1. Exploring the Gamma-Ray/Optical Connection in Blazars
Edward Montiel, U. Arizona
Paul Smith (Space Grant Mentor), Gary Schmidt, Buell Jannuzi, Shane Rightley U. Arizona

2. Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope
Launched June 11, 2008
Builds upon the successes of EGRET/Compton
30 times more sensitive than EGRET
Surveys the entire sky every 3 hours (2 orbits) at energies of 0.1 – 300 GeV

3. Fermi's First Four Days

4. Gamma Rays and Blazars
Blazars are a form of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs)
Highly variable at all wavelengths
Optical portion of spectrum highly polarized
UV to radio emission dominated by Synchrotron radiation
X-rays and gamma-rays believed to be inverse Compton scattering
Relativistic jet of M87

5. The Project
Find if there are connections between optical and gamma-ray emission in blazars: Are they from the same region of the jet?
Specifically, we are investigating if there is a connection between the high energy emission and the optical linear polarization.
Have data available for public use in ~1 month after run at:

6. Observations 8 runs over the year lasting ~1 week each
Steward Observatory 2.5-m Bart J. Bok and 1.55-m Gerard Kuiper Telescopes
Measured the polarization and brightness of the brightest gamma-ray emitting blazars
Steward Observatory 1.55-m Kuiper Telescope

7. 3C 454.3

8. SPOL Designed by Schmidt and H.S. Stockman (STSci)‏
Used at various telescopes around the world for over 15 years
Still one of the most sensitive and efficient astronomical polarimeters in use

9. Preliminary Analysis

10. Conclusions
Fermi is very important to our understanding of the high energy universe
Have been able to observe 43 out of 49 nights, and approaching 1000 measurements
So far, easy connections between the wavelength bands have not been found
We have reapplied to NASA for funding to continue the project for a minimum of 3 more years

11. Where to Find the Data
If you are interested in doing your own investigating, data can be found at:
Fermi gamma-ray:
Optical polarization: