The e-ASTROGAM mission (exploring the extreme Universe with gamma rays in the MeV-GeV range)

TLDR

e‑ASTROGAM is a breakthrough observatory mission dedicated to studying the non‑thermal Universe in the 0.3 MeV to 3 GeV photon energy range. In the largely unexplored MeV–GeV domain, e‑ASTROGAM will open a new window on the non‑thermal Universe, enabling pioneering observations of the most powerful Galactic and extragalactic sources to elucidate the nature of their relativistic outflows and their effects on Galactic ecosystems. The mission employs an advanced, space‑proven detector technology that delivers unprecedented sensitivity, angular and energy resolution, and polarimetric capability. Its superior line sensitivity—one to two orders of magnitude better than previous instruments.

Abstract

e-ASTROGAM (`enhanced ASTROGAM') is a breakthrough Observatory mission dedicated to the study of the non-thermal Universe in the photon energy range from 0.3 MeV to 3 GeV. The mission is based on an advanced space-proven detector technology, with unprecedented sensitivity, angular and energy resolution, combined with polarimetric capability. In the largely unexplored MeV-GeV domain, e-ASTROGAM will open a new window on the non-thermal Universe, making pioneering observations of the most powerful Galactic and extragalactic sources, elucidating the nature of their relativistic outflows and their effects on Galactic ecosystems. With a line sensitivity in the MeV energy range one to two orders of magnitude better than previous generation instruments, will determine the origin of key isotopes fundamental for the understanding of supernova explosion and the chemical evolution of our Galaxy. The mission will provide unique data of significant interest to a broad astronomical community, complementary to powerful observatories such as LIGO-Virgo-GEO600-KAGRA, SKA, ALMA, E-ELT, TMT, LSST, JWST, Athena, CTA, IceCube, KM3NeT, and the promise of eLISA. Keywords: High-energy gamma-ray astronomy, High-energy astrophysics, Nuclear Astrophysics, Compton and Pair creation telescope, Gamma-ray bursts, Active Galactic Nuclei, Jets, Outflows, Multiwavelength observations of the Universe, Counterparts of gravitational waves, Fermi, Dark Matter, Nucleosynthesis, Early Universe, Supernovae, Cosmic Rays, Cosmic antimatter.