scholarly journals Detection of persistent VHE gamma-ray emission from PKS 1510–089 by the MAGIC telescopes during low states between 2012 and 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 619 ◽  
pp. A159 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
V. A. Acciari ◽  
S. Ansoldi ◽  
L. A. Antonelli ◽  
A. Arbet Engels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Outer Radius ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Emission Model ◽  
Broadband Emission ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission

Context. PKS 1510–089 is a flat spectrum radio quasar strongly variable in the optical and GeV range. To date, very high-energy (VHE, > 100 GeV) emission has been observed from this source either during long high states of optical and GeV activity or during short flares. Aims. We search for low-state VHE gamma-ray emission from PKS 1510–089. We characterize and model the source in a broadband context, which would provide a baseline over which high states and flares could be better understood. Methods. PKS 1510–089 has been monitored by the MAGIC telescopes since 2012. We use daily binned Fermi-LAT flux measurements of PKS 1510–089 to characterize the GeV emission and select the observation periods of MAGIC during low state of activity. For the selected times we compute the average radio, IR, optical, UV, X-ray, and gamma-ray emission to construct a low-state spectral energy distribution of the source. The broadband emission is modeled within an external Compton scenario with a stationary emission region through which plasma and magnetic fields are flowing. We also perform the emission-model-independent calculations of the maximum absorption in the broad line region (BLR) using two different models. Results. The MAGIC telescopes collected 75 hr of data during times when the Fermi-LAT flux measured above 1 GeV was below 3  ×  10−8 cm−2 s−1, which is the threshold adopted for the definition of a low gamma-ray activity state. The data show a strongly significant (9.5σ) VHE gamma-ray emission at the level of (4.27 ± 0.61stat)  ×  10−12 cm−2 s−1 above 150 GeV, a factor of 80 lower than the highest flare observed so far from this object. Despite the lower flux, the spectral shape is consistent with earlier detections in the VHE band. The broadband emission is compatible with the external Compton scenario assuming a large emission region located beyond the BLR. For the first time the gamma-ray data allow us to place a limit on the location of the emission region during a low gamma-ray state of a FSRQ. For the used model of the BLR, the 95% confidence level on the location of the emission region allows us to place it at a distance > 74% of the outer radius of the BLR.

scholarly journals Locating the gamma-ray emission region in the brightest Fermi-LAT flat-spectrum radio quasars

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (4) ◽  
pp. 5297-5321
Author(s):  
Atreya Acharyya ◽  
Paula M Chadwick ◽  
Anthony M Brown
Keyword(s):  
Time Scales ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Line Region ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission

ABSTRACT We present a temporal and spectral analysis of the gamma-ray flux from nine of the brightest flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) detected with the Fermi Large Area Telescope during its first 8 yr of operation, with the aim of constraining the location of the emission region. Using the increased photon statistics obtained from the two brightest flares of each source, we find evidence of sub-hour variability from B2 1520+31, PKS 1502+106, and PKS 1424−41, with the remaining sources showing variability on time-scales of a few hours. These indicate gamma-ray emission from extremely compact regions in the jet, potentially compatible with emission from within the broad-line region (BLR). The flare spectra show evidence of a spectral cut-off in 7 of the 18 flares studied, further supporting the argument for BLR emission in these sources. An investigation into the energy dependence of cooling time-scales finds evidence for both BLR origin and emission from within the molecular torus (MT). However, Monte Carlo simulations show that the very high energy (Eγ ≥ 20 GeV) emission from all sources except 3C 279, 3C 454.3, and 4C 21.35 is incompatible with a BLR origin. The combined findings of all the approaches used suggest that the gamma-ray emission in the brightest FSRQs originates in multiple compact emission regions throughout the jet, within both the BLR and the MT.

scholarly journals Complex gamma-ray behavior of the radio galaxy M 87

2019 ◽  
Vol 623 ◽  
pp. A2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faical Ait Benkhali ◽  
Nachiketa Chakraborty ◽  
Frank M. Rieger
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Radio Galaxy ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Quiescent State ◽  
Additional Component ◽  
Radiation Mechanisms ◽  
Entire Energy Range ◽  
Very High Energy

Context. In recent years, non-blazar active galactic nuclei (AGN) such as radio galaxies have emerged as a highly instructive source class providing unique insights into high energy acceleration and radiation mechanisms. Aims. Here we aim to produce a detailed characterization of the high-energy (HE; >100 MeV) gamma-ray emission from the prominent radio galaxy M 87. Methods. We analyzed approximately eight years of Fermi-LAT data and derived the spectral energy distribution between 100 MeV and 300 GeV. We extracted lightcurves and investigated the variability behavior for the entire energy range as well as below and above 10 GeV. Results. Our analysis provides (i) evidence for HE gamma-ray flux variability and (ii) indications for a possible excess over the standard power-law model above Eb ∼ 10 GeV, similar to the earlier indications in the case of Cen A. When viewed in HE–VHE context, this is most naturally explained by an additional component dominating the highest-energy part of the spectrum. Investigation of the γ-ray lightcurves suggests that the lower-energy (<10 GeV) component is variable on timescales of (at least) a few months. The statistics of the high energy component (>10 GeV) does not allow significant constraints on variability. We do, however, find indications for spectral changes with time that support variability of the putative additional component and seem to favor jet-related scenarios for its origin capable of accommodating month-type variability. Conclusions. The current findings suggest that both the high-energy (>Eb) and the very high energy (VHE; >100 GeV) emission in M 87 are compatible with originating from the same physical component. The variability behavior at VHE then allows further constraints on the location and the nature of the second component. In particular, these considerations suggest that the VHE emission during the quiescent state originates in a similar region as during the flare.

MODELING THE MULTIWAVELENGTH SPECTRA AND VARIABILITY OF 3C 66A IN 2003–2004

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 3147-3154
Author(s):  
M. JOSHI ◽  
M. BÖTTCHER
Keyword(s):  
Background Radiation ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Central Engine ◽  
Infrared Background ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Γ Ray

The BL Lac object 3C 66A was the target of an intensive multiwavelength monitoring campaign organized in 2003–2004. During the campaign, its spectral energy distribution (SED) was measured and flux measurements from radio to X-ray frequencies as well as upper limits in the very high energy (VHE) γ-ray regime were obtained. Here, we reproduce the SED and optical spectral variability pattern observed during our multiwavelength campaign using a time-dependent leptonic jet model. Our model could successfully simulate the observed SED and optical light curves and predict an intrinsic cutoff value for the VHE γ-ray emission at ~4 GeV implying the effect of the optical depth due to the intergalactic infrared background radiation (IIBR) to be negligible. Also, the contribution of external Comptonization (EIC), due to the presence of a broad-line region (BLR), in the emission of γ-ray photons could be significant early-on when the emission region is very close to the central engine but as it travels farther out, the production mechanism of hard X-ray and γ-ray photons becomes dominated by synchrotron self-Compton mechanism (SSC).

scholarly journals The mid-2016 flaring activity of the flat spectrum radio quasar PKS 2023-07

2018 ◽  
Vol 616 ◽  
pp. A65 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Piano ◽  
P. Munar-Adrover ◽  
L. Pacciani ◽  
P. Romano ◽  
S. Vercellone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Massive Black Hole ◽  
Line Region ◽  
Entire Duration ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
High Energy Emission

Context. Flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) can suffer strong absorption above E = 25∕(1 + z) GeV, due to gamma–gamma interaction if the emitting region is at sub-parsec scale from the super-massive black hole (SMBH). Aims. Gamma-ray flares from these astrophysical sources can be used to investigate the location of the high-energy emission region and the physics of the radiating processes. Methods. We present an episode of remarkable gamma-ray flaring activity from FSRQ PKS 2023-07 during April 2016, as detected by both the AGILE and Fermi satellites. An intensive multiwavelength campaign, triggered by Swift, covered the entire duration of the flaring activity, including the peak gamma-ray activity. Results. We report the results of multiwavelength observations of the blazar. We found that during the peak emission, the most energetic photon had an energy of 44 GeV, putting strong constraints on the opacity of the gamma-ray dissipation region. The overall spectral energy distribution (SED) is interpreted in terms of leptonic models for blazar jets, with the emission site located beyond the broad line region (BLR).

scholarly journals ON THE GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM THE CORE AND RADIO LOBES OF THE RADIO GALAXY CENTAURUS A

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 1460182
Author(s):  
NAREK SAHAKYAN ◽  
FRANK M. RIEGER ◽  
FELIX AHARONIAN ◽  
RUIZHI YANG ◽  
EMMA DE ONA-WILHELMI
Keyword(s):  
Power Law ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Radio Galaxy ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Radio Image ◽  
The Core ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission ◽  
Centaurus A

We summarize recent results based on an analysis of Fermi-LAT data for the lobes and the core of the nearby radio galaxy Centaurus A (Cen A). In the case of the core, high-energy (HE; > 100 MeV) γ-rays up to 50 GeV have been detected with a detection significance of about 44σ. The average gamma-ray spectrum of the core reveals interesting evidence for a possible deviation from a simple power-law. A likelihood analysis with a broken power-law model shows that the photon index becomes substantially harder above Eb ≃ 4 GeV, changing from Γ1 = 2.74 ± 0.03 below to Γ2 = 2.09 ± 0.20 above. It seems possible that this hardening marks the contribution of an additional high-energy component beyond the common synchrotron-self Compton jet emission. In the case of the lobes, the high-energy gamma-ray emission extends up to 6 GeV, with a significance of more than 10 and 20 σ for the north and the south lobe, respectively. Based on a detailed spatial analysis and comparison with the associated radio lobes, a substantial extension of the HE γ-ray emission beyond the WMAP radio image for the northern lobe of Cen A is found. We provide a short discussion of the lobe's spectral energy distribution (SED) in the context of hadronic and time-dependent leptonic scenarios.

scholarly journals Very High Energy gamma-rays from blazars

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (S304) ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
Helene Sol
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
Cherenkov Telescopes ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Very High

AbstractThe extragalactic very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray sky is dominated at the moment by more than fifty blazars detected by the present imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACT), with a majority (about 90%) of high-frequency peaked BL Lac objects (HBL) and a small number of low-frequency peaked and intermediate BL Lac objects (LBL and IBL) and flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQ). A significant variability is often observed, with time scales from a few minutes to months and years. The spectral energy distribution (SED) of these blazars typically shows two bumps from the radio to the TeV range, which can usually be described by leptonic or hadronic processes. While elementary bricks of the VHE emission scenarios seem now reasonably well identified, a global picture of these sources, describing the geometry and dynamics of the VHE zone, is not yet available. Multiwavelength monitoring and global alert network will be important to better constrain the picture, especially with the perspective of CTA, a major project of the next generation in ground-based gamma-ray astronomy.

scholarly journals Monitoring of the radio galaxy M 87 during a low-emission state from 2012 to 2015 with MAGIC

2020 ◽  
Vol 492 (4) ◽  
pp. 5354-5365 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
V A Acciari ◽  
S Ansoldi ◽  
L A Antonelli ◽  
A Arbet Engels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Photon Index ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Daily Time

ABSTRACT M 87 is one of the closest (z = 0.004 36) extragalactic sources emitting at very high energies (VHE, E &gt; 100 GeV). The aim of this work is to locate the region of the VHE gamma-ray emission and to describe the observed broad-band spectral energy distribution (SED) during the low VHE gamma-ray state. The data from M 87 collected between 2012 and 2015 as part of a MAGIC monitoring programme are analysed and combined with multiwavelength data from Fermi-LAT, Chandra, HST, EVN, VLBA, and the Liverpool Telescope. The averaged VHE gamma-ray spectrum can be fitted from ∼100 GeV to ∼10 TeV with a simple power law with a photon index of (−2.41 ± 0.07), while the integral flux above 300 GeV is $(1.44\pm 0.13)\times 10^{-12}\, \mathrm{cm}^{-2}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}$. During the campaign between 2012 and 2015, M 87 is generally found in a low-emission state at all observed wavelengths. The VHE gamma-ray flux from the present 2012–2015M 87 campaign is consistent with a constant flux with some hint of variability ($\sim 3\, \sigma$) on a daily time-scale in 2013. The low-state gamma-ray emission likely originates from the same region as the flare-state emission. Given the broad-band SED, both a leptonic synchrotron self-Compton and a hybrid photohadronic model reproduce the available data well, even if the latter is preferred. We note, however, that the energy stored in the magnetic field in the leptonic scenario is very low, suggesting a matter-dominated emission region.

scholarly journals Fundamental physics with blazar spectra: a critical appraisal

2019 ◽  
Vol 491 (4) ◽  
pp. 5268-5276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Galanti ◽  
Fabrizio Tavecchio ◽  
Marco Landoni
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Lorentz Invariance ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
New Physics ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Emission Models ◽  
Hadron Beam

ABSTRACT Very-high-energy (VHE) BL Lacertae (BL Lac) spectra extending above $10 \, \rm TeV$ provide a unique opportunity for testing physics beyond the standard model of elementary particle and alternative blazar emission models. We consider the hadron beam scenario, the conversion of photons to axion-like particles (ALPs) and the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) by analysing their consequences and induced modifications to BL Lac spectra. In particular, we consider how different processes can provide similar spectral features (e.g. hard tails) and we discuss the ways they can be disentangled. We use data from High-Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy (HEGRA) of a high state of Markarian 501 and the High-Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) spectrum of the extreme BL Lac (EHBL) 1ES 0229+200. In addition, we consider two hypothetical EHBLs similar to 1ES 0229+200 located at redshifts z = 0.3 and z = 0.5. We observe that both the hadron beam and the photon–ALP oscillations predict a hard tail extending to energies larger than those possible in the standard scenario. Photon–ALP interaction predicts a peak in the spectra of distant BL Lacs at about $20\rm {-}30 \, \rm TeV$, while LIV produces a strong peak in all BL Lac spectra around $\sim 100 \, \rm TeV$. The peculiar feature of the photon–ALP conversion model is the production of oscillations in the spectral energy distribution, so that its detection/absence can be exploited to distinguish between the considered models. The above-mentioned features of the three models might be detected by the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array. Thus, future observations of BL Lac spectra could eventually shed light on new physics and alternative blazar emission models, driving fundamental research towards a specific direction.

The origin of HE and VHE gamma-ray flares from FSRQs

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 1844007
Author(s):  
S. Gasparyan ◽  
N. Sahakyan ◽  
P. Chardonnet
Keyword(s):  
Energy Distribution ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Cherenkov Telescopes ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Very High Energy ◽  
Energy Gamma ◽  
Very High

The discovery of very-high-energy gamma-ray emission from Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs) by ground-based Cherenkov telescopes (HESS, MAGIC, VERITAS) provides a new view of blazar emission processes. The available data from multiwavelength observations of FSRQs, allow us to constrain the size (possibly also location) of the emitting region, magnetic field, electron energy distribution, etc., which are crucial for the understanding of the jet properties. We investigate the origin of emission from FSRQs (PKS 1510-089, PKS 1222+216 and 3C 279) by modeling the broadband spectral energy distribution in their quiescent and flaring states, using estimation of the parameter space that describes the underlying particle distribution responsible for the emission through the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique.

scholarly journals Rise and fall of the high-energy afterglow emission of GRB 180720B

2020 ◽  
Vol 636 ◽  
pp. A55 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ronchi ◽  
F. Fumagalli ◽  
M. E. Ravasio ◽  
G. Oganesyan ◽  
M. Toffano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Distribution ◽  
Energy Range ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Lorentz Factor ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Emission Region ◽  
Synchrotron Emission

The gamma-ray burst (GRB) 180720B is one of the brightest events detected by the Fermi satellite and the first GRB detected by the H.E.S.S. telescope above 100 GeV, at around ten hours after the trigger time. We analysed the Fermi (GBM and LAT) and Swift (XRT and BAT) data and describe the evolution of the burst spectral energy distribution in the 0.5 keV–10 GeV energy range over the first 500 s of emission. We reveal a smooth transition from the prompt phase, dominated by synchrotron emission in a moderately fast cooling regime, to the afterglow phase whose emission has been observed from the radio to the gigaelectronvolts energy range. The LAT (0.1–100 GeV) light curve initially rises (FLAT ∝ t2.4), peaks at ∼78 s, and falls steeply (FLAT ∝ t−2.2) afterwards. The peak, which we interpret as the onset of the fireball deceleration, allows us to estimate the bulk Lorentz factor Γ0 ∼ 150 (300) under the assumption of a circum-burst medium with a wind-like (homogeneous) density profile. We derive a flux upper limit in the LAT energy range at the time of H.E.S.S. detection, but this does not allow us to unveil the nature of the high-energy component observed by H.E.S.S. We fit the prompt spectrum with a physical model of synchrotron emission from a non-thermal population of electrons. The 0–35 s spectrum after its EF(E) peak (at 1–2 MeV) is a steep power law extending to hundreds of megaelectronvolts. We derive a steep slope of the injected electron energy distribution N(γ) ∝ γ−5. Our fit parameters point towards a very low magnetic field (B′ ∼ 1 G) in the emission region.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document