The Very High Energy (VHE) Group of INAF – Astronomical Observatory of Rome studies high-energy astrophysics, focusing on very high-energy (GeV–TeV) gamma-ray radiation. Through an integrated approach combining theory, data analysis, and technological development, the group contributes to the investigation of the most extreme astrophysical phenomena.
The observation of gamma rays, emitted by highly energetic events such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), active galactic nuclei (AGN), starburst galaxies, and supernova remnants, enables the study of cosmic ray acceleration and diffusion processes on galactic and intergalactic scales. Moreover, these studies provide crucial insights into the nature of dark matter and fundamental physics questions.
The VHE group is actively involved in internationally significant projects:
- CTAO (Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory): The next-generation gamma-ray observatory (20 GeV – 300 TeV), with operational sites in Spain (La Palma, Canary Islands) and Chile (Atacama Desert).
- ASTRI Mini-Array: An innovative Italian project using replicating technology telescopes dedicated to the study of high-energy gamma radiation up to 200 TeV.
- MAGIC Telescopes: Cherenkov telescopes that have been operating for two decades, regularly observing gamma-ray sources above 50 GeV.
- Einstein Telescope: A future third-generation gravitational wave observatory, with which the group explores synergies for multi-messenger astrophysics.
Thanks to its involvement in the CTAO, ASTRI, and MAGIC projects, the VHE group is a leading reference in high-energy gamma-ray research and multi-messenger astrophysics, contributing to the exploration of the extreme Universe with next-generation instruments.
Involved Personnel:
Lucio Angelo Antonelli, Ciro Bigongiari, Carlo Campa, Milvia Capalbi, Alessandro Carosi, Rosamaria Carraro, Fausto Casaburo, Alberto Colombo, Francesco Dazzi, Alice Donini, Elena Fedorova, Stefano Gallozzi, Alessandra Lamastra, Saverio Lombardi, Fabrizio Lucarelli, Marco Mastrofini, Sweta Menon, Michele Palatiello, Matteo Perri, Carlotta Pittori, Francesco Gabriele Saturni, Andrea Simongini, Antonio Stamerra, Georgios Zacharis
Main Projects:
Proposed Theses:
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