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gamma ray
(redirected from Gamma-ray)

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gamma ray

Penetrating very short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation, similar to an X-ray but of higher energy, that is emitted spontaneously by some radioactive substances (see gamma decay; radioactivity). Gamma radiation also originates in the decay of certain subatomic particles and in particle-antiparticle annihilation (see also antimatter). Gamma rays can initiate nuclear fission, can be absorbed by ejection of an electron (see photoelectric effect), and can be scattered by free electrons (see Compton effect).

gamma ray [′gam·ə ‚rā]
(nuclear physics)
A high-energy photon, especially as emitted by a nucleus in a transition between two energy levels.
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Fermi has detected more than a thousand point sources and hundreds of gamma-ray bursts, but the satellite also detects a broad glow that roughly follows the plane of our galaxy.
Gamma rays from "star factories" in galaxies other than Milky Way ... by Asian News International
The most powerful explosions in the universe are brilliant flashes of light called gamma-ray bursts.
Watching deep-space fireworks by Ornes, Stephen / Science News for Kids
The US space agency's Fermi telescope has detected a massive explosion in space which scientists say is the biggest-ever gamma-ray burst, a report in Science Express said.
Huge gamma-ray blast spotted in space by AFP / AFP Global Edition
 
 
 
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