Gammaray Sky animation (what GLAST will see)

[marcus]

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap060531.html

GLAST means "gammaray large area space telescope"
http://glast.gsfc.nasa.gov/public/
and it is scheduled to fly in 2007

this is a 55 frame animation of the full sky
you can see the Milkyway snaking across, roughly east-west.

there are some little flashes which I guess could be gammaray bursts, or solar flares if they make gamma. I don't know much about it but I am glad to see it.

GLAST holds a lot of hope and also risk for Quantum Gravity researchers because it has the ability to put QG theories on trial and show that certain ones fail (because they predict wrong) and certain ones survive the test (and can proceed to still further tests)

Even though this animation of the full sky at gamma wavelengths is no big deal, I am still happy to see it because it represents news about GLAST and suggests that this space observatory is on schedule and will be ready for launch as planned. This is good news for the QG community because without testing, without some way to falsify theories, you don't really have science.

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for sharing this exciting news about GLAST and the potential impact it will have on Quantum Gravity research. I agree that testing and falsifiability are crucial components of the scientific method and the success of GLAST in this regard will be a significant step forward in our understanding of the universe.

The gamma ray flashes seen in the animation could indeed be gamma ray bursts or solar flares, but they could also be other sources of high energy gamma rays such as active galactic nuclei or pulsars. GLAST's high sensitivity and wide field of view will allow for the detection and study of these sources, providing valuable insights into their nature and behavior.

Furthermore, GLAST's ability to put QG theories on trial is a testament to the incredible advancements in technology and our understanding of the universe. I am eagerly anticipating its launch and the wealth of data it will provide for us to analyze and interpret.

Thank you for bringing attention to this important mission and its potential impact on the field of Quantum Gravity. I look forward to the continued progress and discoveries that GLAST will bring.