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Telescopes from the Ground Up

Gamma Rays

Light with the shortest wavelengths and the highest energies and frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum; also called gamma radiation. Gamma rays are produced by violent events such as supernova explosions. They are also produced by the decay of radioactive materials. Gamma rays can kill living cells, so it is good that Earth's atmosphere can stop them. Gamma radiation is used in medicine to kill cancer cells.

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