WoU-MMA: Multi-Messenger Studies with Very-High-Energy Gamma Rays

University Of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa AL

Investigators

Abstract

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 the University of Alabama to carry out research with VERITAS. The group will use VERITAS observations to search for gamma-ray counterparts of high-energy neutrinos detected by the IceCube observatory and of gravitational wave events detected by the LIGO observatory. The group is involved in training and development activities for undergraduates working in multi-messenger astrophysics with particular emphasis on members of historically under-represented groups in STEM fields. The University of Alabama group will focus on the following multi-messenger astrophysics studies: a search for very high energy gamma-ray emission in coincidence with archival and newly-detected high-energy astrophysical neutrino event candidates from the IceCube observatory; a detailed study of TXS 0506+056, the first VHE gamma ray source detected in coincidence with a high energy astrophysical neutrino; a comprehensive study of gamma-ray observations of bright blazars and other types of extragalactic sources that are potential neutrino emitters to probe their emission mechanisms; and the search for very high energy gamma-ray counterparts for gravitational wave events produced by LIGO. The group at the University of Alabama will continue efforts related to the next-generation Cherenkov Telescope Array by participating in the development and commissioning of a prototype air Cherenkov telescope at the VERITAS site in Arizona. This work directly addresses the goals of NSF's "Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics" Big Idea. 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.