Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-02-06
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
A&A, in press. 8 pages, 3 figures
Scientific paper
Spurred by the improved measurement sensitivity in the very-high-energy (VHE: >100 GeV) gamma-ray band, we assess the feasibility of detection of the nearby starburst galaxy M82. VHE emission is expected to be predominantly from the decay of neutral pions which are produced in energetic proton interactions with ambient protons. An estimate of VHE emission from this process is obtained by an approximate, semi-quantitative calculation, and also by a detailed numerical treatment based on a convection-diffusion model for energetic electron and proton propagation and energy losses. All relevant hadronic and leptonic processes are considered, gauged by the measured synchrotron radio emission from the inner disk region. We estimate an integrated flux f(>100 GeV) 2E-12 1/(cm^2 s), possibly detectable by the current northern-hemisphere imaging air Cherenkov telescopes, MAGIC and VERITAS, and a good candidate for detection with the upcoming MAGIC II telescope. We also estimate f(>100 MeV) E-8 1/(cm^2 s), a level of emission that can be detected by GLAST/LAT based on the projected sensitivity for a one-year observation.
Arieli Yinon
Persic Massimo
Rephaeli Yoel
No associations
LandOfFree
VHE emission from M82 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with VHE emission from M82, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and VHE emission from M82 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-560066