An extragalactic gamma-ray binary formed in supernova 2022jli

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of an extragalactic gamma-ray binary formed after supernova SN 2022jli, exhibiting 12.5-day periodic gamma-ray emission, likely indicating a newly formed neutron star or black hole in a binary system.

Contribution

It provides the first evidence of an extragalactic high-energy binary system formed in a supernova, with detailed gamma-ray analysis confirming periodic modulation.

Findings

Detection of gamma-ray emission lasting 1.5 years post-supernova

Clear 12.5-day periodic modulation in gamma-ray flux

Likely identification of a neutron star or black hole binary system

Abstract

On May 5 2022, a type Ic supernova (SN) explosion SN~2022jli was discovered. This SN showed additional optical emissions, which were found to exhibit 12.4-day periodic undulations and concordant periodic velocity shifts. These key features likely indicate a compact object in a binary system was formed. A faint $\gamma$-ray source was also detected at the position of the SN and upon checking the $\gamma$-ray photons' arrival times, it was revealed that the same 12.4-day periodicity was likely present. Here we report our detailed analysis results for the $\gamma$-ray source. Not only was the $\gamma$-ray emission detectable for $\sim$1.5\,years since the discovery time, but a strong modulation at period 12.5\,day was also clearly determined. Considering the newly formed compact object to be a neutron star or a stellar-mass black hole, the putative binary, having an orbital period of 12.5\,day, is likely the first extragalactic high-energy system detected. The system may serve as a valuable example for the formation of many such binaries observed in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies.