RUI: WoU-MMA: Analysis of TeV Gamma-rays from Active Galaxies and Dark Matter

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Gamma rays are the highest energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Observations of astrophysical gamma rays serve as probes of physical conditions and processes in the most extreme environments throughout the Universe and can be used to test fundamental physics. The Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS), located in southern Arizona, is a ground-based observatory designed to study high-energy gamma rays. VERITAS has unique capabilities, providing high sensitivity pointed observations of both galactic and extragalactic sources. This award supports scientists at California Polytechnic State University to carry out research with VERITAS and with the new co-located prototype Schwartzchild-Couder Telescope (pSCT). The group will work on extensions to the gamma-ray detection algorithms for VERITAS and the pSCT to further improve the sensitivity of the telescopes. Undergraduate students will be involved in the research. The group will also work with the Physics Teachers of the Central Coast through the Center for Engineering, Science and Education at California Polytechnic State University to develop educational modules around morphology, spectra, and variability of active galaxies. VERITAS has embarked upon a broad program of Galactic and extragalactic source observations, as well as searches for very-high-energy electromagnetic counterparts to sources of gravitational waves and neutrinos. With this award the California Polytech State University group will work on extensions to the Image Template Method (ITM), a new gamma-ray reconstruction algorithm. With the improved sensitivity enabled by ITM the group will search for very-high-energy gamma rays from active galaxies, which are likely to be the sites of multi-messenger acceleration, and use observations of dwarf galaxies to set dark matter limits. The group will engage undergraduate students in the discovery of new very-high-energy emitting active galaxies triggered by the VERITAS Target of Opportunity program.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.