The NASA Energetic Compton Gamma Ray CGRO Experiment Telescope EGRET Patch is a collectible item that commemorates the CGRO experiment and the contributions of astronauts and space travel to the NASA program. This patch is a symbol of the space program and its dedication to exploring the mysteries of space through innovative technology and research. Perfect for enthusiasts of historical memorabilia and space exploration, this patch celebrates the achievements of NASA astronauts and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge in the cosmos.

It is a new patch with 2 squiggle lines on back as seen in pictures but these don’t comprise the patch at all.

Symbolism and Mission

The Bird (Egret): The patch features a Great Egret bird, serving as a visual play on the instrument's acronym, EGRET.

The Satellite: The illustration next to the bird depicts the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which carried the EGRET instrument.

Mission Goal: Launched in April 1991 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis (mission STS-37), the observatory's purpose was to search for high-energy celestial gamma-ray emissions that cannot penetrate Earth's atmosphere.

Scientific Significance

EGRET was the "highest energy" window for the observatory, detecting gamma rays in the range of 20 MeV to 30 GeV. Its major contributions included:

NASA's HEASARC (.gov)

NASA's HEASARC (.gov)

All-Sky Map:

It produced the first sensitive all-sky map of high-energy gamma-ray emission, discovering 271 distinct sources.

Deep Space Discoveries: It identified a new class of objects called gamma-ray emitting blazars and detected emission from pulsars, solar flares, and gamma-ray bursts.

Technical Design: It functioned as a "spark chamber" telescope, using high-voltage, gas-filled chambers to track electron-positron pairs created when gamma rays entered the instrument.

National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum

The CGRO mission concluded in June 2000 when the satellite was commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere.

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