Unraveling the Enigma: Astronomers Probe Mysterious Ultra-High Energy Source

Astronomers have investigated a mysterious ultra-high energy gamma-ray source called LHAASO J2108+5157, located about 10,700 light years away. The nature of these ultra-high energy sources is not well understood, so researchers used the VERITAS and HAWC observatories to study the emitted gamma-rays. The observations found no significant emission close to the source, suggesting a leptonic origin of the emission. However, the discovery of a new molecular cloud in the vicinity of LHAASO J2108+5157 indicates that the gamma rays may be produced through the hadronic channel with the molecular cloud as the main target for cosmic ray particles. Further observations and analysis are needed to fully understand the nature of this ultra-high energy source.