Monitoring the Crab Nebula with Chandra:A Search for the Location of the gamma-ray Flares

TL;DR

This study uses Chandra X-ray observations to investigate the Crab Nebula's X-ray variations and aims to locate the origin of gamma-ray flares, especially during the notable April 2011 flare.

Contribution

It provides the first coordinated X-ray and gamma-ray observations during a major Crab Nebula gamma-ray flare, seeking to pinpoint the flare's origin.

Findings

X-ray variations observed during gamma-ray flares

Potential localization of flare origin within the nebula

Insights into the relationship between X-ray and gamma-ray emissions

Abstract

Subsequent to announcements by the AGILE and by the Fermi-LAT teams of the discovery of gamma-ray flares from the Crab Nebula in the fall of 2010, an international collaboration has been monitoring X-Ray emission from the Crab on a regular basis using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Observations occur typically once per month when viewing constraints allow. The aim of the program is to characterize in depth the X-Ray variations within the Nebula, and, if possible, to much more precisely locate the origin of the gamma-ray flares. In 2011 April we triggered a set of Chandra Target-of-Opportunity observations in conjunction with the brightest gamma-ray flare yet observed. We briefly summarize the April X-ray observations and the information we have gleaned to date.