Exploring AGNs with the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope

• Grant number: 15/09470-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2015
• End date: June 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Extragalactic Astrophysics
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Nemmen da Silva
• Grantee: Fábio Muffo Cafardo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Since its launch, the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope opened a new windows into the extreme side of the universe and has been exploring astrophysical particle accelerators such as supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGN), exploding stars in the distant universe and many others phenomena. In this project, the student will investigate the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) observations of a sample of AGNs. After getting familiar with the tools needed for data analysis, he will apply the techniques of binned likelihood analysis to the investigate LAT observations spanning >6 years targeting a small sample of nearby, low-luminosity AGNs. The main goals of the project are: characterize the gamma emission (images and spectra) of low-luminosity AGNs in order to constrain the nature of high-energy processes; produce light curves spanning different time periods looking for periods of flaring activity; participate in the Data Quality Monitoring of the satellite, therefore providing a crucial service to the community.