Multiwavelength study of Galactic PeVatron LHAASO J0341+5258

Abstract

Galactic PeVatrons are astrophysical sources accelerating particles up to a few PeV (~10¹⁵ eV). The primary method to identify both electron and proton PeVatrons is the observation of γ-ray radiation at ultra-high energies (UHE; E>100 TeV)). In 2021, LHAASO detected 14 steady γ-ray sources with photon energies above 100 TeV and up to 1.4 PeV. Most of these sources can be plausibly associated with objects such as supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae, and stellar clusters. However, LHAASO J0341+5258 is detected as an unidentified PeVatron, emitting γ rays at energies above hundreds of TeV. It is extended in nature and notably bright, with a flux > 20% of the Crab Nebula's flux above 25 TeV. Multiwavelength observations are required to identify the PeVatron responsible for the UHE γ rays, understand the source morphology and association, and shed light on the emission processes. Here, we will present the results from the VERITAS and HAWC observations of this PeVatron, along with a discussion on potential emission scenarios through multiwavelength modeling.