First Detection of $γ$-Ray Emission from the Compact Symmetric Object JVAS J1311+1658
Abstract
We report the first detection of $γ$-ray emission from the young radio galaxy JVAS~J1311+1658, classified as a compact symmetric object (CSO). This detection is characterized by a recent GeV $γ$-ray flare identified in Fermi-LAT data during MJD~60032.6--60132.6, with a $γ$-ray source detected at a significance level of $\sim6.2σ$. The average 0.1--300~GeV flux is measured to be $(1.6 \pm 0.6)\times10^{-8}\,\mathrm{ph\,cm^{-2}\,s^{-1}}$, with a photon spectral index of $Γ= 2.15 \pm 0.185$. We find that a radiative model of the radio lobes significantly underestimates the observed $γ$-ray emission. The strong flux and short-term variability over $\sim$100 days suggest that the emission likely originates from newly launched sub-kiloparsec-scale jets at the core. This detection provides a unique window into the extreme environments and early-stage jet activity of young radio galaxies, offering insights into their initial evolution and the formation of relativistic jets in the earliest phases of galaxy growth.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations
Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
Publication details
- Journal / source
- arXiv (Cornell University)
- Publication date
- 11 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint