Theoretical and experimental studies have been made of the Chernkov light images from single muons recorded by the atmospheric Cherenkov imaging telescopes which are commonly used in TeV gamma‐ray astronomy. In particular, the Cherenkov ring images from single muons have been used to calibrate the Whipple Observatory 10 meter imaging telescope. This approach tests the total throughput of the telescope and uses an atmospheric Chernkov light signal that matches the shower signal. We discusss the geometrical and physical factors Chernkov rings and match the measured images with predicted rings. The preliminary estimate of the absolute calibration of the Whipple telescope is in agreement with that obtained by other methods but the uncertainty is reduced.

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