The MAGIC Telescope in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain)
Responsible Professors
A. Biland (and previously F. Pauss)
Status
active; data taking started in 2004
Description
The measurement of very high-energy gamma-rays using very large ground-based Cherenkov telescopes is a recent addition to the variety of experiments at the interface between Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology.
MAGIC is located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the Canary Island of La Palma, 2200 m above sea level. The first telescope with a diameter of 17m (234m^2 mirror area) started data taking in 2004, while a similar second telescope was added in 2009 to significantly increase the sensitivity by stereo observations, making MAGIC the largest of the current Cherenkov telescope systems.
A wide range of astrophysical questions is being investigated with MAGIC by observing highest energetic galactic systems such as supernova remnants, pulsars and binary systems, as well as extragalactic objects, most notably Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and Gamma Ray Bursts. In addition, cosmological aspects like Cold Dark Matter, Quantum Gravity effects and intergalactic magnetic fields are addressed.
Our institute is responsible for the Active Mirror Control to maintain the optical quality while the telesope deforms under its own weight when positionned.
