Multiwavelength observations of a TeV-Flare from W Com

TL;DR

This paper presents multiwavelength observations of a significant gamma-ray flare from W Com, revealing detailed spectral energy distribution changes during the event.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive multiwavelength campaign during a VHE flare from W Com, combining data from gamma-ray, X-ray, optical, and radio observations.

Findings

VHE gamma-ray flux was three times higher than previous detection.

Correlated multiwavelength variability observed across the spectrum.

Spectral energy distribution analysis suggests specific emission mechanisms.

Abstract

We report results from an intensive campaign of multiwavelength observations of the intermediate-frequency-peaked BL Lacertae object W Com (z=0.102) during a strong outburst of very high energy (VHE; E > 180 GeV) gamma-ray emission in June 2008. The initial detection of this VHE flare by VERITAS, an array of four 12-m diameter imaging atmospheric-Cherenkov telescopes, was followed by observations in high-energy gamma rays (AGILE, E > 100 MeV), X-rays (Swift), optical and radio wavelengths. The VHE gamma-ray signal was detected by VERITAS on June 7-8 with a flux about three times brighter than during the discovery of VHE gamma-ray emission from W Com by VERITAS in March 2008. A detailed study of the spectral energy distribution of W Com during this flare, including theoretical work, will be presented.