Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

Why are many (but not all!) novae detected by Fermi?

L. Chomiuk

Abstract:

The production of detectable GeV gamma-rays from classical novae began as a great surprise, and remains a mystery three years after their discovery. I will present exquisite multi-wavelength monitoring for several novae detected by Fermi, focusing on evidence for strong internal shocks within the ejecta. I will then compare these systems with novae that remain undetected in gamma-rays, to formulate a hypothesis as to why some novae are not gamma-ray bright: are they simply further away? Do they lack internal shocks? Are the nova ejecta less massive? Now is the time to tackle these questions, as our samples of well-observed novae grow to critical mass.