Characterization of anomalous air shower events in SWGO

The interaction of very-high-energy Gamma Rays and Cosmic Rays with the Earth’s atmosphere leads to the production of cascading particle events known as Extensive Air Showers (EAS). Through the use of state-of-the-art simulations, we have the opportunity to study these events and how they are detected by ground-based Water Cherenkov Detector (WCD) Arrays, an essential step in the development of the forthcoming Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory (SWGO). These simulations enable the testing and definition of new variables to characterize shower features at ground level and to relate them to the shower’s longitudinal development.

This work focuses on identifying and developing variables that can be used to reduce gamma/hadron background, to identify anomalous and rare events, and to distinguish between different hadronic interaction models. Through this study, we will acquire valuable insights into the underlying physical mechanisms behind shower development and to improve current methods for gamma/hadron discrimination.

These aspects are crucial for the correct operation of observatories such as the future SWGO, which will rely solely on its large and dense detector array to distinguish between the electromagnetic and muonic components of air showers.