Future Innovations in Gamma Rays Science Analysis Group
(FIG-SAG)



Website: https://pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov/sags/figsag.php.

I serve as a co-chair of the Future Innovations in Gamma Rays Science Analysis Group (FIG-SAG), a collective effort to chart the course for the next decades of space-based gamma-ray astronomy. Our goal is to identify the key science questions and technological advancements, focusing on how gamma rays can provide unique insights into astrophysical phenomena and fundamental physics. FIG-SAG is assessing the capabilities needed to advance these investigations, both independently and in the context of the broader astrophysical community.

This initiative is particularly important now, as many of the current gamma-ray missions are nearing the end of their lifetimes. We will produce a report outlining the current status of space-based gamma-ray astronomy and the community's needs to ensure the future of the field. This report is scheduled to be submitted to NASA HQ by fall 2025.

I warmly invite anyone at any career stage interested in contributing to the future of gamma-ray science to join us. FIG-SAG is an open, collaborative group, and we welcome new perspectives and ideas. You can stay informed by subscribing to the FIG SAG News and Announcements E-mail list and participating in our Slack Workspace.

An animated all-sky map from the OSO-3 mission in 1968, CGRO/COMPTEL (2000), CGRO/EGRET (2000), and Fermi-LAT (2020).
Image Description: Animated Evolution of All-Sky Gamma-Ray Maps Across Different Missions.

The animation shows the progression of all-sky gamma-ray maps from various space missions. Each map highlights different energy ranges of gamma rays captured by instruments launched between 1968 and 2013. The visual provides a comparison of the improvement in angular and energy resolution across the decades.
1968 - OSO-3 (Orbiting Solar Observatory) at ~50 MeV.
2000 - COMPTEL (onboard CGRO) at 1-30 MeV.
2000 - EGRET (onboard CGRO) above 100 MeV.
2008 - LAT (onboard Fermi) above 500 MeV.
Final Message: After the animation, there's a call to action: "Join FIG-SAG"; an invitation to engage with the Future Innovations in Gamma Rays Science Analysis Group.

Credit: NASA/HEASARC/Fermi-LAT Collaboration/M. Crnogorčević.