Recent results from VHE gamma astrophysics related to fundamental physics and cosmic rays

TL;DR

Recent advances in VHE gamma-ray astrophysics, driven by new detectors like Cherenkov telescopes, have significantly enhanced our understanding of violent cosmic phenomena and their implications for fundamental physics and cosmic rays.

Contribution

This paper reviews the latest results and experimental developments in VHE gamma-ray astrophysics, highlighting their impact on fundamental physics and cosmic-ray studies.

Findings

Discovered over 80 new VHE gamma-ray sources

Significant progress in understanding violent cosmic phenomena

Enhanced experimental capabilities for future research

Abstract

High-energy photons are a powerful probe for astrophysics and for fundamental physics under extreme conditions. During the recent years, our knowledge of the most violent phenomena in the universe has impressively progressed thanks to the advent of new detectors for very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays (above 100 GeV). Ground-based detectors like the Cherenkov telescopes (H.E.S.S., MAGIC and VERITAS) recently discovered more than 80 new sources. This talk reviews the present status of VHE gamma astrophysics, with emphasis on the recent results and on the experimental developments, keeping an eye on the future. The impact on fundamental physics and on cosmic-ray physics is emphasized.