the composition of planets and determine which elements they are made of. Gamma ray bursts detected in deep space can release more energy in 10 seconds than the sun will release in 10 billion years!
Gamma Ray Images
Gamma ray excess at the center of the Andromeda Galaxy
Other Info
Gamma rays have the highest frequency and most energy out of all the electromagnetic waves. They pass right through our cells and destroy the DNA stored there. This mutates cells and causes cancer. When people talk about "radiation" that comes from nuclear bombs and radioactive materials, they are talking about gamma rays.
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