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NASA NTRS1982

1 millimeter continuum observations of quasars

Broadband 1-mm continuum observations of 37 active extragalactic objects are discussed in the context of several models of the radio and IR continuum emission of compact extragalactic objects. The observed correlation of the 1-mm flux density of 'blazars', or BL Lac objects and optically violent, variable quasars, with both radio and IR emission, is a natural consequence of the attribution of the radio-to-optical blazar continuum to synchrotron radiation from a relativistic jet viewed nearly along its axis. It is shown that a Comptonization model in which the IR continuum of quasars is produced by the upscattering of radio photons into the IR by a thermal plasma will be in accord with the 1-mm and IR data, if these photons have frequencies in the 10 to the 12th to 10 to the 13th Hz range.

Ennis, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Far-infrared variability in active galactic nuclei

Pointed IRAS observations of 20 active galaxies were examined in the first detailed search for far-infrared variability in a large sample of active galaxies. Less extensive survey data were also checked for evidence of strong 6-month variability in 45 active galaxies. The far-infrared fluxes of three highly polarized objects ('blazars') appeared to vary by up to a factor of 2 on time scales of a few months. No convincing cases of variability greater than about 15 percent (rms) were found in any of the normal quasars or Seyfert galaxies studied. It appears that blazars tend to be variable at all wavelengths, but most active galaxies may be systematically less variable in the far-infrared than at higher frequencies.

Edelson, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The miniblazar in 3C 273

The compact core of 3C 273 has been studied for over two years using optical photometry and accurate polarimetry. A wealth of polarization behavior, including variable polarization, observed at a level of under 1 percent is described. The results indicate that 3C 273 harbors a weak continuum component having all the characteristic properties of blazars. It is predicted that other compact radio sources with low optical polarization will also be found to harbor miniblazars. The detection of variable polarization in 3C 273 strengthens the link between superluminal motion at radio wavelengths and blazar activity at optical wavelengths.

Impey, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Compton Observatory observations of clusters of galaxies and extragalactic radio sources

This task involved the investigation of the emission of clusters of galaxies, particularly those which contain extended radio emission, in the gamma-ray region of the spectrum. Observations were made of several clusters using the Compton Observatory EGRET instrument. For each cluster a measured flux or upper limit on the gamma-ray flux was obtained. In only one case, Abell 2199, was there a significant measured flux. This source is spatially confused with a know blazar in the field of view. The observation is consistent with all emissions being from the blazar.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

The extended 12 micron galaxy sample

We have selected an all-sky (absolute value of b greater than or equal to 25 deg) 12 micron flux-limited sample of 893 galaxies from the IRAS Faint Source Catalog, Version 2 (FSC-2). We have obtained accurate total fluxes in the IRAS wavebands by using the ADDSCAN procedure for all objects with FSC-2 12 micron fluxes greater than 0.15 Jy and increasing flux densities from 12 to 60 microns, and defined the sample by imposing a survey limit of 0.22 Jy on the total 12 micron flux. Its completeness is verified, by means of the classical log N - log S and V/V(sub max) tests, down to 0.30 Jy, below which we have measured the incompleteness down to the survey limit, using the log N - log S plot, for our statistical analysis. We have obtained redshifts (mostly from catalogs) for virtually all (98.4%) the galaxies in the sample. Using existing catalogs of active galaxies, we defined a subsample of 118 objects consisting of 53 Seyfert 1s and quasars, 63 Seyfert 2s, and two blazars (approximately 13% of the full sample), which is the largest unbiased sample of Seyfert galaxies ever assembled. Since the 12 micron flux has been shown to be about one-fifth of the bolometric flux for Seyfert galaxies and quasars, the subsample of Seyferts (including quasars and blazars) is complete not only to 0.30 Jy at 12 microns but also with respect to a bolometric flux limit of approximately 2.0 x 10(exp -10) ergs/s/sq cm. The average value of V/V(sub max) for the full sample, corrected for incompleteness at low fluxes, is 0.51 +/- 0.04, expected for a complete sample of uniformly distributed galaxies, while the value for the Seyfert galaxy subsample is 0.46 +/- 0.10. We have derived 12 microns and far-infrared luminosity functions for the AGNs, as well as for the entire sample. We extracted from our sample a complete subsample of 235 galaxies flux-limited (8.3 Jy) at 60 microns. The 60 micron luminosity function computed for this subsample is in satisfactory agreement with the ones derived from the bright galaxy sample (BGS) and the deep high-galactic latitude sample, both selected at 60 microns.

Rush, Brian↗
NASA NTRS1994

The optical polarization properties of X-ray-selected BL Lacertae objects

We discuss the optical polarization properties of X-ray-selected BL Lacertae objects (XSBLs) as determined from 3 yr of monitoring the polarization of 37 BL Lac objects and candidates. The observed objects include a complete X-ray flux limited sample drawn from the Einstein Extended Medium Sensitivity Survey (EMSS). We find that the majority of the XSBLs classified solely on the appearance of their optical spectra are true members of the class of BL Lacertae objects since they possess intrinsically polarized and variable continua. The duty cycle of polarized emission (fraction of time spent with the degree of polarization greater than 4%) from XSBLs is 44%. The maximum observed percent polarizations are of order 10%, considerably below the maximum values observed for radio-selected BL Lacertae objects and blazars (30%-40%). While XSBLs have variable polarized emission, the majority (approximately equal to 85%) have preferred polarization position angles on timescales at least as long as 3 yr. This reflects stability in the geometry of the region emitting the linearly polarized optical emission. We describe the spectral dependence of the degree of polarization and discuss some of the possible mechanisms producing the observed characteristics. While dilution of the polarized emission by the host galaxy starlight is certainly present in some objects, we demonstrate that the average polarization properties of XSBLs derived from our observations are not drastically affected by this effect. While the confirmed BL Lac objects are shown to be photometric variables, the objects in our monitored sample did not display the larger than 1 mag variations generally used to characterize the optical variability of radio-selected BL Lacertae objects or blazars in general.

Jannuzi, Buell T.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Multiwavelength Observations of Markarian 421 During a TeV/X-Ray Flare

A TeV flare from the BL Lac object Mrk 421 was detected in May of 1994 by the Whipple Observatory air Cherenkov experiment during which the flux above 250 GeV increased by nearly an order of magnitude over a 2-day period. Contemporaneous observations by ASCA showed the X-ray flux to be in a very high state. We present these results, combined with the first ever simultaneous or nearly simultaneous observations at GeV gamma-ray, UV, IR, mm, and radio energies for this nearest BL Lac object. While the GeV gamma-ray flux increased slightly, there is little evidence for variability comparable to that seen at TeV and X-ray energies. Other wavelengths show even less variability. This provides important constraints on the emission mechanisms at work. We present the multiwavelength spectrum of this gamma-ray blazar for both quiescent and flaring states and discuss the data in terms of current models of blazar emission.

Bertsch, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

CGRO Guest Investigator Program

This grant had as its main goal the reduction and analysis of the archival data for blazars collected (primarily) by the EGRET instrument, interpretation of these data in the context of current theoretical models, and development of new theoretical models for blazar jets.

Begelman, Mitchell C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Third EGRET Catalog of High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources

The third catalog of high-energy gamma-ray sources detected by the EGRET telescope on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory includes data from 1991 April 22 to 1995 October 3 (Cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the mission). In addition to including more data than the second EGRET catalog (Thompson et al. 1995) and its supplement (Thompson et al. 1996), this catalog uses completely reprocessed data (to correct a number of mostly minimal errors and problems). The 271 sources (E greater than 100 MeV) in the catalog include the single 1991 solar flare bright enough to be detected as a source, the Large Magellanic Cloud, five pulsars, one probable radio galaxy detection (Cen A), and 66 high-confidence identifications of blazars (BL Lac objects, flat-spectrum radio quasars, or unidentified flat-spectrum radio sources). In addition, 27 lower-confidence potential blazar identifications are noted. Finally, the catalog contains 170 sources not yet identified firmly with known objects, although potential identifications have been suggested for a number of those. A figure is presented that gives approximate upper limits for gamma-ray sources at any point in the sky, as well as information about sources listed in the second catalog and its supplement which do not appear in this catalog.

Hartman, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Third EGRET Catalog of High-Energy Gamma-Ray Sources

The third catalog of high-energy gamma-ray sources detected by the EGRET telescope on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory includes data from 1991 April 22 to 1995 October 3 (Cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the mission). In addition to including more data than the second EGRET catalog and its supplement, this catalog uses completely reprocessed data (to correct a number of mostly minimal errors and problems). The 271 sources (E greater than 100 MeV) in the catalog include the single 1991 solar flare bright enough to be detected as a source, the Large Magellanic Cloud, five pulsars, one probable radio galaxy detection (Cen A), and 66 high-confidence identifications of blazars (BL Lac objects, flat-spectrum radio quasars, or unidentified flat-spectrum radio sources). In addition, 27 lower-confidence potential blazar identifications are noted. Finally, the catalog contains 170 sources not yet identified firmly with known objects, although potential identifications have been suggested for a number of those. A figure is presented that gives approximate upper limits for gamma-ray sources at any point in the sky, as well as information about sources listed in the second catalog and its supplement which do not appear in this catalog.

Hartman, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

X-Ray Emission from the Unidentified Gamma-Ray Transient GRO J1838-0415

The gamma-ray transient GRO J1838-04 is one of the most enigmatic sources in the sky. Despite its closeness to the Galactic plane, it showed a strong gamma-ray flare in 1995 typical of blazars. However, no blazar is detected in its approx. 1 deg. error box, and a Galactic source is suspected. Other time variable gamma-ray sources are known in the Galactic disk, and GRO J1838-04 may belong to a new class of sources (isolated young pulsars, the only proven Galactic gamma-ray sources, do not show variability). The Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) observed the centroid of the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) error box of GRO J1838-04 in April 1997. Five weak X-ray sources are detected, one of which appears to be diffuse (3 arcmins). No known radio source is coincident with the X-ray sources. A preliminary report of our results appeared and a more systematic report is being written . The fact that no prominent X-ray source appears in the field, excludes an X-ray transient source with strong persistent emission is a possible counterpart of GRO JI838- 04 (such as superluminal transients). To uncover the nature of GRO J1838-04 requires more study of the weak X-ray sources in its error box, and a long-time scale monitoring of their variability.

Tavani, Marco↗
NASA NTRS1998

X-Ray Emission from the Unidentified Gamma Ray Transient GRO J1838-0415 and X-Ray Localization of Gamma-Ray Transients near the Galactic Plane

The investigation was focused on studying the residual X-ray emission from possible counterparts of enigmatic gamma-ray transients near the Galactic plane. These sources (discovered by our group at Columbia) are highly variable gamma-ray sources with no radio-loud spectrally flat blazar in their approx 1 deg. diameter error box. BSAX Narrow Field Instruments pointed the gamma-ray error box of the prominent non-blazar Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) source GRO 1838-04 twice on April 17, 1997, and on April 20, 1997. Most of the EGRET error box was imaged and several faint X-ray sources were detected. BSAX Wide Field Camera data were also obtained for a variety of sources near the Galactic plane, including GRO J1838-04.

Tavani, Marco↗
NASA NTRS1999

EGRET Team Papers to Be Published in the Proceedings of the Fifth Compton Symposium

Papers to be included in this symposium are: Detecting the Attenuation of Blazar Gamma-Ray Emission by Extragalactic Background Light with GLAST; Some Aspects of the Radio Emission of EGRET-Detected Blazars; GeV Outburst in Mrk 501; Spectral Modeling of the EGRET 3EG Gamma Ray Sources Near the Galactic Plane; X-ray and Gamma-ray Observations of the COS-B Field 2CG 075+00; Multiwavelength Studies of the Peculiar Gamma-Ray Source 3EG J1835+5918; EGRET/COMPTER Observations of an Unusual, Steep-Spectrum Gamma-Ray Source; Preliminary Results from a New Analysis Method for EGRET Data; and A Systematic Search for Short-term Variability of EGRET Sources.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2002

The Relationship Between X-Rays and Relativistic Jets

We present recent multiwaveband observations centered on X-ray monitoring of blazars and the radio galaxy 3C 120 with the RXTE satellite, In 3C 120, we observed four X-ray dips, each followed by ejections of superluminal radio knots down the jet. This behavior, similar to that of the microquasar GRS 1915+105, is interpreted as infall of a piece of the inner accretion disk causing ejection of energy into the relativistic jet. The X-ray emission from the quasars PKS 1510-089, 3C 279, and 3C 273 is highly variable on timescales as short as approximately 1 day. Over 2 years, X-ray flares in PKS 1510-089 occurred about 2 weeks after radio outbursts, which can be explained by light-travel delays. In 3C 279 the X-ray and optical variations are usually well correlated, with very little, if any, time delay. We conclude that the X-ray and optical emission from blazars occurs near the radio core rather than close to the black hole.

Marscher, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Probing the Relativistic Jets of Active Galactic Nuclei with Multiwavelength Monitoring

The work completed includes the analysis of observations obtained during Cycle 7 (March 2002-February 2003) of the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The project was part of a longer-term, continuing program to study the X-ray emission process in blazars and radio galaxies in collaboration with Dr. Ian McHardy (U. of Southampton, UK) and Prof. Thomas Balonek (Colgate U.). The goals of the program are to study the X-ray emission mechanism in blazars and radio galaxies and the relation of the X-ray emission to changes in the relativistic jet. The program includes contemporaneous brightness and linear polarization monitoring at radio and optical wavelengths, total and polarized intensity imaging at at 43 GHz with a resolution of 0.1 milliarcseconds with the VLBA, and well-sampled X-ray light curves obtained from a series of approved RXTE programs. The objects studied in the time period covered by the grant were 3C 120, 3C 279, PKS 1510-089, and 3C 273, all with radio jets containing bright knots that appear to move at superluminal speeds. During RXTE Cycle 7, the project was awarded RXTE time to monitor PKS 1510-089 two times per week, 3C 273 and 3C 279 three times per week, and 3C 120 four times per week. In addition, 3C273 and 3C 279 were observed several times per day during a ten-day period in April 2002. The X-ray data, including those from earlier cycles, were compared with radio measurements obtained in the centimeter-wave band by the monitoring program of Drs. Margo and Hugh Aller at the University of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory, monthly imaging observations with the VLBA at 43 GHz, and optical observations obtained at several telescopes around the world.

Marscher, Alan P.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Neutrino Emission in the Hadronic Synchrotron Mirror Model: The "Orphan" Flare from 1ES 1959+650

A challenge to standard leptonic synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) models is the so-called orphan TeV flares, i.e., enhanced very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray emission without any contemporaneous X-ray flaring activity, that have recently been observed in TeV blazars (e.g., 1ES 1959+650). In order to explain the orphan TeV flare of 1 ES 1959+650 observed in 2002 June, the so-called hadronic synchrotron mirror model has been developed. Here relativistic protons are proposed to exist in the jet and interact with reflected electron synchrotron radiation of the precursor SSC flare. If the reflector is located in the cloud region, time shifts of several days are possible between the precursor and the orphan flare. The external photons, blue-shifted in the comoving jet frame, are able to excite the Delta(1232) resonance when interacting with protons of Lorentz factors gamma(sub p) approx. 10(exp 3)-10(exp 4). The decay products of this resonance include charged pions, which, on decay, give rise to neutrino production during the orphan flare. In this paper we calculate the expected neutrino emission for the 2002 June 4 orphan TeV flare of 1ES 1959+650. We compare our results with the recent observations of AMANDA-II of a neutrino event in spatial and temporal coincidence with the orphan flare of this blazar. We find that the expected neutrino signal from the hadronic synchrotron mirror model is insufficient to explain the claimed neutrino signal from the direction of 1ES 1959+650.

Reimer, A.↗
NASA NTRS2006

GLAST Large Area Telescope Multiwavelength Planning

Because gamma-ray astrophysics depends in many ways on multiwavelength studies, the GLAST Large Area Telescope (LAT) Collaboration has started multiwavelength planning well before the scheduled 2007 launch of the observatory. Some of the high-priority needs include: (1) radio and X-ray timing of pulsars; (2) expansion of blazar catalogs, including redshift measurements (3) improved observations of molecular clouds, especially at high galactic latitudes; (4) simultaneous broad-spectrum blazar flare measurements; (5) characterization of gamma-ray transients, including gamma ray bursts; (6) radio, optical, X-ray and TeV counterpart searches for unidentified gamma-ray sources. Work on the first three of these activities is needed before launch. The GLAST Large Area Telescope is an international effort, with U.S. funding provided by the Department of Energy and NASA.

Thompson, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS2007

GLAST Large Area Telescope Multiwavelength Planning

Gamma-ray astrophysics depends in many ways on multiwavelength studies. The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) Large Area Telescope (LAT) Collaboration has started multiwavelength planning well before the scheduled 2007 launch of the observatory. Some of the high-priority multiwavelength needs include: (1) availability of contemporaneous radio and X-ray timing of pulsars; (2) expansion of blazar catalogs, including redshift measurements; (3) improved observations of molecular clouds, especially at high galactic latitudes; (4) simultaneous broad-spectrum blazar monitoring; (5) characterization of gamma-ray transients, including gamma ray bursts; (6) radio, optical, X-ray and TeV counterpart searches for reliable and effective sources identification and characterization. Several of these activities are needed to be in place before launch.

Reimer, O.↗