No Obvious Objects Produce Gamma Rays

AI Thread Summary
Fermi's observations reveal gamma rays originating from areas in the sky without identifiable sources, prompting speculation about potential exotic explanations like dark matter. David Thompson, Fermi's Deputy Project Scientist, emphasizes the need to explore all possibilities before concluding. The ongoing mission aims to uncover the origins of these mysterious gamma rays, which remain unexplained. Participants in the discussion express concern that the thread title misrepresents the findings, suggesting a need for clarification. The conversation highlights the complexities of gamma-ray astronomy and the challenges in identifying their sources.
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http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/18oct_600mysteries/

"Fermi sees gamma rays coming from directions in the sky where there are no obvious objects likely to produce gamma rays," says David Thompson, Fermi Deputy Project Scientist from Goddard Space Flight Center.

"Of course we're hoping for something really exotic like dark matter, but we have to look first at all the other options," says Thompson. "Fermi is an ongoing mission. We'll continue to search for answers to these puzzles and perhaps turn up even more surprises."


Respectfully submitted,
Steve
 
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Your thread title alters the meaning of what was said drastically. I would interpret your phrase, "no obvious objects produce gamma rays," to mean, "we can think of anything astrophysical that would be a source of gamma rays." That's not true.

What they were actually saying was, "sometimes we see gamma rays coming from places in the sky where there is no sign of any source that is emitting them." In other words, "we can't figure where these particular gamma rays are coming from."
 
cepheid said:
Your thread title alters the meaning of what was said drastically. I would interpret your phrase, "no obvious objects produce gamma rays," to mean, "we can think of anything astrophysical that would be a source of gamma rays." That's not true.

What they were actually saying was, "sometimes we see gamma rays coming from places in the sky where there is no sign of any source that is emitting them." In other words, "we can't figure where these particular gamma rays are coming from."

Agreed. I thought the same thing after I clicked into the thread. Very misleading.
 
Kronos5253 said:
Agreed. I thought the same thing after I clicked into the thread. Very misleading.

Agreed. The title needs needs some tweaking.

Respectfully, Steve
 
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