Gamma Ray Astrophysics and VERITAS Data Analysis

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Date/Time:Friday, 23 Apr 2010 from 4:10 pm to 5:10 pm
Location:3 Physics Hall
Contact:Dr. Charles Kerton
Phone:515-294-2298
Channel:College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Categories:Lectures
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Arun Madhavan, Iowa State University

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.