SPHERE-3: tackling the problem of primary cosmic ray mass composition with a new approach

A new Cherenkov telescope of the SPHERE type is under development. Its main goal is to promote the solution of the problem of the primary cosmic ray mass composition at ultra high energies (1–100 PeV) using a newly developed technique of the primary mass assignment to EAS event on event-by-event basis. The telescope will carry out measurements of both the Cherenkov light reflected from the snow surface as well as the direct one. Sensitivity of the direct Cherenkov images’ shapes to the primary mass is demonstrated.