A Nonthermal Bomb Explains the Near-infrared Superflare of Sgr A*

Autor(es)

Gutierrez, Eduardo M. ; Nemmen, Rodrigo ; Cafardo, Fabio

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Astrophysical Journal Letters; v. 891, n. 2, p. 4-pg., 2020-03-10.

Resumo

The Galactic center supermassive black hole, Sgr A*, has experienced a strong, unprecedented flare in 2019 May when its near-infrared luminosity reached much brighter levels than ever measured. We argue that an explosive event of particle acceleration to nonthermal energies in the innermost parts of the accretion flow-a nonthermal bomb-explains the near-infrared light curve. We discuss potential mechanisms that could explain this event such as magnetic reconnection and relativistic turbulence acceleration. Multiwavelength monitoring of such superflares in radio, infrared, and X-rays should allow a concrete test of the nonthermal bomb model and put better constraints on the mechanism that triggered the bomb. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 17/01461-2 - O universo extremo: buracos negros e o telescópio Fermi
• Beneficiário: Rodrigo Nemmen da Silva
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Jovens Pesquisadores