EAS Arrays at High Altitudes Start the Era of UHE <i>γ</i>-ray Astronomy

Abstract

The evolution of extensive air shower detection as a technique for γ-ray astronomical instrumentation for the last three decades is reviewed. The first discoveries of galactic PeVatrons by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory demonstrate the importance of this technique in ultra-high energy γ-ray astronomy. Utilizing this technique, the origins of high energy cosmic rays may be discovered in the near future.

Keywords

• PeVatron
• Crab Nebula
• angular resolution
• energy spectral distribution
• <i>γ</i>-ray astronomy