Speaker
Description
The study of astrophysical plasma in relativistic jets provides a unique laboratory for exploring high-energy particle acceleration and radiative processes. We investigate the multi-wavelength variability of blazar 3C 454.3, one of the most active extragalactic AGNs, monitored by the AGILE and Fermi satellites since 2007. In leptonic jet-emission scenarios, the optical emission arises from synchrotron radiation of relativistic electrons, while the gamma-ray component is produced through inverse-Compton scattering. We analyze the flaring behaviour in the optical and GeV bands, their correlations (or lack thereof), and variability on sub-day (6–12 hr) timescales.
The data reveal complex variations in the optical–gamma correlation index and in the Compton dominance across flares. The presence of multiple flare classes challenges existing emission models, indicating that flaring activity cannot be explained solely by changes in particle injection but reflects evolving physical conditions within the emitting plasma.
These results underscore the importance of 3C 454.3 for understanding the properties and temporal evolution of relativistic jets and particle acceleration in astrophysical plasmas.
