WE-P4-6 16:30

DAVID HANNA, McGill University

Ground-Based Gamma-Ray Astronomy With VERITAS *

VERITAS is a new facility for observing very high energy ( > 100 GeV) gamma-rays from the northern sky. These impact the upper atmosphere and give rise to extensive air showers. The Cherenkov light from electrons in these showers is detected by an array of four 12-metre telescopes. The use of an array allows 'stereo' viewing which improves angular and energy resolution and lowers the energy threshold.

Studies of gamma-ray emission from supernova remnants and other sources within the Milky Way, as well as from active galactic nuclei at great distances are of interest for learning about the nature of such sources. They can also shed light on astrophysical particle acceleration mechanisms, dark matter annihilation, and set limits on the breakdown of Lorentz invariance. The status of the array, which is nearing completion in southern Arizona, as well as results from observations with the first two telescopes, will be presented. 

* This work is being supported by NSERC and FQRNT

* This work is being supported by NSERC and FQRNT