Word: gamma
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Call it an unexpected bonus from the cold war. During top-secret monitoring of the dark side of the moon 25 years ago, U.S. scientists discovered what they feared might be clandestine Soviet nuclear tests in space. Spy satellites picked up massive bursts of gamma rays similar to those released during the explosion of atom bombs. But these bursters, as gamma-ray scientists began to call them, did not match any known pattern. They were brief, lasting from only a fraction of a second up to 100 seconds. Civilian experts were called in to study the data, and the Soviet...
Cover: Computer-enhanced photograph by Eric Bouvet -- Gamma Liaison...
Cover: Photograph by Peter Kurz -- Gamma Liaison...
...long, 6-ft.-high machines generate a cloud of neutrons that penetrate the luggage. These combine with the nitrogen in plastic explosives to generate gamma rays; an array of detectors identifies the substance. But other items containing nitrogen, including wool sweaters and padded ski boots, can set off warnings. The manufacturer, Science Applications International Corp. of San Diego, says the false alarms can be reduced with further experience. At the moment, says FAA administrator James Busey, "we have no other system available...
Cover: Photograph by Eric Bouvet -- Gamma Liaison...