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Context.Superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are a rare class of transients with peak luminosities 10–100 times greater than those of standard core-collapse supernovae (SNe). The mechanisms powering their extreme brightness remain debated, with circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction, or energy injection from a central engine like a magnetar wind nebula being the most plausible scenarios. While the optical properties of SLSNe are extensively studied, theirγ-ray signatures remain poorly constrained. Aims.To further constrain the underlying mechanism, we carried out a systematic search for giga-electronvoltγ-ray emission using theFermiLarge Area Telescope (LAT) from a sample of nearby hydrogen-poor (Type I) and hydrogen-rich (Type II) SLSNe over the past 16 years. Our objective is to test predictions from CSM and magnetar models, and to assess the prospects for future detections with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO). Methods.For the six targets of this sample, we studied the time variability of a putativeγ-ray signal at the optical position of the SLSN on a six-month timescale, and in the case of SN 2017egm, we further investigated variability on 15-day intervals and applied a Bayesian block algorithm to characterize the time variability of the signal. We then compared the temporal evolution and spectral properties to the predictions from a magnetar and CSM interaction model. Results.Among the sample, only SN 2017egm shows significantγ-ray emission, with likelihood test statistic (TS) values of 26–33 (i.e., > 5σ) depending on the adopted time window. The signal arises between 50 and 160 days after explosion and is well described by a power-law spectrum with index Γ = 2.17 ± 0.23. The emission is consistent both in terms of its light curve and its spectrum, with predictions from magnetar models requiring either low nebular magnetization or faster spin-down than dipole losses. The CSM shell interaction scenario can reproduce the observed flux level but not the observed timing of theγ-ray signal. In addition, the observed ratio,L_γ/L_opt ∼ 1, is inconsistent with theoretical expectations and not in line with ratio measurements in other interacting CSM-dominated objects (e.g., novae or SNe) where this ratio is less than 10⁻². Conclusions.Our study strongly suggests that a central engine like a magnetar plays a key role in this SLSN and could explain the bulk of the optical andγ-ray light curves properties. In order to explain the observed late-time bumps in the optical light curve of SN 2017egm, we require either: a hybrid picture combining magnetar and multiple CSM shells for the optical bumps or a pure magnetar model with infalling matter on an accretion disk. Finally, simulations of 50 hours of CTAO observations indicate that a SN 2017egm-like event would be detectable up to ∼140 Mpc in the magnetar model but not in the CSM model due to strongγ − γabsorption. 

ABSTRACT The dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) orbiting the Milky Way are widely regarded as systems supported by velocity dispersion against self-gravity, and as prime targets for the search for indirect dark matter (DM) signatures in the GeV-to-TeV $$\gamma$$-ray range owing to their lack of astrophysical $$\gamma$$-ray background. We present forecasts of the sensitivity of the forthcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) to annihilating or decaying DM signals in these targets. An original selection of candidates is performed from the current catalogue of known objects, including both classical and ultrafaint dSphs. For each, the expected DM content is derived using the most comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic data available, within a consistent framework of analysis. This approach enables the derivation of novel astrophysical factor profiles for indirect DM searches, which are compared with results from the literature. From an initial sample of 64 dSphs, eight promising targets are identified – Draco I, Coma Berenices, Ursa Major II, Ursa Minor, and Willman 1 in the North, Reticulum II, Sculptor, and Sagittarius II in the South – for which different DM density models yield consistent expectations, leading to robust predictions. CTAO is expected to provide the strongest limits above $$\sim$$10 TeV, reaching velocity-averaged annihilation cross sections of $$\sim 5\times 10^{-25}$$ cm$^3$ s$$^{-1}$$ and decay lifetimes up to $$\sim 10^{26}$$ s for combined limits. The dominant uncertainties arise from the imprecise determination of the DM content, particularly for ultrafaint dSphs. Observation strategies are proposed that optimize either deep exposures of the best candidates or diversified target selections. 

Abstract Dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) are excellent targets for indirect dark matter (DM) searches using gamma-ray telescopes because they are thought to have high DM content and a low astrophysical background. The sensitivity of these searches is improved by combining the observations of dSphs made by different gamma-ray telescopes. We present the results of a combined search by the most sensitive currently operating gamma-ray telescopes, namely: the satellite-borneFermi-LAT telescope; the ground-based imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS; and the HAWC water Cherenkov detector. Individual datasets were analyzed using a common statistical approach. Results were subsequently combined via a global joint likelihood analysis. We obtain constraints on the velocity-weighted cross section 〈σv〉 for DM self-annihilation as a function of the DM particle mass. This five-instrument combination allows the derivation of up to 2-3 times more constraining upper limits on 〈σv〉 than the individual results over a wide mass range spanning from 5 GeV to 100 TeV. Depending on the DM content modeling, the 95% confidence level observed limits reach 1.5×10^-24 cm³s^-1and 3.2×10^-25 cm³s^-1, respectively, in theτ⁺τ^-annihilation channel for a DM mass of 2 TeV. 

ABSTRACT A wide variety of Galactic sources show transient emission at soft and hard X-ray energies: low- and high-mass X-ray binaries containing compact objects, isolated neutron stars exhibiting extreme variability as magnetars as well as pulsar-wind nebulae. Although most of them can show emission up to MeV and/or GeV energies, many have not yet been detected in the TeV domain by Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of detecting new Galactic transients with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) and the prospects for studying them with Target of Opportunity observations. We show that CTAO will likely detect new sources in the TeV regime, such as the massive microquasars in the Cygnus region, low-mass X-ray binaries with low-viewing angle, flaring emission from the Crab pulsar-wind nebula or other novae explosions, among others. Since some of these sources could also exhibit emission at larger time-scales, we additionally test their detectability at longer exposures. We finally discuss the multiwavelength synergies with other instruments and large astronomical facilities. 

Abstract We present 294 pulsars found in GeV data from the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Another 33 millisecond pulsars (MSPs) discovered in deep radio searches of LAT sources will likely reveal pulsations once phase-connected rotation ephemerides are achieved. A further dozen optical and/or X-ray binary systems colocated with LAT sources also likely harbor gamma-ray MSPs. This catalog thus reports roughly 340 gamma-ray pulsars and candidates, 10% of all known pulsars, compared to ≤11 known before Fermi. Half of the gamma-ray pulsars are young. Of these, the half that are undetected in radio have a broader Galactic latitude distribution than the young radio-loud pulsars. The others are MSPs, with six undetected in radio. Overall, ≥236 are bright enough above 50 MeV to fit the pulse profile, the energy spectrum, or both. For the common two-peaked profiles, the gamma-ray peak closest to the magnetic pole crossing generally has a softer spectrum. The spectral energy distributions tend to narrow as the spindown power $\dot{E}$decreases to its observed minimum near 10³³erg s⁻¹, approaching the shape for synchrotron radiation from monoenergetic electrons. We calculate gamma-ray luminosities when distances are available. Our all-sky gamma-ray sensitivity map is useful for population syntheses. The electronic catalog version provides gamma-ray pulsar ephemerides, properties, and fit results to guide and be compared with modeling results.