Speaker
Description
While astrophysical gamma rays and cosmic rays do not reach the ground, they generate a shower of particles when they interact in the atmosphere. This shower then generates a brief, but bright, flash of Cherenkov light. The detection of this Cherenkov light is often performed with imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) which are incredibly large and sensitive instruments. I am developing a small-scale implementation of the IACT technique which can be used for outreach called CosmicEye. This inexpensive (expected to be ~$500) device will be usable on clear dark nights to detect the signatures of gamma rays and cosmic rays. It will consist of two silicon photomultiplier pixels each at the focal point of a parabolic mirror. With proper setup, the device will trigger on Cherenkov light from gamma rays and cosmic rays. While focused for outreach, this device is designed for real astrophysics observations. I will present the concept for this project and ideas for its use engaging with local students and amateur astronomers.