A comprehensive view of PKS 2155−304 from 2008 to 2023 through a multi-epoch modelling of its spectral energy distributions

  • G. Harutyunyan
  • , N. Sahakyan
  • , D. Bégué
  • , M. Khachatryan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigate the temporal and spectral evolution of the blazar PKS 2155−304 using gamma-ray, X-ray, optical/ultraviolet (UV), and infrared data from the Markarian Multiwavelength Data Center. We constructed multiband light curves and time-resolved spectral energy distributions (SEDs) to probe the origin of its emission. The light curves show strong variability, with the largest amplitudes in the soft-medium X-rays and notable variations also in theγ gamma-ray band. Based on theγ gamma-ray light curve we defined 253 epochs and categorized them into quiescent states (QS), multiwavelength flares (MWF),γ gamma-ray flares (γF), X-ray flares (XF), and optical/UV flares (OUF). Each SED is modelled within a one-zone synchrotron self-Compton framework using a neural-network surrogate for fast parameter inference. Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests reveal state-dependent parameter variations relative to QS: (i) during MWF, the magnetic field B, electron luminosity Le, maximum electron Lorentz factor γmax, and Doppler factor δ differ significantly; (ii) during γF, a harder electron index p is estimated; (iii) XF shows higher B and γmax with a more compact emitting region; and (IV) during OUF, changes in B, Le, γmax, δ, and p are found while the emitting-zone size remains approximately constant. The jet power is electron-dominated (magnetic-to-electron power ratio ηB ≃ 0.09–0.17, subject to uncertainties introduced by the assumption γmin = 100), with γB rising during XF. These results suggest that variations in acceleration efficiency and magnetization drive band-dependent flaring in PKS 2155−304.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberstaf2282
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume546
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2026

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Astronomical Society.

Keywords

  • galaxies: jets
  • gamma-rays: galaxies
  • quasars: individual: PKS 2155−304
  • radiation mechanisms: non-thermal
  • X-rays: galaxies

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