Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation - a device or natural phenomenon that produces coherent microwave radiation. In astronomy, natural masers occur in star-forming regions and around evolved stars, creating intense, narrow-beam radio emission.
Acronym coined by American physicist Charles Townes in 1954, combining 'Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.' The concept extended Einstein's theory of stimulated emission into the microwave region, preceding the development of lasers.
Cosmic masers are like nature's own radio lighthouses, beaming incredibly intense and pure radio signals across space! These natural microwave lasers can be millions of times brighter than ordinary thermal emission and often mark the locations where stars are being born or dying, making them cosmic signposts for dramatic stellar events.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.