Investigating Active Galactic Nuclei variability with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

Read full text
Authors: G. Grolleron, Jonathan Biteau, Matteo Cerruti, R. Grau, Lucas Gréaux, T. Hovatta, J.-P. Lenain, E. Lindfors, Walter Max-Moerbeck, Davide Miceli, Abelardo Moralejo, K. Nilsson
+12 more E. Prandini, Elisa K. Pueschel, S. Kankkunen, J. Becerra Gonzalez, J. Finke, M. Joshi, P. Morris, Μαρία Πετροπούλου, A. Sarkar, P. Romano, Stefano Vercellone, M. Zacharias
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Blazars, a type of active galactic nuclei (AGN) with relativistic jets pointed at the observer, exhibit flux variability across the electromagnetic spectrum due to particle acceleration in their jets. Power spectral density (PSD) studies show breaks at specific frequencies, particularly in X-rays, linked to the accretion regime and black hole mass. However, very-high-energy gamma-ray PSD breaks remain unexplored due to current instrument limitations. The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), with up to ten times greater sensitivity compared to current generation instruments, will allow precise PSD reconstruction and unprecedented study of blazar flares. These flares reveal key insights into particle acceleration, photon production, and jet properties. The AGN monitoring and flare programs in CTAO's Key Science Project aim to deepen our understanding of blazar emissions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae

Publication details

Journal / source
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)
Publication date
9 January 2026
Language
EN