The sensitivity of the next generation of lunar Cherenkov observations to UHE neutrinos and cosmic rays

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

29 pages, 9 figures

Scientific paper

10.1016/j.astropartphys.2008.10.

We present simulation results for the detection of ultra-high energy (UHE) cosmic ray (CR) and neutrino interactions in the Moon by radio-telescopes. We simulate the expected radio signal at Earth from such interactions, expanding on previous work to include interactions in the sub-regolith layer for single dish and multiple telescope systems. For previous experiments at Parkes, Goldstone, and Kalyazin we recalculate the sensitivity to an isotropic flux of UHE neutrinos. Our predicted sensitivity for future experiments using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) indicate these instruments will be able to detect the more optimistic UHE neutrino flux predictions, while the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will also be sensitive to all bar one prediction of a diffuse `cosmogenic', or `GZK', neutrino flux. Current uncertainties concerning the structure and roughness of the lunar surface prevents an accurate calculation of the sensitivity of the lunar Cherenkov technique for UHE cosmic ray astronomy at high frequencies. However, below 200 MHz we find that the proposed SKA low-frequency aperture array should be able to detect events above 56 EeV at a rate about 30 times that of the current Pierre Auger Observatory. This would allow directional analysis of UHE cosmic rays, and investigation of correlations with putative cosmic ray source populations, to be conducted with very high statistics.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The sensitivity of the next generation of lunar Cherenkov observations to UHE neutrinos and cosmic rays does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The sensitivity of the next generation of lunar Cherenkov observations to UHE neutrinos and cosmic rays, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The sensitivity of the next generation of lunar Cherenkov observations to UHE neutrinos and cosmic rays will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-603287

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.