Fermi-LAT gamma-ray and multi-wavelength SED analysis and modelling of PKS 0426-380 : A thesis analysing the behaviour and properties of the blazar PKS 0426-380

Abstract: An analysis is made on the Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar PKS 0426-380 using two sets of data. The first set of data is the Fermi-LAT data collected over the time 54682.66 − 59317.66 in Modified Julian Date within the energy range of 100 MeV to 500 GeV. The second set of data is a multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution within the approximate frequencies of . First, the Fermi-LAT data were analysed and after modelling a lightcurve over the entire available time, a period of interest was located. The next step was to obtain a multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution of said period. Then, using JetSeT modelling, the data were analysed and a model of the Synchrotron Self-Compton, External-Compton and Synchrotron curves was fitted to the data. The final model which contained the best fit provided a set of physical parameters that described the source. These parameters were finally compared to two other Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars and conclusions regarding the properties of PKS 0426-380 were eventually drawn. A discussion comparing a related work on the same source to the results in this thesis followed. With the large differences in the constrained data between the Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars as background, three predictions concluded the thesis. These are, firstly, a cautioned approach to future searches for periodicity in AGN's. Secondly, in time, local periodicity for AGN's might be more common and interesting for future research. Finally, no certain values for the physical parameters of the AGN can be assessed and the results can only be wived as indications of the actual properties.