On the Multi-Faceted Synergy between X and Gamma-Ray Astronomies

TL;DR

This paper discusses the synergistic role of X-ray and gamma-ray observations in identifying and understanding gamma-ray sources, emphasizing how combined data enhances source localization, characterization, and the discovery of counterparts.

Contribution

It highlights new methods and insights into how X-ray and gamma-ray data can be integrated to improve source identification and analysis in high-energy astrophysics.

Findings

Correlated X-ray and gamma-ray flux variations aid source identification.

Swift X-ray observations improve localization of gamma-ray sources.

X-ray data enhances understanding of gamma-ray source behavior.

Abstract

When it comes to identifying or to characterizing gamma-ray sources, X-ray observations are of paramount importance. Correlated X-and-gamma-ray flux variations are a powerful identification tool, if the gamma-ray source is unidentified, or an important diagnostic tool to understand the behaviour of an identified source. Moreover, X-ray observations of non-variable unidentified gamma-ray sources, both galactic and extragalactic, can unveil interesting candidate counterparts, narrowing down the search space and improving significantly the chances for a successful identification. Swift observations of Fermi gamma-ray-selected pulsar error boxes provide accurate positions of likely counterparts. This makes it possible both to confirm pulsations and to improve timing solution, opening up a new synergy between X and gamma ray observations.