Gamma-ray observations of the Crab Nebula at TeV energies

G. Vacanti, M. F. Cawley, E. Colombo, D. J. Fegan, A. M. Hillas, P. W. Kwok, M. J. Lang, R. C. Lamb, D. A. Lewis, D. J. Macomb, K. S. O'Klaherty, P. T. Reynolds, T. C. Weekes

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Abstract

The Crab Nebula was observed in TeV gamma rays with the Whipple Observatory high-resolution atmospheric Cherenkov camera and a signal was detected at the 20 σ level. The energy spectrum derived has the form N(E) × dE = 2.5 × 10-10 (E/0.4 TeV)-2.4±0.3 photons cm-2 s-1 TeV-1 between 0.4 and 4 TeV. There is no evidence for the pulsar periodicity, and the flux is steady on a monthly time scale. If this signal is used to optimize the technique for gamma-ray detection, then a flux one-tenth that of the Crab can be detected at the 3 σ level in 60 hr of integration time. For an on-axis source the angular resolution is shown to be ±0°1.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)467-479
Number of pages13
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume377
Issue number2 PART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Aug 1991

Keywords

  • Gamma rays: general
  • Nebulae: Crab Nebula
  • Pulsars
  • Radiation mechanisms

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