Gamma-Ray Astronomy with Cherenkov TelescopesAIP Conference Proceedings

The γ-astronomy with Cherenkov telescope has recently made great progress coming to the 2nd generation of instruments. The higher sensitivity and lower energy threshold have brought to discover new sources. The determination of their spectra, necessary for developing models for acceleration, emission and absorption of the γ-rays, will shed new light on the century-old problem of the origin of galactic cosmic rays. A short summary of the current physics objectives in the γ-astronomy and a description of the Cherenkov telescopes technique is given. Some representative observations from the two operative telescopes, HESS and MAGIC are described. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.