H.E.S.S.: The High Energy Stereoscopic System

TL;DR

H.E.S.S. is a successful array of Cherenkov telescopes in Namibia that has significantly advanced our understanding of high-energy astrophysical sources in the Milky Way and beyond.

Contribution

This paper describes the H.E.S.S. system and reviews its scientific achievements in discovering new TeV gamma-ray sources.

Findings

Discovery of numerous new TeV emitters in our Galaxy and extragalactic space

Successful operation of the H.E.S.S. array since 2003

Enhanced understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomena

Abstract

The High Energy Stereoscopic System H.E.S.S. is an array of Cherenkov Telescopes located in the Khomas Highlands in Namibia. H.E.S.S. started operations in 2003 and has been operated very successfully since then. With its location in the Southern hemisphere, the system provides a privileged view of the Milky Way and the Galactic center region. With H.E.S.S., a large variety of new TeV emitters has been discovered, both in our Galaxy and in extragalactic space. We provide a description of the individual telescopes and of the system as a whole, and review the scientific highlights that have been achieved with the instrument.