FermiLAT

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, often abbreviated as Fermi or Fermi-LAT (Large Area Telescope), is a space observatory launched by NASA on June 11, 2008. Its primary mission is to conduct a survey of the entire sky in gamma rays, the most energetic form of light. The observatory carries two main instruments: the Large Area Telescope (LAT) and the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM). The LAT is the primary instrument and is designed to detect gamma rays with energies ranging from 20 MeV to over 300 GeV, covering a vast portion of the gamma-ray spectrum. The GBM is sensitive to lower energy gamma rays and is particularly adept at detecting gamma-ray bursts.

Fermi's scientific goals are broad, aiming to explore fundamental questions in astrophysics and particle physics. These include understanding the mechanisms behind the most energetic phenomena in the universe, such as active galactic nuclei, pulsars, and supernova remnants. It also seeks to shed light on the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and to search for evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model. The observatory has already made significant contributions, including the discovery of new populations of gamma-ray sources and providing crucial data for understanding transient events like gamma-ray bursts. Fermi operates in a low Earth orbit, continuously scanning the sky as it circles the planet. The data collected by Fermi is publicly available to the scientific community, fostering a collaborative approach to astronomical research.