Evidence of the γ-ray counterpart of nova FM Cir from Fermi–LAT

Abstract

ABSTRACT We report the results of an analysis of X-ray and γ-ray data from the nova FM Cir taken by Swift and Fermi–LAT. The γ-ray emission from FM Cir can be identified with a significance level of ∼3σ within ∼40 d after the nova eruption (2018 January 19) when we bin the light curve per day. The significance can exceed the 4σ confidence level if we accumulate a longer time (i.e. 20 d) to bin the light curve. The γ-ray counterpart could be identified with a Test Statistic (TS) above 4 until ∼180 d after the eruption. The duration of the γ-ray detection is longer than those reported in previous studies of other novae detected in the GeV range. Significant X-ray emission was observed after the γ-ray flux level fell below the sensitivity limit of Fermi–LAT. The hardness ratio of the X-ray emission decreased rapidly with time, and the spectra were dominated by blackbody radiation from the hot white dwarf. Except for the longer duration of the γ-ray emission, the multiwavelength properties of FM Cir closely resemble those of other novae detected in the GeV range.