The 2009 Fermi Symposium

The Fermi-LAT in Relation to All-Sky Monitors: a New Approach to Multi-wavelength Correlations

Kent S. Wood

Abstract:

The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) can be regarded as an all-sky monitor, the first such monitor (as distinguished from survey) in high-energy gamma rays and a powerful one in that it reaches the lowest flux levels yet achieved for its band. The LAT has a need for multi-wavelength context information, both to secure source identifications and develop physical understanding. Multi-wavelength campaigns can be pursued in a new way – on an all-sky and all-source basis – provided the LAT can be correlated with other all-sky monitors with comparably powerful sky coverage and sensitivity characteristics. We demonstrate this with a pilot study based on the RXTE ASM. The recently-launched MAXI on the ISS can continue the X-ray capability into the future. We further discuss how the new Pan-STARRS 1 (PS1) optical survey can be regarded as the first high-sensitivity all-sky monitor in visible wavelengths. Details of cross-correlation methodologies are presented along with preliminary results. The techniques are applicable to the variability method for establishing true identifications (as distinguished from associations) for Fermi-LAT sources. Future capabilities for all-sky coverage in all wavelengths will be discussed.