NASA | NASA's Fermi Shows How Active Galaxies Can Be

The video discusses the Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope's role in observing gamma rays, the most energetic form of light. It highlights blazars, active galaxies powered by supermassive black holes, and their dramatic flares. Fermi has identified about 1000 gamma ray blazars, tracking their activity and alerting other telescopes to new flare-ups. The telescope's continuous observation helps build a comprehensive picture of these powerful objects' daily lives. Excitingly, nearly a third of Fermi's sources remain unconnected to known gamma ray sources, hinting at potential new discoveries.

What is the primary focus of the Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope?

• To study the sun's radiation

• To capture images of the sky in gamma rays

• To observe the moon's surface

• To monitor Earth's weather patterns

What powers the emissions of blazars?

• Supermassive black holes

• Solar flares

• Cosmic dust

• Asteroids

How do blazars sometimes outshine other gamma ray sources?

• Through gravitational lensing

• By absorbing cosmic rays

• Through intense flares

• By reflecting sunlight

What is the significance of Fermi's continuous observation of the gamma ray sky?

• It monitors ocean currents

• It predicts solar eclipses

• It helps track the activity of blazars and discover new sources

• It measures the Earth's magnetic field

What percentage of Fermi's sources cannot be linked to known gamma ray sources?

• 10%

• 20%

• 30%

• 40%