Future Pulsar Observations with H.E.S.S

Abstract

Since their discovery at radio wavelengths pulsars have been persistent targets for widespread multi-wave observations throughout optics, radio, X-rays, and high-energy gamma-rays. Observations with the EGRET gamma-ray telescope, on board Compton GRO satellite, confirmed the expectation of a pulsed high-energy emission up to a few GeV. Presently, at least seven objects are known as well established high-energy gamma-ray pulsars. A few of those emit gamma-rays well above 1 GeV. Forthcoming ground-based Cherenkov telescopes will enable observations of gamma-rays well below 100 GeV, finally reaching the yet unexplored energy gap at tens of GeV. H.E.S.S. (High Energy Stereoscopic System) is one of such instruments which is planned to be operational in 2004. Here I summarize the basic scientific motivations, the H.E.S.S. sensitivity, and the first targets for future pulsar observations at high energies from the ground.