Detection of Increasingγ-Ray Emissions from 4FGL J1718.5+4237 with Fermi-LAT

We report a gradual brighteningγ-ray source,4FGL J1718.5+4237,in 0.1-500.0 GeV,which may be associated with a blazar NVSS J171822+423948 with a redshift of~2.7.We analyzed 15.25 yr ofγ-ray data recorded by the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and detected significantγ-ray emissions in the direction of the blazar with a test statistic(TS)of~135.Based on timing analysis using a 1 yr time bin,we have observed a gradual brightening inγ-ray emissions from the target.In our analysis,we categorize them into two states:Quiet(TS~0)and Loud(TS~226)states,with the distinction occurring in 2016 August(MJD57602.69).From the Quiet state to the brightest period(the last data point),theγ-ray flux in 0.1-500.0 GeV increased by more than 12-fold from<0.2×10^(-8)photons cm^(-1)s^(-1)to 2.6×10^(-8)photons cm^(-1)s^(-1).Additionally,we studied the spectral properties in detail for the Loud state and the overall data.While no significant variation was detected,both exhibited a spectral indexΓof~2.6.The origin of the brighteningγ-ray emissions from the target is not yet clear.Future long-term multi-wavelength observations and studies will provide insight into the astrophysical mechanisms of the target.