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Gamma-Ray Observations of the Supernova Remnant RX J0852.0-4622 with the Fermi LAT

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal Letters
We report on gamma-ray observations of the supernova remnant (SNR) RX J0852.0-4622 with the Large Area Telescope (LAT) aboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. In the Fermi LAT data, we find a spatially extended source at the location of the SNR. The extension is consistent with the SNR size seen in other wavelengths such as X-rays and TeV gamma rays, leading to the identification of the gamma-ray source with the SNR. The spectrum is well described as a power law with a photon index of {Lambda} = 1.85 {+-} 0.06 (stat){sub -0.19}{sup +0.18} (sys), which smoothly connects to the H.E.S.S. spectrum in the TeV energy band. We discuss the gamma-ray emission mechanism based on multiwavelength data. The broadband data can be fit well by a model in which the gamma rays are of hadronic origin. We also consider a scenario with inverse Compton scattering of electrons as the emission mechanism of the gamma rays. Although the leptonic model predicts a harder spectrum in the Fermi LAT energy range, the model can fit the data considering the statistical and systematic errors.
Research Organization:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76SF00515;
OSTI ID:
1032745
Report Number(s):
SLAC-PUB-14619; arXiv:1109.4658
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal Letters, Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal Letters Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 740; ISSN 2041-8205
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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