Telescope Array Operations and Data Analysis by the University of Utah Cosmic Ray Group

提案编号：0758342研究机构：犹他大学国家科学基金会研究员：物理粒子天体物理学研究员：Sokolsky，Pierre V.标题：犹他州宇宙射线组的望远镜阵列操作和数据分析摘要本提案要求支持犹他州宇宙射线组的望远镜阵列（TA）操作职责和活动。TA的目标之一是解决HiRes和AGASA实验在5 x 10**19 eV以上区域的超高能宇宙线（UHECR）光谱测量之间的差异。该项目是AGASA和HiRes探测器的后续项目，因此借鉴了这两个小组的经验。TA探测器是空气荧光和地面阵列技术的混合体，用于测量UHECR的特性。改进的角分辨率将有助于识别可能的源并测量UHECR到达方向上的各向异性。这些数据将有助于解决天体物理学中的基本问题，即最高能量粒子的来源是什么，以及这些粒子是如何加速到如此惊人的能量的？一个可疑的来源是活动星系核（AGN），它是宇宙中已知的最具活力的物体之一。有诱人的暗示与BL Lac对象的相关性，这些对象是AGN，它们的喷流指向我们。位于Delta，UT附近。与之前的HiRes一样，犹他州集团也是该实验的主办方，在设计、集成、部署、运营和管理方面承担着众多关键责任。在今年晚些时候完成调试后，TA将成为北方半球最灵敏的宇宙射线探测器。该小组计划继续开展活动，支持探测器的安装、调试和运行，并在TA数据分析，特别是荧光分析方面发挥主导作用。自1997年以来，天体物理学科学项目整合研究和教育（ASPIRE）已经创建了一些网络？最吸引人和互动的科学课程和实验室。除了创建和维护网站，ASPIRE提供直接外展地区教师，学生和公众。这些努力包括为当地群体（特别是那些在科学领域代表性不足的群体）提供外展和支持，为学生举办夏季讲习班，以及访问米勒德和三角洲等农村学校。

PROPOSAL NUMBER: 0758342INSTITUTION: University of UtahNSF PROGRAM: PHY - PARTICLE ASTROPHYSICSPRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Sokolsky, Pierre V.TITLE: Telescope Array Operations and Data Analysis by the University of Utah Cosmic Ray GroupABSTRACTThis proposal requests support for the Telescope Array (TA) operational responsibilities and activities of the Utah cosmic ray group. One of the goals of TA is to resolve the discrepancy between the measurements of the ultra high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) spectrum in the region above 5 x 10**19 eV by the HiRes and AGASA experiments. This project is a successor to both the AGASA and HiRes detectors and, as such, draws on the experience of both groups. The TA detector is a hybrid of the air fluorescence and ground array techniques used to measure the properties of UHECRs. The improved angular resolution will help in identifying possible sources and measuring anisotropies in the arrival directions of UHECRs. These data will help address the fundamental questions in astrophysics of what are the sources of the highest energy particles and how are these particles accelerated to such fantastic energies? One suspected source is Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) which are among the most energetic objects known in the Universe. There are tantalizing hints of correlations with BL Lac objects which are AGNs with their jets pointed towards us. TA is located near Delta, UT. Like HiRes before it, the Utah group serves as host to the experiment and has numerous critical responsibilities in the design, integration, deployment, operation and management. After commissioning finishes later this year, TA will be the most sensitive cosmic ray detector in the Northern Hemisphere. The group plans to continue their activities in support of detector installation, commissioning, and operation and to take a leading role in the analysis of TA data, especially the fluorescence analysis. Since 1997, the Astrophysics Science Project Integrating Research and Education (ASPIRE) has been creating some of the Web?s most engaging and interactive science lessons and labs. In addition to creating and maintaining the website, ASPIRE provides direct outreach to area teachers, students, and the public. Such efforts include providing outreach and support to local groups (especially those underrepresented in the sciences), running summer workshop sessions for students, and visits to rural schools such as Millard and Delta, UT.