Searching for gamma-ray emission from Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients
Abstract
The AGILE gamma-ray mission with imaging detectors sensitive in the energy ranges 50 MeV - 10 GeV and 20-60 keV has been operating since mid-April 2007. AGILE is uniquely suited to search for transient gamma-ray emission in the energy range 50-200 MeV. AGILE repeatedly exposed the Galactic plane over the years, and several so far unidentified gamma-ray transients have been detected. AGILE also obtained significant exposure for a large number of Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients (SFXRTs). We will review the most intense AGILE gamma-ray transients above 100 MeV and discuss their nature. A few of these gamma-ray sources might be associated with SFXRTs. We will present updated observations and analyses of these transients, and discuss the most promising gamma-ray candidates. We will also discuss the potential theoretical implications of detecting gamma-ray emission above 100 MeV from SFXRTs.
- Publication:
-
39th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012cosp...39.1950T