Galactic Sources Science With Agile: The Case Of The Carina Region

TL;DR

This paper reports on extensive gamma-ray observations of the Carina Region by the AGILE satellite, including the first detection above 100 MeV of a colliding wind binary, Eta Carinae, during a notable flare.

Contribution

It presents the first detection of gamma-ray emission above 100 MeV from Eta Carinae, a colliding wind binary, based on AGILE satellite data from 2007-2009.

Findings

Detection of gamma-ray source 1AGL J1043-5931 near Eta Carinae

Observation of a 2-day gamma-ray flare in October 2008

First gamma-ray detection of a colliding wind binary above 100 MeV

Abstract

During its first 2 years of operation, the gamma-ray AGILE satellite accumulated an extensive dataset for the Galactic plane. The data have been monitored for transient sources and several gamma-ray sources were detected. Their variability and possible association were studied. In this talk we will focus on the results of extensive observations of the Carina Region during the time period 2007 July - 2009 January, for a total livetime of ~130 days. The region is extremely complex, hosting massive star formation, with the remarkable colliding wind binary Eta Carinae, massive star clusters and HII regions (e.g. NGC 3324, RCW49, Westerlund II) and a giant molecular cloud extending over 150 pc (between l=284.7 and l=289). The Carina Nebula itself is the largest and IR highest surface brightness nebula of the Southern emisphere. We monitored several gamma ray sources in the Carina Region. In particular we detect a gamma ray source (1AGL J1043-5931) consistent with the position of Eta Carinae and report a remarkable 2-days gamma-ray flaring episode from this source on 2008 Oct 11-13. If 1AGL J1043-5931 is associated with the Eta Car system, our data provides the long sought first detection above 100 MeV of a colliding wind binary.