Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

Fermi ToO 060605-1-1

A ToO observation to observe NOVA CEN 2013 at RA, Dec = 208.6958, -59.1522 (J2000) was approved at 2013-12-05 18:25:02 UTC.

The justification for the ToO is: Discovered at 5.5 mag Dec 2.692 UT, incoming reports of classical nova N Cen 2013 (CBET 3732) indicate further brightening, 4.6 mag (Dec 4.293, VSNET 16681; already near N Del 2013 peak 4.3), ie. in early optically thick fireball stage. If similar to N Del 2013, LAT g-ray >100 MeV detections of N Cen expected within the week with fluxes ~0.3E-6 ph/cm2/s 1-2 days after optical peak. The origin and site of novae g-ray emission is still unclear and Del & Cen are crucial links to wider class of novae. Fermi ToO ensures sufficient exposure to isolate gamma-ray onset for optical + MWL comparison, avoiding anticipated exposure minimum at N Cen position due to Option 4 modified survey mode starting Dec 5.

The planned duration is 500.00 ks.

The autonomous request threshold during this ToO is LOW.

The ToO observation should begin between 2013-12-05 18:25:01 UTC and 2013-12-05 22:30:00 UTC.

The ToO observation was requested by DR. CHI (TEDDY) C CHEUNG.

The ToO commanding order was sent to the MOC at 2013-12-05 18:31:03 UTC.

The MOC acknowledged receipt of this order at 2013-12-05 18:32:20 UTC.

The MOC sent the ToO execution notification at 2015-06-15 17:34:07 UTC.

The ToO order status is Uplinked at or before: 2015-06-15 17:32:43 UT

Exposure Map for Week 288

Exposure Map
  • Energy Band: 100.00 MeV to 200000.00 MeV
  • The ToO is inserted in the Mission Week 288 timeline from 2013-339-17:11:00 to 2013-345-12:05:00.
  • Exposure is 3.2292e+09 cm^2 s^1 at the ToO location (RA=208.6958, dec=-59.1522)
  • Orbit latitude of the pointing is -64.0486 degrees