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Exploring Gamma-Ray/Optical Connection in Blazars

Investigating if gamma-ray and optical emissions in blazars are interconnected, using Fermi telescope data and optical polarization measurements from Steward Observatory. Preliminary analysis shows no easy connections yet. More funding sought for project continuation.

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Exploring Gamma-Ray/Optical Connection in Blazars

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  1. Exploring the Gamma-Ray/Optical Connection in Blazars Edward Montiel,U. Arizona Paul Smith (Space Grant Mentor), Gary Schmidt, Buell Jannuzi, Shane RightleyU. Arizona

  2. Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope • Launched June 11, 2008 • Builds upon the successes of EGRET/Compton • 30 times more sensitive than EGRET • Surveys the entire sky every 3 hours (2 orbits) at energies of 0.1 – 300 GeV

  3. Fermi's First Four Days

  4. Gamma Rays and Blazars • Blazars are a form of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) • Highly variable at all wavelengths • Optical portion of spectrum highly polarized • UV to radio emission dominated by Synchrotron radiation • X-rays and gamma-rays believed to be inverse Compton scattering Relativistic jet of M87

  5. The Project • Find if there are connections between optical and gamma-ray emission in blazars: Are they from the same region of the jet? • Specifically, we are investigating if there is a connection between the high energy emission and the optical linear polarization. • Have data available for public use in ~1 month after run at: http://james.as.arizona.edu/~psmith/Fermi/

  6. Observations • 8 runs over the year lasting ~1 week each • Steward Observatory 2.5-m Bart J. Bok and 1.55-m Gerard Kuiper Telescopes • Measured the polarization and brightness of the brightest gamma-ray emitting blazars Steward Observatory 1.55-m Kuiper Telescope

  7. 3C 454.3

  8. SPOL • Designed by Schmidt and H.S. Stockman (STSci)‏ • Used at various telescopes around the world for over 15 years • Still one of the most sensitive and efficient astronomical polarimeters in use

  9. Preliminary Analysis

  10. Conclusions • Fermi is very important to our understanding of the high energy universe • Have been able to observe 43 out of 49 nights, and approaching 1000 measurements • So far, easy connections between the wavelength bands have not been found • We have reapplied to NASA for funding to continue the project for a minimum of 3 more years

  11. Where to Find the Data • If you are interested in doing your own investigating, data can be found at: Fermi gamma-ray: http://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/ssc/data/access/ Optical polarization: http://james.as.arizona.edu/~psmith/Fermi/

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