VHE Blazar Discoveries with VERITAS

Abstract

The VERITAS array of 12-m atmospheric-Cherenkov telescopes is used in an intensive observation program focused on the discovery of VHE (E > 100 GeV) gamma-ray-emitting blazars. Since VERITAS began full-scale operation in 2007, more than 1000 hours of observation, on ~90 targets, have been devoted to the VHE blazar discovery effort and to timely follow-up in multi-wavelength (MWL) observation campaigns. These data have resulted in the discovery of VHE emission from 10 blazars (6 HBLs and 4 IBLs). A summary of these VHE discoveries is presented.