Gamma Ray Astrophysics and VERITAS Data Analysis
Date/Time: | Friday, 23 Apr 2010 from 4:10 pm to 5:10 pm |
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Location: | 3 Physics Hall |
Contact: | Dr. Charles Kerton |
Phone: | 515-294-2298 |
Channel: | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
Categories: | Lectures |
Actions: | Download iCal/vCal | Email Reminder |
Gamma ray astrophysics is a unique field which uses detection and analysis techniques from high energy physics to obtain astronomical data. The particle astrophysics group at Iowa State is currently involved in the VERITAS experiment, a set of four atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes located in Amado, Arizona, which is designed to probe the night sky in the GeV-TeV gamma ray regime. In this talk I will discuss the physics of gamma ray induced air showers as well as the design of atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. I will also describe the methods used to analyze VERITAS data, and present my results from this observing season.