GLAST Large Area Telescope Multiwavelength Studies: An Invitation to Coordinated Observations

High-energy gamma-ray sources are inherently nonthermal, multiwavelength objects. With the launch of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) less than a year away, the GLAST Large Area Telescope (LAT) Collaboration invites cooperative efforts from observers at all wavelengths. Among the many topics where multiwavelength studies will maximize the scientific understanding, three stand out for particular emphasis: (1) Active Galactic Nuclei. The study of AGN gamma-ray jets can help link the accretion processes close to the black hole with the large-scale interaction of the AGN with its environment. Gamma-ray AGN are also important in the study of absorption effects of extragalactic background light at high redshifts; (2) Unidentified Gamma-ray Sources. New gamma-ray sources need first to be identified with known objects by position, spectrum, or time variability, and then multiwavelength studies can be used to explore the astrophysical implications of high-energy radiation from these sources; (3) Pulsar Timing. The LAT will be capable of some blind searches for new gamma-ray pulsars, but the deepest studies of these rotating neutron stars will come from having known timing solutions. The need for long LAT observations calls for timing solutions valid (at least piecewise) over years. Observers interested in providing coordinated observations should contact one of the authors.

The LAT is an international project with U.S. support from NASA and the Department of Energy. K.S. Wood acknowledges support from the Office of Naval Research.