Broadband non-thermal emission predictions based on 3D simulations of supernova explosions within active galactic nuclei jets
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Context. Thermonuclear and core-collapse supernovae are statistically expected to happen within extragalactic jets, as these jets cross the inner regions of their host galaxies, and supernova ejecta–jet interactions can potentially lead to strong non-thermal activity. Aims. We model the non-thermal emission from a supernova interacting with a jet on kiloparsec scales, using detailed numerical simulations of the interaction. Methods. Using a post-processing method, we applied a non-thermal model of the acceleration and transport of electron and their synchrotron and inverse Compton emissions, simplified and tuned for flexibility and computational speed, to the results of a three-dimensional relativistic hydrodynamics simulation of the ejecta of a supernova interacting with an extragalactic jet. Results. For typical magnetic field strengths, a jet power 10 44 erg s −1 , and an electron energy distribution characteristic of diffusive shock acceleration, we predict: synchrotron emission that peaks in X-rays but reaches up to 100 MeV, with an overall luminosity of a few times 10 41 erg s −1 ; and emission from inverse Compton scattering mostly off galactic infrared photons, peaking at ∼1 TeV and with a luminosity up to ∼10 40 erg s −1 . We also computed the evolution of the emission, and the distribution of the flux in the sky at its maximum, for five different energy bands: radio, optical, X-rays, high-energy and very high-energy γ -rays. The emission is roughly steady on a few 1000 yr timescales, with an extension on arcsec scales for a source in the local universe. Conclusions. For intermediate jet powers, radio, optical and X-ray fluxes from supernova ejecta-jet interactions may be detectable for distances ≲100 Mpc. The non-thermal luminosity budget and local conditions associated with these interactions could be enough to explain knots seen in kiloparsec scale jets at different energies. These conditions might also be suitable for the production of heavy ultra high-energy cosmic rays, but photon and neutrino generation from hadronic processes would be minor on kiloparsec scales. The leptonic γ -ray fluxes are modest but might non-negligibly contribute in TeV for the nearest or more powerful jet sources.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Authors: B. Longo, V. Bosch-Ramon, M. Perucho, J. M. Martí
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,865
Awards: G1041163710, G1778836505, G1855990336, G225231157, G2309174360, G2660406951, G2937801597, G3010518541, G3518538256, G410571670, G430777504, G4362191322, G451917667, G5421974903, G5539308778, G5967599077, G6256752736, G880499800, G8920660035, G8927985011, G9001171516, G9001172553, G9001173254, G9001173967, G99296377
OpenAlex ID: W7221692170