AstroFIt 2 – COFUND fellow since June 1, 2019.
Project ended on December 1, 2019.
INAF Research Centre: Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova
Email: elisa.prandini at inaf.it
Project title: CATNet – Probing cosmic accelerators with a telescope network – An extensive study of the overall emission from
TeV AGNs in a multi-wavelength and multi-messenger context
Abstract:
The research proposed in this project aims at the characterisation of the jet of particles in radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and can provide decisive insights to the origin of ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). The study will be conducted by means of a particular class of AGN, namely TeV AGNs.
According to the current paradigm, in radio-loud AGNs two narrow jets of ultra-relativistic particles dominate the overall emission. The structure of the jet and the nature of these particles, if leptonic and/or hadronic, are still largely debated. The recent observations suggest that radio-loud AGNs may be the sites of UHECR acceleration.
With the purpose of characterising the emission from the jet, and therefore the jet itself, I will set up a telescope network and coordinate deep multi-wavelength observational campaigns on selected targets, from radio to gamma rays. In particular, I will be responsible for VHE gamma ray observations that will be carried out using MAGIC and the precursors of the CTA array of telescopes, such as the ASTRI mini-array. A close collaboration with a team involved in neutrino data analysis is also envisaged.
The synergy between the know-how of the researcher and the facilities supplied by the host institution is ideal. The former has a long experience in the analysis of IACT data and AGN physics, as well as in coordination of multiwavelength campaigns of observation. The hosting group at the OAPD has a deep involvement in the CTA and MAGIC collaborations, and a strong interest in AGN astrophysics and multi-messenger observations. Moreover there is a strong cooperation in Padova between the high-energy astrophysics groups at INAF, INFN, and Department of Physics and Astronomy. In particular, all these institutions are involved in the CTA observatory construction.