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High energy gamma-ray emission from active galactic nuclei observed by the Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET)

  • C. E. Fichtel
  • , D. L. Bertsch
  • , B. L. Dingus
  • , R. C. Hartman
  • , S. D. Hunter
  • , P. W. Kwok
  • , J. R. Mattox
  • , P. Sreekumar
  • , D. J. Thompson
  • , D. A. Kniffen
  • , Y. C. Lin
  • , P. L. Nolan
  • , P. F. Michelson
  • , G. Kanbach
  • , H. A. Mayer-Hasselwander
  • , C. Von Montigny
  • , K. Pinkau
  • , H. Rothermel
  • , M. Sommer
  • , E. J. Schneid

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory has detected 16 active galactic nuclei in high energy gamma rays thus far during the first year in orbit. Of these, the majority are quasars and four are usually classified as BL Lacertae objects. No Seyferts have been seen. Of the AGN's seen, 3C 279 had the highest flux when first observed, but it is variable and was at a significantly lower level when observed later. There is a wide range of distances among the observed set, with four quasars having known z values in excess of 1.0. One BL Lac has a z of 0.94. If the photon spectra are represented by power laws in energy, those which have been determined have spectral indices ranging from about -1.7 to -2.4. In some cases, there is a suggestion of a steepening at the highest energies observed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCompton Gamma-Ray Observatory
EditorsNeil Gehrels, Michael W. Friedlander, Daryl J. Macomb
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
Pages461-472
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)1563961040
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1993
EventCompton Symposium - St. Louis, United States
Duration: 15-10-199217-10-1992

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume280
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceCompton Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. Louis
Period15-10-9217-10-92

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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