Cos-B Galactic gamma-ray map

The Galaxy's gamma-ray emission, as mapped by ESA's Cos-B. Launched 9 August 1975, Cos-B provided the first complete galactic survey in high-energy gamma-rays. Before this, the gamma-ray Universe had largely been invisible to astronomers. Designed for a 1-2 year life, it operated successfully until April 1982. [Image Date: 12-04-90] [90.04.013-001]