VHE gamma-ray observations of transient and variable stellar objects with the MAGIC Telescopes

TL;DR

This paper reports on MAGIC Telescope observations of transient and variable stellar objects, revealing gamma-ray emissions and behaviors in systems like microquasars, a black hole binary, and a supernova, enhancing understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

Contribution

It provides new gamma-ray observational data on several stellar objects, including the first detection of a black hole Be star binary and detailed long-term monitoring results.

Findings

Detection of gamma-ray emissions from LSI+61 303 and Cygnus X-1.

First high-mass X-ray binary with a black hole and Be star detected in gamma rays.

Observation of SN 2014J offers insights into supernova high-energy processes.

Abstract

Galactic transients, X-ray and gamma-ray binaries provide a proper environment for particle acceleration. This leads to the production of gamma rays with energies reaching the GeV-TeV regime. MAGIC has carried out deep observations of different transient and variable stellar objects of which we highlight 4 of them here: LSI+61 303, MWC 656, Cygnus X-1 and SN 2014J. We present the results of those observations, including long-term monitoring of Cygnus X-1 and LSI+61 303 (7 and 8 years, respectively). The former is one of the brightest X-ray sources and best studied microquasars across a broad range of wavelengths, whose steady and variable signal was studied by MAGIC within a multiwavelength scenario. The latest results of an unique object, MWC 656, are also shown in this presentation. This source is the first high-mass X-ray binary system detected that is composed of a black hole and a Be star. Finally, we report on the observations of SN 2014J, the nearest Type Ia SN of the last 40 years. Its proximity and early observation gave a remarkable opportunity to study important features of these powerful events.