Gamma-ray flares from the Crab-nebula: A new astrophysical puzzle -- R. Bühler (Stanford)

jeudi 3 nov. 2011, 14:00 → 15:00 Europe/Paris

1222-RC-08 (Universe)

Recently the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope detected gamma-ray (photon energy>100 MeV) flares flare from the Crab Nebula. Two major outburst occurred on the 14th and 16th of April, making the Crab nebula the brightest source in the gamma-ray sky. These surprising observations implies that electrons are being accelerated at the radiation reaction limit on hourly time scales. Standard diffusive shock acceleration cannot explain such an efficient and rapid acceleration. I will present the observations and discuss first consequences on our understanding of Pulsars and their Nebula's as extreme cosmic particle accelerators.