High Energy Gamma-Ray Astrophysics with VERITAS

高能天体物理学的最后前沿之一是用TeV光子探索天空。超高能(VHE)伽马射线测量探测涉及电磁或引力势和高效粒子加速的极端条件的天体物理学。伽马射线也可能是超越粒子物理标准模型的新物理学的标志。该奖项为巴纳德学院的科学家提供资金，用于利用位于亚利桑那州南部的VERITAS(高能辐射成像望远镜阵列系统)进行粒子天体物理研究。VERITAS是一个由四个大型大气切伦科夫成像望远镜组成的阵列，自2007年春季以来一直全面投入使用。这是北半球最灵敏的伽马射线望远镜，将补充南半球由四个望远镜组成的H.E.S.阵列的科学研究。PI将专注于研究星系外的源，如活动星系核以及VERITAS发现的银河系不明TeV源。耀星是活动星系中最极端的一类，以其高光度和快速变化而著称。因此，blazar代表了研究的理想类别，以加深我们对致密源中非热辐射的理解。此外，PI将对不明TeV源进行多波长研究，这对解决这些天体的性质至关重要。国际和平协会继续在面向K-12学生的外展工作中发挥重要作用。活动包括在当地公立学校的学生辅导，以及公开讲座。PI在巴纳德学院(Barnard College)的研究对影响物理学领域的女性产生了重大影响，PI将继续成为天体物理学研究领域本科生女性的导师。阿德勒天文馆正在领导Veritas的教育和外展计划，PI将支持这些努力。

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.