High Energy Γ-ray Observations Research Articles

The Modeling of Pulsar Magnetosphere and Radiation

We review the recent advances in the pulsar high-energy γ-ray observation and the electrodynamics of the pulsar magnetospheres from the early vacuum model to the recent plasma-filled models by numerical simulations. The numerical simulations have made significant progress toward the self-consistent modeling of the plasma-filled magnetosphere by including the particle acceleration and radiation. The current numerical simulations confirm a near force-free magnetosphere with the particle acceleration in the separatrix near the light cylinder and the current sheet outside the light cylinder, which can provide a good match to the recent high-energy γ-ray observations. The modeling of the combined multi-wavelength light curves, spectra, and polarization are expected to provide a stronger constrain on the geometry of the magnetic field lines, the location of the particle acceleration and the emission region, and the emission mechanism in the pulsar magnetospheres.

γ-ray emission in radio galaxies under the VLBI scope

Aims. This is the second paper in our series studying the evolution of parsec-scale radio emission in radio galaxies in the Southern Hemisphere. Following our study of the radio and high-energy properties of γ-ray-emitting sources, here we investigate the kinematic and spectral properties of the parsec-scale jets of radio galaxies that have not yet been detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT) instrument on board NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. For many sources, these results represent the first milliarcsecond resolution information in the literature. These studies were conducted within the framework of the Tracking Active Nuclei with Austral Milliarcsecond Interferometry (TANAMI) monitoring program and in the context of high-energy γ-ray observations from Fermi-LAT. Methods. We took advantage of the regular 8.4 GHz and 22.3 GHz Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations provided by the TANAMI monitoring program, and explored the kinematic properties of six γ-ray-faint radio galaxies. We complemented this with ∼8.5 years of Fermi-LAT data, deriving updated upper limits on the γ-ray emission from this subsample of TANAMI radio galaxies. We included publicly available VLBI kinematics of γ-ray-quiet radio galaxies monitored by the MOJAVE program and performed a consistent Fermi-LAT analysis. We combined these results with those from our previous paper to construct the largest sample of radio galaxies with combined VLBI and γ-ray measurements to date. The connection between parsec-scale jet emission and high-energy properties in the misaligned jets of radio galaxies was explored. Results. For the first time, we report evidence of superluminal motion up to βapp = 3.6 in the jet of the γ-ray-faint radio galaxy PKS 2153−69. We find a clear trend of higher apparent speed as a function of distance from the jet core, which indicates that the jet is still being accelerated on scales of tens of parsecs, or ∼105 Rs, corresponding to the end of the collimation and acceleration zone in nearby radio galaxies. We find evidence of subluminal apparent motion in the jets of PKS 1258−321 and IC 4296, and no measurable apparent motion for PKS 1549−79, PKS 1733−565, and PKS 2027−308. For all these sources, TANAMI provides the first multi-epoch kinematic analysis on parsec scales. We then compare the VLBI properties of γ-ray-detected and undetected radio galaxies, and find that the two populations show a significantly different distribution of median core flux density, and, possibly, of median core brightness temperature. In terms of correlation between VLBI and γ-ray properties, we find a significant correlation between median core flux density and γ-ray flux, but no correlation with typical Doppler boosting indicators such as median core brightness temperature and core dominance. Conclusions. Our study suggests that high-energy emission from radio galaxies is related to parsec-scale radio emission from the inner jet, but is not driven by Doppler boosting effects, in contrast to the situation in their blazar counterparts. This implies that γ-ray loudness does not necessarily reflect a higher prevalence of boosting effects.

IceCube Search for Galactic Neutrino Sources based on Very High Energy γ-ray Observations

Galactic cosmic rays reach energies of at least several PeV, and their interactions should generate γ-rays and neutrinos from decay of secondary pions. Therefore, Galactic sources have a guaranteed contribution to the total high-energy cosmic neutrino flux observed by IceCube. Assuming that the highest energy γ-rays are pionic, promising neutrino source candidates have been identified based on their spectra, and observing them is likely over the lifetime of the IceCube experiment. Here, we present the search for Galactic sources of high-energy cosmic neutrinos by focusing on sources identified by HAWC’s very high energy γ-ray survey.

Detection of the blazar S4 0954+65 at very-high-energy with the MAGIC telescopes during an exceptionally high optical state

Aims. The very high energy (VHE ≳100 GeV) γ-ray MAGIC observations of the blazar S4 0954+65, were triggered by an exceptionally high flux state of emission in the optical. This blazar has a disputed redshift of z = 0.368 or z ≥ 0.45 and an uncertain classification among blazar subclasses. The exceptional source state described here makes for an excellent opportunity to understand physical processes in the jet of S4 0954+65 and thus contribute to its classification. Methods. We investigated the multiwavelength (MWL) light curve and spectral energy distribution (SED) of the S4 0954+65 blazar during an enhanced state in February 2015 and have put it in context with possible emission scenarios. We collected photometric data in radio, optical, X-ray, and γ-ray. We studied both the optical polarization and the inner parsec-scale jet behavior with 43 GHz data. Results. Observations with the MAGIC telescopes led to the first detection of S4 0954+65 at VHE. Simultaneous data with Fermi-LAT at high energy γ-ray (HE, 100 MeV < E < 100 GeV) also show a period of increased activity. Imaging at 43 GHz reveals the emergence of a new feature in the radio jet in coincidence with the VHE flare. Simultaneous monitoring of the optical polarization angle reveals a rotation of approximately 100°. Conclusions. The high emission state during the flare allows us to compile the simultaneous broadband SED and to characterize it in the scope of blazar jet emission models. The broadband spectrum can be modeled with an emission mechanism commonly invoked for flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), that is, inverse Compton scattering on an external soft photon fieldfrom the dust torus, also known as external Compton. The light curve and SED phenomenology is consistent with an interpretation of a blob propagating through a helical structured magnetic field and eventually crossing a standing shock in the jet, a scenario typically applied to FSRQs and low-frequency peaked BL Lac objects (LBL).

Photon-axion mixing within the jets of active galactic nuclei and prospects for detection

Very high energy γ-ray observations of distant active galactic nuclei (AGN) generally result in higher fluxes and harder spectra than expected, resulting in some tension with the level of the extragalactic background light (EBL). If hypothetical axions or axion-like particles (ALPs) were to exist, this tension could be relieved since the oscillation of photons to ALPs would mitigate the effects of EBL absorption and lead to softer inferred intrinsic AGN spectra. In this paper we consider the effect of photon-ALP mixing on observed spectra, including the photon-ALP mixing that would occur within AGN jets. We then simulate observations of three AGN with the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), a next generation γ-ray telescope, to determine its prospects for detecting the signatures of photon-ALP mixing on the spectra. We conclude that prospects for CTA detecting these signatures or else setting limits on the ALP parameter space are quite promising. We find that prospects are improved if photon-ALP mixing within the jet is properly considered and that the best target for observations is PKS 2155-304.

Multi-wavelength study of Mrk 421 TeV flare observed with TACTIC telescope in February 2010

We present results from multi-wavelength study of intense flaring activity from a high frequency peaked BL Lac object Mrk 421. The source was observed in its flaring state on February 16, 2010 with the TACTIC at energies above 1.5TeV. Near simultaneous multi-wavelength data were obtained from high energy (MeV–GeV) γ-ray observations with Fermi–LAT, X-ray observations by the Swift and MAXI satellites, optical V-band observation by SPOL at Steward Observatory and radio 15GHz observation at OVRO 40 meter-telescope. We have performed a detailed spectral and temporal analysis of TACTIC, Fermi–LAT and Swift–XRT observations of Mrk 421 during February 10–23, 2010 (MJD 55237–55250). The flaring activity of the source is studied by investigating the properties of daily light curves from radio to TeV energy range and we present the correlation and variability analysis in each energy band. The TeV flare detected by TACTIC on February 16, 2010 is well correlated with the activity in lower energy bands. The differential energy spectrum of the source, in the energy range 1.5–11TeV, as measured by TACTIC on this night is described by a power law (dN/dE∝E-Γ) with spectral index Γ=2.6±0.3. After accounting for absorption of TeV photons by low energy extragalactic background light photons via pair production, the intrinsic TeV spectrum reveals a power law index of 2.3±0.3. Finally the broad band spectral energy distribution of the source in flaring state is reproduced using a simple emission model involving synchrotron and synchrotron self Compton processes. The obtained parameters are then used to understand the energetics of the source during the flaring episode.

Redshifts of PG 1553 + 113 limited by Fermi and VHE observations

The goal of this paper is to limit the redshift of PG 1553+113, through the investigation of Fermi-LAT and very high energy (VHE) γ-ray observations. We assume that the intrinsic spectra of PG 1553+113 do not have cutoff across the Fermi-LAT and VHE γ-ray energy ranges. The intrinsic spectra of VHE γ-rays are obtained through the extrapolation of Fermi-LAT spectra. Comparing the intrinsic with measured VHE spectra absorbed by extragalactic background light (EBL), we estimate the redshift upper limits of this blazar assuming a specific EBL model. The redshift upper limits of PG1553+113 is 0.514 at the 95% confidence level.

DETECTION OF THE γ-RAY BINARY LS I +61°303 IN A LOW-FLUX STATE AT VERY HIGH ENERGY γ-RAYS WITH THE MAGIC TELESCOPES IN 2009

We present very high energy (E > 100 GeV) γ-ray observations of the γ-ray binary system LS I +61°303 obtained with the MAGIC stereo system between 2009 October and 2010 January. We detect a 6.3σ γ-ray signal above 400 GeV in the combined data set. The integral flux above an energy of 300 GeV is F(E > 300 GeV) = (1.4 ± 0.3stat ± 0.4syst) × 10−12 cm−2 s−1, which corresponds to about 1.3% of the Crab Nebula flux in the same energy range. The orbit-averaged flux of LS I +61°303 in the orbital phase interval 0.6–0.7, where a maximum of the TeV flux is expected, is lower by almost an order of magnitude compared to our previous measurements between 2005 September and 2008 January. This provides evidence for a new low-flux state in LS I +61°303. We find that the change to the low-flux state cannot be solely explained by an increase of photon–photon absorption around the compact star.

Very high energy γ-ray observations of the binary PSR B1259–63/SS2883 around the 2007 Periastron

Aims. This article presents very-high-energy (VHE; E > 100 GeV) data from the $\gamma$-ray binary PSR B1259-63 as taken during the years 2005, 2006 and before as well as shortly after the 2007 periastron passage. These data extend the knowledge of the lightcurve of this object to all phases of the 3.4 year binary orbit. The lightcurve constrains physical mechanisms present in this TeV source. Methods. Observations of VHE $\gamma$-rays with the HESS telescope array using the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Technique were performed. The HESS instrument features an angular resolution of < 0.1° and an energy resolution of < 20%. Gamma-ray events in an energy range of 0.5-70 TeV were recorded. From these data, energy spectra and lightcurve with a monthly time sampling were extracted. Results. VHE $\gamma$-ray emission from PSR B1259-63 was detected with an overall significance of 9.5 standard deviations using 55h of exposure, obtained from April to August 2007. The monthly flux of $\gamma$-rays during the observation period was measured, yielding VHE lightcurve data for the early pre-periastron phase of the system for the first time. No spectral variability was found on timescales of months. The spectrum is described by a power law with a photon index of $\Gamma$ = 2.8 $\pm$ 0.2stat $\pm$ 0.2sys and flux normalisation $\Phi_{0}$ = (1.1 $\pm$ 0.1stat $\pm$ 0.2sys) $\times$ 10-12 TeV-1 cm-2 s-1. PSR B1259-63 was also monitored in 2005 and 2006, far from periastron passage, comprising 8.9 h and 7.5 h of exposure, respectively. No significant excess of $\gamma$-rays is seen in those observations. Conclusions. PSR B1259-63 has been re-confirmed as a variable TeV $\gamma$-ray emitter. The firm detection of VHE photons emitted at a true anomaly $\theta$$\approx$-0.35 of the pulsar orbit, i.e. already ~50 days prior to the periastron passage, disfavors the stellar disc target scenario as a primary emission mechanism, based on current knowledge about the companion star's disc inclination, extension, and density profile. Results. VHE $\gamma$-ray emission from PSR B1259-63 was detected with an overall significance of 9.5 standard deviations using 55h of exposure, obtained from April to August 2007. The monthly flux of $\gamma$-rays during the observation period was measured, yielding VHE lightcurve data for the early pre-periastron phase of the system for the first time. No spectral variability was found on timescales of months. The spectrum is described by a power law with a photon index of $\Gamma$ = 2.8 $\pm$ 0.2stat $\pm$ 0.2sys and flux normalisation $\Phi_{0}$ = (1.1 $\pm$ 0.1stat $\pm$ 0.2sys) $\times$ 10-12 TeV-1 cm-2 s-1. PSR B1259-63 was also monitored in 2005 and 2006, far from periastron passage, comprising 8.9 h and 7.5 h of exposure, respectively. No significant excess of $\gamma$-rays is seen in those observations. Conclusions. PSR B1259-63 has been re-confirmed as a variable TeV $\gamma$-ray emitter. The firm detection of VHE photons emitted at a true anomaly $\theta$$\approx$-0.35 of the pulsar orbit, i.e. already ~50 days prior to the periastron passage, disfavors the stellar disc target scenario as a primary emission mechanism, based on current knowledge about the companion star's disc inclination, extension, and density profile.

Very high energy γ-ray observations of Mrk 501 using the TACTIC imaging γ-ray telescope during 2005–06

In this paper we report on the Markarian 501 results obtained during our TeV γ-ray observations from 11 March to 12 May 2005 and 28 February to 7 May 2006 for 112.5 h with the TACTIC γ-ray telescope. During 2005 observations for 45.7 h, the source was found to be in a low state and we have placed an upper limit of 4.62 × 10−12 photons cm−2 s−1 at 3σ level on the integrated TeV γ-ray flux above 1 TeV from the source direction. However, during 2006 observations for 66.8 h, detailed data analysis revealed the presence of a TeV γ-ray signal from the source with a statistical significance of 7.5σ above Eγ⩾ 1 TeV. The time-averaged differential energy spectrum of the source in the energy range 1–11 TeV is found to match well with the power-law function of the form (dΦ/dE = f0E−Γ) with f0 = (1.66 ± 0.52) × 10−11 cm−2 s−1 TeV−1 and Γ = 2.80 ± 0.27.

Constraints on the Steady and Pulsed Very High Energy Gamma‐Ray Emission from Observations of PSR B1951 \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $+$ \end{document} 32/CTB 80 with the MAGIC Telescope

We report on very high energy γ-ray observations with the MAGIC Telescope of the pulsar PSR B1951+32 and its associated nebula, CTB 80. Our data constrain the cutoff energy of the pulsar to be less than 32 GeV, assuming the pulsed γ-ray emission to be exponentially cut off. In the case that the cutoff follows a superexponential behavior, the cutoff energy can be as high as ~60 GeV. The upper limit on the flux of pulsed γ-ray emission above 75 GeV is 4.3 × 10-11 photons cm-2 s-1, and the upper limit on the flux of steady emission above 140 GeV is 1.5 × 10-11 photons cm-2 s-1. We discuss our results in the framework of recent model predictions and other studies.

Very high energy γ-ray and near infrared observations of 1ES2344+514 during 2004–05

We have observed the BL Lac object 1ES2344+514 (z = 0.044) in very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray and near-infrared wavelength bands with TACTIC and MIRO telescopes, respectively. The observations were made from 18th October to 9th December 2004 and 27th October 2005 to 1st January 2006. Detailed analysis of the TACTIC data indicates the absence of a statistically significant gamma-ray signal both in overall data and on a nightly basis from the source direction. We estimate an upper limit of I(⩾1.5 TeV) ⩽ 3.84 × 10−12 photons cm−2 s−1 at a 3σ confidence level on the integrated γ-ray flux. In addition, we have also compared TACTIC TeV light curves with those of the RXTE ASM (2–12 keV) for the contemporary period and find that there are no statistically significant increases in the signal strengths from the source in both these energy regions. During 2004 IR observations, 1ES2344+514 shows low level (0.06 magnitude) day-to-day variation in both, J and H bands. However, during the 2005 observation epoch, the source brightens up by about 0.41 magnitude from its October 2005 level J magnitude = 12.64 to J = 12.23 on December 6, 2005. It then fades by about 0.2 magnitude during 6 to 10 December, 2005. The variation is seen in both, J and H, bands simultaneously. The light travel time arguments suggest that the emission region size is of the order of 1017 cm.

Tests of quantum gravity and large extra dimensions models using high energy γ-ray observations

Observations of the multi-TeV spectra of the nearby BL objects Mkn 421 and Mkn 501 exhibit the high energy cutoffs predicted to be the result of intergalactic annihilation interactions, primarily with infrared photons having a flux level as determined by various astronomical observations. After correction for this absorption effect, the derived intrinsic spectra of these multi-TeV sources can be explained within the framework of simple synchrotron self-Compton emission models. Stecker and Glashow have shown that the existence of such annihilations via electron–positron pair production interactions up to an energy of 20 TeV puts strong constraints on Lorentz invariance violation. Such constraints have important implications for quantum gravity models as well as models involving large extra dimensions. We also discuss the implications of observations of high energy γ-rays from the Crab Nebula on constraining quantum gravity models.

Constraints on Lorentz invariance violating quantum gravity and large extra dimensions models using high energy γ-ray observations

Observations of the multi-TeV spectra of the nearby BL objects Mkn 421 and Mkn 501 exhibit the high energy cutoffs predicted to be the result of intergalactic annihilation interactions, primarily with infrared photons having a flux level as determined by various astronomical observations. After correction for this absorption effect, the derived intrinsic spectra of these multi-TeV sources can be explained within the framework of simple synchrotron self-Compton emission models. Stecker and Glashow have shown that the existence of such annihilations via electron–positron pair production interactions up to an energy of 20 TeV puts strong constraints on Lorentz invariance violation. Such constraints have important implications for Lorentz invariance violating (LIV) quantum gravity models as well as LIV models involving large extra dimensions. We also discuss the implications of observations of high energy γ-rays from the Crab Nebula on constraining quantum gravity models.

RHESSI Observations of Particle Acceleration and Energy Release in an Intense Solar Gamma-Ray Line Flare

We summarize Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) hard X-ray (HXR) and γ-ray imaging and spectroscopy observations of the intense (X4.8) γ-ray line flare of 2002 July 23. In the initial rise, a new type of coronal HXR source dominates that has a steep double-power-law X-ray spectrum and no evidence of thermal emission above 10 keV, indicating substantial electron acceleration to tens of keV early in the flare. In the subsequent impulsive phase, three footpoint sources with much flatter double-power-law HXR spectra appear, together with a coronal superhot (T ~ 40 MK) thermal source. The north footpoint and the coronal source both move systematically to the north-northeast at speeds up to ~50 km s-1. This footpoint's HXR flux varies approximately with its speed, consistent with magnetic reconnection models, provided the rate of electron acceleration varies with the reconnection rate. The other footpoints show similar temporal variations but do not move systematically, contrary to simple reconnection models. The γ-ray line and continuum emissions show that ions and electrons are accelerated to tens of MeV during the impulsive phase. The prompt de-excitation γ-ray lines of Fe, Mg, Si, Ne, C, and O—resolved here for the first time—show mass-dependent redshifts of 0.1%-0.8%, implying a downward motion of accelerated protons and α-particles along magnetic field lines that are tilted toward the Earth by ~40°. For the first time, the positron annihilation line is resolved, and the detailed high-resolution measurements are obtained for the neutron-capture line. The first ever solar γ-ray line and continuum imaging shows that the source locations for the relativistic electron bremsstrahlung overlap the 50-100 keV HXR sources, implying that electrons of all energies are accelerated in the same region. The centroid of the ion-produced 2.223 MeV neutron-capture line emission, however, is located ~20'' ± 6'' away, implying that the acceleration and/or propagation of the ions must differ from that of the electrons. Assuming that Coulomb collisions dominate the energetic electron and ion energy losses (thick target), we estimate that a minimum of ~2 × 1031 ergs is released in accelerated >~20 keV electrons during the rise phase, with ~1031 ergs in ions above 2.5 MeV nucleon-1 and about the same in electrons above 30 keV released in the impulsive phase. Much more energy could be in accelerated particles if their spectra extend to lower energies.

Very high-energy γ-ray observations of the Crab nebula and other potential sources with the GRAAL experiment

The “γ-ray astronomy at Almeria” (GRAAL) experiment uses 63 heliostat-mirrors with a total mirror area of ≈2500 m 2 from the CESA-1 field at the “Plataforma Solar de Almeria” to collect Cherenkov light from air showers. The detector is located in a central solar tower and detects photon-induced showers with an energy threshold of 250±110 GeV and an asymptotic effective detection area of about 15 000 m 2. A comparison between the results of detailed Monte-Carlo simulations and data is presented. Data sets taken in the period September 1999–September 2000 in the direction of the Crab pulsar, the active galaxy 3C 454.3, the unidentified γ-ray source 3EG J1835+59 and a “pseudosource” were analyzed for high energy γ-ray emission. Evidence for a γ-ray flux from the Crab pulsar with an integral flux of 2.2±0.4 ( stat) +1.7 −1.3( syst)×10 −9 cm −2 s −1 above threshold and a significance of 4.5 σ in a total measuring time of 7 h and 10 min on source was found. No evidence for emission from the other sources was found. Some difficulties with the use of heliostat fields for γ-ray astronomy are pointed out. In particular the effect of field-of-view restricted to the central part of a detected air shower on the lateral distribution and timing properties of Cherenkov light are discussed. Upon restriction the spread of the timing front of proton-induced showers sharply decreases and the reconstructed direction becomes biased towards the pointing direction. This is shown to make efficient γ-hadron separation difficult.

High energy gamma rays from active galactic nuclei

Orders of magnitude and the basic processes associated with Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are outlined. Particular emphasis is given on the recent high energy (100 MeV–1 TeV) γ-ray observations from radio loud AGN and is argued that AGN can, in principle, be the sites of acceleration of particles to energies in excess of 1 TeV. It is indicated that the observed γ-ray emission cannot originate in a stationary plasma but from plasma in bulk relativistic motion with Γ ≳ 10 and arguments are given as to the dynamical origin of such relativistic outflows.

High Energy γ-ray Observations of SN 1987A

AbstractSN 1987A has been observed with a combined high energy γ-ray (50-500 MeV) and hard X-ray (15-150 keV) payload during a balloon flight on 5 April 1988 from Alice Springs, Australia. The γ-ray observations, along with our earlier ones on 19 April 1987 are the only such observations of the supernova to date. The γ-ray detector characteristics are described. The preliminary results of the recent flight and their implications in terms of the known supernova parameters are discussed.