An overwiew of first results from COMPTEL.
Abstract
COMPTEL is the first imaging telescope to explore the MeV gamma-ray range (0.7 to 30 MeV). 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, supernovae, supernova remnants, molecular clouds, the interstellar medium within the Milky Way, active galactic nuclei, and the diffuse cosmic background radiation. The data from the first half year of the mission have demonstrated that COMPTEL performs as expected. The Crab is clearly seen at its proper position in the first images of the anticentre region of the galaxy. The Crab and Vela pulsar lightcurves have been measured with unprecedented accuracy. The quasars 3C273 and 3C279 have been seen for the first time at MeV energies. Both quasars show a break in their energy spectra in the COMPTEL energy range. The 1.8 MeV line from radioactive ^26^Al has been detected from the central region of the galaxy. Upper limits to gamma-ray line emission at 847 keV and 1.238 MeV from SN 1991T have been derived. Several cosmic bursts within the COMPTEL field-of-view could be located to an accuracy of about 1^deg^. 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.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement Series
- Pub Date:
- January 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993A&AS...97...27S
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Astronomy;
- Gamma Ray Telescopes;
- Sky Surveys (Astronomy);
- Active Galactic Nuclei;
- Gamma Ray Bursts;
- Pulsars;
- Quasars;
- Radio Stars;
- Solar Flares;
- Supernova Remnants;
- Astrophysics