The Solar Tower Atmospheric Cherenkov Effect Experiment
(STACEE): New Results at 100 GeV
C.E.Covault, M.C.Chantell, Z.Conner, M.Dragovan, R.A.Ong,
S.Oser, R.A.Scalzo
D.Bhattacharya, T.O.Tumer, J.A.Zweerink
L.Boone, D.A.Williams
D.T.Gregorich
D.S.Hanna, K.Ragan, C.G.Theoret
R.Mukherjee
Abstract
The Solar Tower Atmospheric Cherenkov Effect Experiment (STACEE) is a
new instrument for observing astrophysical sources of gamma-rays in
the energy range from 40 to 250 GeV. This energy range corresponds to
an ``unopened window'', beyond the current reach of space-based
experiments such as EGRET and below the energy threshold of
ground-based experiments such as Whipple. STACEE is located at the
National Solar Thermal Test Facility at Sandia Laboratories in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. STACEE uses several large heliostat mirrors
at night to collect Cherenkov light from gamma-ray air showers.
Construction of the STACEE experiment is underway. A partial version
of STACEE has been conducting observations on a regular basis since
October 1998. We present results from the 1998-1999 observing season,
highlighting STACEE observations of the Crab Nebula and Pulsar.
STACEE detects the Crab Nebula with high statistical significance ( > 7
sigma) at 100 GeV. We also describe progress on the STACEE
instrument, which will be completed by 2000, and plans for
observations of other sources, including AGN, SNR, and unidentified
EGRET sources.
File translated from TEX by TTH, version 2.32.
On 16 Jul 1999, 09:19.