Neha BaruahOn October 4, 2024, the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh, standing at an impressive altitude of 4.3 km above sea level. This makes it the highest telescope of its kind in the world. The MACE telescope features a massive 21-meter-wide dish, the largest in Asia, and is the result of collaboration among leading Indian research institutions.
Understanding Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. They have the shortest wavelengths and the highest energy levels in the electromagnetic spectrum. Each gamma ray carries over 100,000 electron volts (eV) of energy, whereas visible light photons only carry between 1.63 to 3.26 eV. Due to their high energy, gamma rays are invisible to the human eye.
Origins of Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are produced by various cosmic events and objects. These include phenomena such as pulsars, supernovae, and black holes. They are also emitted during intense gamma-ray bursts, which release enormous amounts of gamma radiation into space.
The Earth’s Atmospheric Shield
The Earth’s atmosphere acts as a protective barrier against gamma rays. This natural shield helps prevent the harmful effects of gamma radiation on living organisms. Gamma rays, due to their high energy, can damage cellular structures and DNA. As a result, astronomers typically rely on space-based observatories to study these rays.
Detecting Gamma Rays on Earth
While space-based observatories are the traditional method for detecting gamma rays, ground-based techniques have also proven effective. When gamma rays collide with molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere, they produce electron-positron pairs. These charged particles travel faster than the speed of light in air, creating detectable signals.
Cherenkov Radiation: A Key to Detection
The interaction between gamma rays and atmospheric molecules produces Cherenkov radiation, which manifests as faint blue light. This light resembles the violet and blue light in the visible spectrum and spreads across a large area, creating an ideal zone for detection.
MACE: A Cutting-Edge Tool for Gamma Ray Research
MACE is an Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope (IACT) designed to capture Cherenkov radiation. By collecting and analyzing this radiation, MACE enables astronomers to gain valuable insights into high-energy gamma rays and deepen our understanding of various cosmic phenomena.
Neha Baruah
