Very High Energy Particle Astrophysics with VERITAS

宇宙是无数发出伽马射线能量的电磁辐射源的宿主。 这些非常高能量的光子是在涉及能量超出任何地面加速器范围的粒子的过程中产生的。 因此，伽马射线观测可以用来研究宇宙中最高能量的现象。 有了这个奖项，明尼苏达大学的团队将继续与VERITAS伽马射线天文台合作。 通过该奖项资助的活动将有助于保持VERITAS的能力和敏感性。 这项工作也将有助于研究已知的耀变体和发现新的耀变体，一类活动星系核。 科学目标是研究在耀变体中产生伽马射线发射的天体物理过程以及与观测到的超高能宇宙射线起源的联系。 明尼苏达大学将通过大学的本科生研究经验项目指导本科生。 该小组的成员将继续在当地天文俱乐部、高中和其他公共宣传活动中介绍VERITAS科学，如每周在校园天文台举行的公共观测之夜。明尼苏达大学小组的主要目标和方法包括：（1）改进分析技术的发展，包括实施多变量分析工具包和在更好的光谱重建方面的新努力;（2）利用新的光谱分析技术对活动星系核进行科学分析，重点是确定耀变体的伽马射线发射源，了解超高能宇宙射线;（3）与VERITAS合作协调多波长数据活动，包括与Fermi、IceCube和HAWC合作;（4）校准和数据质量监测任务，包括通过详细研究大气条件对重建能量的影响，提高对仪器能量标度的理解。

The Universe is host to myriad sources that emit electromagnetic radiation at gamma-ray energies. These very high energy photons are produced in processes involving particles with energies beyond the reach of any ground-based accelerator. Gamma-ray observations can therefore be used to study the highest energy phenomena in the Universe. With this award, the University of Minnesota group will continue their work with the VERITAS gamma-ray observatory. The activities funded through this award will contribute to maintaining the VERITAS capabilities and sensitivity. This work will also contribute to the study of known blazars and the discoveries of new blazars, a class of Active Galactic Nuclei. The scientific goals are to study the astrophysical processes that generate gamma-ray emission in blazars and the links to the origin of observed ultra-high energy cosmic rays. The University of Minnesota group will mentor undergraduate students through the university's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Members of the group will continue to present VERITAS science at local astronomy clubs, high schools and other public outreach events such as the weekly public observing nights at the campus observatory. The major objectives and methods to be employed by the University of Minnesota group include: (1) development of improved analysis techniques including implementation of a multivariate analysis toolkit and a new effort in better spectral reconstruction; (2) scientific analysis on Active Galactic Nuclei utilizing new spectral analysis techniques with a focus on locating the source of gamma-ray emission in blazars and understanding the origin of ultra-high energy cosmic rays; (3) coordination of multi-wavelength data campaigns in conjunction with VERITAS including efforts with Fermi, IceCube and HAWC; and (4) calibration and data quality monitoring tasks that include improvements on understanding of the instrument energy scale through a detailed study on the impact of atmospheric conditions on the reconstructed energy.