Do People Use Astronomical Gamma Ray Detectors on Earth's Surface

question 119

Multiple Choice

Do people use astronomical gamma ray detectors on Earth's surface?

• A) No. The atmosphere blocks all gamma rays from space. Thus, people cannot use gamma ray detectors on Earth's surface.
• B) Yes. Gamma rays have a narrow "window" through Earth's atmosphere. So, people can detect enough of them to form images.
• C) Yes, but these detectors are actually pointed downward to detect rays coming through Earth. Only cosmic gamma rays have enough energy to penetrate Earth, which acts as a filter for gamma rays generated by terrestrial sources.
• D) Yes, but these detectors actually detect Cherenkov radiation produced by particles struck by gamma rays high in the atmosphere. Thus, the gamma ray detection is very indirect.

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