TeV observations of relativistic jets with the VERITAS observatory

The emission of teraelectronvolt (TeV) gamma-rays from relativistic jets sheds light on the cooling processes of the most energetic particles within these jets. The VERITAS observatory, situated in southern Arizona, stands out as one of the world's most sensitive TeV gamma-ray detectors. VERITAS has detected TeV gamma-ray emission from 38 blazars.

TeV-detected blazars are predominantly X-ray selected BL Lacs, including bright nearby objects like Mrk 421 and Mrk 501, for which VERITAS conducts nightly observations. Furthermore, VERITAS has detected GeV emission from nine low and intermediate-frequency peaked BL Lacs, typically observed during flaring states. This includes the identification of several high TeV states from BL Lacertae and emission from three flat spectrum radio quasars.

In this talk we will discuss the properties of TeV emission from these blazars. The results will be contextualized within the framework of particle acceleration and cooling mechanisms operating in relativistic jets.