Observations of TeV γ-rays from Mrk 421 during December 2005 to April 2006 with the TACTIC telescope

Validation of a new background discrimination method for the TACTIC TeV γ-ray telescope with Markarian 421 data

“…The Whipple telescope [5] carried out the observation in April and June 2006. This source was also observed by the TACTIC telescope from 27 December 2005 -30 April 2006 for a total of ∼ 202 h [6]. Previous analysis of a spell of ∼ 97 h of this data revealed strong detection of a γ-ray signal with daily flux of > 1 Crab unit at Energy > 1 TeV.…”

“…Next section describes the database used in training the Random Forest. The subsequent section compares the excess γ-ray events obtained by Random Forest method for different spells of observation with respect to the previously reported results [6]. Finally, we conclude this paper by estimating the energy spectrum of Mrk 421.…”

“…Here we will apply the Random Forest method for γ/hadron classification. As mentioned earlier [6], the previous analysis of this data was carried out by using the Dynamic Supercuts method. Both methods are described below.…”

“…The primary γ-ray energy reconstruction was carried out by applying the Artificial Neural Network method (ANN) [6]. The γ-ray energy reconstructed with a single imaging telescope, in general, is a function of image size, distance and zenith angle.…”

Ground-based TeV γ-ray Astronomy in India - Historical Perspective and Recent Developments

“…Mrk 421 was observed for 202 h during Dec 05-April 06 [34] . Flaring activity was detected from the object during the first 97h of observation and a flux of > 1 crab unit was seen on several nights.…”