Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

Classical Novae: The Connections Between Radio and Gamma-Rays

Justin Linford
(Laura Chomiuk, Michael Rupen, Amy Mioduszewksi, Jennifer Sokoloski, Koji Mukai, Adam Kawash, Elias Aydi)

Abstract:

One of the most surprising results from the early days of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space telescope was the discovery that classical novae are sources of gamma-ray emission. The ejecta velocities in novae are too low to account for the gamma-rays, which indicates the necessary relativistic particle population must be the result of strong shocks. These shocks can be studied with radio observations. Radio light curves can reveal the presence of non-thermal particle populations, and give insight into the ejecta density and mass. High angular resolution imaging with interferometers like the Karl G Jansky Very Large Array and eMERLIN can directly image the thermal ejecta during the eruption and trace the evolution, revealing complex non-spherical structures and likely locations of shocks between colliding outflows. Very long baseline interferometry with instrument like the Very Long Baseline Array and European VLBI Network can directly image areas of non-thermal radio emission and trace the locations of particle acceleration in the ejecta. Here, we present a brief summary of what we have learned from radio observations of Fermi-detected novae, describe on-going studies and new surprises, and look forward to the next generation of radio telescopes.