Preface

The atmosphere is an integral component of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) and cosmic-ray extensive air shower detectors, the two instruments driving the quickly evolving fields of VHE and UHE astrophysics. In these fields, the atmosphere is used as a giant calorimeter where EASs are initiated and the medium through which Cherenkov light propagates. Uncertainty in current atmospheric conditions and fixed atmospheric models results in a dominant source of systematic errors. With the improved sensitivity of future facilities like CTA, HAWC or for satellite experiments like JEM-EUSO, statistical uncertainties will be reduced, leaving the atmosphere as the limiting factor in the determination of gamma-ray source spectra. Unstable weather conditions necessitate the development of atmospheric monitoring as part of the instrument calibration.

This is the second conference of the Atmohead series, initiated in 2013 in Saclay (Paris, France) with a very successful workshop. For this edition, we foresee to have contributions from experts in the fields coming from non-astronomical communities, as well as contribution from interested companies working in the field.

Main sessions in the conference:

1. Highlights talks
2. Overview on atmospheric calibration solutions for current and planned experiments
3. Details on instruments and methods
4. Companies

Scientific Committee

Carla Aramo (INFN-NA, Italy)
Gionata Biavati (MPI-BGC, Germany)
Ryan Chaves (LUPM, CNRS/IN2P3, France)
Michael Daniel (Univ. Liverpool, UK)
Michele Doro (INFN-PD, Italy)
Markus Gaug (UAB, Spain)
Karim Louedec (LPSC, CNRS/IN2P3, France)
Raquel de Los Reyes (MPI-K, Germany)
Aurelio Tonachini (INFN-TO, Italy)
Martin Will (IAC, Spain)

Local organising Committee

Michele Doro
Giovanni Busetto
Mose' Mariotti
Rossella Spiga
Secretaries: Paola Zenere

Sponsored by: CAEN Tools for Discovery