MACE detection of a strong VHE gamma-ray flare from NGC 1275

ATel #18064; Mani Khurana and Zahoor Ahmed Dar, on behalf of MACE Team (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India)
on 21 Sep 2026; 11:53 UT
Credential Certification: Mani Khurana (mkhurana@barc.gov.in)

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The MACE (Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment) telescope has observed a strong very-high-energy (VHE; E > 80 GeV) gamma-ray flare from the radio galaxy NGC 1275 on 19 September, 2026. A preliminary analysis of the MACE data reveals a VHE gamma-ray excess with a statistical significance of approximately 13 standard deviations in about 4 hours, corresponding to an estimated flux of approximately 1 Crab Unit. NGC 1275 is a radio galaxy located at redshift 0.0176 (RA = 03:19:48.1, DEC = +41:30:42, J2000.0). The MACE observations were initiated following the VHE gamma-ray flare reported by the MAGIC and LST collaborations (ATel #18060). The source was also reported to be in a high optical state during this period (ATel #18062), indicating enhanced activity across multiple wavelengths. MACE observations of NGC 1275 will continue over the coming days. Continued multiwavelength observations are strongly encouraged. MACE is a 21-m diameter Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope located at Hanle, Ladakh, India, dedicated to the study of very-high-energy gamma-ray emission from astrophysical sources.