The implementation of the ASTRI Mini-Array gamma-ray experiment at the Observatorio del Teide, Tenerife

Author(s):Show less -

Lombardi, Saverio ; Scuderi, Salvatore ; Gargano, Carmelo ; Giordano, Valentina ; Giuliani, A. ; Grivel, Christine ; La Palombara, Nicola ; Lessio, Luigi ; Millul, Rachele ; Sironi, Giorgia ; Tosti, Gino ; Pareschi, Giovanni ; ASTRI Mini Array Project ; Marshall, HK ; Spyromilio, J ; Usuda, T

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GROUND-BASED AND AIRBORNE TELESCOPES IX; v. 12182, p. 13-pg., 2022-01-01.

Abstract

The ASTRI Mini-Array is a gamma-ray experiment led by INAF with the partnership of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, Fundacion Galileo Galilei, University of Sao Paulo, North-West University S.A., and Observatoire de Geneve. It is being implemented at the Observatorio del Teide Tenerife. The nine (9) Cherenkov dual-mirror aplanatic telescopes of 4 m diameter are positioned at an average distance from each other of 160 m. Thanks to the unprecedented field-of-view (10.5 deg) of the ASTRI telescopes, the MA will allow us to observe the gamma-ray sky from a few up to a few hundred TeVs with competitive flux sensitivity and enhanced angular resolution. The curved focal plane of the camera is covered with SiPM sensors and is equipped with fast front-end electronics. The control SW will allow us to operate the Mini-array remotely, while a dedicated off-site Data Center in Italy will process the scientific products every night. The ASTRI Mini-Array represents a pivotal instrument to perform groundbreaking measurements very soon. In this paper, we will review the implementation plan of the ASTRI Mini-Array and report on the ongoing construction. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/10559-5 - Investigation of high energy and plasma astrophysics phenomena: theory, numerical simulations, observations, and instrument development for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA)
• Grantee: Elisabete Maria de Gouveia Dal Pino
• Support Opportunities: Special Projects