The first gamma ray source to be discovered was the radioactive decay process called gamma decay. In this type of decay, an excited nucleus emits a gamma ray almost immediately upon formation. See more

Gamma rays provide information about some of the most energetic phenomena in the universe; however, they are largely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. Instruments aboard high-altitude balloons and satellites missions, such as the Fermi Gamma-ray Space … See more

The following table shows radiation quantities in SI and non-SI units:
The measure of the ionizing effect of gamma and X-rays in dry air is called the exposure, for which a legacy unit, the röntgen, was used from 1928. This has been replaced by See more

Natural sources of gamma rays on Earth include gamma decay from naturally occurring radioisotopes such as potassium-40, and also as a secondary radiation from various … See more

Penetration of matter
Due to their penetrating nature, gamma rays require large amounts of shielding mass to reduce them to levels which are not harmful to living … See more

Gamma rays cause damage at a cellular level and are penetrating, causing diffuse damage throughout the body. However, they are less … See more

The conventional distinction between X-rays and gamma rays has changed over time. Originally, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by See more