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 > 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 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 Extreme and high synchrotron peak blazars beyond 4FGL: The 2BIGB γ-ray catalogue

2020 ◽  
Vol 493 (2) ◽  
pp. 2438-2451
Author(s):  
B Arsioli ◽  
Y-L Chang ◽  
B Musiimenta
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Data Repositories ◽  
Total Contribution ◽  
Public Data ◽  
Γ Ray

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of a γ-ray likelihood analysis over all the extreme and high synchrotron peak blazars (EHSP and HSP) from the 3HSP catalogue. We investigate 2013 multifrequency positions under the eyes of Fermi Large Area Telescope, considering 11 yr of observations in the energy range between 500 MeV and 500 GeV, which results in 1160 γ-ray signatures detected down to the TS=9 threshold. The detections include 235 additional sources concerning the Fermi Large Area Telescope Fourth Source Catalog (4FGL), all confirmed via high-energy TS (Test Statistic) maps, and represent an improvement of ∼25 per cent for the number of EHSP and HSP currently described in γ-rays. We build the γ-ray spectral energy distribution (SED) for all the 1160 2BIGB sources, plot the corresponding γ-ray logN−logS, and measure their total contribution to the extragalactic gamma-ray background, which reaches up to ∼33 per cent at 100 GeV. Also, we show that the γ-ray detectability improves according to the synchrotron peak flux as represented by the figure of merit parameter, and note that the search for TeV peaked blazars may benefit from considering HSP and EHSP as a whole, instead of EHSPs only. The 2BIGB acronym stands for ‘Second Brazil-ICRANet Gamma-ray Blazars’ catalogue, and all the broad-band models and SED data points will be available on public data repositories (OpenUniverse, GitHub, and Brazilian Science Data Center-BSDC).

scholarly journals FERMI LAT OBSERVATION OF CENTAURUS A RADIO GALAXY

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 27-33
Author(s):  
N. V. SAHAKYAN
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Radio Galaxy ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Radio Image ◽  
Likelihood Analysis ◽  
Low Energies ◽  
Photon Index ◽  
Centaurus A

The results of analysis of approximately 3 year gamma-ray observations (August 2008–July 2011) of the core of radio galaxy Centaurus A with the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi LAT) are presented. Binned likelihood analysis method applying to the data shows that below several GeV the spectrum can be described by a single power-law with photon index Γ = 2.73 ± 0.06. However, at higher energies the new data show significant excess above the extrapolation of the energy spectrum from low energies. The comparison of the corresponding Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) at GeV energies with the SED in the TeV energy band reported by the H.E.S.S. collaboration shows that we deal with two or perhaps even three components of gamma-radiation originating from different regions located within the central 10 kpc of Centaurus A. The analysis of gamma-ray data of Centaurus A lobe accumulated from the beginning of the operation until November 14, 2011 show extension of the HE gamma-ray emission beyond the WMAP radio image in the case of the Northern lobe [9]. The possible origins of gamma-rays from giant radio lobes of Centaurus A are discussed in the context of hadronic and leptonic scenarios.

scholarly journals Spectral and morphological study of the gamma radiation of the middle-aged supernova remnant HB 21

2019 ◽  
Vol 623 ◽  
pp. A86 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Ambrogi ◽  
R. Zanin ◽  
S. Casanova ◽  
E. De Oña Wilhelmi ◽  
G. Peron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Distribution ◽  
Electron Spectrum ◽  
Supernova Remnant ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Proton Spectrum ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission

Aims. We investigate the nature of the accelerated particles responsible for the production of the gamma-ray emission observed from the middle-aged supernova remnant (SNR) HB 21. Methods. We present the analysis of more than nine years of Fermi LAT data from the SNR HB 21. We performed morphological and spectral analysis of the SNR by means of a three-dimensional binned likelihood analysis. To assess the intrinsic properties of the parent particle models, we fit the obtained gamma-ray spectral energy distribution of the SNR by both hadronic- and leptonic-induced gamma-ray spectrum. Results. We observe an extended emission positionally in agreement with the SNR HB 21. The bulk of this gamma-ray emission is detected from the remnant; photons up to ~10 GeV show clear evidence of curvature at the lower energies. The remnant is characterized by an extension of 0°.83, that is, 30% smaller than claimed in previous studies. The increased statistics allowed us also to resolve a point-like source at the edge of the remnant, in proximity to a molecular cloud of the Cyg OB7 complex. In the southern part of the remnant, a hint of an additional gamma-ray excess in correspondence to shocked molecular clouds is observed. Conclusions. The spectral energy distribution of the SNR shows evidence of a break around 400 MeV, which can be properly fitted within both the hadronic and leptonic scenario. The pion-decay mechanism reproduces well the gamma rays, postulating a proton spectrum with a slope ~2.5 and with a steepening around tens of GeV, which could be explained by the energy-dependent escape of particles from the remnant. In the leptonic scenario the electron spectrum within the SNR matches closely the locally measured spectrum. This remarkable and novel result shows that SNR HB 21 could be a direct contributor to the population of Galactic electrons. In the leptonic scenario, we find that the local electron spectrum with a break around 2 GeV, closely evokes the best-fitting parental spectrum within this SNR. If such a scenario is confirmed, this would indicate that the SNR might be a source of Galactic background electrons.

scholarly journals Long term γ-ray variability of blazars

2020 ◽  
Vol 634 ◽  
pp. A80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhoomika Rajput ◽  
C. S. Stalin ◽  
Suvendu Rakshit
Keyword(s):  
Time Scales ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Bl Lac ◽  
Bl Lacs

We used the data from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to characterise the γ-ray flux variability of blazars on month-like time scales. Our sample consists of 1120 blazars of which 481 are flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and 639 are BL Lac objects (BL Lacs). We generated monthly binned light curves of our sample for a period of approximately nine years from 2008 August to 2017 December and quantified variability by using excess variance (Fvar). On month-like time scales, 371/481 FSRQs are variable (80%), while only about 50% (304/639) of BL Lacs are variable. This suggests that FSRQs are more variable than BL Lac objects. We find a mean Fvar of 0.55 ± 0.33 and 0.47 ± 0.29 for FSRQs and BL Lacs respectively. Large Fvar in FSRQs is also confirmed from the analysis of the ensemble structure function. By Dividing our sample of blazars based on the position of the synchrotron peak in their broad-band spectral energy distribution, we find that the low synchrotron peaked (LSP) sources have the largest mean Fvar value of 0.54 ± 0.32 while the intermediate synchrotron peaked (ISP) and high synchrotron peaked sources have mean Fvar values of 0.45 ± 0.25 and 0.47 ± 0.33 respectively. On month-like time scales, we find FSRQs to show a high duty cycle (DC) of variability of 66% relative to BL Lacs that show a DC of 36%. We find that both the Fvar and time scale of variability (τ) do not correlate with MBH. We note that Fvar is found to be weakly correlated with Doppler factor (δ) and τ is also weakly correlated with δ. Most of the sources in our sample have τ of the order of days, which might be related to processes in the jet. We find marginal difference in the distribution of τ between FSRQs and BL Lacs.

scholarly journals Studying the nature of the unidentified gamma-ray source HESS J1841−055 with the MAGIC telescopes

2020 ◽  
Vol 497 (3) ◽  
pp. 3734-3745
Author(s):  
V A Acciari ◽  
◽  
S Ansoldi ◽  
L A Antonelli ◽  
A Arbet Engels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Physical Nature ◽  
Source Model ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Extended Source ◽  
Neutral Pions ◽  
Unidentified Source ◽  
Gamma Ray Emission ◽  
Energy Dependent

ABSTRACT We investigate the physical nature and origin of the gamma-ray emission from the extended source HESS J1841−055 observed at TeV and GeV energies. We observed HESS J1841−055 at TeV energies for a total effective time of 43 h with the MAGIC telescopes, in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, we analysed the GeV counterpart making use of about 10 yr of Fermi-LAT data. Using both Fermi-LAT and MAGIC, we study both the spectral and energy-dependent morphology of the source for almost four decades of energy. The origin of the gamma-ray emission from this region is investigated using multiwaveband information on sources present in this region, suggested to be associated with this unidentified gamma-ray source. We find that the extended emission at GeV–TeV energies is best described by more than one source model. We also perform the first energy-dependent analysis of the HESS J1841−055 region at GeV–TeV. We find that the emission at lower energies comes from a diffuse or extended component, while the major contribution of gamma rays above 1 TeV arises from the southern part of the source. Moreover, we find that a significant curvature is present in the combined observed spectrum of MAGIC and Fermi-LAT. The first multiwavelength spectral energy distribution of this unidentified source shows that the emission at GeV–TeV energies can be well explained with both leptonic and hadronic models. For the leptonic scenario, bremsstrahlung is the dominant emission compared to inverse Compton. On the other hand, for the hadronic model, gamma-ray resulting from the decay of neutral pions (π0) can explain the observed spectrum. The presence of dense molecular clouds overlapping with HESS J1841−055 makes both bremsstrahlung and π0-decay processes the dominant emission mechanisms for the source.

A disc reflection model for ultra-soft narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies

2020 ◽  
Vol 498 (3) ◽  
pp. 3888-3901
Author(s):  
Jiachen Jiang ◽  
Luigi C Gallo ◽  
Andrew C Fabian ◽  
Michael L Parker ◽  
Christopher S Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Continuum Emission ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Narrow Line ◽  
Ionization State ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Reflection Model ◽  
Photon Index

ABSTRACT We present a detailed analysis of the XMM–Newton observations of five narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s). They all show very soft continuum emission in the X-ray band with a photon index of Γ ≳ 2.5. Therefore, they are referred to as ‘ultra-soft’ NLS1s in this paper. By modelling their optical/UV–X-ray spectral energy distribution (SED) with a reflection-based model, we find indications that the disc surface in these ultra-soft NLS1s is in a higher ionization state than other typical Seyfert 1 AGN. Our best-fitting SED models suggest that these five ultra-soft NLS1s have an Eddington ratio of λEdd = 1–20 assuming available black hole mass measurements. In addition, our models infer that a significant fraction of the disc energy in these ultra-soft NLS1s is radiated away in the form of non-thermal emission instead of the thermal emission from the disc. Due to their extreme properties, X-ray observations of these sources in the iron band are particularly challenging. Future observations, e.g. from Athena, will enable us to have a clearer view of the spectral shape in the iron band and thus distinguish the reflection model from other interpretations of their broad-band spectra.

scholarly journals A new hard X-ray-selected sample of extreme high-energy peaked BL Lac objects and their TeV gamma-ray properties

2019 ◽  
Vol 486 (2) ◽  
pp. 1741-1762 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Foffano ◽  
E Prandini ◽  
A Franceschini ◽  
S Paiano
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Properties ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Bl Lac Objects ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Bl Lac

ABSTRACT Extreme high-energy peaked BL Lac objects (EHBLs) are an emerging class of blazars with exceptional spectral properties. The non-thermal emission of the relativistic jet peaks in the spectral energy distribution (SED) plot with the synchrotron emission in X-rays and with the gamma-ray emission in the TeV range or above. These high photon energies may represent a challenge for the standard modelling of these sources. They are important for the implications on the indirect measurements of the extragalactic background light, the intergalactic magnetic field estimate, and the possible origin of extragalactic high-energy neutrinos. In this paper, we perform a comparative study of the multiwavelength spectra of 32 EHBL objects detected by the Swift-BAT telescope in the hard X-ray band and by the Fermi-LAT telescope in the high-energy gamma-ray band. The source sample presents uniform spectral properties in the broad-band SEDs, except for the TeV gamma-ray band where an interesting bimodality seems to emerge. This suggests that the EHBL class is not homogeneous, and a possible subclassification of the EHBLs may be unveiled. Furthermore, in order to increase the number of EHBLs and settle their statistics, we discuss the potential detectability of the 14 currently TeV gamma-ray undetected sources in our sample by the Cherenkov telescopes.

scholarly journals A new lepto-hadronic model applied to the first simultaneous multiwavelength data set for Cygnus X–1

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (2) ◽  
pp. 2112-2126
Author(s):  
D Kantzas ◽  
S Markoff ◽  
T Beuchert ◽  
M Lucchini ◽  
A Chhotray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Spectral Energy Distribution ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Electromagnetic Spectrum ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Relativistic Jets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Dynamical Properties

ABSTRACT Cygnus X–1 is the first Galactic source confirmed to host an accreting black hole. It has been detected across the entire electromagnetic spectrum from radio to GeV gamma-rays. The source’s radio through mid-infrared radiation is thought to originate from the relativistic jets. The observed high degree of linear polarization in the MeV X-rays suggests that the relativistic jets dominate in this regime as well, whereas a hot accretion flow dominates the soft X-ray band. The origin of the GeV non-thermal emission is still debated, with both leptonic and hadronic scenarios deemed to be viable. In this work, we present results from a new semi-analytical, multizone jet model applied to the broad-band spectral energy distribution of Cygnus X–1 for both leptonic and hadronic scenarios. We try to break this degeneracy by fitting the first-ever high-quality, simultaneous multiwavelength data set obtained from the CHOCBOX campaign (Cygnus X–1 Hard state Observations of a Complete Binary Orbit in X-rays). Our model parametrizes dynamical properties, such as the jet velocity profile, the magnetic field, and the energy density. Moreover, the model combines these dynamical properties with a self-consistent radiative transfer calculation including secondary cascades, both of leptonic and hadronic origin. We conclude that sensitive TeV gamma-ray telescopes like Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) will definitively answer the question of whether hadronic processes occur inside the relativistic jets of Cygnus X–1.

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).

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