High Energy Gamma-Ray Astrophysics with VERITAS

使用 VERITAS 进行高能伽马射线天体物理学

• 批准号: 0855627
• 负责人: Reshmi Mukherjee
• 金额: $ 47.2万
• 依托单位: Barnard College
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2009
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2009-08-01 至 2013-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0855627&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Energy; Gamma; Ray; Astrophysics; VERITAS

One of the last frontiers of high energy astrophysics is the exploration of the sky with TeV photons. Very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray measurements probe astrophysics involving extreme conditions of electromagnetic or gravitational potential and highly efficient particle acceleration. VHE gamma rays could also be signatures for new physics beyond the standard model of particle physics. This award provides funding for scientists at Barnard College to carry out particle astrophysics studies with VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System), located in southern Arizona. VERITAS is an array of four large imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes that has been fully operational since spring 2007. It is the most sensitive gamma-ray telescope in the northern hemisphere and will complement the science from the four-telescope H.E.S.S. array in the southern hemisphere. The PI will focus on the study of extragalactic sources such as active galactic nuclei as well as Galactic unidentified TeV sources discovered by VERITAS. Blazars constitute one of the most extreme classes of active galaxies, distinguished by their high luminosity and rapid variability. Blazars, therefore, represent the ideal class for study to further our understanding of non-thermal emission in compact sources. In addition, the PI will carry out multiwavelength studies of unidentified TeV sources, crucial for resolving the nature of these objects. The PI continues to play a strong role in outreach efforts to K-12 students. Activities have included student mentorships at local public schools, and public lectures. The PI's research at Barnard College, a 4-year liberal arts school for women, has significant impact in influencing women in the physical sciences, and the PI will continue to be a mentor to undergraduate women in astrophysics research. The education and outreach program for VERITAS is being led by the Adler Planetarium, and the PI will support these efforts.

高能天体物理学的最后一个边界之一是用TEV光子探索天空。非常高的能量（VHE）伽马射线测量值探测天体物理学，涉及电磁或重力潜力的极端条件以及高效的颗粒加速度。除了标准的粒子物理学模型之外，VHE伽马射线也可能是新物理学的签名。该奖项为Barnard College的科学家提供了资金，以使用位于亚利桑那州南部的Veritas（非常有活力的辐射成像望远镜阵列系统）进行粒子天体物理学研究。 Veritas是四个自2007年春季以来完全运行的大气成像Cherenkov望远镜的阵列。它是北半球最敏感的伽马射线望远镜，并将与四局距H.E.S.S. S. Science相辅相成。南半球的阵列。 PI将重点放在诸如活性银河系核以及Veritas发现的银河系未识别的TEV源的研究上。 Blazars构成了最极端的活动星系之一，其高光度和快速变化为特色。因此，大黄蜂代表了研究的理想阶级，以进一步了解紧凑型来源中非热发射的理解。此外，PI将对未识别的TEV来源进行多波长研究，这对于解决这些物体的性质至关重要。 PI在K-12学生的外展工作中继续发挥着重要作用。活动包括在当地公立学校和公共讲座的学生指导。 PI在Barnard College是一所4年的文科女性学校的研究，对影响身体科学的女性有重大影响，PI将继续成为天体物理学研究中本科妇女的导师。 Veritas的教育和外展计划由Adler Partarium领导，PI将支持这些努力。