Do We Use Astronomical Gamma-Ray Detectors on Earth's Surface

question 37

Multiple Choice

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

• A) No. The atmosphere blocks all gamma rays from space. Thus, we cannot use gamma-ray detectors on Earth's surface.
• B) Yes. Gamma rays have a narrow "window" through Earth's atmosphere. So we 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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Definitions:

Uracil

A nitrogenous base found in RNA, where it pairs with adenine and replaces thymine during RNA synthesis.

DNA

DNA is the molecule responsible for carrying the genetic blueprints essential for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all recognized living beings and numerous viruses.

Noncoding Sequences

Regions of DNA that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression and have roles in the genome's structure and function.

Introns

Non-coding sequences of DNA within a gene that are removed during RNA processing before translation into proteins.