Objective
The project is aimed at theoretical study of physical processes in galactic MeV gamma-ray sources and the analysis and interpretation of such sources observed by the COMPTEL telescope aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO). A variety of sources is being detected, of diffuse as well as compact nature and of gamma-ray continuum as well as line origin, but despite these widely different origins and spectral characteristics, there is important overlap in the physical processes involved.
This proposal is aimed at studying these processes, with emphasis on the production of gamma rays from galactic energetic phenomena, in the interstellar medium and in accreting compact objects, namely:
regions of massive star formation and associated supernovae,
the vicinity of accreting isolated compact objects and binary systems, so called high-velocity clouds.
The project involves particularly pioneering work in the field of gamma-ray line spectroscopy of energetic nuclear interactions.
The involved research teams for the proposed project are very complementary. Two of the research teams are part of the COMPTEL collaboration and will be strongly involved in the data analysis. The other three teams (including the two NIS teams) have a strong background in theoretical studies in the proposed field of research. The project coordinator and one of the NIS team leaders are successfully working together already.
The proposed project will enable young NIS scientists to become actively involved in ongoing international space research with the most advanced gamma-ray mission that has been operative so far. This is especially important in view of preparations for the forthcoming INTEGRAL mission, which is the new international gamma-ray satellite mission scheduled for launch in 2001, operated by the European Space Agency in collaboration with Russia.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
3584 Utrecht
Netherlands