1. Inference of the Mass Composition of Cosmic Rays with Energies from 10[sup]18.5 to 10[sup]20 eV Using the Pierre Auger Observatory and Deep LearningA. Abdul Halim, Andrej Filipčič, Jon Paul Lundquist, Shima Ujjani Shivashankara, Samo Stanič, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: We present measurements of the atmospheric depth of the shower maximum Xmax,
inferred for the first time on an event-by-event level using the Surface Detector
of the Pierre Auger Observatory. Using deep learning, we were able to extend
measurements of the Xmax distributions up to energies of 100 EeV (10[sup]20 eV),
not yet revealed by current measurements, providing new insights into the mass
composition of cosmic rays at extreme energies.
Gaining a 10-fold increase in statistics compared to the Fluorescence Detector data,
we find evidence that the rate of change of the average Xmax with the logarithm
of energy features three breaks at 6.5 ± 0.6 (stat) ± 1 (sys) EeV,
11 ± 2 (stat) ± 1 (sys) EeV, and 31 ± 5 (stat) ± 3 (sys) EeV, in the vicinity to the three
prominent features (ankle, instep, suppression) of the cosmic-ray flux.
The energy evolution of the mean and standard deviation of the measured Xmax
distributions indicates that the mass composition becomes increasingly heavier
and purer, thus being incompatible with a large fraction of light nuclei between
50 EeV and 100 EeV. Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs), extensive air showers, Pierre Auger Observatory, UHECR mass composition, depth of the shower maximum, fluorescence detector, surface detector, deep learning Objavljeno v RUNG: 20.01.2025; Ogledov: 150; Prenosov: 0 Celotno besedilo (586,04 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Measurement of the depth of maximum of air-shower profiles with energies between ▫$10^{18.5} and 10^{20}$▫ eV using the surface detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory and deep learningA. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, M. Aglietta, Andrej Filipčič, Jon Paul Lundquist, Shima Ujjani Shivashankara, Samo Stanič, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: We report an investigation of the mass composition of cosmic rays with energies
from 3 to 100 EeV (1 EeV = 10[sup]18 eV) using the distributions of the depth of shower
maximum Xmax. The analysis relies on ∼50,000 events recorded by the surface detector
of the Pierre Auger Observatory and a deep-learning-based reconstruction algorithm.
Above energies of 5 EeV, the dataset offers a 10-fold increase in statistics with respect to
fluorescence measurements at the Observatory. After cross-calibration using
the fluorescence detector, this enables the first measurement of the evolution of the mean
and the standard deviation of the Xmax distributions up to 100 EeV.
Our findings are threefold: (i) The evolution of the mean logarithmic mass toward a heavier
composition with increasing energy can be confirmed and is extended to 100 EeV.
(ii) The evolution of the fluctuations of Xmax toward a heavier and purer composition
with increasing energy can be confirmed with high statistics. We report a rather heavy
composition and small fluctuations in Xmax at the highest energies.
(iii) We find indications for a characteristic structure beyond a constant change
in the mean logarithmic mass, featuring three breaks that are observed in proximity
to the ankle, instep, and suppression features in the energy spectrum. Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, UHECRs, extensive air showers, Pierre Auger Observatory, UHECR mass composition, depth of shower maximum, fluorescence detector, surface detector, deep learning Objavljeno v RUNG: 20.01.2025; Ogledov: 167; Prenosov: 0 Celotno besedilo (2,71 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Periodic gamma-ray modulation of the blazar PG 1553+113 confirmed by Fermi-LAT and multiwavelength observationsS. Abdollahi, L. Baldini, G. Barbiellini, R. Bellazzini, B. Berenji, E. Bissaldi, R. D. Blandford, R. Bonino, P. Bruel, Gabrijela Zaharijas, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Abstract
A 2.1 yr periodic oscillation of the gamma-ray flux from the blazar PG 1553+113 has previously been tentatively identified in ∼7 yr of data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope. After 15 yr of Fermi sky-survey observations, doubling the total time range, we report >7 cycle gamma-ray modulation with an estimated significance of 4σ against stochastic red noise. Independent determinations of oscillation period and phase in the earlier and the new data are in close agreement (chance probability <0.01). Pulse timing over the full light curve is also consistent with a coherent periodicity. Multiwavelength new data from Swift X-Ray Telescope, Burst Alert Telescope, and UVOT, and from KAIT, Catalina Sky Survey, All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae, and Owens Valley Radio Observatory ground-based observatories as well as archival Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer satellite-All Sky Monitor data, published optical data of Tuorla, and optical historical Harvard plates data are included in our work. Optical and radio light curves show clear correlations with the gamma-ray modulation, possibly with a nonconstant time lag for the radio flux. We interpret the gamma-ray periodicity as possibly arising from a pulsational accretion flow in a sub-parsec binary supermassive black hole system of elevated mass ratio, with orbital modulation of the supplied material and energy in the jet. Other astrophysical scenarios introduced include instabilities, disk and jet precession, rotation or nutation, and perturbations by massive stars or intermediate-mass black holes in polar orbit. Ključne besede: gamma rays, AGNs Objavljeno v RUNG: 13.01.2025; Ogledov: 193; Prenosov: 6 Celotno besedilo (2,22 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Prospects for annihilating dark matter from M31 and M33 observations with the Cherenkov Telescope ArrayMiltiadis Michailidis, Lorenzo Marafatto, Denys Malyshev, Fabio Iocco, Gabrijela Zaharijas, Olga Sergijenko, Maria Isabel Bernardos, Christopher Eckner, Alexey Boyarsky, Anastasia Sokolenko, Andrea Santangelo, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Abstract
M31 and M33 are the closest spiral galaxies and the largest members (together with the Milky Way) of the Local group, which makes them interesting targets for indirect dark matter searches. In this paper we present studies of the expected sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) to an annihilation signal from weakly interacting massive particles from M31 and M33. We show that a 100 h long observation campaign will allow CTA to probe annihilation cross-sections up to 〈συ〉 ≈ 5·10-25 cm3 s-1 for the τ
+
τ
- annihilation channel (for M31, at a DM mass of 0.3 TeV), improving the current limits derived by HAWC by up to an order of magnitude.
We present an estimate of the expected CTA sensitivity, by also taking into account the contributions of the astrophysical background and other possible sources of systematic uncertainty.
We also show that CTA might be able to detect the extended emission from the bulge of M31, detected at lower energies by the Fermi/LAT. Ključne besede: dark matter, gamma rays, Cherenkov Telescope Array, i Objavljeno v RUNG: 13.01.2025; Ogledov: 171; Prenosov: 5 Povezava na datoteko Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Multi-messenger and transient astrophysics with the Cherenkov Telescope ArrayŽ. Bošnjak, Anthony M. Brown, Alessandro Carosi, M. Chernyakova, Pierre Cristofari, F. Longo, A. López Oramas, M. Santander, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, 2021, drugi sestavni deli Opis: The discovery of gravitational waves, high-energy neutrinos or the very-high-energy counterpart of gamma-ray bursts has revolutionized the high-energy and transient astrophysics community. The development of new instruments and analysis techniques will allow the discovery and/or follow-up of new transient sources. We describe the prospects for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), the next-generation ground-based gamma-ray observatory, for multi-messenger and transient astrophysics in the decade ahead. CTA will explore the most extreme environments via very-high-energy observations of compact objects, stellar collapse events, mergers and cosmic-ray accelerators. Ključne besede: multi-messenger astrophysics, gravitational waves, very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays, cosmic rays, VHE neutrinos, transient astrophysical phenomena, Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory Objavljeno v RUNG: 13.01.2025; Ogledov: 189; Prenosov: 4 Celotno besedilo (6,21 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Probing extreme environments with the Cherenkov Telescope ArrayC. Boisson, Anthony M. Brown, A. Burtovoi, M. Cerruti, M. Chernyakova, T. Hassan, J.-P. Lenain, Marina Manganaro, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, 2021, drugi sestavni deli Opis: The physics of the non-thermal Universe provides information on the acceleration mechanisms in extreme environments, such as black holes and relativistic jets, neutron stars, supernovae or clusters of galaxies. In the presence of magnetic fields, particles can be accelerated towards relativistic energies. As a consequence, radiation along the entire electromagnetic spectrum can be observed, and extreme environments are also the most likely sources of multi-messenger emission. The most energetic part of the electromagnetic spectrum corresponds to the very-high-energy (VHE, E>100 GeV) gamma-ray regime, which can be extensively studied with ground based Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs). The results obtained by the current generation of IACTs, such as H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS, demonstrate the crucial importance of the VHE band in understanding the non-thermal emission of extreme environments in our Universe. In some objects, the energy output in gamma rays can even outshine the rest of the broadband spectrum. The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is the next generation of IACTs, which, with cutting edge technology and a strategic configuration of ~100 telescopes distributed in two observing sites, in the northern and southern hemispheres, will reach better sensitivity, angular and energy resolution, and broader energy coverage than currently operational IACTs. With CTA we can probe the most extreme environments and considerably boost our knowledge of the non-thermal Universe. Ključne besede: black holes, relativistic jets, neutron stars, supernovae, clusters of galaxies, particle acceleration mechanisms, very-high-energy gamma rays, Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory Objavljeno v RUNG: 10.01.2025; Ogledov: 208; Prenosov: 3 Celotno besedilo (7,40 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Origin and role of relativistic cosmic particlesA. Araudo, G. Morlino, B. Olmi, Fabio Acero, I. Agudo, Rémi Adam, Rafael Alves Batista, E. Amato, E. O. Angüner, Serguei Vorobiov, 2021, drugi sestavni deli Opis: This white paper briefly summarizes the importance of the study of relativistic cosmic rays, both as a constituent of our Universe, and through their impact on stellar and galactic evolution. The focus is on what can be learned over the coming decade through ground-based gamma-ray observations over the 20 GeV to 300 TeV range. Submitted as input to ASTRONET Science Vision and Infrastructure roadmap on behalf of the CTA consortium. Ključne besede: High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena, cosmic rays, supernova remnants, Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory Objavljeno v RUNG: 09.01.2025; Ogledov: 221; Prenosov: 4 Celotno besedilo (7,45 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Combined fit of spectrum and composition for FR0 radio-galaxy-emitted ultra–high energy cosmic rays with resulting secondary photons and neutrinosJon Paul Lundquist, Serguei Vorobiov, Lukas Merten, Anita Reimer, Margot Boughelilba, Paolo Da Vela, Fabrizio Tavecchio, Giacomo Bonnoli, Chiara Righi, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study comprehensively investigates the gamma-ray dim population of Fanaroff–Riley
Type 0 (FR0) radio galaxies as potentially significant sources of ultra–high energy cosmic rays
(UHECRs, E > 10[sup]18 eV) detected on Earth. While individual FR0 luminosities are relatively
low compared to the more powerful Fanaroff–Riley Type 1 and Type 2 galaxies, FR0s are
substantially more prevalent in the local universe, outnumbering the more energetic galaxies
by a factor of ∼5 within a redshift of z ≤ 0.05. Employing CRPropa3 simulations, we estimate
the mass composition and energy spectra of UHECRs originating from FR0 galaxies for energies
above 10[sup]18.6 eV. This estimation fits data from the Pierre Auger Observatory (Auger)
using three extensive air shower models; both constant and energy-dependent observed
elemental fractions are considered. The simulation integrates an approximately isotropic
distribution of FR0 galaxies, extrapolated from observed characteristics, with UHECR
propagation in the intergalactic medium, incorporating various plausible configurations of
extragalactic magnetic fields, both random and structured. We then compare the resulting
emission spectral indices, rigidity cutoffs, and elemental fractions with recent Auger results.
In total, 25 combined energy-spectrum and mass-composition fits are considered. Beyond
the cosmic-ray fluxes emitted by FR0 galaxies, this study predicts the secondary photon and
neutrino fluxes from UHECR interactions with intergalactic cosmic photon backgrounds.
The multimessenger approach, encompassing observational data and theoretical models,
helps elucidate the contribution of low-luminosity FR0 radio galaxies to the total cosmic-ray
energy density. Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, UHECRs, UHECR energy spectrum, Pierre Auger Observatory, UHECR mass composition, UHECR sources, extragalactic magnetic fields, UHECR propagation, CRPropa tool Objavljeno v RUNG: 06.01.2025; Ogledov: 221; Prenosov: 6 Celotno besedilo (4,14 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Large-scale cosmic-ray anisotropies with 19 yr of data from the Pierre Auger ObservatoryA. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, M. Aglietta, Ingo Allekotte, K. Almeida Cheminant, Jon Paul Lundquist, Shima Ujjani Shivashankara, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: We present results of the measurement of large-scale anisotropies in the arrival directions of
ultra–high-energy cosmic rays detected at the Pierre Auger Observatory during 19 yr of operation,
prior to AugerPrime, the upgrade of the observatory. The 3D dipole amplitude and direction are
reconstructed above 4 EeV in four energy bins. Besides the established dipolar anisotropy in right
ascension above 8 EeV, the Fourier amplitude of the 8–16 EeV energy bin is now also above the 5σ
discovery level. No time variation of the dipole moment above 8 EeV is found, setting an upper limit
to the rate of change of such variations of 0.3% per year at the 95% confidence level. Additionally,
the results for the angular power spectrum are shown, demonstrating no other statistically
significant multipoles. The results for the equatorial dipole component down to 0.03 EeV are
presented, using for the first time a data set obtained with a trigger that has been optimized for
lower energies. Finally, model predictions are discussed and compared with observations, based
on two source emission scenarios obtained in the combined fit of spectrum and composition above 0.6 EeV. Ključne besede: ultra–high-energy cosmic rays, UHECRs, UHECR anisotropies, Pierre Auger Observatory, dipolar anisotropy in right ascension, Fourier amplitude analysis, angular power spectrum, equatorial dipole component, UHECR source emission scenarios Objavljeno v RUNG: 26.11.2024; Ogledov: 402; Prenosov: 1 Celotno besedilo (1,16 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. The Cherenkov Telescope Array sensitivity to the transient skyValentina Fioretti, Christopher Eckner, Gašper Kukec Mezek, Samo Stanič, Serguei Vorobiov, Lili Yang, Gabrijela Zaharijas, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, Lukas Zehrer, 2019, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) will be able to perform unprecedented observations of the transient very high-energy sky. An on-line science alert generation (SAG) pipeline, with a required 30 second latency, will allow the discovery or follow-up of gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and flaring emission from active galactic nuclei, galactic compact objects and electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational waves or neutrino messengers. The CTA sensitivity for very short exposures does not only depend on the technological performance of the array (e.g. effective area, background discrimination efficiency). The algorithms to evaluate the significance of the detection also define the sensitivity, together with their computational efficiency in order to satisfy the SAG latency requirements. We explore the aperture photometry and likelihood analysis techniques, and the associated parameters (e.g. on-source to off-source exposure ratio, minimum number of required signal events), defining the CTA ability to detect a significant signal at short exposures. The resulting CTA differential flux sensitivity as a function of the observing time, obtained using the latest Monte Carlo simulations, is compared to the sensitivities of Fermi–LAT and current-generation IACTs obtained in the overlapping energy ranges. Ključne besede: very-high-energy gamma rays, Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) Observatory, transient astrophysical sources, gamma-ray bursts, active galactic nuclei Objavljeno v RUNG: 15.11.2024; Ogledov: 453; Prenosov: 6 Celotno besedilo (784,43 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |