Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Feb 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992nascp3137...76s&link_type=abstract
In NASA. Goddard Space Flight Center, The Compton Observatory Science Workshop p 76-84 (SEE N92-21874 12-90)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
3
Active Galaxies, Galactic Nuclei, Gamma Ray Astronomy, Gamma Ray Observatory, Gamma Rays, Imaging Techniques, Milky Way Galaxy, Pulsars, Sky Surveys (Astronomy), Spaceborne Telescopes, Supernova Remnants, X Ray Binaries, Background Radiation, Continuums, Field Of View, Interstellar Matter, Light Curve, Molecular Clouds, Neutrons, Quasars, Solar Flares, Surveys
Scientific paper
The imaging Compton telescope (COMPTEL) is the first imaging telescope in space to explore the MeV gamma ray range. At present it is performing a complete sky survey. In later phases of the mission, selected celestial objects will be studied in more detail. Targets of special interest in the COMPTEL energy range are radio pulsars, X-ray binaries, novae, supernova remnants, molecular clouds, and the interstellar medium within the Milky Way, as well as the nuclei of active galaxies, supernovae, and the diffuse cosmic background radiation in extragalactic space. The first four months of operation demonstrated that COMPTEL basically performs as expected. The Crab is clearly seen at its proper position in the first images of the anticenter region of the Galaxy. The Crab pulsar lightcurve was measured with unprecedented accuracy. The quasar 3C273 was seen for the first time at MeV-energies. Several cosmic bursts within the COMPTEL field of view could be located to an accuracy of about 1 degree. On June 9, 11, and 15, 1991 COMPTEL observed gamma ray (continuum and line) emission from three solar flares. Neutrons were also detected from the June 9 flare. At the present state of analysis, COMPTEL achieves the prelaunch predictions of its sensitivity within a factor of 2. Based on the present performance of COMPTEL, the team is confident that COMPTEL will fulfill its primary mission of surveying and exploring the MeV sky.
Bennett Kevin
Bloemen Hans
Busetta M.
Collmar Werner
Connors Alanna
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