NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope Begins Extended Mission

After celebrating its first 5 years in service, NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope prepares to extend its mission of exploration of the universe. This next phase of exploration for FERMI will encompass a deeper study of the high-energy cosmos.

Up to now FERMI has provided astronomers with information helping them construct a highly detailed portrait of the universe’s most extraordinary phenomena. According to NASA, this exploration and information has run the gambit from “giant black holes in the hearts of distant galaxies to thunderstorms on Earth.”

Watch this NASA Fermi video below for a recap of its first 5 years of space exploration and discoveries:

Unlike our human eyes, Fermi is able to see the universe through eyes able to see gamma rays, the most energetic form of light. In this light, Fermi can see and help scientists study rapidly rotating neutron stars called pulsars, as well as jets of energy blasted out of supermassive black holes in young distant galaxies.

“As Fermi opens its second act, both the spacecraft and its instruments remain in top-notch condition and the mission is delivering outstanding science,” said Paul Hertz, director of NASA’s astrophysics division in Washington.

As of last month, FERMI has embarked on the second half of what scientists hope will continue to be a highly successful 10 year mission of astronomical observation and exploration. If all goes well, perhaps the mission could even reach beyond its 2018 end date.

Additional images, video and information on FERMI is available online from NASA at: http://www.nasa.gov/fermi