Science Capabilities of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

Abstract

The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) is the upcoming next-generation ground-based very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray observatory. The CTAO will significantly advance the study of VHE gamma-rays through a combination of wider field of view,  substantially increased detection area, and superior angular and spectral resolution over an energy range extending from tens of GeV to hundreds of TeV. Full-sky coverage will be achieved using two independent Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescope (IACT) arrays: one in the northern hemisphere (Canary Islands, Spain) and one in southern hemisphere (Paranal, Chile). The CTAO will explore a wide range of science topics in high-energy astrophysics, including the origin of higher-energy cosmic rays, mechanisms for particle acceleration in extreme environments, and astroparticle phenomena that may extend the Standard Model of particle physics.  In this talk, I will outline the broad science potential of the CTAO and provide the CTAO’s current status and timeline. I will also describe the contributions of the CTAO-US collaboration to CTAO, including the development of an ultra-high resolution Schwarzschild-Couder telescope for VHE astronomy and the emergence of UV-band optical astronomy at the sub-100 micro-arcsecond angular scale.