Spectrum and variability of the Galactic Center VHE gamma-ray source HESS J1745-290

TL;DR

This study analyzes the spectrum and variability of the Galactic Center gamma-ray source HESS J1745-290 using new H.E.S.S. data, revealing spectral curvature and setting limits on flux variability and periodicity.

Contribution

First detection of spectral deviation from a simple power law in HESS J1745-290 with increased data, and comprehensive analysis of its variability and periodicity.

Findings

Spectral curvature likely intrinsic to the source.

No significant flux variability detected.

No periodicities found in gamma-ray data.

Abstract

A detailed study of the spectrum and variability of the source HESS J1745-290 in the Galactic Center (GC) region using new data from the H.E.S.S. array of Cherenkov telescopes is presented. Flaring activity and Quasi Periodic Oscillations (QPO) of HESS J1745-290 are investigated. The image analysis is performed with a combination of a semi-analytical shower model and the statistical moments based Hillas technique. The spectrum and lightcurves of HESS J1745-290 are derived with a likelihood method based on a spectral shape hypothesis. Rayleigh tests and Fourier analysis of the H.E.S.S. GC signal are used to study the periodicity of the source. With three-fold increase in statistics compared to previous work, a deviation from a simple power law spectrum is detected for the first time. The measured energy spectrum over the three years 2004, 2005 and 2006 of data taking is compatible with both a power law spectrum with an exponential cut-off and a broken power law spectrum. The curvature of the energy spectrum is likely to be intrinsic to the photon source as opposed to effects of interstellar absorption. No significant flux variation is found. Increases in the gamma-ray flux of HESS J1745-290 by at least a factor of two would be required for a 3 sigma detection of a flare of time scales of an hour. Investigation of possible QPO activity at periods claimed to be detected in X-rays does not show any periodicities in the H.E.S.S. signal.