The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope, which opened on October 4, 2024, in Hanle, Ladakh, stands as the highest telescope of its kind globally, positioned 4.3 km above sea level. MACE features a massive 21-meter-wide dish, the largest in Asia. This state-of-the-art facility was developed by leading Indian research institutions to enhance the study of cosmic phenomena.
About Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelength and the most intense energy in the electromagnetic spectrum. A single gamma ray carries more than 100,000 electron volts (eV) of energy, in contrast to visible light photons, which typically range from 1.63 to 3.26 eV. Gamma rays are invisible to the human eye.
Sources Of Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are produced by a range of cosmic events, such as pulsars, supernova explosions, and black holes. They are also emitted during gamma-ray bursts, some of the most energetic and violent occurrences in the universe, which release large quantities of gamma radiation into space.
The Earth’s Atmosphere And Gamma Rays
The Earth's atmosphere acts as a protective barrier, blocking most gamma rays from reaching the surface. This shielding is vital, as gamma radiation has enough energy to damage biological cells and DNA. Traditionally, astronomers have relied on space-based observatories to study gamma rays, due to the atmosphere's blocking effect.
Detecting Gamma Rays On Earth
Although the atmosphere blocks gamma rays, ground-based detection techniques have been developed. When gamma rays interact with molecules in the atmosphere, they produce electron-positron pairs, charged particles that travel faster than light through air, creating detectable radiation.
Cherenkov Radiation
This interaction results in Cherenkov radiation, which emits faint blue light. This light, akin to violet and blue visible light, is spread over a broad area, making it easy to detect. The presence of Cherenkov radiation provides a clear signal that gamma rays have passed through the atmosphere.
MACE As A Detection Tool
MACE is an Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope (IACT), designed to capture and analyze Cherenkov radiation. By studying this radiation, MACE helps astronomers gain insights into high-energy gamma rays and the cosmic phenomena that produce them. Through this advanced detection system, MACE contributes to a deeper understanding of the universe's most energetic events.
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