Multi-Messenger Astrophysics with the Cherenkov Telescope Array

伽马射线是电磁辐射的最高能量形式。对天体物理学伽马射线的观测可以探测整个宇宙中最极端环境中的物理条件和过程，并可用于测试基础物理学。伽马射线探测器也可能能够观测宇宙射线，宇宙射线是以接近光速传播的高能亚原子粒子。宇宙射线的起源和加速机制尚不清楚，但它们可能起源于我们银河系内外的极端天体物理现象。该奖项支持威斯康星州大学的科学家为下一代伽马射线望远镜切伦科夫望远镜阵列（CTA）开发硬件和分析技术，切伦科夫望远镜阵列是一个国际伽马射线天文台，目前处于原型开发阶段。 一个新的设计，史瓦西望远镜，目前正在亚利桑那州的弗雷德劳伦斯维普莱天文台建设。该奖项将支持该小组在望远镜相机方面的工作，包括该原型望远镜的数据处理和分析程序。然后，他们将使用这种新仪器的独特功能测试研究宇宙射线的新方法。PI领导了分布式电子宇宙线天文台（DECO），这是一个使用手机作为粒子探测器的教育和外展项目。该奖项将支持该组织与当地教师合作，制定在课堂上使用DECO的课程计划和项目。史瓦西Couder望远镜原型使用具有新功能的硅光电探测器，包括在月光条件下工作的能力。威斯康星州大学的研究小组将为这些新的探测器开发数据采集、处理和分析程序。然后，他们将描述仪器在月光条件下的性能，并研究部分月球照明期间的宇宙射线月球阴影。这些研究将为使用CTA测量正电子分数奠定基础，CTA使用在地球磁场中偏转的电子和正电子阴影的相反方向。

Gamma rays are the highest energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Observations of astrophysical gamma rays probe physical conditions and processes in the most extreme environments throughout the Universe, and can be used to test fundamental physics. Gamma-ray detectors may also be capable of observing cosmic rays, which are highly energetic sub-atomic particles that travel near the speed of light. The origins and acceleration mechanisms of cosmic rays are unknown but they likely originate in extreme astrophysical phenomena both within and beyond our galaxy. This award supports scientists at the University of Wisconsin in the development of hardware and analysis techniques for the next-generation gamma-ray telescope, the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), an international gamma-ray observatory currently in the prototyping stage of development. A new design, the Schwarzschild Couder Telescope, is currently under construction in Arizona at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory. This award will support the group's work on the camera for the telescope, including the data processing and analysis procedures for this prototype telescope. They will then test new methods for studying cosmic rays using the unique capabilities of this new instrument. The PI leads the Distributed Electronic Cosmic-ray Observatory (DECO), an education and outreach project that uses cell phones as particle detectors. This award will support the group to work with local teachers to develop lesson plans and projects to use DECO in classrooms. The prototype Schwarzschild Couder Telescope uses silicon photo-detectors with new capabilities, including the ability to operate in moonlight conditions. The University of Wisconsin group will develop the data taking, processing, and analysis procedures for these new detectors. They will then characterize the instrument performance under moonlight conditions and study the cosmic-ray Moon shadow during partial Moon illumination. These studies will lay the groundwork for a measurement using CTA of the positron fraction using the opposite direction of the electron and positron shadows as deflected in the Earth's magnetic field.