Which observatory discovered bursts of gamma rays from the galaxy Centaurus A?

Prepare for the Spaatz Aerospace Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Learn with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The discovery of bursts of gamma rays from the galaxy Centaurus A is attributed to the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. This telescope is specifically designed for high-energy astrophysics and has played a significant role in detecting and studying gamma-ray emissions from various cosmic sources, including Centaurus A.

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope operates in the gamma-ray spectrum of light, which allows it to observe high-energy phenomena in the universe. Centaurus A, being one of the closest active galaxies to Earth and known for its distinctive features such as a supermassive black hole at its center, emits significant gamma-ray radiation. The Fermi telescope's capability to analyze these emissions has provided valuable insights into the nature of this galaxy and has helped cement its importance in astrophysical research.

Other observatories have different focuses; for instance, the High Energy Astronomy Observatory contributed to early high-energy astrophysics but is not the one associated with recent discoveries regarding Centaurus A. The Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope, while powerful in their own right, are designed primarily for visible and infrared light observations, respectively, and do not specialize in gamma-ray astrophysics.

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