High-Energy Gamma Rays from Supernova Remnants

Abstract

Over the past decade, gamma-ray observations of supernova remnants with space-based instruments, such as Astro-rivelatore Gamma a Immagini LEg-gero (AGILE) and the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT), and ground-based instruments such as the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.), the Major Atmospheric Gamma-Ray Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescopes, and the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) have significantly advanced our understanding of particle acceleration in the shocks of these highly energetic objects. The number of supernova remnants (SNRs) that are detected in high-energy light has steadily increased-a clear demonstration that shocks are capable of accelerating particles to multi-TeV energies. While the ultimate proof of SNRs as the dominant source of cosmic rays in our Galaxy is still elusive, uncontroversial evidence points to the acceleration of protons in supernova remnant shells. This chapter aims to review the most important results in the gamma-ray study of supernova remnants.