The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is a space-based observatory launched in 2008 to study the universe’s most energetic phenomena. It detects gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light, originating from sources like black holes, neutron stars, supernovae, and distant galaxies. By capturing these gamma rays, Fermi helps scientists understand cosmic events and the nature of extreme objects, shedding light on fundamental questions about the universe’s origin and behavior. It provides critical data that ground-based telescopes cannot observe due to Earth's atmosphere blocking gamma rays.