Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy: General remarks

Summary The ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has its coming of age currently with 4 sources detected at high significance levels, after experiencing about 30 years history. The energetic gamma rays provide direct means for uncovering higher-energy non-thermal phenomena at various celestial objects. We need more data with improved sensitivities, and multitudes of such efforts are now under way. Paper presented at the Special Session on ground-based gamma-ray astronomy of the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September 8, 1995.     

Highlight results from the Compton gamma-ray observatory

Summary Astronomy is performed nowadays over the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma-ray energies. From the so-called ?New Astronomies? which are performed outside the optical window, we have learnt that each spectral range provides specific information, which cannot be obtained by other means. This is also true for gamma-ray astronomy. Gamma radiation represents the most energetic part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, it provides information about the most energetic processes and phenomena in the Universe. The energy band of space-borne gamma-ray astronomy extends over more than five orders, of magnitude—similar to the band from the radio to optical range. It is thus not surprising that a variety of different objects and phenomena can be studied. Gamma-ray astronomy at present is experiencing a golden age. This is mainly due to the many exciting results from NASA's Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which has been in orbit for more than 4.5 years. The broad interest in this mission is remarkable. Perhaps its most important achievement is that gamma-ray astronomy has now become an integrated part of astronomy and astrophysics. One has recognized that there are objects in the Universe like radio pulsars and quasars, which do have their peak luminosities at gamma-ray energies. It is practically impossible to understand these objects without knowing their gamma-ray properties. Invited talk given at the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September 8, 1995.     

Gamma-ray direct observations from space

Summary This paper is devoted to problems of gamma-ray astronomy in the energy range <10¹¹ eV. Measurements of spectra and fluxes in this energy range are carried out by means of direct observations from space. Most of the discussed results have been performed with the four telescopes of the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory. The main topics of the paper are: diffuse galactic gamma-ray emission, point-like galactic gamma-ray sources, gamma-ray line emission, gamma-ray bursts and active galactic nuclei. Rapporteur talk given at the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September, 8, 1995.     

Development of the atmospheric Cherenkov imaging technique

Summary Following a brief history of the atmospheric Cherenkov imaging technique and a summary of the current status of the field, we describe some of the potential developments of the method over the next few years. Due to constraints of space, we shall confine the discussion to single stand-alone telescopes—stereo imaging will not be discussed. Paper presented at the Special Session on ground-based gamma-ray astronomy of the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September 8, 1995.     

Searches for gamma-quanta from local sources by a wide-angle imaging telescope

Summary A new Cherenkov imaging telescope SHALON equipped with a very high-definition camera (144 pixels, imaging 7.2⁰×7.2⁰) takes data since 1993 at a mountain altitude of 3338 m. We discuss some results of the observations of the indicated gamma-ray sources and the discrimination methods between gamma-rays and protons. Selection of showers produced by gamma-quanta from a background of showers produced by protons has been made according to the following criteria: 1) alpha<20⁰; 2) length/width>1.6 for γ; 3) Cherenkov light intensity in pixels with max light to the light in the light pixels near around is >0.2 for γ and <0.6 for p; 4) Cherenkov light intensity in pixels with max light to all light in imaging excluding in centre is >0.8 for γ and <0.8 for p; 5) distance for γ is <3.5 pixels.I _Crab=(0.95±0.18)·10⁻¹² cm⁻²c⁻¹.I _Mark421=(0.98±0.36)·10⁻¹² cm⁻²c⁻¹. Paper presented at the Special Session on ground-based gamma-ray astronomy of the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September 8, 1995.     

Large-area atmospheric Cherenkov detectors for high-energy gamma-ray astronomy

Summary This paper describes the development of new ground-based gammaray detectors to explore the energy region between 20 and 200 GeV. This region in energy is interesting because it is currently unexplored by any experiment. The proposed detectors use the atmospheric Cherenkov technique, in which Cherenkov radiation produced in the gamma-ray air showers is detected using mirrors and light-sensitive devices. The important feature of the proposed experiments is the use of large mirror collection areas, which should allow for a significant improvement (i.e. reduction) in energy threshold over existing experiments. Large mirror areas are available for relatively low cost at central tower solar power plants, and there are two groups developing gamma-ray experiments using solar heliostat arrays. This paper summarizes the progress in the design of experiments using this novel approach. Paper presented at the Special Session on ground-based gamma-ray astronomy of the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September 8, 1995.     

Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy

Summary This report covers developments in the field of gamma-ray astronomy, essentially in the energy range 300 GeV to 300 TeV, reported at the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference in Rome in 1995. Highlights which receive the main attention are the failure of several experiments to detect TeV photons from several supernova remnants at the level predicted on current models of shock acceleration of cosmic-ray protons, and the detection of a rapidly variable flaring output of TeV photons from two BL Lac objects (Markarian 421 and Markarian 501). Although techniques are now maturing to the extent that different measurements of the flux and spectrum from the Crab Nebula are now converging, unresolved differences remain over the existence of TeV pulses from certain pulsars. However, one well-supported instance of very intense pulsation for an hour from AE Aquarii was presented. The Vela Pulsar was reported as a steady source. Rapporteur talk given at the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September 8, 1995.     

New astronomies with Extensive Air Showers

Summary We discuss some recent results obtained in the fields of VHE-UHE gamma-ray astronomy, search for gamma-ray bursts at high energies, and UHE neutrino astronomy by means of Extensive Air Showers (EAS) arrays. The technical achievements and future possibilities are outlined.     

GZK photons as ultra-high-energy cosmic rays

We calculate the flux of “GZK photons,” namely, the flux of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) consisting of photons produced by extragalactic nucleons through the resonant photoproduction of pions, the so-called GZK effect. We show that for primary nucleons, the GZK-photon fraction of the total UHECR flux is between 10⁻⁴ and 10^–2 above 10¹⁹ eV and up to the order of 0.1 above 10²⁰ eV. The GZK-photon flux depends on the assumed UHECR spectrum, the slope of the nucleon flux at the source, and the distribution of sources and intervening backgrounds. Detection of this photon flux would open the way for UHECR gamma-ray astronomy. Detection of a larger photon flux would imply the emission of photons at the source or new physics. We compare the photon fractions expected for GZK photons and the minimal fractions predicted by top-down models. We find that the photon fraction above 10¹⁹ eV is a crucial test for top-down models. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Gamma-ray astronomy by the air shower technique: Performance and perspectives

Summary The techniques for γ-ray astronomy at energies ≥10 TeV using air shower detectors are discussed. The results, based on a number of large arrays, are negative, with no point sources being identified. While the contributions to γ-ray astronomy so far have been only upper limits, these arrays in the future will make significant progress in the understanding of cosmic rays in the energy range 10¹³ eV to 10¹⁶ eV. Also, contributions to solar physics are being made by observations of shape and time dependence of the shadow of the Sun as observed in cosmic rays. For the advancement of γ-ray astronomy a greater sensitivity is required in the energy region of 10 TeV. A number of promising techniques to accomplish a greater sensitivity are discussed. They include the enlargement of the Tibet array at 4300 meters altitude, the array of open photomultipliers at La Palma (AIROBICC), which views the shower by the Cherenkov photons produced in the atmosphere, and the instrumentation of a pond at Los Alamos with photomultipliers (Milagro). Invited talk given at the XXIV International Cosmic-Ray Conference, Rome, August 28–September 8, 1995.     

Polarization Properties of Quantum Cyclotron Radiation

We present a simplified formulae system describing the polarization properties of the quantum cyclotron radiation by a nonrelativistic thermal electron in a very strong magnetic field. In this system, each of the derived quantities, including the Einstein coefficients, the absorption cross sections, and scattering cross sections, as well as the absorption coefficients by plasma, is divided into the perpendicularly and parallelly polarized components. The results, especially the absorption and scattering cross sections of resonant frequency photons, are potentially important in x-ray and γ-ray astronomy, particularly in the study of gamma-ray bursts and pulsars.     

A high-pressure parallel-grid gas scintillation proportional counter for high-energy X-ray astronomy

Summary We present preliminary results on a new detector for X-ray astronomy sensitive in the energy range from 3 to 120 keV. The detector can be implemented either as a narrow-field instrument (∼1 degree field of view) or as wide field camera (30×30 degree field of view). This detector with its large area, good energy resolution and background rejection represents a valid option to the present generation of instruments for high-energy X-ray astronomy. Paper presented at the 2° Convegno Nazionale di Fisica Cosmica, held at L'Aquila, 29 May–2 June 1984.     

A perspective view to hard-X-ray astronomy

Summary The present observational and instrumental status of hard-X-ray astronomy ((10÷200) keV) is discussed. The relevance of observations in this energy range is stressed and a few examples of unsolved observational problems in galactic and in extragalactic astronomy are discussed. In these examples we focus on the possibility to solve the problems with observations using detectors of the current generation. In this framework, the performances of the most sensitive hard-X-ray detectors are discussed with particular emphasis on the control of systematic errors. Quite simple but unavoidable considerations on limits of the present generation of hard-X-ray detectors (supported by results of simple simulations) lead to the conclusion that a decisive breakthrough can be achieved only using optics with a sufficiently good concentration power. In particular we discuss the feasibility of hard-X-ray telescopes (with a concentration power ≫1), using either grazing incidence or Bragg diffraction. The use of concentrators in this energy band can also make feasible polarimetric measures of a substantial sample of X-ray sources, up to now severely limited by the very low detection efficiency of the devices used in polarimetry. Paper presented at the V Cosmic Physics National Conference, S. Miniato, November 27–30, 1990.     

Chandra observations of the H2O megamaser galaxy Mrk1210

We present the first Chandra X-ray observations of the H₂O megamaser galaxy Mrk1210 (UGC4203), a Seyfert 2 galaxy at an approximate distance of D ∼ 57.6 Mpc. The Chandra X-ray image, with by far the highest angular resolution (∼1″), displays an unresolved compact core toward the nuclear region of Mrk1210. Comparisons with the previous X-ray observations in the nuclear emission and the spectral shape indicate a fairly stable phase between 2001 (BeppoSAX and XMM-Newton) and 2004 (Chandra) after a dramatic variation since 1995 (ASCA). The best-fit model of Chandra X-ray spectrum consists of two components. The soft scattered component can be best fitted by a moderately absorbed power-law model adding a spectral line at ∼0.9 keV (possibly a Ne-Kα fluorescent line), while the hard nuclear component can be well reproduced by a heavily absorbed power-law model (N _H ∼ 2×10²³ cm⁻²) with an additional line at ∼6.19 keV (close to the Fe-Kα fluorescent line). The derived absorption-corrected X-ray luminosity implies that the dramatic variation of spectral properties is caused by significant changes of the absorbing column density along the line-of-sight, while the intrinsic nuclear X-ray luminosity remains stable. In this case, the absorbers should be anisotropic and its size can be constrained to be less than 0.0013 pc. In addition, we also estimate the mass of central engine, the disk radius and the accretion rate of the accretion disk to be 10^7.12±0.31 M _⊙, ∼1 pc and 0.006, respectively. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10633010) and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (Grant No. 8451009101001047) Recommended by Zhou YouYuan     

Low-energy gamma-ray sources observed by the MISO telescope

Summary The MISO telescope is a gamma-ray detector operating in the (0.1÷20) MeV energy range. This instrument was flown success-fully from Palestine, Texas (U.S.A.) in May 1977, October 1978, September 1979 and May 1980. During the four flights, the telescope observed a number of galactic and extragalactic sources. The Crab Nebula was detected in 1980 and its spectrum was measured up to 2 MeV. Cygnus X-1 was observed in 1979 and 1980 and was found to be in different hard X-ray states on each occasion: in a superlow state in 1979 and in a low state in 1980. The COS-B high-energy (E>50 MeV) gamma-ray sources CG 135+1 (1978) and CG 195+4 (1978) were also observed by the same instrument. From the region containing CG 135+1 a 5σ excess was measured in the counting rate of the telescope above 120 keV. No statistically significant low-energy gamma-ray flux was detected from CG 195+4. The Seyfert galaxies NCG 4151 (1977, 1979, 1980), and MCG 8-11-11 (1979), the BL LAC object MK 501 (1979) and the ?peculiar? galaxy NGC 1275 (1979) were also searched for gamma-ray emission. The data on NGC 4151 and MCG 8-11-11 are consistent with power law spectra having photon indices α∼1 in the (0.1÷3) MeV energy range. Above this energy, the MISO and SAS-2/COS-B measurements require spectral breaks to α≥3. Upper limits were obtained on the emission from both MK 501 and NGC 1275. Paper presented at the 2° Convegno Nazionale di Fisica Cosmica, held at L'Aquila, 29 May–2 June 1984.     

EAS-TOP: Results of the gamma-ray astronomy at 1014 eV

Summary The EAS-TOP Extensive Air Shower array, on top of the under-ground Gran Sasso Laboratory, is fully operating as a γ-ray astronomy observatory since the beginning of 1989. After showing the measured angular resolution of the detector, we present the results obtained from the analysis of 280 days of measurements in 1989–1990, with the purpose of investigating possible emission (d.c. and sporadic) from the candidate sources in the Northern hemisphere at an energy, >200 TeV. Paper presented at the V Cosmic Physics National Conference, S. Miniato, November 27–30, 1990.     

The Nineteenth-Century Spiral Nebula Whodunit

The discovery of the first spiral nebula was a milestone in the history of astronomy, but the initial observations of it are shrouded in mystery. The discovery came within months of the commissioning of the Third Earl of Rosse’s very large 72-inch optical telescope at Birr Castle in the center of Ireland. Unfortunately, no observing records have survived, and while there is no doubt that the observations took place in the spring of 1845, there is some uncertainty as to whom was actually present when the discovery was made. The construction of the Earl’s telescope (the Leviathan) was a magnificent achievement, since it was entirely of his design, built with his own funds, and constructed by his own workers who were literally taken “from the plough” on his estate. The summer of 1845 saw the first appearance of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845–1848, which would seriously curtail astronomical activity when Lord Rosse’s 72-inch telescope was in prime condition.     

Nova reaction rates and experiments

Oxygen-neon novae form a subset of classical novae events known to freshly synthesize nuclei up to mass number A?40. Because several gamma-ray emitters lie in this mass range, these novae are also interesting candidates for gamma-ray astronomy. The properties of excited states within those nuclei in this mass region play a critical role in determining the resonant (p,γ) reaction rates, themselves, largely unknown for the unstable nuclei. We describe herein a new Doppler shift lifetime facility at the Maier-Leibnitz tandem laboratory, Technische Universität München, with which we will map out important resonant (p,γ) nova reaction rates.     

How Robust are the EGRET AGN gamma-ray identifications?

Summary Several AGNs have been proposed as identifications of gamma-ray sources discovered by CGRO. Using the NED database, we show that these AGNs are not the only extragalactic objects within the error boxes of the sources. Therefore, an in-depth study is needed on a case-by-case basis to access the most probable counterparts of the gamma-ray sources. A comparison with the COS-B database is also presented. 28Paper presented at the 6th Cosmic Physics National Conference, Palermo, 3–7 November 1992.     

On the optimal frequency of observation of Cherenkov radiation in the radio astronomy method for measuring superhigh-energy cosmic-ray particle flux

Possible reasons for the absence of direct observations of individual events in measuring the super-high-energy particle flux by the radio astronomy technique are considered. One of these reasons is probably associated with the choice of extremely high frequencies (∼1.5 GHz) for detecting radio pulses. Calculations show that the radiation intensity attains its peak value at frequencies ∼500–600 MHz and then sharply decreases so that it becomes three orders of magnitude lower even at a frequency of ∼1.5 GHz. The effectiveness of particle detection in the range of high (∼600 MHz) and low (∼60 MHz) frequencies is analyzed.