Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

Gamma-ray novae

Pierrick Martin
(on behalf of the Fermi/LAT collaboration)

Abstract:

Before the launch of Fermi, it was not anticipated that novae would be routinely detected in gamma-rays. With an average of 1-2 detection per year since 2008, Fermi has uncovered a new gamma-ray source class, allowing recently for the first population study. In this talk, I will briefly review the current detection record and introduce the theoretical models developed to account for the non-thermal emission. Two points will be emphasised: Fermi observations shed a new light on the nova phenomenon, in particular regarding mass ejection in the outburst; gamma-ray data are a valuable addition to radio, optical, and X-ray observations of novae and can be crucial in trying to put together a coherent picture of some novae. Finally, I will discuss currently open questions and how future gamma-ray observations can help addressing them.