Blazar Counterparts for 3EG Sources at -40 < decl. < 0: Pushing South Through the Bulge

Abstract

Supplementing existing survey data with VLA observations, we have extended $\gamma -$ray counterpart identifications down to decl. = -40${}^{\circ }$ using our Figure of Merit approach. We find blazar counterparts for $\sim$ 70% of EGRET sources above decl. = -40${}^{\circ }$ away from the Galaxy. Spectroscopic confirmation is in progress, and spectra for $\sim$ two dozen sources are presented here. We find evidence that increased exposure in the bulge region allowed EGRET to detect relatively faint blazars; a clear excess of non-blazar objects in this region however argues for an additional (new) source class.

ApJ accepted