High-energy astrophysics
Abstract
The achievements of the 1970s, among them the Einstein Observatory and satellite-borne cosmic-ray detectors, are discussed, noting that gravitational-wave detectors acheived a tenfold increase in amplitude sensitivity. The Einstein Observatory has shown that X-ray astronomy is comparable to radio and optical astronomy as a source of information. If the hiatus in high-energy astronomy foreseen in the U.S. in the 1980s is not to continue into the next decade, new programs, it is stressed, must be undertaken soon. The most important project in this field now being planned is the Gamma-Ray Observatory. The recommendations for new programs made by the High Energy Astrophysics Panel are discussed. These have to do with X-ray astronomy, extreme ultraviolet astronomy, gamma-ray astronomy, cosmic-ray astronomy, and gravitational waves.
- Publication:
-
Physics Today
- Pub Date:
- November 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.2914845
- Bibcode:
- 1982PhT....35k..26C
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics;
- Cosmic Rays;
- Energetic Particles;
- Gamma Ray Astronomy;
- Gravitational Waves;
- X Ray Astronomy;
- Energy Spectra;
- Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation;
- Heao;
- High Energy Interactions;
- Radio Astronomy;
- Space Laboratories;
- Technological Forecasting;
- Space Sciences (General)