Highlight results from the Compton gamma-ray observatory

Astronomy is pel for med nowadays over the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma-ray energies. From the so-called <<New Astronomies>> which are performed outside the optical window, we have learnt that each spectral range provides specific information, which cannot be obtained by other means. This is also true for gamma-ray astronomy. Gamma radiation represents the most energetic part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, it provides information about the most energetic processes and phenomena in the Universe. The energy band of space-borne gamma-ray astronomy extends over more than five orders of magnitude-similar to the band from the radio to optical range. It is thus not sm pl ising that a variety of different objects and phenomena can be studied. Gamma-ray astronomy at present is experiencing a golden age. This is mainly due to the many exciting results from NASA's Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which has been in or bit for more than 4.5 years. The broad interest in this mission is remarkable. Perhaps its most important achievement is that gamma-ray astronomy has now become an integrated part of astronomy and astrophysics. One has recognized that there are objects in the Universe like radio pulsars and quasars, which do have their peak luminosities at gamma-ray energies. It is practically impossible to understand these objects without knowing their gamma-ray properties.