The CONDOR Observatory: A Gamma-Ray Observatory with a 100 GeV Threshold at 5300 Meters Above Sea Level

Miguel Arratia; Will Brooks; Jiajun Huang; Gonzalo Muñoz J.; Luis Navarro F.; Sebouh J. Paul; Raquel Pezoa R.; Sebastian Tapia; Daniel Torres A.; Constanza Valdivieso C.; Nicolas Viaux M

arXiv · 2503.08850

The CONDOR Observatory: A Gamma-Ray Observatory with a 100 GeV Threshold at 5300 Meters Above Sea Level

Miguel Arratia·Will Brooks·Jiajun Huang·Gonzalo Muñoz J.·Luis Navarro F.·Sebouh J. Paul·Raquel Pezoa R.·Sebastian Tapia·Daniel Torres A.·Constanza Valdivieso C.·Nicolas Viaux M

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Abstract

We present the design of the Compact Network of Detectors with Orbital Range (CONDOR), a proposed high-altitude gamma-ray and cosmic-ray (CR) observatory set to become the highest of its kind. Planned for installation at Cerro Toco in the Atacama Desert, Chile, at 5300 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), CONDOR is optimized to operate in the 100 GeV to 1 TeV range using the extensive air-shower technique. The design prioritizes simplicity, modularity, and robustness to ensure reliable performance in a harsh environment. The CONDOR array has a full coverage factor of 90 and consists of 6000 plastic scintillator panels, each approximately 1 m^2, read by wavelength-shifting fibers and SiPMs. The readout electronics are based on fast ADCs, with White Rabbit technology ensuring time synchronization. We present an analysis of angular resolution and effective area by variation of the CORSIKA design to meet the developing GeV threshold, complementing other ground-based observatories in gamma-ray and proton CR measurements. CONDOR has the potential to support an extensive research program in astroparticle physics and multimessenger astronomy from the Southern Hemisphere, operating in all-sky mode 24 hours per day, year-round, with satellite data ranges.

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Miguel Arratia, Will Brooks, Jiajun Huang, Gonzalo Muñoz J., Luis Navarro F., Sebouh J. Paul, Raquel Pezoa R., Sebastian Tapia, Daniel Torres A., Constanza Valdivieso C., Nicolas Viaux M. 2025-03-11. The CONDOR Observatory: A Gamma-Ray Observatory with a 100 GeV Threshold at 5300 Meters Above Sea Level. https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.08850

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