H.E.S.S. observations of galaxy clusters
Date
2007
Authors
Domainko, W.
Benbow, W.
Hinton, J.
Martineau-Huynh, O.
de Naurois, M.
Nedbal, D.
Pedaletti, G.
Rowell, G.
Editors
Bellazzini, R.
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Proceedings of 30th International Cosmic Ray Conference (ICRC 2007), 3-11 July, 2007 / R. Caballero, J. Carlos D'Olivo, G. Medina-Tanco, L. Nellen, F. A. Sánchez, J. F. Valdés-Galicia (eds.), 2008. Volume 3, p.953-956
Statement of Responsibility
W. Domainko, W. Benbow, J. A. Hinton, O. Martineau-Huynh, M. de Naurois, D. Nedbal, G. Pedaletti, G. Rowell for the H.E.S.S. Collaboration
Conference Name
International Cosmic Ray Conference (30th : 2007 : Merida, Yucatan, Mexico)
Abstract
Clusters of galaxies, the largest gravitationally bound objects in the universe, are expected to contain a significant population of hadronic and leptonic cosmic rays. Potential sources for these particles are merger and accretion shocks, starburst driven galactic winds and radio galaxies. Furthermore, since galaxy clusters confine cosmic ray protons up to energies of at least 1 PeV for a time longer than the Hubble time they act as storehouses and accumulate all the hadronic particles which are accelerated within them. Consequently clusters of galaxies are potential sources of VHE (> 100 GeV) gamma rays. Motivated by these considerations, promising galaxy clusters are observed with the H.E.S.S. experiment as part of an ongoing campaign. Here, upper limits for the VHE gamma ray emission for the Abell 496 and Coma cluster systems are reported.