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NASA NTRS1982

The galactic center; Proceedings of the Workshop, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, January 7, 8, 1982

Observations and theoretical models of the galactic center are discussed, together with future observational capabilities. Radio observations of the molecular gas clouds and continuum around Sgr A are reported, as are IR continuum observations of the central 30 arcmin of the galaxy. IR data at 150, 200, and 300 microns are also cited, together with balloon-borne near-IR observations of the galactic central bulge. The galactic center has been examined with IR spectroscopy to characterize the ionized gas, the B-alpha and Ne II lines, the O I and O III lines in Sgr A, and the 10 micron emissions. Gamma ray observations have indicated the presence of positron annihilation, and further studies have been made in the 0.3-1.0 MeV range. Models for the compact source at the galactic center have considered accreting black holes, an accretion disk featuring Compton scattering to emit the positron radiation, and a protostar in the center of Sgr A. The gas motions and the potential triaxiality of the galactic center are discussed, and future NASA, ESA, Franco-Soviet, and Japanese spacecraft for X ray and gamma ray detection and mapping are described.

Riegler, G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Radio and X-ray observations of the radio halo source in A1367

Radio and X-ray observations of the 'radio halo' in A1367 are presented. The radio spectral index distribution is derived combining data at 610 and 1415 MHz taken with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT). A high-resolution Very Large Array (VLA) map allows us to discriminate between the extended cluster emission and a triple radio source associated with a background stellar object (most probably a QSO) which appears projected onto it. X-ray observations taken with the high-resolution imager on board the Einstein satellite reveal an X-ray source associated with this background object. A second weak X-ray enhancement is found projected onto the extended radio component. Inverse Compton scattering of the synchrotron-emitting particles provides a possible interpretation of such a source. The presence of large-scale magnetic fields and particle acceleration due to the turbulent motion of galaxies through the intergalactic medium is discussed in relationship to the observed peculiarities of the galaxies found in this region.

Gavazzi, G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

A search for the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect at millimeter wavelengths

It is believed that X-ray emission from clusters of galaxies represents thermal bremsstrahlung from a hot plasma. According to Sunyaev and Zel'dovich (1972), the plasma column density and temperature derived from this model imply a measurable distortion of the cosmic background radiation (CBR) in the cluster direction. This distortion results from the Compton scattering of the CBR photons by the electrons in the plasma, resulting in an average increase of each photon. This process, known as the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, is photon conserving and 'shifts' the CBR spectrum to higher frequencies. The result is a decrease of flux at frequencies below 7.5 per cm (the Rayleigh-Jeans region), and an increase above. The investigation is concerned with measurements of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect at frequencies in the range from 3 to 10 per cm. Attention is given to the employed observing and analysis technique, and an initial null result for the cluster Abell 1795.

Meyer, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Photon-photon absorption and the uniqueness of the spectra of active galactic nuclei

The effects of the feedback of e(+)-e(-) pair reinjection in a plasma due to photon-photon absorption of its own radiation was examined. Under the assumption of continuous electron injection with a power law spectrum E to the minus gamma power and Compton losses only, it is shown that for gamma 2 the steady state electron distribution function has a unique form independent of the primary injection spectrum. This electron distribution function can, by synchrotron emission, reproduce the general characteristics of the observed radio to optical active galactic nuclei spectra. Inverse Compton scattering of the synchrotron photons by the same electron distribution can account for their X-ray spectra, and also implies gamma ray emission from these objects. This result is invoked to account for the similarity of these spectra, and it is consistent with observations of the diffuse gamma ray background.

Kazanas, D.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Observations of NGC 4151 at 2 keV to 2 MeV from HEAO 1

Broad-range X-ray and gamma-ray spectra of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 obtained by the UCSD/MIT and GSFC/CIT detectors of HEAO 1 are presented. For two out of the three observational epochs the best-fit model is a power law with photon index 1.6 + or - 0.1 in the 2 keV-2 MeV spectral range. The third observation, in June, 1978, when the intensity was a factor of 2 higher, requires a change above 50 keV from a similar power law to a steeper power law or an exponential. Through comparisons with previous observations, a weak correlation is found between the high-energy spectral index and the flux level. Comparison of these data and other X-ray and gamma-ray observations with the spectra expected from several possible emission mechanisms supports a synchrotron-self-Compton model using infrared target photons or a Compton-scattering process involving X-rays of less than 10 keV energies.

Baity, W. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

X-ray spectra and time variability of active galactic nuclei

X ray measurements taken with the HEAO-1 and -2 satellites are examined for clues to the source of emissions from active galactic nuclei (AGN). The data covered the energy range 2-100 keV and 0.5-4.5 keV and encompassed quasars, BL Lac objects, Seyfert I galaxies and broadline radio galaxies. The broadline spectra were best fit with a power law with a slope of about 0.68. The continua displayed roughly equivalent energy at all wavelengths except for radio bands. Spectral variability was detected in the BL Lac objects, which may emit optical, UV and soft X ray radiation from optically thin synchrotron emission with a hard X ray tail from inverse Compton scattering. No strong variability was evidenced with other AGN, suggesting that the emitting regions are below the Eddington luminosity and thus exhibit stable flow characteristics.

Mushotzky, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Electron-positron pair equilibrium in strongly magnetized plasmas

Steady states of thermal electron-positron pair plasmas at mildly relativistic temperatures and in strong magnetic fields are investigated. The pair density in steady-state equilibrium, where pair production balances annihilation, is found as a function of temperature, magnetic field strength and source size, by a numerical calculation which includes pair production attenuation and Compton scattering of the photons. It is found that there is a maximum pair density for each value of temperature and field strength, and also a source size above which optically thin equilibrium states do not exist.

Harding, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Gamma rays of 0.3 to 30 MeV from PSR 0531+21

Pulsed gamma rays from the Crab Pulsar PSR 0531+21 are reported for energies of 0.3 to 30 MeV. The observations were carried out with the UCR gamma ray double Compton scatter telescope launched on a balloon from Palestine, Texas at 4.5 GV, at 2200 LT, September 29, 1978. Two 8 hr observations of the pulsar were made, the first starting at 0700 UT (0200 LT) September 30 just after reaching float altitude of 4.5 g/sq cm. Analysis of the total gamma ray flux from the Crab Nebula plus pulsar using telescope vertical cell pairs was published previously. The results presented supersede the preliminary ones. The double scatter mode of the UCR telescope measures the energy of each incident gamma ray from 1 to 30 MeV and its incident angle to a ring on the sky. The time of arrival is measured to 0.05 ms. The direction of the source is obtained from overlapping rings on the sky. The count rate of the first scatter above a threshold of 0.3 MeV is recorded every 5.12 ms. The Crab Pulsar parameters were determined from six topocentric arrival times of optical pulses.

White, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Cyclotron emission near stellar mass black holes

Cyclotron emission in the inner regions of an accretion disk around a matter accreting black hole can be appreciable. In the case of the X-ray source Cyg X-1, cyclotron emission may provide the soft photons needed for 'Comptonization' to produce high energy X-rays. The inverse correlation between the fluxes of high energy and low energy X-rays during the 'high' and 'low' states of Cyg X-1, may be understood as a result of the variation of the rate of accretion and the Compton scattering of the cyclotron photons. In the case of the X-ray source GX 339-4, the observed optical flux during the high states does not seem to be due to cyclotron emission, but probably due to reprocessing of high energy X-rays by the outer regions of the disk.

Apparao, K. M. V.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The GSFC Advanced Compton Telescope (ACT)

A new telescope is being developed at GSFC for the study of point sources of gamma rays in the energy range 1-30 MeV. Using the detection principle of a Compton scatter in a 2.5 cm thick NaI(Tl) detector followed by absorption in a 15 cm thick NaI(Tl) detector, the telescope uses a rocking collimator for field-of-view reduction and background subtraction. Background reduction techniques include lead-plastic scintillator shielding, pulse shape discrimination and Anger camera operation to both NaI detectors, as well as a time-of-flight measurement between them. The instrument configuration and status is described.

Hartman, R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Gamma rays from the Crab Pulsar 0531+21

Results are reported for observations of PSR 0531 + 21 performed with a gamma ray double Compton scatter telescope launched on a balloon. The operation of the telescope and the handling of the data are described. Phase diagrams for the pulsar and energy distributions for gamma rays from the primary and secondary pulses are shown and discussed. The results indicate that these observations are the first of gamma ray lines from neutrons captured on protons or iron in pulsars. Arguments supporting this interpretation are given.

Long, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Photon-photon absorption and the uniqueness of the spectra of active galactic nuclei

Kazanas, D.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The particle and photon spectrum of an optically thick relativistic wind

Compact astrophysical sources of energetic particles and photons are somewhat optically thick to particle-particle, particle-photon and photon-photon interactions. These interactions include pair production and annihilation, Compton and inverse Compton scattering, and electron-electron collisions (including bremsstrahlung). Preliminary results are presented from a calculation in which the modulation of an initial source spectrum by these processes in an expanding relativistic electron-photon wind is evaluated.

Caroff, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

X-ray emission possibly coincident with the radio tail of PKS 0301 - 123

X-ray, radio, and optical observations are reported for a very poor cluster of galaxies containing the radio source PKS 0301 - 123. A long, 100,000 second X-ray observation using the Einstein Observatory's IPC resulted in the serendipitous discovery of a peculiar extended X-ray morphology associated with the poor cluster. The X-ray emission is extended in the same direction and is approximately the same length as the radio-tailed source, PKS 0301 - 123, which was mapped at 6 and 20 cm with the VLA. Optical redshift observations with the KPNO IIDS on the 2.1 m telescope confirm the identification of the X-ray and radio emission with the poor cluster at z = 0.1. It is argued that the X-ray extension is unlikely to be a chance coincidence of a background source projected onto the foreground cluster. Therefore, four possible mechanisms which might physically link the X-ray and radio emission are considered: thermal bremsstrahlung from a cluster with a flattened potential well; inverse Compton scattering of the relativistic electrons in the radio source, X-ray synchrotron radiation; and heating the cluster gas by the turbulent wake of the radio galaxy. The prospects for future observations of such X-ray/radio coincidences are briefly discussed.

Burns, J. O.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Measurements of the angular distribution of auroral-zone bremsstrahlung in the middle atmosphere

The angular distributions of atmospheric electron bremsstrahlung at 45-65 km are determined by analyzing NaI-scintillation-detector measurements of X-rays in energy ranges upward of 5, 10, 20, and 40 keV obtained in two rocket flights over Alaska during March 1978 as part of the Aurorozone II project (Goldberg et al., 1984). The data are presented graphically and characterized, with a focus on periods of post-breakup auroral precipitation events. Findings reported include generally uniform upward and downward intensities, with the upward intensity typically 1-10 percent of the total; a smooth zenith-nadir transition of angular width less than + or - 20 deg at 40 keV; a downward energy spectrum dominated by direct X-rays at 65 km but much less so at lower altitudes (where Compton-scattered X-rays play a greater role); and a completely scattered-X-ray-dominated upward energy spectrum. Reasonable agreement is found when these data are compared with the theoretical bremsstrahlung calculations of Berger and Seltzer (1972).

Barcus, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Nonthermal electron-positron pair production and the 'universal' X-ray spectrum of active galactic nuclei

A nonthermal model for power-law X-ray and gamma-ray sources is considered. An initial, primary distribution of relativistic electrons is injected and cooled via Compton scattering of soft photons (produced either externally or by the synchrotron mechanism). The scattered photons, constituting a primary gamma-ray source, produce electron-positron pairs that act as a secondary electron injection, which in turn produce a secondary photon spectrum. Pairs formed by a part of the photon spectrum optically thin to pair production are taken into account. The distribution of particles and photons is obtained, and numerical results as well as analytical solutions to certain special cases are presented. For the case of a delta-function primary electron injection it is found that the photon spectrum in the X-ray region is well approximated by a power law, with the energy spectral index alpha(X) lying in the relatively narrow range 0.5-0.9 as the compactness parameter L(x)/R (where L(x) is the X-ray luminosity and R is the source radius) varies over many orders of magnitude. This is proposed as a possible mechanism to explain the universal X-ray spectra observed from active galactic nuclei.

Zdziarski, A. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Short-lived solar burst spectral component at f approximately 100 GHz

A new kind of burst emission component was discovered, exhibiting fast and distinct pulses (approx. 60 ms durations), with spectral peak emission at f approx. 100 GHz, and onset time coincident to hard X-rays to within approx. 128 ms. These features pose serious constraints for the interpretation using current models. One suggestion assumes the f approx. 100 GHz pulses emission by synchrotron mechanism of electrons accelerated to ultrarelativistic energies. The hard X-rays originate from inverse Compton scattering of the electrons on the synchrotron photons. Several crucial observational tests are needed for the understanding of the phenomenon, requiring high sensitivity and high time resolution (approx. 1 ms) simultaneous to high spatial resolution (0.1 arcsec) at f approx. 110 GHz and hard X-rays.

Kaufmann, P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Current issues in the X-ray properties of active galactic nuclei

Some issues raised by soft X-ray spectra and hours variability observations of active galactic nuclei (AGN), made possible by improved energy calibration of the Einstein IPC and the launch of Exosat into a unique 72-hour highly elliptical orbit, are presented. Explanations for steep soft excesses in quasars include the emission from the hot tail of an accretion disk spectrum, and from optically thin bremsstrahlung at 1-2 x 10 to the 6th K from a large volume. Mechanisms for the approximately 1.0 slope in the 0.2-4 keV soft IPC X-ray band quasars include direct synchrotron emission, unsaturated Comptonization of an arbitrary seed spectrum, and synchro-Compton scattering from the infrared. The Exosat observation of NGC 4051 revealed six 1-hour cycles with spectral changes during the variations. AGN time variations may now be able to limit emission models through studying, for example, the lag times between soft and hard variations.

Elvis, M.↗