Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

Multi-Timescale Variability in Blazars

S. Larsson
S. Buson, L. Fuhrmann, on behalf of the Fermi-LAT collaboration

Abstract:

The Femi Large Area Telescope has provided a unique set of almost continuous gamma-ray light curves now covering a time span of more than 7 years. These data together with observations in other parts of the spectrum have been used in many investigations of variability and multiwavelength properties of blazars, both in an average sense and during shorter observing campaigns, often associated with flaring episodes. As light curves are further extended the averaged variability and correlation properties can be determined more accurately. But longer light curves also open up the possibility to study the time evolution of these properties and thereby explore the connections between the shorter and longer time scales. With simulations based on present data we will discuss the potential of continuing Fermi-LAT observations to study multi-timescale variability, such as the rms-flux relation and time variations in multi-band correlations.