Gamma-ray spectra of the highest energy astrophysical objects

Thumbnail Image
Date
1999
Authors
Samuelson, Frank
Major Professor
Advisor
David Armil Carter-Lewis
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Altmetrics
Authors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Organizational Unit
Physics and Astronomy
Physics and astronomy are basic natural sciences which attempt to describe and provide an understanding of both our world and our universe. Physics serves as the underpinning of many different disciplines including the other natural sciences and technological areas.
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract

Measurement of the spectra of multiple TeV (1012 eV) astrophysical sources has now been performed by the Whipple collaboration using a 10 meter imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope. These sources include the Crab Nebula and active galactic nuclei Markarian 421 and Markarian 501. Comparisons amongst sources and verification of features within spectra is now possible. The TeV energy spectra of the AGN, in particular Markarian 501, are curved. This is demonstrated with high confidence. This is consistent with other observations and with theories of emission from AGN. Possible sources of systematic error are detailed and varied spectral comparisons are performed. A softening of the spectrum of the AGN Markarian 501 is detectable at very low flux levels. However, due to the small ratio of signal to noise, this cannot be demonstrated at a high confidence.

Comments
Description
Keywords
Citation
Source
Subject Categories
Copyright
Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 1999