The POEMMA (Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics) Observatory

TL;DR

POEMMA is a space-based observatory designed to detect ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos, enabling new insights into the most energetic astrophysical phenomena through advanced fluorescence and Cherenkov detection techniques.

Contribution

This paper introduces the POEMMA mission, a novel space-based observatory with dual satellites and advanced detection instruments for multi-messenger astrophysics at extreme energies.

Findings

Designed for full-sky coverage of UHECRs and neutrinos

Capable of rapid re-orientation for transient source follow-up

Expected to provide unprecedented measurements over 5 years

Abstract

The Probe Of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (POEMMA) is designed to accurately observe ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and cosmic neutrinos from space with sensitivity over the full celestial sky. POEMMA will observe the extensive air showers (EASs) from UHECRs and UHE neutrinos above 20 EeV via air fluorescence. Additionally, POEMMA will observe the Cherenkov signal from upward-moving EASs induced by Earth-interacting tau neutrinos above 20 PeV. The POEMMA spacecraft are designed to quickly re-orientate to follow up transient neutrino sources and obtain unparalleled neutrino flux sensitivity. Developed as a NASA Astrophysics Probe-class mission, POEMMA consists of two identical satellites flying in loose formation in 525 km altitude orbits. Each POEMMA instrument incorporates a wide field-of-view (45$^\circ$) Schmidt telescope with over 6 m$^2$ of collecting area. The hybrid focal surface of each telescope includes a fast (1~$\mu$s) near-ultraviolet camera for EAS fluorescence observations and an ultrafast (10~ns) optical camera for Cherenkov EAS observations. In a 5-year mission, POEMMA will provide measurements that open new multi-messenger windows onto the most energetic events in the universe, enabling the study of new astrophysics and particle physics at these otherwise inaccessible energies.