Abstract
AbstractThe Fermi γ-ray telescope has detected 6658 sources, with 1845 of them remaining unidentified. We show that polarimetry of γ-ray fields is a powerful asset in the hunt of active galactic nuclei (AGN) as potential optical counterparts for γ-ray sources. We have studied an unidentified Fermi field (3FGL J0221.2+2518) and found a previously-unknown highly-polarized extragalactic object as a potential optical counterpart within the 1-sigma error ellipse of the corresponding γ-ray source. Based on a collection of data, we find that it most probably is a composite object: a star-forming galaxy accompanied by AGN. PASIPHAE is a large polarimetric experiment which will measure the polarisation of sources away from the galactic plane. This will provide an excellent opportunity to study hundreds of unidentified γ-ray sources and unveil potential optical counterparts, using polarimetry.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
