Fermi-LAT Gamma-ray Observations of Nova Centauri 2013

ATel #5649; C. C. Cheung (NRL), P. Jean (IRAP, Toulouse), on behalf of the Fermi Large Area Telescope Collaboration, S. N. Shore (U. Pisa and INFN)
on 10 Dec 2013; 21:42 UT
Credential Certification: Teddy Cheung (ccheung@milkyway.gsfc.nasa.gov)

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The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope began a Target of Opportunity (ToO) observation of the classical nova V1369 Centauri = Nova Cen 2013 (IAUC 9265 ) December 6. Preliminary analysis shows that the nova was detected at ~4 sigma by the LAT in three days of exposure from December 7-10, with an average flux, F(E>100 MeV) ~ (2.1 +/- 0.6) x 10^-7 ph cm^-2 s^-1. The gamma-ray detection began ~2 days after the optical peak (pre-validated AAVSO lightcurve), similar to the recent case of Nova V339 Del 2013 (ATEL #5302). The extinction toward V1369 Cen (ATEL #5639) is comparable to V339 Del and may be similarly close in distance.

We strongly encourage multiwavelength observations. The Fermi ToO observation of Nova Cen 2013 will continue until December 11; thereafter, Fermi will begin a modified sky survey profile favoring the Galactic enter region (http://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/ssc/proposals/alt_obs/obs_modes.html), with decreased exposure toward the nova. For this source the Fermi LAT contact person is C.C. Cheung (Teddy.Cheung@nrl.navy.mil).

The Fermi LAT is a pair conversion telescope designed to cover the energy band from 20 MeV to greater than 300 GeV. It is the product of an international collaboration between NASA and DOE in the U.S. and many scientific institutions across France, Italy, Japan and Sweden.