| 21. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
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FERMI LARGE AREA TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF THE VELA-X PULSAR WIND NEBULA
- 2010
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Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 713:1, s. 146-153
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report on gamma-ray observations in the off-pulse window of the Vela pulsar PSR B0833-45 using 11 months of survey data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). This pulsar is located in the 8 degrees diameter Vela supernova remnant, which contains several regions of non-thermal emission detected in the radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray bands. The gamma-ray emission detected by the LAT lies within one of these regions, the 2 degrees x 3 degrees area south of the pulsar known as Vela-X. The LAT flux is significantly spatially extended with a best-fit radius of 0.degrees 88 +/- 0.degrees 12 for an assumed radially symmetric uniform disk. The 200 MeV to 20 GeV LAT spectrum of this source is well described by a power law with a spectral index of 2.41 +/- 0.09 +/- 0.15 and integral flux above 100 MeV of (4.73 +/- 0.63 +/- 1.32) x 10(-7) cm(-2) s(-1). The first errors represent the statistical error on the fit parameters, while the second ones are the systematic uncertainties. Detailed morphological and spectral analyses give strong constraints on the energetics and magnetic field of the pulsar wind nebula system and favor a scenario with two distinct electron populations.
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| 22. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
FERMI LARGE AREA TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF TWO GAMMA-RAY EMISSION COMPONENTS FROM THE QUIESCENT SUN
- 2011
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Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 734:2, s. 116-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the detection of high-energy gamma-rays from the quiescent Sun with the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope (Fermi) during the first 18 months of the mission. These observations correspond to the recent period of low solar activity when the emission induced by cosmic rays (CRs) is brightest. For the first time, the high statistical significance of the observations allows clear separation of the two components: the point-like emission from the solar disk due to CR cascades in the solar atmosphere and extended emission from the inverse Compton (IC) scattering of CR electrons on solar photons in the heliosphere. The observed integral flux (>= 100 MeV) from the solar disk is (4.6 +/- 0.2inverted right perpendicularstatistical errorinverted left perpendicular(-0.08)(+1.0)inverted right perpendicularsystematic errorinverted left perpendicular) x 10(-7) cm(-2) s(-1), which is similar to 7 times higher than predicted by the nominal model of Seckel et al. In contrast, the observed integral flux (>= 100 MeV) of the extended emission from a region of 20 degrees radius centered on the Sun, but excluding the disk itself, (6.8 +/- 0.7[stat.](-0.4)(+0.5)[syst.]) x 10(-7) cm(-2) s(-1), along with the observed spectrum and the angular profile, is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions for the IC emission.
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| 23. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
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Fermi Large Area Telescope Search for Photon Lines from 30 to 200 GeV and Dark Matter Implications
- 2010
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Ingår i: Physical Review Letters. - 0031-9007 .- 1079-7114. ; 104:9, s. 091302-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dark matter (DM) particle annihilation or decay can produce monochromatic gamma rays readily distinguishable from astrophysical sources. gamma- ray line limits from 30 to 200 GeV obtained from 11 months of Fermi Large Area Space Telescope data from 20-300 GeV are presented using a selection based on requirements for a gamma-ray line analysis, and integrated over most of the sky. We obtain gamma-ray line flux upper limits in the range 0.6-4.5 x 10(-9) cm(-2) s(-1), and give corresponding DM annihilation cross-section and decay lifetime limits. Theoretical implications are briefly discussed.
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| 24. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
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FERMI LARGE AREA TELESCOPE VIEW OF THE CORE OF THE RADIO GALAXY CENTAURUS A
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 719:2, s. 1433-1444
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present gamma-ray observations with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope of the nearby radio galaxy Centaurus A (Cen A). The previous EGRET detection is confirmed, and the localization is improved using data from the first 10 months of Fermi science operation. In previous work, we presented the detection of the lobes by the LAT; in this work, we concentrate on the gamma-ray core of Cen A. Flux levels as seen by the LAT are not significantly different from that found by EGRET, nor is the extremely soft LAT spectrum (Gamma = 2.67 +/- 0.10(stat) +/- 0.08(sys) where the photon flux is Phi alpha E-Gamma). The LAT core spectrum, extrapolated to higher energies, is marginally consistent with the non-simultaneous HESS spectrum of the source. The LAT observations are complemented by simultaneous observations from Suzaku, the Swift Burst Alert Telescope and X-ray Telescope, and radio observations with the Tracking Active Galactic Nuclei with Austral Milliarcsecond Interferometry program, along with a variety of non-simultaneous archival data from a variety of instruments and wavelengths to produce a spectral energy distribution (SED). We fit this broadband data set with a single-zone synchrotron/synchrotron self-Compton model, which describes the radio through GeV emission well, but fails to account for the non-simultaneous higher energy TeV emission observed by HESS from 2004 to 2008. The fit requires a low Doppler factor, in contrast to BL Lac objects which generally require larger values to fit their broadband SEDs. This indicates that the gamma-ray emission originates from a slower region than that from BL Lac objects, consistent with previous modeling results from Cen A. This slower region could be a slower moving layer around a fast spine, or a slower region farther out from the black hole in a decelerating flow. The fit parameters are also consistent with Cen A being able to accelerate ultra-high energy cosmic-rays, as hinted at by results from the Auger observatory.
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| 25. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
FERMI-LAT OBSERVATIONS OF THE GEMINGA PULSAR
- 2010
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Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 720:1, s. 272-283
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report on the Fermi-LAT observations of the Geminga pulsar, the second brightest non-variable GeV source in the gamma-ray sky and the first example of a radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsar. The observations cover one year, from the launch of the Fermi satellite through 2009 June 15. A data sample of over 60,000 photons enabled us to build a timing solution based solely on gamma-rays. Timing analysis shows two prominent peaks, separated by Delta phi = 0.497 +/- 0.004 in phase, which narrow with increasing energy. Pulsed gamma-rays are observed beyond 18 GeV, precluding emission below 2.7 stellar radii because of magnetic absorption. The phase-averaged spectrum was fitted with a power law with exponential cutoff of spectral index Gamma = (1.30 +/- 0.01 +/- 0.04), cutoff energy E-0 = (2.46 +/- 0.04 +/- 0.17) GeV, and an integral photon flux above 0.1 GeV of (4.14 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.32) x 10(-6) cm(-2) s(-1). The first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The phase-resolved spectroscopy shows a clear evolution of the spectral parameters, with the spectral index reaching a minimum value just before the leading peak and the cutoff energy having maxima around the peaks. The phase-resolved spectroscopy reveals that pulsar emission is present at all rotational phases. The spectral shape, broad pulse profile, and maximum photon energy favor the outer magnetospheric emission scenarios.
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| 26. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
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Fermi-LAT study of Gamma-ray emission in the direction of supernova remnant W49B
- 2010
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Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 722:2, s. 1303-1311
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present an analysis of the gamma-ray data obtained with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope in the direction of SNR W49B (G43.3-0.2). A bright unresolved gamma-ray source detected at a significance of 38 sigma is found to coincide with SNR W49B. The energy spectrum in the 0.2-200 GeV range gradually steepens toward high energies. The luminosity is estimated to be 1.5 x 10(36) (D/8 kpc)(2) erg s(-1) in this energy range. There is no indication that the gamma-ray emission comes from a pulsar. Assuming that the supernova remnant (SNR) shell is the site of gamma-ray production, the observed spectrum can be explained either by the decay of neutral pi mesons produced through the proton-proton collisions or by electron bremsstrahlung. The calculated energy density of relativistic particles responsible for the LAT flux is estimated to be remarkably large, U-e,U-p > 10(4) eV cm(-3), for either gamma-ray production mechanism.
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| 27. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
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Fermi observations of cassiopeia and cepheus : Diffuse gamma-ray emission in the outer galaxy
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 710:1, s. 133-149
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present the analysis of the interstellar gamma-ray emission measured by the Fermi Large Area Telescope toward a region in the second Galactic quadrant at 100 degrees <= l <= 145 degrees and -15 degrees <= b <= +30 degrees. This region encompasses the prominent Gould Belt clouds of Cassiopeia, Cepheus, and the Polaris flare, as well as atomic and molecular complexes at larger distances, like that associated with NGC 7538 in the Perseus arm. The good kinematic separation in velocity between the local, Perseus, and outer arms, and the presence of massive complexes in each of them, make this region well suited to probe cosmic rays (CRs) and the interstellar medium beyond the solar circle. The gamma-ray emissivity spectrum of the gas in the Gould Belt is consistent with expectations based on the locally measured CR spectra. The gamma-ray emissivity decreases from the Gould Belt to the Perseus arm, but the measured gradient is flatter than expectations for CR sources peaking in the inner Galaxy as suggested by pulsars. The X-CO = N(H-2)/W-CO conversion factor is found to increase from (0.87 +/- 0.05) x 10(20) cm(-2) (K km s(-1))(-1) in the Gould Belt to (1.9 +/- 0.2) x 10(20) cm(-2) (K km s(-1))(-1) in the Perseus arm. We derive masses for the molecular clouds under study. Dark gas, not properly traced by radio and microwave surveys, is detected in the Gould Belt through a correlated excess of dust and gamma-ray emission: its mass amounts to similar to 50% of the CO-traced mass.
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| 28. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
FERMI OBSERVATIONS OF CASSIOPEIA AND CEPHEUS : DIFFUSE GAMMA-RAY EMISSION IN THE OUTER GALAXY
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 710:1, s. 133-149
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present the analysis of the interstellar gamma-ray emission measured by the Fermi Large Area Telescope toward a region in the second Galactic quadrant at 100 degrees <= l <= 145 degrees and -15 degrees <= b <= +30 degrees. This region encompasses the prominent Gould Belt clouds of Cassiopeia, Cepheus, and the Polaris flare, as well as atomic and molecular complexes at larger distances, like that associated with NGC 7538 in the Perseus arm. The good kinematic separation in velocity between the local, Perseus, and outer arms, and the presence of massive complexes in each of them, make this region well suited to probe cosmic rays (CRs) and the interstellar medium beyond the solar circle. The gamma-ray emissivity spectrum of the gas in the Gould Belt is consistent with expectations based on the locally measured CR spectra. The gamma-ray emissivity decreases from the Gould Belt to the Perseus arm, but the measured gradient is flatter than expectations for CR sources peaking in the inner Galaxy as suggested by pulsars. The X-CO = N(H-2)/W-CO conversion factor is found to increase from (0.87 +/- 0.05) x 10(20) cm(-2) (K km s(-1))(-1) in the Gould Belt to (1.9 +/- 0.2) x 10(20) cm(-2) (K km s(-1))(-1) in the Perseus arm. We derive masses for the molecular clouds under study. Dark gas, not properly traced by radio and microwave surveys, is detected in the Gould Belt through a correlated excess of dust and gamma-ray emission: its mass amounts to similar to 50% of the CO-traced mass.
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| 29. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
FERMI OBSERVATIONS OF THE VERY HARD GAMMA-RAY BLAZAR PG 1553+113
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 708:2, s. 1310-1320
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the observations of PG 1553+113 during the first similar to 200 days of Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope science operations, from 2008 August 4 to 2009 February 22 (MJD 54682.7-54884.2). This is the first detailed study of PG 1553+113 in the GeV gamma-ray regime and it allows us to fill a gap of three decades in energy in its spectral energy distribution (SED). We find PG 1553+113 to be a steady source with a hard spectrum that is best fit by a simple power law in the Fermi energy band. We combine the Fermi data with archival radio, optical, X-ray, and very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray data to model its broadband SED and find that a simple, one-zone synchrotron self-Compton model provides a reasonable fit. PG 1553+113 has the softest VHE spectrum of all sources detected in that regime and, out of those with significant detections across the Fermi energy bandpass so far, the hardest spectrum in that energy regime. Thus, it has the largest spectral break of any gamma-ray source studied to date, which could be due to the absorption of the intrinsic gamma-ray spectrum by the extragalactic background light (EBL). Assuming this to be the case, we selected a model with a low level of EBL and used it to absorb the power-law spectrum from PG 1553+113 measured with Fermi (200 MeV-157 GeV) to find the redshift, which gave the best fit to the measured VHE data (90 GeV-1.1 TeV) for this parameterization of the EBL. We show that this redshift can be considered an upper limit on the distance to PG 1553+113.
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| 30. |
- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(författare)
-
FERMI OBSERVATIONS OF THE VERY HARD GAMMA-RAY BLAZAR PG 1553+113
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 708:2, s. 1310-1320
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the observations of PG 1553+113 during the first similar to 200 days of Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope science operations, from 2008 August 4 to 2009 February 22 (MJD 54682.7-54884.2). This is the first detailed study of PG 1553+113 in the GeV gamma-ray regime and it allows us to fill a gap of three decades in energy in its spectral energy distribution (SED). We find PG 1553+113 to be a steady source with a hard spectrum that is best fit by a simple power law in the Fermi energy band. We combine the Fermi data with archival radio, optical, X-ray, and very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray data to model its broadband SED and find that a simple, one-zone synchrotron self-Compton model provides a reasonable fit. PG 1553+113 has the softest VHE spectrum of all sources detected in that regime and, out of those with significant detections across the Fermi energy bandpass so far, the hardest spectrum in that energy regime. Thus, it has the largest spectral break of any gamma-ray source studied to date, which could be due to the absorption of the intrinsic gamma-ray spectrum by the extragalactic background light (EBL). Assuming this to be the case, we selected a model with a low level of EBL and used it to absorb the power-law spectrum from PG 1553+113 measured with Fermi (200 MeV-157 GeV) to find the redshift, which gave the best fit to the measured VHE data (90 GeV-1.1 TeV) for this parameterization of the EBL. We show that this redshift can be considered an upper limit on the distance to PG 1553+113.
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