Multiwavelength observations of a flare from Markarian 501

M. Catanese, S. M. Bradbury, A. C. Breslin, J. H. Buckley, D. A. Carter-Lewis, M. F. Cawley, C. D. Dermer, D. J. Fegan, J. P. Finley, J. A. Gaidos, A. M. Hillas, W. N. Johnson, F. Krennrich, R. C. Lamb, R. W. Lessard, D. J. Macomb, J. E. McEnery, P. Moriarty, J. Quinn, A. J. RodgersH. J. Rose, F. W. Samuelson, G. H. Sembroski, R. Srinivasan, T. C. Weekes, J. Zweerink

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Abstract

We present multiwavelength observations of the BL Lacertae object Markarian 501 (Mrk 501) in 1997 between April 8 and April 19. Evidence of correlated variability is seen in very high energy (VHE; E ≳350 GeV) γ-ray observations taken with the Whipple Observatory γ-ray telescope, data from the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, and quick-look results from the All-Sky Monitor of the RossiX-Ray Timing Explorer, while EGRET did not detect Mrk 501. Short-term optical correlations are not conclusive, but the U-band flux observed with the 1.2 m telescope of the Whipple Observatory was 10% higher than in March. The average energy output of Mrk 501 appears to peak in the 2-100 keV range, which suggests an extension of the synchrotron emission to at least 100 keV, the highest observed in a blazar and ∼100 times higher than that seen in the other TeV-emitting BL Lac object, Mrk 421. The VHE γ-ray flux observed during this period is the highest ever detected from this object. The VHE γ-ray energy output is somewhat lower than the 2-100 keV range, but the variability amplitude is larger. The correlations seen here do not require relativistic beaming of the emission unless the VHE spectrum extends to ≳5 TeV.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)L143-L146
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume487
Issue number2 PART II
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • BL Lacertae objects: individual (Markarian 501)
  • Gamma rays: observations

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