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Welcome to VERITAS!

VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System) is a new major ground-based gamma-ray observatory with an array of four 12m optical reflectors for gamma-ray astronomy in the GeV - TeV energy range . The telescope design is based on the design of the existing 10m gamma-ray telescope of the Whipple Observatory. It consists of an array of imaging telescopes deployed such that they permit the maximum versatility and give the highest sensitivity in the 50 GeV - 50 TeV band (with maximum sensitivity from 100 GeV to 10 TeV). This VHE observatory will effectively complement GLAST.

Postdoctoral Position at the Smithsonian's Whipple Observatory

Postdoctoral Fellow (physicist) in the Very High Energy (VHE) Gamma-ray Group at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Amado, Arizona.

The VHE gamma-ray group at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory will have a vacancy in the fall for a physicist to work on the recently commissioned VERITAS at the observatory facility in southern Arizona. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Wystan Benbow and Dr. Trevor Weekes on the program to study VHE emission from AGN with emphasis on observations with VERITAS, with the Whipple 10m gamma-ray telescope, and on multiwavelength observations using the optical and infrared telescopes at the Whipple Observatory. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics or astronomy, an aptitude for instrumentation and observation, experience in data analysis and the enthusiasm to take advantage of a facility that is at the cutting edge of high energy astrophysics research.

Postdoctoral Position at ISU

Postdoctoral Associate Position in Very High Energy Gamma Ray Astronomy at Iowa State University

The gamma-ray astrophysics group at ISU has an opening for a postdoctoral associate to work primarily on the VERITAS project. It is also expected that the successful candidate become involved in the development of instrumentation for a future gamma-ray observatory such as AGIS (Advanced Gamma-ray Imaging System). Applicants should have a PhD in high energy physics or astrophysics with experience in instrumentation and data analysis.

Postdoctoral Postition at Utah

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research assistantship at the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Utah. The successful applicant will work with Prof. David Kieda and Prof. Stephan LeBohec on the analysis and interpretation of observations from the VERITAS high-energy gamma ray observatory, as well as on the conception of the next generation experiments. A PhD in astronomy or physics is required, and related experience is highly desirable. Experience in X-ray, soft gamma ray astronomy, and/or observational astronomy would be a plus. The position is for two years starting in 2008, and offers competitive salary and benefits. There is potential for the individual to teach at the University of Utah, if desired.

Introducing TeVCat

This image is from TeVCat , an online, interactive catalog for very-high-energy (VHE; E > 50 GeV) gamma-ray astronomy developed by our very own Deirdre Horan and Scott Wakely. As VHE astronomy continues to grow, the usefulness of a one-stop clearing house for information on new sources is increasingly evident. TeVCat is intended to be such a resource. With sky maps, scientific information, visibility plotters and linked references, it will help the wider gamma-ray community stay up-to-date and informed on this exciting and rapidly developing field. You can find TeVCat at http://tevcat.uchicago.edu .

Information for Mountain Users

The hours in local time (Arizona) during which the VERITAS telescopes will be operating during the current darkrun are listed after the jump. Mountain users who will be driving to or from Basecamp during these hours should contact the VERITAS observers using the radio to alert them to the fact that lights will be on. The observing hours are also posted on the white board in the Ready room. Red lights are switched on at the entrance gates to the Basecamp while VERITAS is operating. VERITAS operators also make an announcement each night over the radio to let people know that observing is about to begin.

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