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Radioactive iron, a window to the stars

25 June 2007

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The distribution of massive stars in our Galaxy, which are the likely sources of the observed gamma-rays from the isotope iron-60, is best traced by the radioactivity of aluminium-26 shown in this image from NASA's COMPTON osbervatory. Integral has made detailed observations of aluminium-26's gamma-rays. The emission from iron-60 is too faint for making images with current gamma-ray telescopes.

Credits: MPE 2001 (data: NASA COMPTON)

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The task of Integral, ESA's International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, is to gather the most energetic radiation that comes from space. The spacecraft was launched October 2002 and will help to solve some of the biggest mysteries in astronomy. Gamma rays are even more powerful than the X-rays used in medical examinations. Fortunately, the Earth's atmosphere acts as a shield to protect us from this dangerous cosmic radiation. However this means that gamma rays from space can only be detected by satellites. Integral is currently the most sensitive gamma-ray observatory ever launched. It detects radiation from the most violent events far away and from processes that made the Universe habitable.

Credits: ESA. Illustration by D. Ducros

ESA's gamma-ray astronomy mission

Gamma-ray lighthouse at the edge of our universe Integral expands our view of the gamma-ray sky Integral points to the fastest spinning neutron star Star eats companion Integral sees the Galactic centre playing hide and seek Integral catches a new erupting black hole ESA steps towards a great black hole census Where are the supermassive black holes hiding?Integral sees a GRB out of the corner of its eye Integral catches stellar 'corpses' by the tail Exceptional manoeuvres enable unique Integral science Integral identifies supernova rate for Milky Way Integral: three years of insight into the violent cosmos