H.E.S.S. gamma ray telescope got an image of the moon

In summary, while ground-based gamma ray telescopes can be useful in mapping the surface of a planet, they are not as effective as space-based gamma ray telescopes.
  • #1
Noduagga
24
1
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moon_egret.jpg

Can we use better telescopes of this type (ground based gamma rays telescopes) to image the surface and subsurface of a planet with a lot of resolution?
 
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  • #2
That is from Egret, not Hess.

It took 3 years to make that image. That tells you how difficult it would be to get a better image.
 
  • #3
Noduagga said:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Moon_egret.jpg

Can we use better telescopes of this type (ground based gamma rays telescopes) to image the surface and subsurface of a planet with a lot of resolution?

you will find there's a lack of ground based gamma telescopes for a good reason. You don't get to see the original gamma photons as they are stopped by the atmosphere, fortunately for life on earth. Rather you get to see showers of secondary lower energy gamma photons after the originators collide with particles in the atmosphere.
Hence, if you want to see the original source gamma rays, you must do so from space ... i.e. from orbitDave
 
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  • #4
davenn said:
you will find there's a lack of ground based gamma telescopes for a good reason. You don't get to see the original gamma photons as they are stopped by the atmosphere, fortunately for life on earth. Rather you get to see showers of secondary lower energy gamma photons after the originators collide with particles in the atmosphere.
Hence, if you want to see the original source gamma rays, you much do so from space ... i.e. from orbitDave
Well i don't mind if we can use this secondary particles to map the surface of a planet. Can we?
 
  • #5
Noduagga said:
Well i don't mind if we can use this secondary particles to map the surface of a planet. Can we?

but do they have any idea of the origin direction of the source gamma ray when the angle of the shower particles are so spread out ?

As of yet, I haven't seen anything in print to that effect ... open to links for such:smile:

Dave

PS. lots more reading
The four telescopes in the VERITAS array each provide a different view of an air shower, providing a better fix on the direction of the incoming gamma ray.

emphasis on the words "better fix" so that does help narrow down the source direction a bit
 
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Related to H.E.S.S. gamma ray telescope got an image of the moon

1. What is H.E.S.S. gamma ray telescope?

H.E.S.S. (High Energy Stereoscopic System) is a ground-based gamma ray telescope located in Namibia. It is designed to detect very high energy gamma rays from celestial sources such as supernova remnants, active galactic nuclei, and pulsars.

2. How did H.E.S.S. get an image of the moon?

H.E.S.S. was able to capture an image of the moon by detecting the high energy gamma rays produced by cosmic rays interacting with the lunar surface. These gamma rays were then collected and analyzed by the telescope's detectors, resulting in a detailed image of the moon's surface.

3. What is the significance of H.E.S.S. capturing an image of the moon?

The image captured by H.E.S.S. provides valuable insights into the composition and structure of the moon's surface. It can also help us better understand the processes that are responsible for producing high energy gamma rays on the lunar surface.

4. How does H.E.S.S. differ from other telescopes that have captured images of the moon?

H.E.S.S. is specifically designed to detect high energy gamma rays, whereas other telescopes, such as optical telescopes, primarily capture images in the visible light spectrum. This allows H.E.S.S. to provide a unique and complementary perspective on the moon's surface.

5. What are the potential future applications of H.E.S.S.'s moon image?

The image captured by H.E.S.S. can be used to study the moon's geological features and determine the distribution of elements on its surface. It can also aid in the planning of future space missions and the development of new techniques for detecting high energy gamma rays in other environments.

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