Search for point sources of neutral cosmic rays above 1012 eV

Abstract

A new installation for the detection of Cerenkov light from extensive air showers is being used to search for point sources of high-energy neutral cosmic rays. By measuring the relative arrival times of the Cerenkov light front at four well-spaced independent light detectors, an area of sky is examined simultaneously, with angular resolution near 1.5° half-width at half-maximum and energy threshold to gamma rays near 2 × 10¹² eV. Results from preliminary scans of 3C144, 3C157, 3C219, 3C274, 3C295, and the constellation of Leo near declination 20° and right ascension 1100 h are given.