The study of gamma rays from extraterrestrial sources, especially gamma-ray bursts.

Gamma-ray astronomy is the study of astronomical objects by analysis of the most energetic electromagnetic radiation they emit.

Gamma rays are shorter in wavelength and hence more energetic than X-rays, but much harder to detect and to pinpoint.

X-rays and some gamma rays are produced throughout the universe by the same catastrophic astrophysical events; such as, supernovas and black holes, and gamma-ray astronomy can be considered an extension of X-ray astronomy to the extreme shortwave end of the spectrum.