Gamma-rays from Collisions of Compact Objects with AGN Jets?

Abstract

We consider different scenarios of collisions of compact objects (clouds, massive stars, supernova shock waves, or young pulsars) with jets in active galactic nuclei. The purpose is to find out if such collisions can become plausible explanations for the gamma-ray production in blazars. We conclude that the relativistic proton beam - cloud collision scenario has problems with explanation of the $γ$-ray spectrum in the observed energy range from blazars. As a result of collisions of massive stars, supernova shock waves, or young pulsars with the jet plasma, a highly oblique shocks should be formed. These shocks can accelerate electrons, protons to energies high enough for production of $γ$-ray photons observed in blazars. However, in order to produce observable $γ$-ray fluxies, the particles should be accelerated strongly anisotropicly, which may be the case of highly oblique relativistic shocks in jets of AGNs.