TeV Gamma-Ray Astrophysics

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development and key discoveries in TeV gamma-ray astrophysics over the past two decades, highlighting the role of Cherenkov telescopes and water Cherenkov instruments in detecting diverse cosmic sources.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the progress, techniques, and significant findings in TeV gamma-ray astrophysics, with a focus on X-ray/gamma-ray binaries.

Findings

Detection of various extragalactic and galactic sources

Advancements in imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope techniques

Insights into phenomena in high-energy gamma-ray sources

Abstract

The window of TeV Gamma-Ray Astrophysics was opened less than two decades ago, when the Crab Nebula was detected for the first time. After several years of development, the technique used by imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes like HESS, MAGIC or VERITAS, is now allowing to conduct sensitive observations in the TeV regime. Water Cherenkov instruments like Milagro are also providing the first results after years of integration time. Different types of extragalactic and galactic sources have been detected, showing a variety of interesting phenomena that are boosting theory in very high energy gamma-ray astrophysics. Here I review some of the most interesting results obtained up to now, making special emphasis in the field of X-ray/gamma-ray binaries.