Status of Very High Energy gamma-ray Astronomy as of early 2008

TL;DR

As of early 2008, advancements in very high energy gamma-ray astronomy have led to the discovery of numerous galactic and extragalactic sources, enhancing understanding of high-energy cosmic accelerators through new telescopic data.

Contribution

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the status and recent progress in very high energy gamma-ray astronomy as of 2008.

Findings

Discovery of dozens of gamma-ray sources from galactic and extragalactic regions.

Identification of new high-energy acceleration sites in the universe.

Enhanced understanding of cosmic accelerators through recent observational data.

Abstract

Data obtained in the very high energy gamma-ray band with the new generation of imaging telescopes, in particular through the galactic plane survey undertaken by H.E.S.S., low threshold observations with MAGIC and more recently by operation of VERITAS, have revealed dozens of galactic and extragalactic sources, providing a wealth of information on a variety of high energy acceleration sites in our universe. Also, the water Cherenkov instrument Milagro has provided several extended sources after seven years of data integration. An overview of these results with focus on some of the most recent highlights is given.