New results from the STACEE ground-based gamma-ray observatory

by David Hanna (McGill)

Friday 28 Sept 2001, 16:30 → 17:30 Europe/Zurich

500/1-001 - Main Auditorium (CERN)

STACEE (Solar Tower Atmospheric Cerenkov Effect Experimental) is a new instrument designed to carry out a program of gamma ray astronomy in the energy range between 20 GeV and 200 GeV. This is above the range previously explored by satellite detectors and below the range accessible to first-generation ground-based instruments. STACEE detects astrophysical gamma rays by collecting the Cerenkov photons generated in the extensive air showers resulting from the impact of these gamma rays on the upper atmosphere. In this talk I will give a short introduction to ground-based gamma-ray astronomy, a field which has strong technical links to experimental particle physics. I will explain the motivation for and challenges faced by the STACEE detector and describe its design. I will conclude with results obtained on the Crab Nebula and, more recently, the active galactic nucleus, Mrk 421.

Organiser(s): Jasper Kirkby / EP Division

Note: Tea & coffee will be served at 16.00 hrs.