Simultaneous and quasi-simultaneous observations of the continuum emission of the quasar 3C 273 from radio to γ-ray energies
Abstract
From June 15-28, 1991 the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) observed the radio-loud quasar 3C 273. All four CGRO instruments detected radiation from this quasar in their relevant energy ranges (from 20keV to 5GeV). Simultaneous and quasi-simultaneous observations by instruments sensitive at other wavelengths have also been performed. The data from all these observations, spanning the frequency range from 5.10^9^Hz to 8.5.10^24^Hz, were collected and analysed. Details of the observations and an overall energy-density spectrum are presented. This spectrum shows three maxima, one in the infrared (IR), one in the UV and another one at low-energy γ-rays, the latter two having nearly the same strength of 3.1.10^46^erg/(s frequency decade) and 2.7.10^46^erg/(s frequency decade), respectively. At low-energy γ-rays a break around 1MeV (=2.418.10^20^Hz) in the energy-density spectrum is evident. The change of the spectral index between X- and γ-rays is ~0.8. The implications of these simultaneous and quasi-simultaneous observations on some theoretical models are discussed.
Department
Physics
Publication Date
6-1995
Journal Title
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publisher
European Southern Observatory (ESO)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
G.G. Lichti, T. Balonek, T.J.-L. Courvoisier, N. Johnson, N., M. McConnell, B. McNamara, C. von Montigny, W. Paciesas, E.I. Robson, A. Sadun, C. Schalinski, A.G. Smith, R. Staubert, H. Steppe, B.N. Swanenburg, M.J.L. Turner, M.-H.Ulrich, and O.R. Williams. SIMULTANEOUS AND QUASI-SIMULTANEOUS OBSERVATIONS OF THE CONTINUUM EMISSION OF THE QUASAR 3C 273 FROM RADIO TO GAMMA-RAY ENERGIES. 1995, Astron. Astrophys., 298, 711.