Gamma-Rays from Galactic Compact Objects
This study explores the phenomena surrounding gamma-ray emissions from compact objects in our galaxy, focusing particularly on pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) and their associated jets. We discuss the discovery of numerous TeV sources, the mechanics of shock acceleration, and the acceleration efficiency of particles. With an emphasis on future observational capabilities, this research aims to deepen our understanding of relativistic processes in astrophysics, including applications to active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursts. A Galactic plane survey promises to unveil numerous new sources.
Gamma-Rays from Galactic Compact Objects
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Presentation Transcript
Gamma-Rays from Galactic Compact Objects Philip Kaaret,A. Abdo, J. Arons, M. Baring, S. Funk, A. Harding, S. Heinz, E. Hays, B. Gaensler, D. Kieda, M. Pohl, K. Ragan, P. Slane, D. Torres • Outline: • TeV sky • Plerions = pulsar wind nebulae • Jets from compact objects
TeV sky (in 2006) 29 discovered since 2003 27 are Galactic 39 sources (E > 100 GeV) 39 sources (E > 100 GeV) (Hermann 2006)
Pulsar Wind Nebula Relativistic wind from pulsar terminates in shock accelerating particles to ~ 1000 TeV. • Local laboratory for studying relativistic shocks • Results important for our understanding of relativistic shocks and for applications to other systems such as AGN and GRB
TeV Observations of PWNe • What does shock acceleration work? (maximum energy, efficiency, dependence on particle content) • Hadron acceleration? (older PWNe?) • How do relativistic particles diffuse? • Discover new PWNe (Aharonian et al. 2006) (Atoyan & Aharonian et al. 1996)
TeV Observations of BH Jets • For 10% acceleration efficiency, jet kinetic power = X-ray luminosity. • Gamma-rays should enable us to determine if jet is e+e- or hadronic. • Future observatory could detect TeV emission from quiescent BHs. (Aharonian et al. 2005) Leptonic model of LS 5039 (Dermer & Bottcher 2006)
Conclusions • New TeV observatories will lead to significant advances in our understanding of relativistic particle acceleration by neutron stars and black holes with important applications to many areas of astrophysics. • Gamma-ray data is essential to understand the physics of pulsar wind nebulae and jet acceleration in binary systems. • A Galactic plane survey to 10-14 erg cm-2 s-1 would discover hundreds of new Galactic sources including PWNe, young pulsars, millisecond pulsars, quiescent black hole and neutron star binaries, new classes of objects…
