X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy at the turning point
X and gamma ray astronomy instrumentation, point sources, continuum emission, line spectra, etc
Peterson, L. E.↗
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X-ray Follow-ups of XSS J12270-4859: A Low-mass X-ray Binary with Gamma-ray Fermi-LAT Association
Context. XSS J1227.0-4859 is a peculiar, hard X-ray source recently positionally associated to the Fermi-LAT source 1FGL J1227.9- 4852/2FGL J1227.7-4853. Multi-wavelength observations have added information on this source, indicating a low-luminosity lowmass X-ray binary (LMXB), but its nature is still unclear. Aims. To progress in our understanding, we present new X-ray data from a monitoring campaign performed in 2011 with the XMM-Newton, RXTE, and Swift satellites and combine them with new gamma-ray data from the Fermi and AGILE satellites. We complement the study with simultaneous near-UV photometry from XMM-Newton and with previous UV/optical and near-IR data. Methods. We analysed the temporal characteristics in the X-rays, near-UV, and gamma rays and studied the broad-band spectral energy distribution from radio to gamma rays. Results. The X-ray history of XSS J1227 over 7 yr shows a persistent and rather stable low-luminosity (6 × 1033 d2 1 kpcerg s−1) source, with flares and dips being peculiar and permanent characteristics. The associated Fermi-LAT source 2FGL J1227.7-4853 is also stable over an overlapping period of 4.7 yr. Searches for X-ray fast pulsations down to msec give upper limits to pulse fractional amplitudes of 15−25% that do not rule out a fast spinning pulsar. The combined UV/optical/near-IR spectrum reveals a hot component at approximately 13 kK and a cool one at approximately 4.6 kK. The latter would suggest a late-type K2−K5 companion star, a distance range of 1.4−3.6 kpc, and an orbital period of 7-9 h. A near-UV variability (6 h) also suggests a longer orbital period than previously estimated. Conclusions. The analysis shows that the X-ray and UV/optical/near-IR emissions are more compatible with an accretion-powered compact object than with a rotational powered pulsar. The X-ray to UV bolometric luminosity ratio could be consistent with a binary hosting a neutron star, but the uncertainties in the radio data may also allow an LMXB black hole with a compact jet. In this case, it would be the first associated with a high-energy gamma-ray source.
deMartino, D.↗
Low-mass X-ray binaries and gamma-ray bursts
More than twenty years after their discovery, the nature of gamma-ray burst sources (GRBs) remains mysterious. The results from BATSE experiment aboard the Compton Observatory show however that most of the sources of gamma-ray bursts cannot be distributed in the galactic disc. The possibility that a small fraction of sites of gamma-ray bursts is of galactic disc origin cannot however be excluded. We point out that large numbers of neutron-star binaries with orbital periods of 10 hr and M dwarf companions of mass 0.2-0.3 solar mass are a natural result of the evolution of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). The numbers and physical properties of these systems suggest that some gamma-ray burst sources may be identified with this endpoint of LMXB evolution. We suggest an observational test of this hypothesis.
Lasota, J. P.↗
Gamma-ray observational constraints on the origin of the optical continuum emission from the white-light flare of 1980 July 1
Results are presented for the flare of July 1, 1980, which started at approximately 1627 UT and in which simultaneous measurements were made of X-ray, gamma-ray, and optical continuum emission for the entire duration of the flare. The X-ray and gamma-ray observations were made by the Gamma-Ray Spectrometer on the Solar Maximum Mission satellite. The optical measurements were taken at the Sacramento Peak Observatory and the Big Bear Solar Observatory (Zirin and Neidig, 1981). It is found that the major white-light emission that occurs in the late phase of the flare could not have been due to heating by electron or ion precipitation. This conclusion derives from the fact that the X-ray and gamma-ray flux peaks approximately 1 minute before the maximum of the optical continuum mission emission. It is also found that approximately 73 percent of the optical continuum emission, representing a spatially and temporally distinct bright point, follows this maximum with little or no X-ray or gamma-ray emission in the same period.
Ryan, J. M.↗
Spallation limits on interstellar fluxes of low-energy cosmic rays and nuclear gamma rays
Spallation limits on low energy cosmic and nuclear gamma rays interstellar fluxes, evaluating fast particle effects on interstellar medium
Fowler, W. A.↗
X-ray echoes from gamma-ray bursts
The identification of an echo of reflected radiation in time histories of gamma-ray burst spectra can provide important information about the existence of binary companions or accretion disks in gamma-ray burst systems. Because of the nature of Compton scattering, the spectrum of the echo will be attenuated at gamma-ray energies compared with the spectrum of the primary burst emission. The expected temporal and spectral signatures of the echo and a search for such echoes are described, and implications for gamma-ray burst models are discussed.
Dermer, Charles D.↗
Gamma Ray Spectrometers
Gamma rays are high energy electromagnetic radiation with energies typically starting from a few tens of keV and extending to beyond TeV energies. Although gamma rays, like other electromagnectic radiation, can be characterized by frequency and wavelength, they are more particle-like in nature and carry energy, and momentum.
frequencywavelength↗
The relationship between the galactic matter distribution, cosmic ray dynamics, and gamma ray production
Theoretical considerations and analysis of the results of gamma ray astronomy suggest that the galactic cosmic rays are dynamically coupled to the interstellar matter through the magnetic fields, and hence the cosmic ray density should be enhanced where the matter density is greatest on the scale of galactic arms. This concept has been explored in a galactic model using recent 21 cm radio observations of the neutral hydrogen and 2.6 mm observations of carbon monoxide, which is considered to be a tracer of molecular hydrogen. The model assumes: (1) cosmic rays are galactic and not universal; (2) on the scale of galactic arms, the cosmic ray column (surface) density is proportional to the total interstellar gas column density; (3) the cosmic ray scale height is significantly larger than the scale height of the matter; and (4) ours is a spiral galaxy characterized by an arm to interarm density ratio of about 3:1.
Kniffen, D. A.↗
Cosmic gamma rays
Cosmic gamma ray production processes, galactic and extragalactic gamma rays, and cosmology
Stecker, F. W.↗
The Gamma-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (GRIS): A new balloon-borne experiment for gamma-ray line astronomy
High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy is a relatively new field that holds great promise for further understanding of high energy astrophysical processes. When the high resolution gamma-ray spectrometer (GRSE) was removed from the GRO payload, a balloon program was initiated to permit continued development and improvement of instrumentation in this field, as well as continued scientific observations. The Gamma-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (GRIS) is one of the experiments selected as part of this program. The instrument contains a number of new and innovative features that are expected to produce a significant improvement in source location accuracy and sensitivity over previous balloon and satellite experiments.
Teegarden, B. J.↗
Observations and theory of X-rays and gamma-rays from radio-quiet Seyferts
Recent oriented scintillation spectrometer experiment (OSSE) observations of sift gamma-ray emission from radio-quiet Seyfert galaxies as well as their theoretical implications are reviewed. For some Seyferts, the OSSE data can be combined with X-ray data from Ginga and ROSAT. Seyfert 1s have intrinsic power-law spectra with approximately 0.9 extending without a break to at least approximately 200 keV. There is some evidence for a break at higher energies. On top of this intrinsic spectrum there is a Compton reflection component, which corresponds to cold matter covering a approximately 2 pi solid angle as seen by the power-law source. Compton reflection is responsible for a hardening of the spectrum in the approximately 5-30 keV range and a softening at approximately 30-200 keV. This spectrum is then abasorbed by a partially ionized external medium. The spectra of Seyfert 2s are marginally consistent with those of Seyfert 1s modified by strong absorption. However, there are indications that their intrinsic X-ray spectra are harder than those of Seyfert 1s. This is in fact the case for NGC 4151, a Seyfert 1.5. The Seyfert spectra integrated over redshift with cosmological evolution can explain the cosmic X-ray background spectrum from 1 to 100 keV.
Zdziuarski, A. A.↗
16 November 1979 gamma-ray bursts observed with HEAO-3 High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometer
On 1979 November 16, two gamma-ray bursts were observed by the High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometer on HEAO-3. The first event occurred at 14:16:41 U.T. and lasted about eight seconds. This event was detected only by the instrument's five CsI anticoincidence shield pieces. The second event occurred 61 sec later, at 14:17:42, and lasted about 18 sec. This event was clearly detected by the high-resolution germanium detectors. Because of the close temporal coincidence of the two events, the possibility is considered that both events originated from one celestial source, and that the scanning motion of HEAO-3 (nominal spin period 20 min) excluded the first from the approximately 30 deg FWHM field of view of the germanium detectors but included the second. Directional information from the relative response of the five shield pieces and the earth occultation constraint are all consistent with this interpretation and suggest a source location near RA equals 10 hr, Dec equals 45 deg. No significant spectral features appear in the high-resolution data from the second burst.
Wheaton, W. A.↗
Midlatitude electron precipitation: A possible source of contamination of galactic X and gamma-ray measurements
The effect of trapped and precipitated particles in the magnetosphere on the measurement of galactic X-rays and gamma rays is discussed. To minimize contamination caused by electron precipitation, most galactic X-ray and gamma ray measurements are conducted at equatorial or relatively low to middle latitudes where the influence of auroral effects is expected to be small. Substorm-related VLF phase perturbations also affect the measurements. If such perturbation are indicative of electron precipitation at middle to low latitudes, then their relatively high frequency of occurrence, as many as 100 per year, is evidence that electron precipitation at these latitudes may pose a problem to some galactic X-ray and gamma ray measurements. Charts and maps are presented to show: (1) phase recordings from sixteen sub-ionospheric VLF propagation paths, (2) map of great circle propagation paths, (3) ionization rates in the nighttime ionosphere due to several sources, and (4) computer phase variation for the NLK-APL path versus electron flux for different e-folding energies.
Rosenberg, T. J.↗
Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Explorer: Mission Design for Rapid, Accurate Location of Gamma-ray Bursts
The Swift Gamma-ray Burst Explorer is a NASA Mid-sized Explorer (MIDEX) with the primary mission of determining the origins of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). It will be the first mission to autonomously respond to newly-discovered GRBs and provide immediate follow-up narrow field instruments capable of multi-wavelength (UV, Optical, X-ray) observations. The characteristics of GRBs that are the key mission design drivers, are their non-repeating and brief duration bursts of multi-wavelength photons. In addition, rapid notification of the location and characteristics of the GRBs to ground-and-space- based observatories drive the end-to-end data analysis and distribution requirements. The Swift mission is managed by the GSFC, and includes an international team of contributors that each bring their unique perspective that have proven invaluable to the mission. The spacecraft bus, provided by Spectrum Astro, Inc. was procured through a Rapid Spacecraft Development Office (RSDO) contract by the GSFC. There are three instruments: the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) provided by the GSFC; the X-Ray Telescope (XRT) provided by a team led by the Pennsylvania State University (PSU); and the Ultra-Violet Optical Telescope (UVOT), again managed by PSU. The Mission Operations Center (MOC) was developed by and is located at PSU. Science archiving and data analysis centers are located at the GSFC, in the UK and in Italy.
Bundas, David J.↗
Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Explorer: Mission Design for Rapid, Accurate Location of Gamma-ray Bursts
The Swift Gamma-ray Burst Explorer is a NASA Mid-sized Explorer (MIDEX) with the primary mission of determining the origins of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). It will be the first mission to autonomously respond to newly-discovered GRBs and provide immediate follow-up with narrow field instruments capable of multi-wavelength (UV, Optical, X-ray) observations. The characteristics of GRBs that are the key mission design drivers, are their non-repeating and brief duration bursts of multi-wavelength photons. In addition, rapid notification of the location and characteristics of the GRBs to ground-and-space-based observatories drive the end-to-end data analysis and distribution requirements.
Bundas, David J.↗
Swift Gamma-ray Burst Explorer: Mission Design for Rapid, Accurate Location of Gamma-ray Bursts
The Swift Gamma-ray Burst Explorer is a NASA Mid-sized Explorer (MIDEX) with the primary mission of determining the origins of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). It will be the first mission to autonomously respond to newly-discovered GRBs and provide immediate follow-up with narrow field instruments capable of multi-wavelength (UT, Optical, X-ray) observations. The characteristics of GRBs that are the key mission design drivers, are their non-repeating and brief duration bursts of multi-wavelength photons. In addition, rapid notification of the location and characteristics of the GRBs to ground-and-space-based observatories drive the end-to-end data analysis and distribution requirements.
Bundas, David J.↗
A new model of atmospheric gamma rays and its implications for measurement of diffuse cosmic gamma rays from within the atmosphere
A semi-empirical model is discussed which describes atmospheric gamma rays in the range 0.3 less then or equal to E less than or equal to 10 MeV based on the production per unit mass of air. The model is based on the concept of a source strength (photon/g sec MeV) which is energy- and depth-dependent, and derived from measured fluxes. Quantities such as directional fluxes, angular distributions, and growth curves are calculated directly from this model. The source function is described by four energy-dependent parameters determined empirically from fluxes measured with a 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm Nal counter over the atmospheric depth range from 3.5 to 500 g/sq cm. From S(E,x), obtained for both continuum and discrete gamma rays at lambda = 40 deg, the depth and angle dependence of directional fluxes were calculated. Growth-curve predictions needed to separate atmospheric from diffuse cosmic fluxes were determined.
Matteson, J. L.↗
Hard X-ray and gamma-ray imaging spectroscopy for the next solar maximum
The objectives and principles are described of a single spectroscopic imaging package that can provide effective imaging in the hard X- and gamma-ray ranges. Called the High-Energy Solar Physics (HESP) mission instrument for solar investigation, the device is based on rotating modulation collimators with germanium semiconductor spectrometers. The instrument is planned to incorporate thick modulation plates, and the range of coverage is discussed. The optics permit the coverage of high-contrast hard X-ray images from small- and medium-sized flares with large signal-to-noise ratios. The detectors allow angular resolution of less than 1 arcsec, time resolution of less than 1 arcsec, and spectral resolution of about 1 keV. The HESP package is considered an effective and important instrument for investigating the high-energy solar events of the near-term future efficiently.
Hudson, H. S.↗