Context. The HII region/PDR/molecular cloud complex S106 is excited by a single O-star. The full extent of the warm and dense gas close to the star has not been mapped in spectrally resolved high-J CO or [CII] lines, so the kinematics of the warm, partially ionized gas, are unknown. Whether the prominent dark lane bisecting the hourglass-shaped nebula is due solely to the shadow cast by a small disk around the exciting star or also to extinction in high column foreground gas was an open question until now. Aims. To disentangle the morphology and kinematics of warm neutral and ionized gas close to the star, study their relation to the bulk of the molecular gas, and to investigate the nature of the dark lane. Methods. We use the heterodyne receiver GREAT on board SOFIA to observe velocity resolved spectral lines of [C II] and CO 11-10 in comparison with so far unpublished submm continuum data at 350 micron (SHARC-II) and complementary molecular line data. Results. The high angular and spectral resolution observations show a very complex morphology and kinematics of the inner S106 region, with many different components at different excitation conditions contributing to the observed emission. The [C II] lines are found to be bright and very broad, tracing high velocity gas close to the interface of molecular cloud and HII region. CO 11-10 emission is more confined, both spatially and in velocity, to the immediate surroundings of S106 IR showing the presence of warm, high density (clumpy) gas. Our high angular resolution submm continuum observations rule out the scenario where the dark lane separating the two lobes is due solely to the shadow cast by a small disk close to the star. The lane is clearly seen also as warm, high column density gas at the boundary of the molecular cloud and HII region.
Traditionally stellar radiation has been the only heat source considered capable of determining global climate on long timescales. Here we show that terrestrial exoplanets orbiting low-mass stars may be tidally heated at high enough levels to induce a runaway greenhouse for a long enough duration for all the hydrogen to escape. Without hydrogen, the planet no longer has water and cannot support life. We call these planets "Tidal Venuses," and the phenomenon a "tidal greenhouse." Tidal effects also circularize the orbit, which decreases tidal heating. Hence, some planets may form with large eccentricity, with its accompanying large tidal heating, and lose their water, but eventually settle into nearly circular orbits in the habitable zone (HZ). However, these planets are not habitable as past tidal heating desiccated them, and hence should not be ranked highly for detailed follow-up observations aimed at detecting biosignatures. We simulate the evolution of hypothetical planetary systems in a quasi-continuous parameter distribution and find that we can constrain the history of the system by statistical arguments. Planets orbiting stars with masses <0.3 solar masses may be in danger of desiccation via tidal heating. We apply these concepts to Gl 667C c, a ~4.5 earth-mass planet orbiting a 0.3 solar mass star at 0.12 AU. We find that it probably did not lose its water via tidal heating as orbital stability is unlikely for the high eccentricities required for the tidal greenhouse. As the inner edge of the HZ is defined by the onset of a runaway or moist greenhouse powered by radiation, our results represent a fundamental revision to the HZ for non-circular orbits. In the appendices we review a) the moist and runaway greenhouses, b) stellar mass-radius and mass-luminosity relations, c) terrestrial planet mass-radius relations, and d) linear tidal theories.
We use the galaxy angular power spectrum at $z\sim0.5-1.2$ from the Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope Legacy Survey Wide fields (CFHTLS-Wide) to constrain separately the total neutrino mass $\sum{m_\nu}$ and the effective number of neutrino species $N_{\rm{eff}}$. This survey has recently benefited from an accurate calibration of the redshift distribution, allowing new measurements of the (non-linear) matter power spectrum in a unique range of scales and redshifts sensitive to neutrino free streaming. Our analysis makes use of a recent model for the effect of neutrinos on the weakly non-linear matter power spectrum derived from accurate N-body simulations. We show that CFHTLS, combined with WMAP7 and a prior on the Hubble constant provides an upper limit of $\sum{m_\nu}<0.29\,$eV and $N_{\rm{eff}} =4.17^{+1.62}_{-1.26}$ (2$\,\sigma$ confidence levels). If we omit smaller scales which may be affected by non-linearities, these constraints become $\sum{m_\nu}<0.41\,$eV and $N_{\rm{eff}} =3.98^{+2.02}_{-1.20}$ (2$\,\sigma$ confidence levels). Finally we show that the addition of other large scale structures probes can further improve these constraints, demonstrating that high redshift large volumes surveys such as CFHTLS are complementary to other cosmological probes of the neutrino mass.
We present a sample of synthetic massive stellar populations created using the Starburst99 evolutionary synthesis code and new sets of stellar evolutionary tracks, including one set that adopts a detailed treatment of rotation. Using the outputs of the Starburst99 code, we compare the populations' integrated properties, including ionizing radiation fields, bolometric luminosities, and colors. With these comparisons we are able to probe the specific effects of rotation on the properties of a stellar population. We find that a population of rotating stars produces a much harder ionizing radiation field and a higher bolometric luminosity, changes that are primarily attributable to the effects of rotational mixing on the lifetimes, luminosities, effective temperatures, and mass loss rates of massive stars. We consider the implications of the profound effects that rotation can have on a stellar population, and discuss the importance of refining stellar evolutionary models for future work in the study of extragalactic, and particularly high-redshift, stellar populations.
In this paper we perform a detailed analysis of the effect of various approximations that have been adopted in the literature to compute the detection rates of compact binary coalescences for first, second and third generation gravitational wave detectors. In particular, we compute the detection rates for the coalescence of BH-BH, NS-NS, and BH-NS systems taking into account their specific statistical properties obtained from population synthesis models (distributions of masses and delay times), the cosmic star formation rate history and the effects of redshift on the emitted gravitational wave signals. We then compare our findings with procedures adopted in the literature that are based on different levels of approximations, such as using averaged values for the total mass and symmetric mass ratio for all the systems of a binary population, using these to compute the horizon distance for individual detectors, or estimating the coalescence rate density within this distance by its local value. We find that most of these approximations are adequate to estimate the detection rates of first generation interferometers, because these are sensitive only to very low redshifts (even for BH-BH systems, the maximum detectable redshift for LIGO/VIRGO is $z \le 0.02$). However, for second generation interferometers, such as Advanced LIGO/VIRGO, the adopted approximations can lead to a factor $\gtrsim3$ error in the estimated detection rates, and can not be applied to third generation detectors, such as the Einstein Telescope for which we give the estimated detection rate using no approximations.
Sky surveys represent a fundamental data basis for astronomy. We use them to map in a systematic way the universe and its constituents, and to discover new types of objects or phenomena. We review the subject, with an emphasis on the wide-field imaging surveys, placing them in a broader scientific and historical context. Surveys are the largest data generators in astronomy, propelled by the advances in information and computation technology, and have transformed the ways in which astronomy is done. We describe the variety and the general properties of surveys, the ways in which they may be quantified and compared, and offer some figures of merit that can be used to compare their scientific discovery potential. Surveys enable a very wide range of science; that is perhaps their key unifying characteristic. As new domains of the observable parameter space open up thanks to the advances in technology, surveys are often the initial step in their exploration. Science can be done with the survey data alone or a combination of different surveys, or with a targeted follow-up of potentially interesting selected sources. Surveys can be used to generate large, statistical samples of objects that can be studied as populations, or as tracers of larger structures. They can be also used to discover or generate samples of rare or unusual objects, and may lead to discoveries of some previously unknown types. We discuss a general framework of parameter spaces that can be used for an assessment and comparison of different surveys, and the strategies for their scientific exploration. As we move into the Petascale regime, an effective processing and scientific exploitation of such large data sets and data streams poses many challenges, some of which may be addressed in the framework of Virtual Observatory and Astroinformatics, with a broader application of data mining and knowledge discovery technologies.
Launched on June 11, 2008, the LAT instrument onboard the $Fermi$ Gamma-ray Space Telescope has provided a rare opportunity to study high energy photon emission from gamma-ray bursts. Although the majority of such events (27) have been identified by the Fermi LAT Collaboration, four were uncovered by using more sensitive statistical techniques (Akerlof et al 2010, Akerlof et al 2011, Zheng et al 2012). In this paper, we continue our earlier work by finding four more GRBs associated with high energy photon emission, GRB 100718A, 110709A, 111117A and 120107A. To systematize our matched filter approach, a pipeline has been developed to identify these objects in near real time. GRB 120107A is the first product of this analysis procedure. Despite the reduced threshold for identification, the number of GRB events has not increased significantly. This relative dearth of events with low photon number prompted a study of the apparent photon number distribution. We find an extremely good fit to a simple power-law with an exponent of -1.8 $\pm$ 0.3 for the differential distribution. As might be expected, there is a substantial correlation between the number of lower energy photons detected by the GBM and the number observed by the LAT. Thus, high energy photon emission is associated with some but not all of the brighter GBM events. Deeper studies of the properties of the small population of high energy emitting bursts may eventually yield a better understanding of this entire phenomena.
The quantitative study of the physical properties and chemical abundances of
large samples of massive blue stars at different metallicities is a powerful
tool to understand the nature and evolution of these objects. Their analysis
beyond the Milky Way is challenging, nonetheless it is doable and the best way
to investigate their behavior in different environments. Fulfilling this task
in an objective way requires the implementation of automatic analysis
techniques that can perform the analyses systematically, minimizing at the same
time any possible bias.
As part of the ARAUCARIA project we carry out the first quantitative
spectroscopic analysis of a sample of 12 B-type supergiants in the galaxy NGC55
at 1.94 Mpc away. By applying the methodology developed in this work, we derive
their stellar parameters, chemical abundances and provide a characterization of
the present-day metallicity of their host galaxy.
Based on the characteristics of the stellar atmosphere/line formation code
FASTWIND, we designed and created a grid of models for the analysis of massive
blue supergiant stars. Along with this new grid, we implemented a spectral
analysis algorithm. Both tools were specially developed to perform fully
consistent quantitative spectroscopic analyses of low spectral resolution of
B-type supergiants in a fast and objective way.
We present the main characteristics of our FASTWIND model grid and perform a
number of tests to investigate the reliability of our methodology. The
automatic tool is applied afterward to a sample of 12 B-type supergiant stars
in NGC55, deriving the stellar parameters and abundances. The results indicate
that our stars are part of a young population evolving towards a red supergiant
phase. The derived chemical composition hints to an average metallicity similar
to the one of the Large Magellanic Cloud, with no indication of a spatial trend
across the galaxy.
Due to the co-evolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies, understanding the mechanisms that trigger active galactic nuclei (AGN) are imperative to understanding galaxy evolution and the formation of massive galaxies. It is observationally difficult to determine the trigger of a given AGN due to the difference between the AGN lifetime and triggering timescales. Here, we utilize AGN population synthesis modeling to determine the importance of different AGN triggering mechanisms. An AGN population model is computed by combining an observationally motivated AGN triggering rate and a theoretical AGN light curve. The free parameters of the AGN light curve are constrained by minimizing a \chi squared test with respect to the observed AGN hard X-ray luminosity function. The observed black hole space density, AGN number counts, and X-ray background spectrum are also considered as observational constraints. It is found that major mergers are not able to account for the entire AGN population. Therefore, non-merger processes, such as secular mechanisms, must also trigger AGN. Indeed, non-merger processes are the dominant AGN triggering mechanism at z \lesssim 1--1.5. Furthermore, the shape and evolution of the black hole mass function of AGN triggered by major mergers is intrinsically different from the shape and evolution of the black hole mass function of AGN triggered by secular processes.
Homotopy perturbation is one of the newest methods for numerical analysis of deferential equations while we had used that for solving wave equation around a black hole.Our conclusions have far reaching consequences for comparison of theoritical physics and experimental physics.
Current constraints on f(R) gravity from the large-scale structure are at the verge of penetrating into a region where the modified forces become nonlinearly suppressed. For a consistent treatment of observables at these scales, we study cluster quantities produced in chameleon and linearized Hu-Sawicki f(R) gravity dark matter N-body simulations. We find that the standard Navarro-Frenk-White halo density profile and the radial power law for the pseudo phase-space density provide equally good fits for f(R) clusters as they do in the Newtonian scenario. We give qualitative arguments for why this should be the case. For practical applications, we derive analytic relations, e.g., for the f(R) scalar field, the gravitational potential, and the velocity dispersion as seen within the virialized clusters. These functions are based on three degrees of freedom fitted to simulations, i.e., the characteristic density, scale, and velocity dispersion. We further analyze predictions for these fitting parameters from the gravitational collapse and the Jeans equation, which are found to agree well with the simulations. Our analytic results can be used to consistently constrain chameleon f(R) gravity with future observations on virialized cluster scales without the necessity of running a large number of simulations.
We present the emission line profile models of hydrogen and helium based on the results from axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations of the wind formed near the disk-magnetosphere boundary of classical T Tauri stars (CTTSs). We extend the previous outflow models of `the conical wind' by Romanova et al. to include a well defined magnetospheric accretion funnel flow which is essential for modelling the optical and near-infrared hydrogen and helium lines of CTTSs. Our MHD model shows outflows in conical shape with a half opening angle about 35 degrees. The flow properties such as the maximum outflow speed in the conical wind, maximum inflow speed in the accretion funnel, mass-accretion and mass-loss rates are comparable to those found in a typical CTTS. The density, velocity and temperature from the MHD simulations are used in a separate radiative transfer model to predict the line profiles and test the consistency of the MHD models with observations. The line profiles are computed with various combinations of X-ray luminosities, temperatures of X-ray emitting plasma, and inclination angles. A rich diversity of line profile morphology is found, and many of the model profiles are very similar to those found in observations. We find the line equivalent widths (EWs) of He I (10830), He I (5876), H-alpha, H-beta, Pa-beta and Pa-gamma predicted by the model are mostly within the ranges of the observed values; however, the model tends to underestimate the EWs for some of the lines when compared to the average EW values found in observations. The model well reproduces a relatively narrow and low-velocity blueshifted absorption component in He I (10830), which are often seen in observations.
Dark energy perturbation affects the growth of matter perturbations even in scenarios with noninteracting dark energy. We investigate the Integrated Sachs Wolfe (ISW) effect in various canonical scalar field models with perturbed dark energy. We do this analysis for models belonging to the thawing and freezing classes. We show that between these classes there is no clear difference for the ISW effect. We show that on taking perturbations into account, the contribution due to different models is closer to each other and to the cosmological constant model as compared to the case of a smooth dark energy. Therefore considering dark energy to be homogeneous gives an overestimate in distinction between different models. However there are significant difference between contribution to the angular power spectrum due to different models.
Ground-based observation of Interplanetary Scintillation(IPS) is an important approach of monitoring solar wind. A ground-based IPS observation system is newly implemented on 50m radio telescope, Miyun station, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences(NAOC). This observation system is constructed for purpose of observing the solar wind speed and scintillation index by using the normalized cross-spectrum of simultaneous dual-frequency IPS measurement. The system consists of a universal dual-frequency front-end and a dual-channel multi-function back-end specially designed for IPS. After careful calibration and testing, IPS observations on source 3C273B and 3C279 are successfully carried out. The preliminary observation results show that this newly developed observation system is capable of doing IPS observation.The system sensitivity for IPS observation can reach over 0.3Jy in terms of IPS polarization correlator with 4MHz bandwidth and 2s integration time.
Many of the astrophysical sources and violent phenomena observed in our Universe are potential emitters of gravitational waves (GW) and high-energy neutrinos (HEN). Both GWs and HENs may escape very dense media and travel unaffected over cosmological distances, carrying information from the innermost regions of the astrophysical engines. Such messengers could also reveal new, hidden sources that have not been observed by conventional photon-based astronomy. Coincident observation of GWs and HENs may thus play a critical role in multimessenger astronomy. This is particularly true at the present time owing to the advent of a new generation of dedicated detectors: IceCube, ANTARES, VIRGO and LIGO. Given the complexity of the instruments, a successful joint analysis of this data set will be possible only if the expertise and knowledge of the data is shared between the two communities. This review aims at providing an overview of both theoretical and experimental state-of-the-art and perspectives for such a GW+HEN multimessenger astronomy.
We investigate the atmospheric structure and fundamental properties of the red supergiant VY CMa. We obtained near-infrared spectro-interferometric observations of VY CMa with spectral resolutions of 35 and 1500 using the AMBER instrument at the VLTI. The visibility data indicate the presence of molecular layers of water vapor and CO in the extended atmosphere with an asymmetric morphology. The uniform disk diameter in the water band around 2.0 mu is increased by \sim20% compared to the near-continuum bandpass at 2.20-2.25 mu and in the CO band at 2.3-2.5 mu it is increased by up to \sim50%. The closure phases indicate relatively small deviations from point symmetry close to the photospheric layer, and stronger deviations in the extended H2O and CO layers. Making use of the high spatial and spectral resolution, a near-continuum bandpass can be isolated from contamination by molecular and dusty layers, and the Rosseland-mean photospheric angular diameter is estimated to 11.3 +/- 0.3 mas based on a PHOENIX atmosphere model. Together with recent high-precision estimates of the distance and spectro-photometry, this estimate corresponds to a radius of 1420 +/- 120 Rsun and an effective temperature of 3490 +/- 90 K. VY CMa exhibits asymmetric, possibly clumpy, atmospheric layers of H2O and CO, which are not co-spatial, within a larger elongated dusty envelope. Our revised fundamental parameters put VY CMa close to the Hayashi limit of recent evolutionary tracks of initial mass 25 Msun with rotation or 32 Msun without rotation, shortly before evolving blueward in the HR-diagram.
One of the main challenges for future 21 cm observations is to remove foregrounds which are several orders of magnitude more intense than the HI signal. We propose a new technique for removing foregrounds of the redshifted 21 cm observations. We consider multi-frequency interferometer observations. We assume that the 21 cm signals in different frequency channels are uncorrelated and the foreground signals change slowly as a function of frequency. When we add the visibilities of all channels, the foreground signals increase roughly by a factor of ~N because they are highly correlated. However, the 21 cm signals increase by a factor of ~\sqrt{N} because the signals in different channels contribute randomly. This enables us to obtain an accurate shape of the foreground angular power spectrum. Then, we obtain the 21-cm power spectrum by subtracting the foreground power spectrum obtained this way. We describe how to obtain the average power spectrum of the 21 cm signal.
Our 'home galaxy' - the Milky Way - is a fairly large spiral galaxy, prototype of the most common morphological class in the local Universe. Although being only a galaxy, it is the only one that can be studied in unique detail: for the MilkyWay and for a number of members of the Local Group, a wealth of observational data is available about the ages and chemical abundances of their stars. Much more information is expected to come in the next few years, from ongoing and planned spectroscopic and astrometric surveys, providing a unique benchmark for modern theories of galaxy formation. In this review, I will summarize recent results on the formation of our Milky Way, its stellar halo, and its satellite galaxies. I will focus, in particular, on results obtained in the framework of hybrid models of galaxy formation, and refer to other reviews in this issue for studies based on hydrodynamical simulations.
We have analysed a sample of 23 hot DAs to better understand the source of the circumstellar features reported in previous work. Unambiguous detections of circumstellar material are again made at eight stars. The velocities of the circumstellar material at three of the white dwarfs are coincident with the radial velocities of ISM along the sight line to the stars, suggesting that the objects may be ionising the ISM in their locality. In three further cases, the circumstellar velocities are close to the ISM velocities, indicating that these objects are either ionising the ISM, or evaporated planetesimals/material in a circumstellar disc. The circumstellar velocity at WD 1614-084 lies far from the ISM velocities, indicating either the ionisation of an undetected ISM component or circumstellar material. The material seen at WD 0232+035 can be attributed to the photoionisation of material lost from its M dwarf companion. The measured column densities of the circumstellar material lie within the ionised ISM column density ranges predicted to exist in hot DA Stromgren spheres.
We report the results of a search for an emission line from radiatively decaying dark matter in the ultra-faint dwarf spheroidal galaxy Willman 1 based on analysis of spectra extracted from XMM-Newton X-ray Observatory data. The observation follows up our analysis of Chandra data of Willman 1 that resulted in line flux upper limits over the Chandra bandpass and evidence of a 2.5 keV feature at a significance below the 99% confidence threshold used to define the limits. The higher effective area of the XMM-Newton detectors, combined with application of recently developing methods for extended-source analysis, allow us to derive improved constraints on the combination of mass and mixing angle of the sterile neutrino dark matter candidate. We do not confirm the Chandra evidence for a 2.5 keV emission line.
Context. OB stars are important building blocks of the Universe, but we have
only a limited sample of them well understood enough from an
asteroseismological point of view to provide feedback on the current
evolutionary models. Our study adds one special case to this sample, with more
observational constraints than for most of these stars.
Aims. Our goal is to analyse and interpret the pulsational behaviour of the
B3 IV star HD 43317 using the CoRoT light curve along with the ground-based
spectroscopy gathered by the Harps instrument. This way we continue our efforts
to map the Beta Cep and SPB instability strips.
Methods. We used different techniques to reveal the abundances and
fundamental stellar parameters from the newly-obtained high-resolution spectra.
We used various time-series analysis tools to explore the nature of variations
present in the light curve. We calculated the moments and used the
pixel-by-pixel method to look for line profile variations in the
high-resolution spectra.
Results. We find that HD 43317 is a single fast rotator (v_rot ~ 50% v_crit)
and hybrid SPB/Beta Cep-type pulsator with Solar metal abundances. We interpret
the variations in photometry and spectroscopy as a result of rotational
modulation connected to surface inhomogeneities, combined with the presence of
both g and p mode pulsations. We detect a series of ten consecutive frequencies
with an almost constant period spacing of 6339 s as well as a second shorter
sequence consisting of seven frequencies with a spacing of 6380 s. The dominant
frequencies fall in the regime of gravito-inertial modes.
We use a recent grid of stellar models computed with and without rotation to make predictions concerning the WR populations and the frequency of different types of core-collapse SNe. The present rotating models have been checked to provide good fits to the following features: solar luminosity and radius at the solar age, main-sequence width, red-giant and red-supergiant (RSG) positions in the HRD, surface abundances, and rotational velocities. Rotating stellar models predict that about half of the observed WR stars and at least half of the type Ibc SNe may be produced through the single-star evolution channel. Rotation increases the duration of the WNL and WNC phases, while reducing those of the WNE and WC phases as was already shown in previous works. Rotation increases the frequency of type Ic SNe. The upper mass limit for type II-P SNe is \sim 24.9 M\odot for the non rotating models and \sim 19.9 M\odot for the rotating ones. This last value is in better agreement with observations. Moreover, present rotating models provide a very good fit to the progenitor of SN 2008ax. We discuss future directions of research for further improving the agreement between the models and the observations. We conclude that the mass-loss rates in the WNL and RSG phases are probably presently underestimated. We show that, up to an initial mass of 40 M\odot, a surface magnetic field inferior to about 200 G may be sufficient to produce some braking. Much lower values are needed at the red supergiant stage. We suggest that the presence/absence of any magnetic braking effect may play a key role in questions regarding rotation rates of young pulsars and the evolution leading to LGRBs.
We present a microscopic computation of the radio emission from air showers initiated by ultra-high energy cosmic rays in the atmosphere. The strategy adopted is to compute each secondary particle contribution of the electromagnetic component and to construct the total signal at any location. SELFAS2 is a code which doesn't rely on air shower generators like AIRES or CORSIKA and it is based on the concept of air shower universality which makes it completely autonomous. Each positron and electron of the air shower is generated randomly following relevant distributions and tracking them along their travel in the atmosphere. We confirm in this paper earlier results that the radio emission is mainly due to the time derivative of the transverse current and the time derivative of the charge excess. The time derivative of the transverse current created by systematic deviations of charges in the geomagnetic field is usually dominant compared to the charge excess contribution except for the case of an air shower parallel to the geomagnetic field.
The HD\,196885 system is composed of a binary star and a planet orbiting the
primary. The orbit of the binary is fully constrained by astrometry, but for
the planet the inclination with respect to the plane of the sky and the
longitude of the node are unknown. Here we perform a full analysis of the
HD\,196885 system by exploring the two free parameters of the planet and
choosing different sets of angular variables. We find that the most likely
configurations for the planet is either nearly coplanar orbits (prograde and
retrograde), or highly inclined orbits near the Lidov-Kozai equilibrium points,
i = 44^{\circ} or i = 137^{\circ} . Among coplanar orbits, the retrograde ones
appear to be less chaotic, while for the orbits near the Lidov-Kozai
equilibria, those around \omega= 270^{\circ} are more reliable, where \omega_k
is the argument of pericenter of the planet's orbit with respect to the
binary's orbit.
From the observer's point of view (plane of the sky) stable areas are
restricted to (I1, \Omega_1) \sim (65^{\circ}, 80^{\circ}),
(65^{\circ},260^{\circ}), (115^{\circ},80^{\circ}), and
(115^{\circ},260^{\circ}), where I1 is the inclination of the planet and
\Omega_1 is the longitude of ascending node.
Forthcoming experiments will enable us to determine tomographic shear spectra at a high precision level. Most predictions on them were based, up to now, on algorithms yielding the expected linear and non-linear spectrum of density fluctuations. Even when simulations were exploited, Halofit prediction on fairly large scales were needed. Here we wish to go beyond this limitation. We perform N-body and hydrodynamical simulations within a large enough cosmological volume to allow a direct connection between simulations and linear spectra. While covering large scales, the simulation resolution is good enough to allow us to explore high-l harmonics of the cosmic shear (up to l ~ 50000), well into the domain where baryon physics becomes important. We then compare shear spectra in the absence and in the presence of various kinds of baryon physics, such as radiative cooling, star formation, and supernova feedback in the form of galactic winds. This allows us to outline several properties of matter fluctuation spectra in the different simulations and to test their impact on shear spectra. We compare our outputs with those obtainable by using approximated expressions for non-linear spectra, and confirm the presence of substantial discrepancies even from purely N-body results. Our simulations and the treatment of their outputs however enable us, for the first time, to obtain shear results fully independent from any approximated expression, also delving in the high-l range where non-linear power spectrum of density perturbations, also including the effect of baryon physics, is required. This will allow us to fully exploit the cosmological information contained in future high-sensitivity cosmic shear surveys, also exploring their physics via weak lensing measures.
We present high angular resolution SMA and Spitzer observations toward the Bok globule CB17. SMA 1.3mm dust continuum images reveal within CB17 two sources with an angular separation of about 21" (about 5250 AU at a distance of 250 pc). The northwestern continuum source, referred to as CB17 IRS, dominates the infrared emission in the Spitzer images, drives a bipolar outflow extending in the northwest-southeast direction, and is classified as a low luminosity Class0/I transition object (L_bol ~ 0.5 L_sun). The southeastern continuum source, referred to as CB17 MMS, has faint dust continuum emission in the SMA 1.3mm observations (about 6 sigma detection; ~3.8 mJy), but is not detected in the deep Spitzer infrared images at wavelengths from 3.6 to 70 micron. Its bolometric luminosity and temperature, estimated from its spectral energy distribution, are less than 0.04 L_sun and 16 K, respectively. The SMA CO(2-1) observations suggest that CB17 MMS may drive a low-velocity molecular outflow (about 2.5 km/s), extending in the east-west direction. Comparisons with prestellar cores and Class0 protostars suggest that CB17 MMS is more evolved than prestellar cores but less evolved than Class0 protostars. The observed characteristics of CB17 MMS are consistent with the theoretical predictions from radiative/magneto hydrodynamical simulations of a first hydrostatic core, but there is also the possibility that CB17 MMS is an extremely low luminosity protostar deeply embedded in an edge-on circumstellar disk. Further observations are needed to study the properties of CB17 MMS and to address more precisely its evolutionary stage.
Context. The properties of dust grains, in particular their size distribution, are expected to differ from the interstellar medium to the high-density regions within molecular clouds. Since the extinction at near-infrared wavelengths is caused by dust, the extinction law in cores should depart from that found in low-density environments if the dust grains have different properties. Aims. We explore methods to measure the near-infrared extinction law produced by dense material in molecular cloud cores from photometric data. Methods. Using controlled sets of synthetic and semi-synthetic data, we test several methods for linear regression applied to the specific problem of deriving the extinction law from photometric data. We cover the parameter space appropriate to this type of observations. Results. We find that many of the common linear-regression methods produce biased results when applied to the extinction law from photometric colors. We propose and validate a new method, LinES, as the most reliable for this effect. We explore the use of this method to detect whether or not the extinction law of a given reddened population has a break at some value of extinction.
The intermediate- to high-mass star-forming region IRAS 20343+4129 is an excellent laboratory to study the influence of high- and intermediate-mass young stellar objects on nearby starless dense cores, and investigate for possible implications in the clustered star formation process. We present 3 mm observations of continuum and rotational transitions of several molecular species (C2H, c-C3H2, N2H+, NH2D) obtained with the Combined Array for Research in Millimetre-wave Astronomy, as well as 1.3 cm continuum and NH3 observations carried out with the Very Large Array, to reveal the properties of the dense gas. We confirm undoubtedly previous claims of an expanding cavity created by an ultracompact HII region associated with a young B2 zero-age main sequence (ZAMS) star. The dense gas surrounding the cavity is distributed in a filament that seems squeezed in between the cavity and a collimated outflow associated with an intermediate-mass protostar. We have identified 5 millimeter continuum condensations in the filament. All of them show column densities consistent with potentially being the birthplace of intermediate- to high-mass objects. These cores appear different from those observed in low-mass clustered environments in sereval observational aspects (kinematics, temperature, chemical gradients), indicating a strong influence of the most massive and evolved members of the protocluster. We suggest a possible scenario in which the B2 ZAMS star driving the cavity has compressed the surrounding gas, perturbed its properties and induced the star formation in its immediate surroundings.
(abridged) Strongly star-forming galaxies of subsolar metallicities are typical of the high-redshift universe. Here we therefore provide accurate data for two low-z analogs, the well-known low-metallicity emission-line galaxies Haro 11 and ESO 338-IG 004. On the basis of Very Large Telescope/X-shooter spectroscopic observations in the wavelength range 3000-24000\AA, we use standard direct methods to derive physical conditions and element abundances. Furthermore, we use X-shooter data together with Spitzer observations in the mid-infrared range to attempt to find hidden star formation. We derive interstellar oxygen abundances of 12 + log O/H = 8.33+/-0.01, 8.10+/-0.04, and 7.89+/-0.01 in the two HII regions B and C of Haro 11 and in ESO 338-IG 004, respectively. The observed fluxes of the hydrogen lines correspond to the theoretical recombination values after correction for extinction with a single value of the extinction coefficient C(Hbeta) across the entire wavelength range from the near-ultraviolet to the NIR and mid-infrared for each of the studied HII regions. Therefore there are no emission-line regions contributing to the line emission in the NIR range, which are hidden in the optical range. The agreement between the extinction-corrected and CLOUDY-predicted fluxes implies that a HII region model including only stellar photoionisation is able to account for the observed fluxes, in both the optical and NIR ranges. All observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) can be reproduced quite well across the whole wavelength range by model SEDs except for Haro 11B, where there is a continuum flux excess at wavelengths >1.6mum. It is possible that one or more red supergiant stars are responsible for the NIR flux excess in Haro 11B. We find evidence of a luminous blue variable (LBV) star in Haro 11C.
GM Cep in the young (~4 Myr) open cluster Trumpler 37 has been known to be an abrupt variable and to have a circumstellar disk with very active accretion. Our monitoring observations in 2009-2011 revealed the star to show sporadic flare events, each with brightening of < 0.5 mag lasting for days. These brightening events, associated with a color change toward the blue, should originate from an increased accretion activity. Moreover, the star also underwent a brightness drop of ~1 mag lasting for about a month, during which the star became bluer when fainter. Such brightness drops seem to have a recurrence time scale of a year, as evidenced in our data and the photometric behavior of GM Cep over a century. Between consecutive drops, the star brightened gradually by about 1 mag and became blue at peak luminosity. We propose that the drop is caused by obscuration of the central star by an orbiting dust concentration. The UX Orionis type of activity in GM Cep therefore exemplifies the disk inhomogeneity process in transition between grain coagulation and planetesimal formation in a young circumstellar disk.
HD 133880 is a rapidly rotating Bp star and host to one of the strongest magnetic fields of any Bp star. A member of the Upper Centaurus Lupus association, it is a star with a well-determined age of 16 Myr. Twelve new spectra obtained from the FEROS, ESPaDOnS, and HARPS instruments, provide sufficient material from which to re-evaluate the magnetic field and obtain a first approximation to the atmospheric abundance distributions of various elements. Using the new magnetic field measurements and optical photometry together with previously published data, we refine the period of HD 133880 to P = 0.877476 \pm 0.000009 days. The magnetic field structure was characterised by a colinear multipole expansion from the observed variations of the longitudinal and surface fields with rotational phase. This simple axisymmetric magnetic field model is based on a predominantly quadrupolar component that roughly describes the field variations. Using spectrum synthesis, we derived mean abundances for O, Mg, Si, Ti, Cr, Fe, Nd and Pr. All elements, except Mg (which has a uniform distribution), are overabundant compared to the Sun and are more abundant in the negative than in the positive magnetic hemisphere. In contrast to most Bp stars the abundance of O in HD 133880 is overabundant compared to the solar abundance ratio. In studying the Halpha and Paschen lines in the optical spectra we could not unambiguously detect information about the magnetosphere of HD 133880. However, radio emission data at both 3 and 6 cm suggests that the magnetospheric plasma is held in rigid rotation with the star by the magnetic field and further supported against collapse by the rapid rotation. Subtle differences in the shapes of the optically thick radio light curves at 3 and 6 cm suggest that the large-scale magnetic field is not fully axisymmetric at large distances from the star.
We examine how the atomic and molecular gas components of galaxies evolve to higher redshifts using the semi-analytic galaxy formation models of Fu et al. (2010) in which we track the surface density profiles of gas in disks. We adopt two different prescriptions based either on gas surface density and metallicity, or on interstellar pressure, to compute the molecular fraction as a function of radius in each disk. We demonstrate that the adopted star formation law determines how the balance between gas, stars and metals changes with time in the star-forming galaxy population, but does not influence the total mass in stars formed into galaxies at redshifts below z~2.5. The redshift evolution of the mass-metallicity relation places strong constraints on the timescale over which cold gas is converted into stars in high redshift galaxies, and favours models in which the star formation surface density scales with the cold gas surface density in the same way at all cosmic epochs. Future observations of the evolution of the average molecular-to-atomic gas ratio in galaxies as a function of stellar mass and redshift will constrain models of the atomic-to-molecular transition.
We investigate the effects of newly measured beta-decay half-lives on r-process nucleosynthesis. These new rates were determined by recent experiments at the radioactive isotope beam factory (RIBF) facility in the RIKEN Nishina Center. We adopt an r-process nucleosynthesis environment based on a magnetohydrodynamic supernova explosion model that includes strong magnetic fields and rapid rotation of the progenitor. A number of the new beta-decay rates are for nuclei on or near the r-process path, and hence, affect the nucleosynthesis yields and timescale of the r-process. The main effect of the newly measured beta-decay half-lives is an enhancement in the calculated abundance of isotopes with mass number A = 110 -- 120 relative to calculated abundances based upon $\beta$-decay rates estimated with the finite-range droplet mass model. This effect slightly alleviates, but does not fully explain, the tendency of $r$-process models to underproduce isotopes with A = 110 -- 120 compared to the solar-system r-process abundances.
We study the effects of astrophysical foregrounds on the ability of CMB
B-mode polarization experiments to constrain the primordial tensor-to-scalar
ratio, r. To clean the foreground contributions we use parametric, maximum
likelihood component separation technique, and consider experimental set-ups
optimized to render a minimal level of the foreground residuals in the
recovered CMB map. We consider nearly full-sky observations, include two
diffuse foreground components, dust and synchrotron, and study cases with and
without calibration errors, spatial variability of the foreground properties,
and partial or complete B-mode lensing signal removal.
In all these cases we find that in the limit of very low noise level and in
the absence of the intrumental or modeling systematic effects, the foreground
residuals do not lead to a limit on the lowest detectable value of r. But the
need to control the foreground residuals will play a major role in determining
the minimal noise levels necessary to permit a robust detection of r < 0.1 and
therefore in optimizing and forecasting the performance of the future missions.
For current and proposed experiments noise levels, the foreground residuals are
found non-negligible and potentially can affect our ability to set constraints
on r. We also show how the constraints can be significantly improved on by
restricting the post component separation processing to a smaller sky area.
This procedure applied to a case of a COrE-like satellite mission is shown to
result potentially in over an order of magnitude improvement in the detectable
value of r. With sufficient knowledge of the experimental bandpasses as well as
foreground component scaling laws, our conclusions are found to be independent
on the assumed overall normalization of the foregrounds and only quantitatively
depend on specific parametrizations assumed for the foreground components.
Data mining techniques must be developed and applied to analyse the large public data bases containing hundreds to thousands of millions entries. The aim of this study is to develop methods for locating previously unknown stellar clusters from the UKIDSS Galactic Plane Survey catalogue data. The cluster candidates are computationally searched from pre-filtered catalogue data using a method that fits a mixture model of Gaussian densities and background noise using the Expectation Maximization algorithm. The catalogue data contains a significant number of false sources clustered around bright stars. A large fraction of these artefacts were automatically filtered out before or during the cluster search. The UKIDSS data reduction pipeline tends to classify marginally resolved stellar pairs and objects seen against variable surface brightness as extended objects (or "galaxies" in the archive parlance). 10% or 66 x 10^6 of the sources in the UKIDSS GPS catalogue brighter than 17 magnitudes in the K band are classified as "galaxies". Young embedded clusters create variable NIR surface brightness because the gas/dust clouds in which they were formed scatters the light from the cluster members. Such clusters appear therefore as clusters of "galaxies" in the catalogue and can be found using only a subset of the catalogue data. The detected "galaxy clusters" were finally screened visually to eliminate the remaining false detections due to data artefacts. Besides the embedded clusters the search also located locations of non clustered embedded star formation. The search covered an area of 1302 square degrees and 137 previously unknown cluster candidates and 30 previously unknown sites of star formation were found.
The paper represents a comprehensive treatment of late stages of large-scale structure evolution within the framework of halo model. A number of modifications to basic theory are suggested. We have engineered simple yet accurate approximation to relate the amplitude of non-linear spherical density perturbation to the one of the linear. The theory for final stages of spherical overdensity evolution is revised in order to re-evaluate the dependences of collapse and critical overdensity parameters, $\delta_{col}$, $\delta_{ta}$ and $\delta_{min}$, on redshift and other cosmological parameters. A new technique is proposed for straightforward computation of halo concentration parameter, $c$, without need to evaluate the $z_{col}$. Validity of the technique is proved for a number of $\Lambda$CDM and $\Lambda$WDM cosmologies. The parameters for Sheth-Tormen mass function are estimated, as well as new approximation is constructed for the dependence of subhalo mass function on initial power spectrum. The modified and extended halo model is applied to the determination the non-linear dark matter and galaxy power spectra. The semi-analytical estimation of dark matter power spectrum is verified by comparison with data from numerical simulations. Also the predictions for the galaxy power spectra are confronted with 'observed' data from PSCz and SDSS galaxy catalogs. Quite good accordance is found.
In a series of paper, it has been shown that the distribution of polarisation position angles for visible light from quasars is not random in extremely large regions of the sky. As explained in a recent article, the measurement of vanishing circular polarisation for such quasars is an important problem for a mechanism involving the mixing with axion-like particles in external magnetic fields. In this note, we stress that a recent report of similar coherent orientations of polarisation in radiowaves further disfavours the need for such particles, as an effect at these wavelengths would be extremely suppressed or would directly contradict data.
We measure the quasar two-point correlation function over the redshift range 2.2<z<2.8 using data from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey. We use a homogeneous subset of the data consisting of 27,129 quasars with spectroscopic redshifts---by far the largest such sample used for clustering measurements at these redshifts to date. The sample covers 3,600 square degrees, corresponding to a comoving volume of 9.7(Gpc/h)^3 assuming a fiducial LambdaCDM cosmology, and it has a median absolute i-band magnitude of -26, k-corrected to z=2. After accounting for redshift errors we find that the redshift space correlation function is fit well by a power-law of slope -2 and amplitude s_0=(9.7\pm 0.5)Mpc/h over the range 3<s<25Mpc/h. The projected correlation function, which integrates out the effects of peculiar velocities and redshift errors, is fit well by a power-law of slope -1 and r_0=(8.4\pm 0.6)Mpc/h over the range 4<R<16Mpc/h. There is no evidence for strong luminosity or redshift dependence to the clustering amplitude, in part because of the limited dynamic range in our sample. Our results are consistent with, but more precise than, previous measurements at similar redshifts. Our measurement of the quasar clustering amplitude implies a bias factor of b~3.5 for our quasar sample. We compare the data to models to constrain the manner in which quasars occupy dark matter halos at z~2.4 and infer that such quasars inhabit halos with a characteristic mass of <M>~10^{12}Msun/h with a duty cycle for the quasar activity of 1 per cent.
We compare early ultraviolet (UV) observations of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) with theoretical predictions for the brightness of the shock associated with the collision between SN ejecta and a companion star. Our simple method is independent of the intrinsic flux from the SN and treats the flux observed with the Swift/Ultra-Violet Optical Telescope (UVOT) as conservative upper limits on the shock brightness. Comparing this limit with the predicted flux for various shock models, we constrain the geometry of the SN progenitor-companion system. We find the model of a 1 M_sun red supergiant companion in Roche lobe overflow to be excluded at a 95% confidence level for most individual SNe for all but the most unfavorable viewing angles. For the sample of 12 SNe taken together, the upper limits on the viewing angle are inconsistent with the expected distribution of viewing angles for RG stars as the majority of companions with high confidence. The separation distance constraints do allow MS companions. A better understanding of the UV flux arising from the SN itself as well as continued UV observations of young SNe Ia will further constrain the possible progenitors of SNe Ia.
We study the thermalization process in the self-interacting curvaton preheating scenario. We solve the evolution of the system with classical lattice simulations with a recently released symplectic PyCOOL program during the resonance and the early thermalization periods and compare the results to the inflaton preheating. After this we calculate the generated non-gaussianity with the $\Delta N$ formalism and the separate universe approximation by running a large number of simulations with slightly different initial values. The results indicate a high level of non-gaussianity. We also use this paper to showcase the various post-processing functions included with the PyCOOL program that is available from https://github.com/jtksai/PyCOOL .
We present a B, V color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of the Milky Way dwarf satellite Ursa Major II (UMa II), spanning the magnitude range from V ~ 15 to V ~ 23.5 mag and extending over a 18 {\times} 18 arcmin2 area centered on the galaxy. Our photometry goes down to about 2 magnitudes below the galaxy's main sequence turn-off, that we detected at V ~ 21.5 mag. We have discovered a bona-fide RR Lyrae variable star in UMa II, which we use to estimate a conservative dereddened distance modulus for the galaxy of (m-M)0 = 17.70{\pm}0.04{\pm}0.12 mag, where the first error accounts for the uncertainties of the calibrated photometry, and the second reflects our lack of information on the metallicity of the star. The corresponding distance to UMa II is 34.7 {\pm} 0.6 ({\pm} 2.0) kpc. Our photometry shows evidence of a spread in the galaxy subgiant branch, compatible with a spread in metal abundance in the range between Z=0.0001 and Z=0.001. Based on our estimate of the distance, a comparison of the fiducial lines of the Galactic globular clusters (GCs) M68 and M5 ([Fe/H]=-2.27 {\pm} 0.04 dex and -1.33 {\pm} 0.02 dex, respectively), with the position on the CMD of spectroscopically confirmed galaxy members, may suggest the existence of stellar populations of different metal abundance/age in the central region of UMa II.
The CRESST-II collaboration have announced evidence for the direct detection of dark matter in 730 kg-days exposure of a CaWO$_4$ target. We examine these new results, along with DAMA and CoGeNT data, in the context of the mirror dark matter framework. We show that all three experiments can be simultaneously explained via kinetic mixing induced elastic scattering of a mirror metal component off target nuclei. This metal component can be as heavy as Fe$'$ if the galactic rotational velocity is relatively low: $v_{rot} \stackrel{<}{\sim} 220$ km/s. This explanation is consistent with the constraints from the other experiments, such as CDMS/Ge, CDMS/Si and XENON100 when modest $\sim 20-30%$ uncertainties in energy scale are considered.
The pinning and collective unpinning of superfluid vortices in a decelerating container is a key element of the canonical model of neutron star glitches and laboratory spin-down experiments with helium II. Here the dynamics of vortex (un)pinning is explored using numerical Gross-Pitaevskii calculations, with a view to understanding the triggers for catastrophic unpinning events (vortex avalanches) that lead to rotational glitches. We explicitly identify three triggers: rotational shear between the bulk condensate and the pinned vortices, a vortex proximity effect driven by the repulsive vortex-vortex interaction, and sound waves emitted by moving and repinning vortices. So long as dissipation is low, sound waves emitted by a repinning vortex are found to be sufficiently strong to unpin a nearby vortex. For both ballistic and forced vortex motion, the maximum inter-vortex separation required to unpin scales inversely with pinning strength.
A novel analytical method for f(R) modified theories without matter in Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker spacetimes is introduced. The equation of motion for the scale factor in terms of cosmic time is reduced to the equation for the evolution of the Ricci scalar R with the Hubble parameter H. The solution of equation of motion for actions of the form of power law in Ricci scalar R, is presented with a detailed elaboration of the action quadratic in R. The reverse use of the introduced method is exemplified in finding functional forms f(R) which lead to specified scale factor functions. The analytical solutions are corroborated by numerical calculations with excellent agreement. Possible further applications to the phases of inflationary expansion and late-time acceleration are outlined.
Background: Inelastic neutrino-nucleus scattering through the weak neutral-current plays important role in stellar environment where transport of neutrinos determine the rate of cooling. Since there are no direct experimental data on neutral-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections available, only the modeling of these reactions provides the relevant input for supernova simulations. Purpose: To establish fully self-consistent framework for neutral-current neutrino-nucleus reactions based on relativistic nuclear energy density functional. Methods: Neutrino-nucleus cross sections are calculated using weak Hamiltonian and nuclear properties of initial and excited states are obtained with relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model and relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation that is extended to include pion contributions for unnatural parity transitions. Results: Inelastic neutral-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections for 12C, 16O, 56Fe, 56Ni, and even isotopes {92-100}Mo as well as respective cross sections averaged over distribution of supernova neutrinos. Conclusions: The present study provides insight into neutrino-nucleus scattering cross sections in the neutral channel, their theoretical uncertainty in view of recently developed microscopic models, and paves the way for systematic self-consistent large-scale calculations involving open-shell target nuclei.
In this brief review we discuss the generation of Majorana neutrino masses through the see-saw mechanism, the theory of neutrinoless double-beta decay, the implications of neutrino oscillation data for the effective Majorana mass, taking into account the recent Daya Bay measurement of theta_13, and the interpretation of the results of neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments.
It is shown that perturbative reheating can reach a sufficiently high temperature with small or negligible inflaton decay rate provided that the inflaton potential becomes negative after inflation. In our model, inflaton and dark energy particle are two independent scalar fields, and, depending on the mass of the inflaton and its coupling to matter fields, there is a possibility that the remaining inflaton after reheating can become a dark matter candidate.
We consider generic nonextremal stationary dirty black holes. It is shown that in the vicinity of any bifurcation surface the energy of collision of two particles in the centre of mass frame can grow unbound. This is a generic property that, in particular, includes collisions near the inner black hole horizon analyzed earlier.
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We have carried out an initial study of a small sample of nearby spiral and barred galaxies with a broad distribution of Hubble types in order to have a first estimate of the magnitude of their secular mass accretion/excretion rates in the context of bulge building and morphological evolution along the Hubble sequence. The stellar surface density maps of the sample galaxies were derived from the archival data of SINGS and SDSS. The corresponding molecular and atomic surface densities were derived from archival CO(1-0) and HI interferometric observations of the BIMA SONG, THINGS, and VIVA surveys. The method used for determining the radial mass flow rates follows from our previous work using the potential-density phase shift approach, which utilizes a volume-type torque integral to calculate the angular momentum exchange rate between the basic state disk matter and the density wave modes. This approach yields radial mass flow rates and angular momentum transport rates several times higher than similar rates estimated using the traditional method of gravitational torque couple of Lynden-Bell and Kalnajs 1972, and this difference reflects the dominant role played by collisionless shocks in the secular evolution of galaxies containing extremely non-linear, quasi-steady density wave modes. It is shown that these non-linear modes maintains their quasi-steady state at the expense of a continuous radial mass flow and the resulting morphological transformation of galaxies throughout their lifetime, not only for late-type and intermediate-type disk galaxies but, under favorable conditions, also for earlier types including S0s and disky ellipticals. We show here for the first time using observational data that stellar mass accretion/excretion is just as important, and oftentimes much more important, than the corresponding accretion/excretion processes in the gaseous component.
We investigate the effects of halo shape and its alignment with larger scale structure on the galaxy correlation function. We base our analysis on the galaxy formation models of Guo et al. (2011), run on the Millennium Simulations. We quantify the importance of these effects by randomizing the angular positions of satellite galaxies within haloes, either coherently or individually, while keeping the distance to their respective central galaxies fixed. We find that the effect of disrupting the alignment with larger scale structure is a ~2 per cent decrease in the galaxy correlation function around r=1.8 Mpc/h. We find that sphericalizing the ellipsoidal distributions of galaxies within haloes decreases the correlation function by up to 20 per cent for r<1 Mpc/h and increases it slightly at somewhat larger radii. Similar results apply to power spectra and redshift-space correlation functions. Models based on the Halo Occupation Distribution, which place galaxies spherically within haloes according to a mean radial profile, will therefore significantly underestimate the clustering on sub-Mpc scales. In addition, we find that halo assembly bias, in particular the dependence of clustering on halo shape, propagates to the clustering of galaxies. We predict that this aspect of assembly bias should be observable through the use of extensive group catalogues.
We have used Gemini North together with the NIRI-ALTAIR adaptive optics imager in the H and K bands to explore the core of the Galactic globular cluster M71 (NGC 6838). We obtained proper motions for 217 stars and have resolved its internal proper motion dispersion. Using a 3.8 year baseline, the proper motion dispersion in the core is found to be 179 +/- 17 microarcsec/yr. We find no evidence of anisotropy in the motions and no radial variation in the proper motions with respect to distance from the cluster center. We also set an upper limit on any central black hole to be ~150 Msun at 90% confidence level.
Observational constraints on the average radial distribution profile of AGN in distant galaxy clusters can provide important clues on the triggering mechanisms of AGN activity in dense environments and are essential for a completeness evaluation of cluster selection techniques in the X-ray and mm-wavebands. The aim of this work is a statistical study with XMM-Newton of the presence and distribution of X-ray AGN in the large-scale structure environments of 22 X-ray luminous galaxy clusters in the redshift range 0.9 < z \lesssim 1.6 compiled by the XMM-Newton Distant Cluster Project (XDCP). To this end, the X-ray point source lists from detections in the soft-band (0.35-2.4 keV) and full-band (0.3-7.5 keV) were stacked in cluster-centric coordinates and compared to average background number counts extracted from three independent control fields in the same observations. A significant full-band (soft-band) excess of \sim78 (67) X-ray point sources is found in the cluster fields within an angular distance of 8' (4Mpc) at a statistical confidence level of 4.0 sigma (4.2 sigma), corresponding to an average number of detected excess AGN per cluster environment of 3.5\pm0.9 (3.0\pm0.7). The data point towards a rising radial profile in the cluster region (r<1Mpc) of predominantly low-luminosity AGN with an average detected excess of about one point source per system, with a tentative preferred occurrence along the main cluster elongation axis. A second statistically significant overdensity of brighter soft-band detected AGN is found at cluster-centric distances of 4'-6' (2-3Mpc), corresponding to about three times the average cluster radius R200 of the systems. If confirmed, these results would support the idea of two different physical triggering mechanisms of X-ray AGN activity in dependence of the radially changing large-scale structure environment of the distant clusters.
We apply a recently developed scaling technique to the Millennium-XXL, one of the largest cosmological N-body simulations carried out to date (3x10^11 particles within a cube of volume ~70 Gpc^3). This allows us to investigate the cosmological parameter dependence of the mass and evolution of haloes in the extreme high-mass tail of the z=6 distribution. We assume these objects to be likely hosts for the population of rare but ultraluminous high-redshift quasars discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Haloes with a similar abundance to these quasars have a median mass of 9x10^12 Msun in the currently preferred cosmology, but do not evolve into equally extreme objects at z=0. Rather, their descendants span the full range conventionally assigned to present-day clusters, 6x10^13 to 2.5x10^15 Msun for this same cosmology. The masses both at z=6 and at z=0 shift up or down by factors exceeding two if cosmological parameters are pushed to the boundaries of the range discussed in published interpretations of data from the WMAP satellite. The main factor determining the future growth of a high-mass z=6 halo is the mean overdensity of its environment on scales of 7 to 14 Mpc, and descendant masses can be predicted 6 to 8 times more accurately if this density is known than if it is not. All these features are not unique to extreme high-z haloes, but are generic to hierarchical growth. Finally, we find that extreme haloes at z=6 typically acquired about half of their total mass in the preceding 100 Myr, implying very large recent accretion rates which may be related to the large black hole masses and high luminosities of the SDSS quasars.
We have performed cosmological N-body simulations which include the effect of the masses of the individual neutrino species. The simulations were aimed at studying the effect of different neutrino hierarchies on the matter power spectrum. Compared to the linear theory predictions, we find that non-linearities enhance the effect of hierarchy on the matter power spectrum at mildly non-linear scales. The difference between the different hierarchies is about 0.5% for a sum of neutrino masses of 0.1eV. Albeit this is a small effect, it is potentially measurable from upcoming surveys. In combination with neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments, this opens up the possibility of using the sky to determine if neutrinos are Majorana or Dirac fermions.
We have investigated the 2009 July impact event on Jupiter using the ZEUS-MP 2 three-dimensional hydrodynamics code. We studied the impact itself and the following plume development. Eight impactors were considered: 0.5 km and 1 km porous (\rho = 1.760 g cm^{-3}) and non-porous (\rho = 2.700 g cm^{-3}) basalt impactors, and 0.5 km and 1 km porous (\rho = 0.600 g cm^{-3}) and non-porous \rho = 0.917 g cm^{-3}) ice impactors. The simulations consisted of these bolides colliding with Jupiter at an incident angle of \theta = 69 degrees from the vertical and with an impact velocity of v = 61.4 km s^{-1}. Our simulations show the development of relatively larger, faster plumes created after impacts involving 1 km diameter bodies. Comparing simulations of the 2009 event with simulations of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 events reveals a difference in plume development, with the higher incident angle of the 2009 impact leading to a shallower terminal depth and a smaller and slower plume. We also studied the amount of dynamical chaos present in the simulations conducted at the 2009 incident angle. Compared to the chaos of the SL9 simulations, where \theta is approximately 45 degrees, we find no significant difference in chaos at the higher 2009 incident angle.
We present two-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations of line-tied asymmetric magnetic reconnection in the context of solar flare and coronal mass ejection current sheets. The reconnection process is made asymmetric along the inflow direction by allowing the initial upstream magnetic field strengths and densities to differ, and along the outflow direction by placing the initial perturbation near a conducting wall boundary that represents the photosphere. When the upstream magnetic fields are asymmetric, the post-flare loop structure is distorted into a characteristic skewed candle flame shape. The simulations can thus be used to provide constraints on the reconnection asymmetry in post-flare loops. More hard X-ray emission is expected to occur at the footpoint on the weak magnetic field side because energetic particles are more likely to escape the magnetic mirror. The footpoint on the weak magnetic field side is predicted to move more quickly because of the requirement in two dimensions that equal amounts of flux must be reconnected from each upstream region. The X-line drifts away from the conducting wall in all simulations with asymmetric outflow and into the strong magnetic field region during most of the simulations with asymmetric inflow. There is net plasma flow across the X-line for both the inflow and outflow directions. The reconnection exhaust directed away from the obstructing wall is significantly faster than the exhaust directed towards it. The asymmetric inflow condition allows net vorticity in the rising outflow plasmoid which would appear as rolling motions about the flux rope axis.
More than half of nearby disc galaxies have pseudobulges instead of classical bulges that are though to be end-products of galaxy mergers. Pseudobulges are presumed to develop overtime as a result of secular evolution of galaxy discs. We report simulations of galaxy formation, in which two disc galaxies with disky pseudobulges have formed. Based on the profile decomposition, the bulge-to-total mass ratio of the simulated galaxies is 0.6 for one galaxy and 0.3 for the other. We find that the main formation mechanism of the pseudobulges in our simulations is not the secular evolution of discs but high-redshift starbursts. The progenitors of the pseudobulges form as high-redshift discs with small scale lengths by rapid supply of low angular momentum gas. The orientation of the high-redshift progenitors rapidly changes by the change of the direction of the angular momentum of newly-accreted gas, which blurs the disc properties of the high-redshift discs. Energetic winds following the starbursts remove low angular momentum gas and quench the bulge formation. Once the host haloes are well established, the direction of the angular momentum of newly-accreted gas is better aligned, and high angular momentum gas forms discs with large scale lengths. By redshift 2, before the main disc formation, pseudobulge formation has largely completed in terms of mass. The secular evolution such as bar instability accounts for about 30% of the bulge mass for one galaxy and only 13% for the other but does affect the final shape and kinematic properties of the pseudobulges.
Absolute cross sections for the K-shell photoionization of ground-state Li-like boron [B$^{2+}$(1s$^2$2s $^2$S)] ions were measured by employing the ion-photon merged-beams technique at the Advanced Light Source synchrotron radiation facility. The energy ranges 197.5--200.5 eV, 201.9--202.1 eV of the [1s(2s\,2p)$^3$P]$^2$P${\rm ^o}$ and [1s(2s\,2p)$^1$P] $^2$P${\rm ^o}$ resonances, respectively, were investigated using resolving powers of up to 17\,600. The energy range of the experiments was extended to about 238.2 eV yielding energies of the most prominent [1s(2$\ell$\,n$\ell^{\prime}$)]$^2$P$^o$ resonances with an absolute accuracy of the order of 130 ppm. The natural linewidths of the [1s(2s\,2p)$^3$P] $^2$P${\rm ^o}$ and [1s(2s\,2p)$^1$P] $^2$P${\rm ^o}$ resonances were measured to be $4.8 \pm 0.6$ meV and $29.7 \pm 2.5$ meV, respectively, which compare favourably with theoretical results of 4.40 meV and 30.53 meV determined using an intermediate coupling R-matrix method.
Using the 13.7 m telescope of Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), a survey of J=1-0 lines of CO and its isotopes was carried out towards 98 methanol maser sources in January 2008. Eighty-five sources have infrared counterparts within one arcmin. In the survey, except 43 sources showing complex or multiple-peak profiles, almost all the $^{13}$CO line profiles of the other 55 sources have large line widths of 4.5 km s$^{-1}$ on average and are usually asymmetric. Fifty corresponding Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) sources of these 55 sources are with $L_{bol}$ larger than $10^{3}L_{\odot}$, which can be identified as possible high-mass young stellar sources. Statistics show that the $^{13}$CO line widths correlate with the bolometric luminosity of the associated IRAS sources. We also report the mapping results of two sources: IRAS 06117+1350 and IRAS 07299-1651 here. Two cores were found in IRAS 06117+1350 and one core was detected in IRAS 07299-1651. The northwest core in IRAS 06117+1350 and the core in IRAS 07299-1651 can be identified as precursors of UC\simH{\sc ii} regions or high-mass protostellar objects (HMPOs). The southeast core of IRAS 06117+1350 has no infrared counterpart, seeming to be on younger stages than pre-UC\simH{\sc ii} phase.
Aims. We analyze the surroundings of HD 97300, one of two intermediate-mass
stars in the Chamaeleon I star-forming region. The star is known to be
surrounded by a conspicuous ring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Methods. We present infrared images taken with Herschel and Spitzer using 11
different broad-band filters between 3.6 um and 500 um. We compare the
morphology of the emission using cuts along different position angles. We
construct spectral energy distributions, which we compare to different dust
models, and calculate dust temperatures. We also derive opacity maps and
analyze the density structure of the environment of HD 97300.
Results. We find that HD 97300 has no infrared excess at or below 24 um,
confirming its zero-age main-sequence nature. The morphology of the ring is
very similar between 3.6 um and 24 um. The emission at these wavelengths is
dominated by either PAH features or PAH continuum. At longer wavelengths, only
the northwestern part of the ring is visible. A fit to the 100-500 um
observations suggests that the emission is due to relatively warm (~26 K) dust.
The temperature gradually decreases with increasing distance from the ring. We
find a general decrease in the density from north to south, and an approximate
10% density increase in the northeastern part of the ring.
Conclusions. Our results are consistent with the theory that the ring around
HD 97300 is essentially a bubble blown into the surrounding interstellar matter
and heated by the star.
Absolute cross sections for the K-shell photoionization of ground-state Li-like carbon [C$^{3+}$(1s$^2$2s $^2$S)] ions were measured by employing the ion-photon merged-beams technique at the Advanced Light Source. The energy ranges 299.8--300.15 eV, 303.29--303.58 eV and 335.61--337.57 eV of the [1s(2s2p)$^3$P]$^2$P, [1s(2s2p)$^1$P]$^2$P and [(1s2s)$^3$S 3p]$^2$P resonances, respectively, were investigated using resolving powers of up to 6000. The autoionization linewidth of the [1s(2s2p)$^1$P]$^2$P resonance was measured to be $27 \pm 5$ meV and compares favourably with a theoretical result of 26 meV obtained from the intermediate coupling R-Matrix method. The present photoionization cross section results are compared with the outcome from photorecombination measurements by employing the principle of detailed balance.
The possibility that Bl Lac S5 0716+714 exhibits a linear rms-flux relation in its IntraDay Variability is analyzed. The results may be used as an argument in the existing debate regarding the source of optical IDV in Active Galactic Nuclei. 63 timeseries in different optical bands were used. A linear rms-flux relation at a confidence level higher than 65% was recovered for less than 8% of the cases.
The Milky Way Project citizen science initiative recently increased the number of known infrared bubbles in the inner Galactic plane by an order of magnitude compared to previous studies. We present a detailed statistical analysis of this dataset with the Red MSX Source catalog of massive young stellar sources to investigate the association of these bubbles with massive star formation. We particularly address the question of massive triggered star formation near infrared bubbles. We find a strong positional correlation of massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) and HII regions with Milky Way Project bubbles at separations of < 2 bubble radii. As bubble sizes increase, a statistically significant overdensity of massive young sources emerges in the region of the bubble rims, possibly indicating the occurrence of triggered star formation by the collect and collapse mechanism, to which the data and methods are most sensitive. Based on numbers of bubble-associated RMS sources we find that 67+/-3% of MYSOs and (ultra)compact HII regions appear associated with a bubble. We estimate that approximately 22+/-2% of massive young stars may have formed as a result of feedback from expanding HII regions. Using MYSO-bubble correlations, we serendipitously recovered the location of the recently discovered massive cluster Mercer 81, suggesting the potential of such analyses for discovery of heavily extincted distant clusters.
We present the result of the Chandra high-resolution observation of the Seyfert~2 galaxy NGC 7590. This object was reported to show no X-ray absorption in the low-spatial resolution ASCA data. The XMM observations show that the X-ray emission of NGC 7590 is dominated by an off-nuclear ultra-luminous X-ray source (ULX) and an extended emission from the host galaxy, and the nucleus is rather weak, likely hosting a Compton-thick AGN. Our recent Chandra observation of NGC 7590 enables to remove the X-ray contamination from the ULX and the extended component effectively. The nuclear source remains undetected at ~4x10^{-15} erg/s/cm^-2 flux level. Although not detected, Chandra data gives a 2--10 keV flux upper limit of ~6.1x10^{-15} erg/s/cm^-2 (at 3 sigma level), a factor of 3 less than the XMM value, strongly supporting the Compton-thick nature of the nucleus. In addition, we detected five off-nuclear X-ray point sources within the galaxy D25 ellipse, all with 2 -- 10 keV luminosity above 2x10^{38} erg/s (assuming the distance of NGC 7590). Particularly, the ULX previously identified by ROSAT data was resolved by Chandra into two distinct X-ray sources. Our analysis highlights the importance of high spatial resolution images in discovering and studying ULXs.
Correlation analysis of gamma-ray burst coordinates and nearby stars, registered on 2008-2011, revealed 5 coincidences with angular accuracy better than 0.1 degree. The random probability is $7\times 10^{-7}$, so evidencing that coincident stars are indeed gamma-ray burst sources. The proposed method should be continued in order to provide their share in common balance of cosmic gamma-ray bursts.
We review properties of all known collisionally pumped (class I) methanol maser series based on observations with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and the Mopra radio telescope. Masers at 36, 84, 44 and 95 GHz are most widespread, while 9.9, 25, 23.4 and 104 GHz masers are much rarer, tracing the most energetic shocks. A survey of many southern masers at 36 and 44 GHz suggests that these two transitions are highly complementary. The 23.4 GHz maser is a new type of rare class I methanol maser, detected only in two high-mass star-forming regions, G357.97-0.16 and G343.12-0.06, and showing a behaviour similar to 9.9, 25 and 104 GHz masers. Interferometric positions suggest that shocks responsible for class I masers could arise from a range of phenomena, not merely an outflow scenario. For example, some masers might be caused by interaction of an expanding HII region with its surrounding molecular cloud. This has implications for evolutionary sequences incorporating class I methanol masers if they appear more than once during the evolution of the star-forming region. We also make predictions for candidate maser transitions at the ALMA frequency range.
Magnetohydrodynamic configurations with strong localized current concentrations and vortices play an important role for the dissipation of energy in space and astrophysical plasma. Within this work we investigate the relation between current sheets and vortex sheets in incompressible, stationary equilibria. For this approach it is helpful that the similar mathematical structure of magnetohydrostatics and stationary incompressible hydrodynamics allows us to transform static equilibria into stationary ones. The main control function for such a transformation is the profile of the Alfven-Mach number M_A, which is always constant along magnetic field lines, but can change from one field line to another. In the case of a global constant M_A, vortices and electric current concentrations are parallel. More interesting is the nonlinear case, where M_A varies perpendicular to the field lines. This is a typical situation at boundary layers like the magnetopause, heliopause, the solar wind flowing around helmet streamers and at the boundary of solar coronal holes. The corresponding current and vortex sheets show in some cases also an alignment, but not in every case. For special density distributions in 2D it is possible to have current but no vortex sheets. In 2D vortex sheets of field aligned-flows can also exist without strong current sheets, taking the limit of small Alfven Mach numbers into account. The current sheet can vanish if the Alfven Mach number is (almost) constant and the density gradient is large across some boundary layer. It should be emphasized that the used theory is not only valid for small Alfven Mach numbers M_A<<1, but also for M_A~1. Connection to other theoretical approaches and observations and physical effects in space plasmas are presented. Differences in the various aspects of theoretical investigations of current sheets and vortex sheets are given.
Stable massive neutral particles emitted by astrophysical sources undergo deflection under the gravitational potential of our own galaxy. The deflection angle depends on the particle velocity and therefore non-relativistic particles will be deflected more than relativistic ones. If these particles can be detected through neutrino telescopes, cosmic ray detectors or directional dark matter detectors, their arrival directions would appear aligned on the sky along the source-lens direction. On top of this deflection, the arrival direction of non-relativistic particles is displaced with respect to the relativistic counterpart also due to the relative motion of the source with respect to the observer; this induces an alignment of detections along the sky projection of the source trajectory. The final alignment will be given by a combination of the directions induced by lensing and source proper motion. We derive the deflection-velocity relation for the Milky Way halo and suggest that searching for alignments on detection maps of particle telescopes could be a way to find new particles or new astrophysical phenomena.
A stellar wind passing through the reverse shock is deflected into the astrospheric tail and leaves the stellar system either as a sub-Alfvenic or as a super-Alfvenic tail flow. An example is our own heliosphere and its heliotail. We present an analytical method of calculating stationary, incompressible, and field-aligned plasma flows in the astrotail of a star. We present a recipe for constructing an astrosphere with the help of only a few parameters, like the inner Alfven Mach number and the outer Alfven Mach number, the magnetic field strength within and outside the stellar wind cavity, and the distribution of singular points of the magnetic field within these flows. Within the framework of a one-fluid approximation, it is possible to obtain solutions of the MHD equations for stationary flows from corresponding static MHD equilibria, by using noncanonical mappings of the canonical variables. The canonical variables are the Euler potentials of the magnetic field of magnetohydrostatic equilibria. Thus we start from static equilibria determined by the distribution of magnetic neutral points, and assume that the Alfven Mach number for the corresponding stationary equilibria is finite. The topological structure determines the geometrical structure of the interstellar gas - stellar wind interface. Additional boundary conditions like the outer magnetic field and the jump of the magnetic field across the astropause allow determination of the noncanonical transformations. This delivers the strength of the magnetic field at every point in the astrotail region beyond the reverse shock. The mathematical technique for describing such a scenario is applied to astrospheres in general, but is also relevant for the heliosphere. It shows the restrictions of the outer and the inner magnetic field strength in comparison with the corresponding Alfven Mach numbers in the case of subalfvenic flows.
The IR emission spectra of molecules are deduced from the time variations of their overall electric dipole moment.
Photospheric magnetic fields are studied using Kitt Peak synoptic maps for 1976 - 2003. Only strong magnetic fields (B>100 G) of the equatorial region were taken into account. N-S asymmetry of the magnetic fluxes is considered as well as the imbalance between the positive and the negative fluxes. N-S asymmetry displays a regular alternation of the dominating hemisphere during solar cycle: the northern hemisphere dominates on the ascending phase, the southern one on the descending phase. Sign of the imbalance does not change during 11 years from one inversion to the other and always coincides with the sign of the Sun's global magnetic field in the N-hemisphere. The domination of leading sunspots in one of the hemispheres determines the sign of the magnetic flux imbalance. Both the sign of the N-S asymmetry of the magnetic fluxes and the sign of the imbalance of the positive and the negative fluxes are related to the quarter of the 22-year magnetic cycle where the magnetic configuration of the Sun remains constant . The obtained results demonstrate the connection of the magnetic fields in active regions with the Sun's global magnetic field in the N-hemisphere.
The winds from a non-accreting pulsar and a massive star in a binary system collide forming a bow-shaped shock structure. The Coriolis force induced by orbital motion deflects the shocked flows, strongly affecting their dynamics. We study the evolution of the shocked stellar and pulsar winds on scales in which orbital motion is important. Potential sites of non-thermal activity are investigated. Relativistic hydrodynamical simulations in two dimensions, performed with the code {\it PLUTO}{} and using the adaptive mesh refinement technique, are used to model interacting stellar and pulsar winds on scales ~80 times the distance between the stars. The hydrodynamical results suggest the location of sites suitable for particle acceleration and non-thermal emission. In addition to the shock formed towards the star, the shocked and unshocked components of the pulsar wind flowing away from the star terminate through additional strong shocks produced by orbital motion. Strong instabilities lead to the development of turbulence and effective two-winds mixing in both the leading and the trailing sides of the interaction structure, which starts to merge with itself after one orbit. Simulations show that shocks, instabilities and mass-loading yield efficient mass, momentum and energy exchange between the pulsar and the stellar winds. This renders a rapid increase of entropy in the shocked structure, which will likely be disrupted on scales beyond the simulated ones. Several sites for particle acceleration and low- and high-energy emission can be identified. Doppler boosting will have significant and complex effects on radiation.
We present a new sample of K_Vega<16.5 extremely red quasar candidates at z~2 from ~900 deg^2 of data in the UKIDSS Large Area Survey Data Release 4. Five of these are spectroscopically confirmed to be heavily reddened Type 1 AGN with broad emission lines. These combined with the 7 reddened quasars with K_Vega<17 from 100 deg^2 of data overlapping the SDSS Stripe82 (Hawthorn et al., 2012) brings our total sample of optically obscured AGN to 12 at z=1.5--2.7. At these redshifts, Halpha (6563A) is in the K-band. However, the mean Halpha equivalent width of the reddened quasars is only 1.1x that of the optically selected population and cannot explain the extreme colours. Instead, dust extinction of the order of A_V~2-6 is required to reproduce the continuum colours of our sources. This is comparable to the dust extinctions seen in submillimeter galaxies at similar redshifts. We argue that our sample are likely being observed in a relatively short-lived phase when they are transitioning from massive starbursts to UV-luminous AGN. Their host-galaxies are therefore likely to be brighter at submillimeter wavelengths than the hosts of the UV-bright quasar population. The mean virial black-hole mass of our quasars is 2x10^9 M_O and we infer typical mass accretion rates of 10-100M_0/yr. Our reddest quasar, ULASJ1234+0907 (z=2.5), has an inferred extinction-corrected absolute magnitude of M_i=-31 making it intrinsically brighter than any SDSS spectroscopically confirmed quasar. Finally, we use the sample to place place new constraints on the fraction of obscured Type 1 AGN likely to be missed in optical surveys and find that this is a strong function of quasar luminosity with optical surveys more incomplete to the brightest, most highly-reddened quasars (abridged).
Exoplanet orbital eccentricities offer valuable clues about the origins and orbital evolution of planetary systems. Eccentric, Jupiter-sized planets are particularly interesting: they may link the "cold" Jupiters beyond the ice line to hot Jupiters at a fraction of an AU, where they are unlikely to have formed in situ. To date, all eccentricities of individual planets come from radial velocity measurements. Kepler has discovered hundreds of transiting Jupiters spanning a range of periods, but the faintness of the host stars precludes radial velocity follow-up of most. Here we demonstrate a Bayesian method of measuring an individual planet's eccentricity solely from its transit light curve using prior knowledge of its host star's density. We show that eccentric Jupiters are readily identified by their short ingress/egress/total transit durations --- the "photoeccentric effect" --- even with long-cadence Kepler photometry and loosely-constrained stellar parameters. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo exploration of parameter posteriors naturally marginalizes over the periapse angle and automatically accounts for the transit probability. As a demonstration, we use four published transit light curves of HD 17156 b to measure an eccentricity of e = 0.72 +0.14/-0.09, in good agreement with the discovery value e = 0.67 +/- 0.08 based on 33 radial-velocity measurements. We present two additional tests using actual Kepler data. In each case the technique proves to be a viable method of measuring exoplanet eccentricities and their confidence intervals. Finally, we argue that this method is the most efficient, effective means of identifying the extremely eccentric, proto-hot-Jupiters predicted by Socrates and collaborators.
The Planck cluster catalog is expected to contain of order a thousand galaxy clusters, both newly discovered and previously known, detected through the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect over the redshift range 0 < z < 1. Follow-up X-ray observations of a dynamically relaxed sub-sample of newly discovered Planck clusters will improve constraints on the dark energy equation-of-state found through measurement of the cluster gas mass fraction fgas. In view of follow-up campaigns with XMM-Newton and Chandra, we determine the optimal redshift distribution of a cluster sample to most tightly constrain the dark energy equation of state. The distribution is non-trivial even for the standard w0-wa parameterization. We then determine how much the combination of expected data from the Planck satellite and fgas data will be able to constrain the dark energy equation-of-state. Our analysis employs a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method as well as a Fisher Matrix analysis. We find that these upcoming data will be able to improve the figure-of-merit by at least a factor two.
We report on interferometric observations at 1.3 mm at 2"-3" resolution using the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA). We identify multi-wavelength counterparts of three submillimeter galaxies (SMGs; F(1mm)>5.5 mJy) in the COSMOS field, initially detected with MAMBO and AzTEC bolometers at low, ~10"-30", resolution. All three sources -- AzTEC/C1, Cosbo-3 and Cosbo-8 -- are identified to coincide with positions of 20 cm radio sources. Cosbo-3, however, is not associated with the most likely radio counterpart, closest to the MAMBO source position, but that further away from it. This illustrates the need for intermediate-resolution (~2") mm-observations to identify the correct counterparts of single-dish detected SMGs. All of our three sources become prominent only at NIR wavelengths, and their mm-to-radio flux based redshifts suggest that they lie at redshifts z>~2. As a proof of concept, we show that photometric redshifts can be well determined for SMGs, and we find photometric-redshifts of 5.6+/-1.2, 1.9+0.9(-0.5), and ~4 for AzTEC/C1, Cosbo-3, and Cosbo-8, respectively. Using these we infer that these galaxies have radio-based star formation rates of >~1000 Msol/yr, and IR luminosities of ~10^13 Lsol consistent with properties of high-redshift SMGs. In summary, our sources reflect a variety of SMG properties in terms of redshift and clustering, consistent with the framework that SMGs are progenitors of z~2 and today's passive galaxies.
We report parallax measurements for 70 ultracool dwarfs (UCDs). Using both literature values and our sample, we report new polynomial relations between spectral type and M$_{JHK}$. Including resolved L/T transition binaries in the relations, we find no reason to differentiate between a "bright" (unresolved binary) and "faint" (single source) sample across the L/T boundary. Isolating early T dwarfs, we find that the brightening of T0-T4 sources is prominent in M$_{J}$ where there is a [1.2 - 1.4] magnitude difference. A similar yet dampened brightening of [0.3 - 0.5] magnitude happens at M$_{H}$ and a plateau or dimming of [-0.2 - -0.3] magnitude is seen in M$_{K}$. Comparing with evolutionary models that vary gravity, metallicity, and cloud thickness we find that a near constant temperature of 1200 $\pm$100 K along a narrow spectral subtype of T0-T4 is required to account for the brightening and color magnitude diagram of the L-dwarf/T-dwarf transition. Furthermore, there is a significant population of both L and T dwarfs which are red or potentially "ultra-cloudy" compared to the models, many of which are known to be young indicating a correlation between enhanced photospheric dust and youth. For the low surface-gravity or young companion L dwarfs we find that 8 out of 10 are at least [0.2-1.0] magnitude underluminous in M$_{JH}$ and/or M$_{K}$ compared to equivalent spectral type objects. We speculate that this is a consequence of increased dust opacity and conclude that low-surface gravity L dwarfs require a completely new spectral-type/absolute magnitude polynomial for analysis.
The [O III] 5007 Planetary Nebula Luminosity Function (PNLF) is an excellent extragalactic standard candle. In theory, the PNLF method should not work at all, since the luminosities of the brightest planetary nebulae (PNe) should be highly sensitive to the age of their host stellar population. Yet the method appears robust, as it consistently produces < 10% distances to galaxies of all Hubble types, from the earliest ellipticals to the latest-type spirals and irregulars. It is therefore uniquely suited for cross-checking the results of other techniques and finding small offsets between the Population I and Population II distance ladders. We review the calibration of the method and show that the zero points provided by Cepheids and the Tip of the Red Giant Branch are in excellent agreement. We then compare the results of the PNLF with those from Surface Brightness Fluctuation measurements, and show that, although both techniques agree in a relative sense, the latter method yields distances that are ~15% larger than those from the PNLF. We trace this discrepancy back to the calibration galaxies and argue that, due to a small systematic error associated with internal reddening, the true distance scale likely falls between the extremes of the two methods. We also demonstrate how PNLF measurements in the early-type galaxies that have hosted Type Ia supernovae can help calibrate the SN Ia maximum magnitude-rate of decline relation. Finally, we discuss how the results from space missions such as Kepler and Gaia can help our understanding of the PNLF phenomenon and improve our knowledge of the physics of local planetary nebulae.
We simulate the chemistry of infrared dark clouds (IRDCs) with a model in which the physical conditions are homogeneous and time-independent. The chemistry is solved as a function of time with three networks: one purely gas-phase, one that includes accretion and desorption, and one, the complete gas-grain network, that includes surface chemistry in addition. We compare our results with observed molecular abundances for two representative IRDCs -- IRDC013.90-1 and IRDC321.73-1 -- using the molecular species N$_2$H$^+$, HC$_3$N, HNC, HCO$^+$, HCN, C$_2$H, NH$_3$ and CS. IRDC013.90-1 is a cold IRDC, with a temperature below 20 K, while IRDC321.73-1 is somewhat warmer, in the range 20 - 30 K. We find that the complete gas-grain model fits the data very well, but that the goodness-of-fit is not sharply peaked at a particular temperature. Surface processes are important for the explanation of the high gas-phase abundance of N$_2$H$^+$ in IRDC321.73-1. The general success of the 0-D model in reproducing single-dish observations of our limited sample of 8 species shows that it is probably sufficient for an explanation of this type of data. To build and justify more complicated models, including spatial temperature and density structure, contraction, and heating, we require high-resolution interferometric data.
We report on the design, manufacturing, and performance of the image slicer for the High Dispersion Spectrograph (HDS) on the Subaru Telescope. This instrument is a Bowen-Walraven type image slicer providing five 0.3 arcsec x 1.5 arcsec images with a resolving power of R= 110,000. The resulting resolving power and line profiles are investigated in detail, including estimates of the defocusing effect on the resolving power. The throughput in the wavelength range from 400 to 700 nm is higher than 80%, thereby improving the efficiency of the spectrograph by a factor of 1.8 for 0.7 arcsec seeing.
Observational studies of magnetic fields are vital as magnetic fields play a crucial role in various astrophysical processes, including star formation, accretion of matter, transport processes (e.g., transport of heat), and cosmic rays. We identified a process "ground state alignment" as a new way to determine the magnetic field direction in diffuse medium. The alignment is due to anisotropic radiation impinging on the atom/ion, while the magnetic field induces precession and realign the atom/ion and therefore the polarization of the emitted or absorbed radiation reflects the direction of the magnetic field. The atoms get aligned at their low levels and, as the life-time of the atoms/ions we deal with is long, the alignment induced by anisotropic radiation is susceptible to weak magnetic fields ($1{\rm G}\gtrsim B\gtrsim 10^{-15}$G). Compared to the upper level Hanle effect, atomic realignment is most suitable for the studies of magnetic field in the diffuse medium, where magnetic field is relatively weak. In fact, the effects of atomic/ionic alignment, including the realignment in magnetic field, were studied in the laboratory decades ago, mostly in relation to the maser research. Recently, the atomic effect has been already detected in observations from circumstellar medium and this is a harbinger of future extensive magnetic field studies. A unique feature of the atomic realignment is that they can reveal the 3D orientation of magnetic field. In this article, we shall review the basic physical processes involved in atomic realignment and its applications to interplanetary, circumstellar and interstellar magnetic fields. In addition, our research reveals that the polarization of the radiation arising from the transitions between fine and hyperfine states of the ground level can provide a unique diagnostics of magnetic fields, including those in the Early Universe.
In this paper, we present internal surface brightness profiles, using images in the F606W and F814W filter bands observed with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the {\it Hubble Space Telescope}, for ten globular clusters (GCs) in the outer halo of M31. Standard King models are fitted to the profiles to derive their structural and dynamical parameters. The results show that, in general, the properties of clusters in M31 and the Milky Way fall in the same regions of parameter spaces. The outer halo GCs of M31 have larger ellipticities than most of GCs in M31 and the Milky Way. Their large ellipticities may be due to galaxy tides coming from satellite dwarf galaxies of M31 or may be related to the apparently more vigorous accretion or merger history that M31 has experienced. The tight correlation of cluster binding energy $E_b$ with mass $M_{\rm mod}$ indicates that, the "fundamental plane" does exist for clusters, regardless of their host environments, which is consistent with previous studies.
A modified f(G) gravity model with coupling between matter and geometry is proposed, which is described by the product of the Lagrange density of the matter and an arbitrary function of the Gauss-Bonnet term. The field equations and the equations of motion corresponding to this model show the non-conservation of the energy-momentum tensor, the presence of an extra-force acting on test particles and the non-geodesic motion. Moreover, the energy conditions and the stability criterion at de Sitter point in the modified f(G) gravity models with curvature-matter coupling are derived, which can degenerate to the well-known energy conditions in general relativity. Furthermore, in order to get some insight on the meaning of these energy conditions, we apply them to the specific models of f(G) gravity and the corresponding constraints on the models are given. In addition, the conditions and the candidate for late-time cosmic accelerated expansion in the modified f(G) gravity are studied by means of conditions of power-law expansion and the equation of state of matter less than -1/ 3 .
Numerical N-body simulations of large scale structure formation in the universe are based on Newtonian gravity. However, according to our current understanding, the most correct theory of gravity is general relativity. It is therefore important to understand which degrees of freedom and which features are lost when the relativistic universe is approximated, or rather replaced, by a Newtonian one. This is the main purpose of our investigation. We first define Newtonian cosmology and we give an overview on general relativity, both in its standard and covariant formulations. We show how the two theories deal with inhomogeneous cosmological models and we introduce the backreaction conjecture. Then we review on how Newtonian gravity and general relativity relate to each other in the fully non-linear regime. For this purpose we discuss frame theory. We carry out the same investigation also in the weak-field, small-velocity limit of general relativity, and we derive the Newtonian limit resorting to the framework of post-Newtonian cosmology. Finally we remark that there are solutions of Newtonian gravity which do not have any relativistic counterpart.
IRAS22475+5939 has been well researched by previous astronomers. But we still get some new characteristics about it, using the first observations in lines of CO J=2-1,13CO J=2-1,13CO J=3-2 by the KOSMA 3 m telescope. The mapping of the intensity ratio of 13CO J=3-2 and 13CO J=2-1 shows the distribution of the temperature with two peaks, which don't coincide with IRAS22475+5939 source and the center of the HII region, but at the edge of the HII region. The overlays of the Spitzer IRAC 8um and CO contours indicate that they are associated with each other and the strongest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emission is at the position of IRAS22475+5939 source. While the IRAS LRS spectrum at 7-23 um and the PHT-s spectrum at 2-12 um of IRAS22475+5939 source also exhibit strong PAHs emission characters at the main PAH bands. The diversity of PAH family should be responsible for the plateaus of PAHs emission in the PHT-s spectrum and the IRAS-LRS spectrum. An analysis and modeling in infrared bands suggest that IRAS22475+5939 is more likely to be a Class I YSO. Where this is the case, the star is likely to have a temperature T_{EFF} \sim 9995.8 K, mass \sim15.34 M_(sun), luminosity \sim 1.54*10^4 L_(sun) and age \sim 1.54*10^4 yr. The model shows that the circumstellar disc emission is important for the wavelength between 1 and 10 um, otherwise, envelope fluxes for lambda >10 um. The bipolar outflow is confirmed in the molecular cloud. The excited star of the HII region has the chance to be the driving source of the outflow. The high resolution is required.
We aim at analysing systematically the distribution and physical properties of neutral and mildly ionised gas in the Milky Way halo, based on a large absorption-selected data set. Multi-wavelength studies were performed combining optical absorption line data of CaII and NaI with follow-up HI 21-cm emission line observations along 408 sight lines towards low- and high-redshift QSOs. We made use of archival optical spectra obtained with UVES/VLT. HI data were extracted from the Effelsberg-Bonn HI survey and the Galactic All-Sky survey. For selected sight lines we obtained deeper follow-up observations using the Effelsberg 100-m telescope. CaII (NaI) halo absorbers at intermediate and high radial velocities are present in 40-55% (20-35%) of the sightlines, depending on the column density threshold chosen. Many halo absorbers show multi-component absorption lines, indicating the presence of sub-structure. In 65% of the cases, absorption is associated with HI 21-cm emission. The CaII (NaI) column density distribution function follows a power-law with a slope of -2.2 (-1.4). Our absorption-selected survey confirms our previous results that the Milky Way halo is filled with a large number of neutral gas structures whose high column density tail represents the population of common HI high- and intermediate-velocity clouds seen in 21-cm observations. We find that CaII/NaI column density ratios in the halo absorbers are typically smaller than those in the Milky Way disc, in the gas in the Magellanic Clouds, and in damped Lyman-alpha systems. The small ratios (prominent in particular in high-velocity components) indicate a lower level of Ca depletion onto dust grains in Milky Way halo absorbers compared to gas in discs and inner regions of galaxies.
Atmospheric emission is a dominant source of disturbance in ground-based astronomy at mm wavelengths. The Antarctic plateau is recognized to be an ideal site for mm and sub-mm observations, and the French/Italian base of Dome C is among the best sites on Earth for these observations. In this paper we present measurements, performed using the BRAIN-pathfinder experiment, at Dome C of the atmospheric emission in intensity and polarization at 150GHz, one of the best observational frequencies for CMB observations when considering cosmic signal intensity, atmospheric transmission, detectors sensitivity, and foreground removal. Careful characterization of the air-mass synchronous emission has been performed, acquiring more that 380 elevation scans (i.e. "skydip") during the third BRAIN-pathfinder summer campaign in December 2009/January 2010. The extremely high transparency of the Antarctic atmosphere over Dome Concordia is proven by the very low measured optical depth: <tau_I>=0.050 \pm 0.003 \pm 0.011 where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic error. Mid term stability, over the summer campaign, of the atmosphere emission has also been studied. Adapting the radiative transfer atmosphere emission model "am" to the particular conditions found at Dome C, we also infer the level of the PWV content of the atmosphere, notoriously the main source of disturbance in millimetric astronomy (<PWV>=0.97 +/- 0.07 + 0.19 - 0.15 mm). Upper limits on the air-mass correlated polarized signal are also placed for the first time. The degree of circular polarization of atmospheric emission is found to be lower than 0.2% (95%CL), while the degree of linear polarization is found to be lower than 0.1% (95%CL). These limits include signal-correlated instrumental spurious polarization.
In this paper we study the properties of the $\gamma$-ray emission from annihilation of weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter. Generally the WIMP serves as a candidate for the cold dark matter, however when produced non-thermally it could behave like a warm dark matter. Due to the large free-streaming length in the scenario of warm WIMP the substructure contend of dark matter halo will be significantly different from the cold WIMP counterpart, consequently the predicted $\gamma$-ray signal from dark matter halo will also be different. In this paper we use high resolution numerical simulations of a Milky-Way like halo to calculate the $\gamma$-ray signals from the warm WIMP annihilation, and compare with that from the cold WIMPs. Big differences from the subhalo skymap and statistical properties are shown. It was also found that the Galactic center might be better for the detection of warm WIMPs than subhalos, which might be different from the cold dark matter scenario. As a specific example we consider the non-thermally produced neutralino of supersymmetric model and discuss the detectability of warm WIMPs with Fermi $\gamma$-ray telescope.
We report on the results from {\it Suzaku} X-ray observations of the radio complex region called Kookaburra, which includes two adjacent TeV $\gamma$-ray sources HESS J1418-609 and HESS J1420-607. The {\it Suzaku} observation revealed X-ray diffuse emission around a middle-aged pulsar PSR J1420-6048 and a plausible PWN Rabbit with elongated sizes of $\sigma_{\rm X}=1^{\prime}.66$ and $\sigma_{\rm X}=1^{\prime}.49$, respectively. The peaks of the diffuse X-ray emission are located within the $\gamma$-ray excess maps obtained by H.E.S.S. and the offsets from the $\gamma$-ray peaks are $2^{\prime}.8$ for PSR J1420-6048 and $4^{\prime}.5$ for Rabbit. The X-ray spectra of the two sources were well reproduced by absorbed power-law models with $\Gamma=1.7-2.3$. The spectral shapes tend to become softer according to the distance from the X-ray peaks. Assuming the one zone electron emission model as the first order approximation, the ambient magnetic field strengths of HESS J1420-607 and HESS J1418-609 can be estimated as 3 $\mu$G, and $2.5 \mu$G, respectively. The X-ray spectral and spatial properties strongly support that both TeV sources are pulsar wind nebulae, in which electrons and positrons accelerated at termination shocks of the pulsar winds are losing their energies via the synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton scattering as they are transported outward.
The applicability of combined source analyses to atmospheric Cherenkov telescope observations is investigated. In particular, the effect of systematic uncertainties affecting the relative normalisation of fiducial ON and OFF-source sampling regions - often denoted as {\alpha} - is examined. The traditional summation of accumulated ON and OFF-source event counts is found to perform sub-optimally in the studied contexts and requires careful calibration to correct for unexpected and potentially misleading statistical behaviour. An alternative joint likelihood technique is introduced, which is designed to treat systematic uncertainties in a uniform and statistically robust manner. This alternate method is shown to yield dramatically enhanced performance and reliability with respect to the more traditional approach.
The Gravitation Astrometric Measurement Experiment (GAME) is a mission concept based on astronomical techniques (astrometry and coronagraphy) for Fundamental Physics measurements, namely the \gamma\ and \beta\ parameters of the Parametrized Post-Newtonian formulation of gravitation theories extending the General Relativity. The science case also addresses cosmology, extra-solar planets, Solar system objects and fundamental stellar parameters. The mission concept is described, including the measurement approach and the instrument design.
We reassess the problem of the production and evolution of the light elements Li, Be and B and of their isotopes in the Milky Way, in the light of new observational and theoretical developments. The main novelty is the introduction of a new scheme for the origin of Galactic cosmic rays (GCR), which makes possible for the first time a self-consistent calculation of their composition during galactic evolution. The scheme accounts for key features of the present-day GCR source composition, it is based on the wind yields of the Geneva models of rotating, mass losing stars and it is fully coupled to a detailed galactic chemical evolution code. We find that the adopted GCR source composition accounts naturally for the observations of primary Be and helps understanding why Be follows closer Fe than O. We find that GCR produce ~70% of the solar B11/B10 isotopic ratio; the remaining 30% of B11 presumably result from neutrino-nucleosynthesis in massive star explosions. We find that GCR and primordial nucleosynthesis can make at most 30% of solar Li. At least half of solar Li has to originate in low-mass stellar sources (red giants, asymptotic giant branch stars or novae), but the required average yields of those sources are found to be much larger than obtained in current models of stellar nucleosynthesis. We also present radial profiles of LiBeB elemental and isotopic abundances in the Milky Way disc. We argue that the shape of those profiles - and the late evolution of LiBeB in general - reveals important features of the production of those light elements through primary and secondary processes.
Cosmological simulations make use of sub-grid recipes for the implementation of galactic winds driven by massive stars because direct injection of supernova energy in thermal form leads to strong radiative losses, rendering the feedback inefficient. We argue that the main cause of the catastrophic cooling is a mismatch between the mass of the gas in which the energy is injected and the mass of the parent stellar population. Because too much mass is heated, the temperatures are too low and the cooling times too short. We use analytic arguments to estimate, as a function of the gas density and the numerical resolution, the minimum heating temperature that is required for the injected thermal energy to be efficiently converted into kinetic energy. We then propose and test a stochastic implementation of thermal feedback that uses this minimum temperature increase as an input parameter and that can be employed in both particle- and grid-based codes. We use smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations to test the method on models of isolated disc galaxies in dark matter haloes with total mass 10^10 and 10^12 h^-1 solar masses. The thermal feedback strongly suppresses the star formation rate and can drive massive, large-scale outflows without the need to turn off radiative cooling temporarily. In accord with expectations derived from analytic arguments, for sufficiently high resolution the results become insensitive to the imposed temperature jump and also agree with high-resolution simulations employing kinetic feedback.
We argued that the standard field scalar potential couldn't be widely used for getting the adequate galaxies' curve lines and determining the profiles of dark matter their halo. For discovering the global properties of scalar fields that can describe the observable characteristics of dark matter on the cosmological space and time scales, we propose the simplest form of central symmetric potential celestial - mechanical type, i.e. U(\phi) = -\mu/\phi. It was shown that this potential allows get rather satisfactorily dark matter profiles and rotational curves lines for dwarf galaxies. The good agreement with some previous results, based on the N-body simulation method, was pointed out. A new possibility of dwarf galaxies' masses estimation was given, also.
The differences between the neutron-capture element abundances of halo stars are important to our understanding of the nucleosynthesis of elements heavier than the iron group. We present a detailed abundance analysis of carbon and twelve neutron-capture elements from Sr up to Pb for a peculiar halo star G24-25 with [Fe/H] = -1.4 in order to probe its origin. The equivalent widths of unblended lines are measured from high resolution NOT/FIES spectra and used to derive abundances based on Kurucz model atmospheres. In the case of CH, Pr, Eu, Gd, and Pb lines, the abundances are derived by fitting synthetic profiles to the observed spectra. Abundance analyses are performed both relative to the Sun and to a normal halo star G16-20 that has similar stellar parameters as G24-25. We find that G24-25 is a halo subgiant star with an unseen component. It has large overabundances of carbon and heavy s-process elements and mild overabundances of Eu and light s-process elements. This abundance distribution is consistent with that of a typical CH giant. The abundance pattern can be explained by mass transfer from a former asymptotic giant branch component, which is now a white dwarf.
We present the optical/infra-red lightcurve (O/IR) of the black hole X-ray binary GX 339-4 collected at the SMARTS 1.3m telescope from 2002 to 2010. During this time the source has undergone numerous state transitions including hard-to-soft state transitions when we see large changes in the near-IR flux accompanied by modest changes in optical flux, and three rebrightening events in 2003, 2005 and 2007 after GX 339-4 transitioned from the soft state to the hard. All but one outburst show similar behavior in the X-ray hardness-intensity diagram. We show that the O/IR colors follow two distinct tracks that reflect either the hard or soft X-ray state of the source. Thus, either of these two X-ray states can be inferred from O/IR observations alone. From these correlations we have constructed spectral energy distributions of the soft and hard states. During the hard state, the near-IR data have the same spectral slope as simultaneous radio data when GX 339-4 was in a bright optical state, implying that the near-IR is dominated by a non-thermal source, most likely originating from jets. Non-thermal emission dominates the near-IR bands during the hard state at all but the faintest optical states, and the fraction of non-thermal emission increases with increasing optical brightness. The spectral slope of the optical bands indicate that a heated thermal source is present during both the soft and hard X-ray states, even when GX 339-4 is at its faintest optical state. We have conducted a timing analysis of the light curve for the hard and soft states and find no evidence of a characteristic timescale within the range of 4-230 days.
Standard Big Bang Nucleosynthesis at the baryon density determined by the microwave anisotropy spectrum predicts an excess of \li7 compared to observations by a factor of 4-5. In contrast, BBN predictions for D/H are somewhat below (but within ~2 \sigma) of the weighted mean of observationally determined values from quasar absorption systems. Solutions to the \li7 problem which alter the nuclear processes during or subsequent to BBN, often lead to a significant increase in the deuterium abundance consistent with the highest values of D/H seen in absorption systems. Furthermore, the observed D/H abundances show considerable dispersion. Here, we argue that those systems with D/H \simeq 4 \times 10^{-5} may be more representative of the primordial abundance and as a consequence, those systems with lower D/H would necessarily have been subject to local processes of deuterium destruction. This can be accounted for by models of cosmic chemical evolution able to destroy in situ Deuterium due to the fragility of this isotope.
We study the use of red sequence selected galaxy spectroscopy for unbiased estimation of galaxy cluster masses. We use the publicly available galaxy catalog produced using the semi-analytic model of De Lucia & Blaizot (2007) on the Millenium Simulation (Springel et al. 2005). We explore the impacts on selection using galaxy color, projected separation from the cluster center, and galaxy luminosity. We study the relationship between cluster mass and velocity dispersion and identify and characterize the following sources of bias and scatter: halo triaxiality, dynamical friction of red luminous galaxies and interlopers. We show that due to halo triaxiality the intrinsic scatter of estimated line of sight dynamical mass is about three times larger (30-40%) than the one estimated using the 3D velocity dispersion (~12%) and a small bias (~1%) is induced. We find evidence of increasing scatter as a function of redshift and provide a fitting formula to account for it. We characterize the amount of bias and scatter introduced by dynamical friction when using subsamples of red-luminous galaxies to estimate the velocity dispersion. We study the presence of interlopers in spectroscopic samples and their effect on the estimated cluster dynamical mass. Our results show that while cluster velocity dispersions extracted from a few dozen red sequence selected galaxies do not provide precise masses on a single cluster basis, an ensemble of cluster velocity dispersions can be combined to produce a precise calibration of a cluster survey mass observable relation. Currently, disagreements in the literature on simulated subhalo velocity dispersion mass relations place a systematic floor on velocity dispersion mass calibration at the 15% level in mass. We show that the selection related uncertainties are small by comparison, providing hope that with further improvements this systematic floor can be reduced.
In cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments, foreground-cleaned temperature maps are still disturbed by the dipole contamination caused by uncertainties of the dipole direction and microwave radiometer sidelobe. To obtain reliable CMB maps, the dipole contamination has to be carefully removed from observed data. We built and improve a software package for map-making with dipole-contamination removing, and power spectrum estimation form the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data. With the software we obtain a negative result of CMB quadrupole detection with WMAP data, the amplitude of CMB quadrupole is -3.2\pm3.5 {\mu}K^2 from the seven-year WMAP (WMAP7) data, which is evidently incompatible with \sim1000 {\mu}K^2 expected from the standard cosmological model LCDM. The completely missing of CMB quadrupole poses a serious challenge to the standard model and sets a strong constraint on possible models of cosmology. Due to the importance of this result for understanding the origin and early evolution of our universe, the software codes we used are opened for public checking.
Because of their relatively simple morphology, "bubble" HII regions have been instrumental to our understanding of star formation triggered by HII regions. With the far-infrared (FIR) spectral coverage of the Herschel satellite, we can access the wavelengths where these regions emit the majority of their energy through their dust emission. At Herschel wavelengths 70 micron to 500 micron, the emission associated with HII regions is dominated by the cool dust in their photodissociation regions (PDRs). We find average dust temperatures of 26K along the PDRs, with little variation between the HII regions in the sample, while local filaments and infrared dark clouds average 19K and 15K respectively. Higher temperatures lead to higher values of the Jeans mass, which may affect future star formation. The mass of the material in the PDR, collected through the expansion of the HII region, is between ~300 and ~10,000 Solar masses for the HII regions studied here. These masses are in rough agreement with the expected masses swept up during the expansion of the \hii\ regions. Approximately 20% of the total FIR emission is from the direction of the bubble central regions. This suggests that we are detecting emission from the "near-side" and "far-side" PDRs along the line of sight and that bubbles are three-dimensional structures. We find only weak support for a relationship between dust temperature and beta, of a form similar to that caused by noise and calibration uncertainties alone.
The Simple Spectral Access (SSA) Protocol (SSAP) defines a uniform interface to remotely discover and access one dimensional spectra. SSA is a member of an integrated family of data access interfaces altogether comprising the Data Access Layer (DAL) of the IVOA. SSA is based on a more general data model capable of describing most tabular spectrophotometric data, including time series and spectral energy distributions (SEDs) as well as 1-D spectra; however the scope of the SSA interface as specified in this document is limited to simple 1-D spectra, including simple aggregations of 1-D spectra. The form of the SSA interface is simple: clients first query the global resource registry to find services of interest and then issue a data discovery query to selected services to determine what relevant data is available from each service; the candidate datasets available are described uniformly in a VOTable format document which is returned in response to the query. Finally, the client may retrieve selected datasets for analysis. Spectrum datasets returned by an SSA spectrum service may be either precomputed, archival datasets, or they may be virtual data which is computed on the fly to respond to a client request. Spectrum datasets may conform to a standard data model defined by SSA, or may be native spectra with custom project-defined content. Spectra may be returned in any of a number of standard data formats. Spectral data is generally stored externally to the VO in a format specific to each spectral data collection; currently there is no standard way to represent astronomical spectra, and virtually every project does it differently. Hence spectra may be actively mediated to the standard SSA-defined data model at access time by the service, so that client analysis programs do not have to be familiar with the idiosyncratic details of each data collection to be accessed.
Recently observed minute timescale variability of blazar emission at TeV energies has imposed severe constraints on jet models and TeV emission mechanisms. We focus on a robust jet instability to explain this variability. As a consequence of the bulk outflow of the jet plasma, the pressure is likely to be anisotropic, with the parallel pressure $P_{||}$ in the forward jet direction exceeding the perpendicular pressure $P_{\perp}$. Under these circumstances, the jet is susceptible to the firehose instability, which can cause disruptions in the large scale jet structure and result in variability of the observed radiation. For a realistic range of parameters, we find that the growth timescale of the firehose instability is $\approx$ a few minutes, in good agreement with the observed TeV variability timescales for Mrk 501 (Albert et al. 2007) and PKS 2155-304 (Aharonian et al. 2007).
We investigate the streaming and thermal instabilities of the electron-ion plasma with homogeneous cold cosmic rays drifting perpendicular to the background magnetic field in the multi-fluid approach. One-dimensional perturbations along the magnetic field are considered. The induced return current of the background plasma and back-reaction of cosmic rays are taken into account. It is shown that the cosmic ray back-reaction results in the streaming instability having considerably larger growth rates than that due to the return current of the background plasma. This increase is by a factor of the square root of the ratio of the background plasma mass density to the cosmic ray mass density. The maximal growth rates and corresponding wave numbers are found. The thermal instability is shown to be not subject to the action of cosmic rays in the model under consideration. The dispersion relation for the thermal instability includes ion inertia. In the limit of fast thermal energy exchange between electrons and ions, the isobaric and isochoric growth rates are derived. The results obtained can be useful for the investigation of the electron-ion astrophysical objects such as galaxy clusters including the dynamics of streaming cosmic rays.
We propose a phenomenological model in which a non-minimal coupling between gravity and dark matter is present in order to address some of the apparent small scales issues of \lcdm model. When described in a frame in which gravity dynamics is given by the standard Einstein-Hilbert action, the non-minimal coupling translates into an effective pressure for the dark matter component. We consider some phenomenological examples and describe both background and linear perturbations. We show that the presence of an effective pressure may lead these scenarios to differ from \lcdm at the scales where the non-minimal coupling (and therefore the pressure) is active. In particular two effects are present: a pressure term for the dark matter component that is able to reduce the growth of structures at galactic scales, possibly reconciling simulations and observations; an effective interaction term between dark matter and baryons that could explain observed correlations between the two components of the cosmic fluid within Tully-Fisher analysis.
CMOS-hybrid arrays have recently surfaced as competitive optical detectors for use in ground- and space-based astronomy. One source of error in these detectors that does not appear in more traditional CCD arrays is the inter-pixel capacitance component of crosstalk. In this paper we use a single pixel reset method to model inter-pixel capacitance (IPC). We combine this IPC model with a model for charge diffusion to estimate the total crosstalk on H4RG arrays. Finally, we compare our model results to Fe55 data obtained using an astrometric camera built to test the H4RG-B0 generation detectors.
The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer has revealed a T8.5 brown dwarf (WISE J111838.70+312537.9) that exhibits common proper motion with a solar-neighborhood (8 pc) quadruple star system - Xi Ursae Majoris. The angular separation is 8.5 arc-min, and the projected physical separation is about 4000 AU. The sub-solar metallicity and low chromospheric activity of Xi UMa A argue that the system has an age of at least 2 Gyr. The infrared luminosity and color of the brown dwarf suggests the mass of this companion ranges between 28 and 58 Jupiter masses for system ages of 2 and 8 Gyr respectively.
We present a catalog of 224 galaxy cluster candidates, selected through their Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect signature in the first 720 deg2 of the South Pole Telescope (SPT) survey. This area was mapped with the SPT in the 2008 and 2009 austral winters to a depth of 18 uK-arcmin at 150 GHz; 550 deg2 of it was also mapped to 44 uK-arcmin at 95 GHz. Based on optical imaging of all candidates and near-infrared imaging of the majority of candidates, we have found optical and/or infrared counterparts for 158 clusters. Of these, 135 were first identified as clusters in SPT data, including 117 new discoveries reported in this work. This catalog triples the number of confirmed galaxy clusters discovered through the SZ effect. We report photometrically derived (and in some cases spectroscopic) redshifts for confirmed clusters and redshift lower limits for the remaining candidates. The catalog extends to high redshift with a median redshift of z = 0.55 and maximum redshift of z = 1.37. Based on simulations, we expect the catalog to be nearly 100% complete above M500 ~ 5e14 Msun h_{70}^-1 at z > 0.6. There are 121 candidates detected at signal-to-noise greater than five, at which the catalog purity is measured to be 95%. From this high-purity subsample, we exclude the z < 0.3 clusters and use the remaining 100 candidates to improve cosmological constraints following the method presented by Benson et al., 2011. Adding the cluster data to CMB+BAO+H0 data leads to a preference for non-zero neutrino masses while only slightly reducing the upper limit on the sum of neutrino masses to sum mnu < 0.38 eV (95% CL). For a spatially flat wCDM cosmological model, the addition of this catalog to the CMB+BAO+H0+SNe results yields sigma8=0.807+-0.027 and w = -1.010+-0.058, improving the constraints on these parameters by a factor of 1.4 and 1.3, respectively. [abbrev]
We study quantum gravity constraints on inflationary model building. Our approach is based on requiring the entropy associated to a given inflationary model to be less than that of the de Sitter entropy. We give two prescriptions for determining the inflationary entropy, based on either `bits per unit area' or entanglement entropy. The existence of transPlanckian flat directions, necessary for large tensor modes in the CMB, correlates with an inflationary entropy greater than that allowed by de Sitter space. Independently these techniques also constrain or exclude de Sitter models with large-rank gauge groups and high UV cutoffs, such as racetrack inflation or the KKLT construction.
Fusion of very neutron rich nuclei may be important to determine the composition and heating of the crust of accreting neutron stars. Fusion cross sections are calculated using time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory coupled with density-constrained Hartree-Fock calculations to deduce an effective potential. Systems studied include 16O+16O, 16O+24O, 24O+24O, 12C+16O, and 12C+24O. We find remarkable agreement with experimental cross sections for the fusion of stable nuclei. Our simulations use the SLy4 Skyrme force that has been previously fit to the properties of stable nuclei, and no parameters have been fit to fusion data. We compare our results to the simple S\~{a}o Paulo static barrier penetration model. For the asymmetric systems 12C+24O or 16O+24O we predict an order of magnitude larger cross section than those predicted by the S\~{a}o Paulo model. This is likely due to the transfer of neutrons from the very neutron rich nucleus to the stable nucleus and dynamical rearrangements of the nuclear densities during the collision process. These effects are not included in potential models. This enhancement of fusion cross sections, for very neutron rich nuclei, can be tested in the laboratory with radioactive beams.
In their Letter, Kentosh and Mohageg [Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 110801 (2012)] seek to use data from clocks aboard global positioning system (GPS) satellites to place limits on local position invariance (LPI) violations of Planck's constant, h. It is the purpose of this comment to show that discussing limits on variation of dimensional constants (such as h) is not meaningful; that even within a correct framework it is not possible to extract limits on variation of fundamental constants from a single type of clock aboard GPS satellites; and to correct an important misconception in the authors' interpretation of previous Earth-based LPI experiments.
We present an explicit example showing that the weak Gauss law of general relativity (with cosmological constant) fails in Einstein-Cartan's theory. We take this as an indication that torsion might replace dark matter.
On a dipole plasma, we observe the generation of magnetic moment, as the movement of the levitating magnet-plasma compound, in response to electron-cyclotron heating and the increase of $\beta$ (magnetically-confined thermal energy). We formulate a thermodynamic model with interpreting heating as injection of microscopic magnetic moment; the corresponding chemical potential is the ambient magnetic field.
We consider the dynamics of a 3-brane embedded in an extra-dimensional Tolman-Bondi Universe where the origin of space plays a special role. The embedding is chosen such that the induced matter distribution on the brane respects the spherical symmetry of matter in the extra dimensional space. The mirage cosmology on the probe brane is studied, resulting in an inhomogeneous and anisotropic four dimensional cosmology where the origin of space is also special. We then focus on the spatial geometry around the origin and show that the induced geometry, which is initially inhomogeneous and anisotropic, converges to an isotropic and homogeneous Friedmann-Lemaitre 4d space-time. For instance, when a 3-brane is embedded in a 5d matter dominated model, the 4d dynamics around the origin converge to a Friedmann-Lemaitre Universe in a radiation dominated epoch. We analyse this isotropisation process and show that it is a late time attractor.
We discuss a theoretical scheme which accounts for bulk matter, jets, and the interaction between the two. The aim is a complete description of particle production at all transverse momentum ($p_{t}$) scales. In this picture, the hard initial scatterings result in mainly longitudinal flux tubes, with transversely moving pieces carrying the $p_{t}$ of the partons from hard scatterings. These flux tubes constitute eventually both bulk matter (which thermalizes and flows) and jets. We introduce a criterion based on parton energy loss to decide whether a given string segment contributes to the bulk or leaves the matter to end up as a jet of hadrons. Essentially low $p_{t}$ segments from inside the volume will constitute the bulk, high $p_{t}$ segments (or segments very close to the surface) contribute to the jets. The latter ones appear after the usual flux tube breaking via q-qbar production (Schwinger mechanism). Interesting is the transition region: Intermediate $p_{t}$ segments produced inside the matter close to the surface but having enough energy to escape, are supposed to pick up q-qbar pairs from the thermal matter rather than creating them via the Schwinger mechanism. This represents a communication between jets and the flowing bulk matter (fluid-jet interaction). Also very important is the interaction between jet hadrons and the soft hadrons from the fluid freeze out. We employ the new picture to investigate PbPb collisions at 2.76 TeV. We discuss the centrality and $p_{t}$ dependence of particle production and long range dihadron correlations at small and large $p_{t}$.
Any connection between dark matter and extra dimensions can be cognizably evinced from the associated effective energy-momentum tensor. In order to investigate and test such relationship, a higher dimensional spacetime endowed with a factorizable general metric is regarded to derive a general expression for the stress tensor -- from the Einstein-Hilbert action -- and to elicit the effective gravitational potential. A particular construction for the case of six dimensions is provided, and it is forthwith revealed that the missing mass phenomenon may be explained, irrespective of the dark matter existence. Moreover, the existence of extra dimensions in the universe accrues the possibility of a straightforward mechanism for such explanation. A configuration which density profile coincides with the Newtonian potential for spiral galaxies is constructed, from a 4-dimensional isotropic metric plus extra-dimensional components. A Miyamoto-Nagai \emph{ansatz} is used to solve Einstein equations. The stable rotation curves associated to such system are computed, in full compliance to the observational data, without fitting techniques. The density profiles are reconstructed and compared to that ones obtained from the Newtonian potential.
We investigate the possibility that a massive weakly interacting fermion simultaneously provides for a dominant component of the dark matter relic density and an invisible decay width of the Higgs boson at the LHC. Taking into account the constraints from the electroweak precision measurements and current direct searches for dark matter particles, we find that such scenario is heavily constrained. As a concrete model realizing such dynamics we consider the minimal walking technicolor, although our results apply more generally.
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Ground level events (GLEs) occupy the high-energy end of gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) events. They are associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares, but we still do not clearly understand the special conditions that produce these rare events. During Solar Cycle 23, a total of 16 GLEs were registered, using ground-based neutron monitor data. We first ask if these GLEs are clearly distinguishable from other SEP events observed from space. Setting aside possible difficulties in identifying all GLEs consistently, we then try to find observables which may unmistakably isolate these GLEs by studying the basic properties of the associated eruptions and the active regions (ARs) that produced them. It is found that neither the magnitudes of the CMEs and flares nor the complexities of the ARs give sufficient conditions for GLEs. It is possible to find CMEs, flares or ARs that are not associated with GLEs but that have more extreme properties than those associated with GLEs. We also try to evaluate the importance of magnetic field connection of the AR with Earth on the detection of GLEs and their onset times. Using the potential field source surface (PFSS) model, a half of the GLEs are found to be well-connected. However, the GLE onset time with respect to the onset of the associated flare and CME does not strongly depend on how well-connected the AR is. The GLE onset behavior may be largely determined by when and where the CME-driven shock develops. We could not relate the shocks responsible for the onsets of past GLEs with features in solar images, but the combined data from the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) have the potential to change this for GLEs that may occur in the rising phase of Solar Cycle 24.
We obtain approximations for the CDM particle trajectories starting from Lagrangian Perturbation Theory. These estimates for the CDM trajectories result in approximations for the density in real and redshift space, as well as for the momentum density that are better than what standard Eulerian and Lagrangian perturbation theory give. For the real space density, we find that our proposed approximation gives a good cross-correlation (>95%) with the non-linear density down to scales almost twice smaller than the non-linear scale, and six times smaller than the corresponding scale obtained using linear theory. This allows for a speed-up of an order of magnitude or more in the scanning of the cosmological parameter space with N-body simulations for the scales relevant for the baryon acoustic oscillations. Possible future applications of our method include baryon acoustic peak reconstruction, building mock galaxy catalogs, momentum field reconstruction.
We have started a campaign to identify massive star clusters inside bright molecular bubbles towards the Galactic Center. The CN15/16/17 molecular complex is the first example of our study. The region is characterized by the presence of two young clusters, DB10 and DB11, visible in the NIR, an ultra-compact HII region identified in the radio, several young stellar objects visible in the MIR, a bright diffuse nebulosity at 8\mu m coming from PAHs and sub-mm continuum emission revealing the presence of cold dust. Given its position on the sky (l=0.58, b=-0.85) and its kinematic distance of ~7.5 kpc, the region was thought to be a very massive site of star formation in proximity of the CMZ. The cluster DB11 was estimated to be as massive as 10^4 M_sun. However the region's properties were known only through photometry and its kinematic distance was very uncertain given its location at the tangential point. We aimed at better characterizing the region and assess whether it could be a site of massive star formation located close to the Galactic Center. We have obtained NTT/SofI JHKs photometry and long slit K band spectroscopy of the brightest members. We have additionally collected data in the radio, sub-mm and mid infrared, resulting in a quite different picture of the region. We have confirmed the presence of massive early B type stars and have derived a spectro-photometric distance of ~1.2 kpc, much smaller than the kinematic distance. Adopting this distance we obtain clusters masses of M(DB10) ~ 170 M_sun and M(DB11) ~ 275 M_sun. This is consistent with the absence of any O star, confirmed by the excitation/ionization status of the nebula. No HeI diffuse emission is detected in our spectroscopic observations at 2.113\mu m, which would be expected if the region was hosting more massive stars. Radio continuum measurements are also consistent with the region hosting at most early B stars.
Aims. A sample of early B-type stars in OB associations and the field within the solar neighbourhood is studied comprehensively. Present-day abundances for the astrophysically most interesting chemical elements are derived. Methods. High-resolution and high-S/N spectra of early B-type stars are analysed in NLTE. Atmospheric parameters are derived from the simultaneous establishment of independent indicators, from multiple ionization equilibria and the hydrogen Balmer lines. Results. Teff is constrained to 1-2% and logg to less than 15% uncertainty. Absolute values for metal abundances are determined to better than 25% uncertainty. The synthetic spectra match the observations reliably over almost the entire visual spectral range. Conclusions. A present-day cosmic abundance standard is established. Our results i) resolve the discrepancy between a chemical homogeneous local gas-phase ISM and a chemically inhomogeneous young stellar component, ii) facilitate the amount of heavy elements locked up in the interstellar dust to be constrained precisely: carbonaceous dust is largely destroyed inside the Orion HII region, unlike the silicates, and that graphite is only a minority species in interstellar dust -, iii) show that the mixing of CNO-burning products in the course of massive star evolution follows tightly the predicted nuclear path, iv) provide reliable present-day reference points for anchoring Galactic chemical evolution models to observation, and v) imply that the Sun has migrated outwards from the inner Galactic disk over its lifetime from a birthplace at a distance around 5-6 kpc from the Galactic Centre; a cancellation of the effects of Galactic chemical evolution and abundance gradients leads to the similarity of solar and present-day cosmic abundances in the solar neighbourhood, with a telltaling signature of the Sun's origin left in the C/O ratio. (ABRIDGED)
The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is a new low-frequency, wide field-of-view radio interferometer under development at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) in Western Australia. We have used a 32-element MWA prototype interferometer (MWA-32T) to observe two 50-degree diameter fields in the southern sky in the 110 MHz to 200 MHz band in order to evaluate the performance of the MWA-32T, to develop techniques for epoch of reionization experiments, and to make measurements of astronomical foregrounds. We developed a calibration and imaging pipeline for the MWA-32T, and used it to produce ~15' angular resolution maps of the two fields. We perform a blind source extraction using these confusion-limited images, and detect 655 sources at high significance with an additional 871 lower significance source candidates. We compare these sources with existing low-frequency radio surveys in order to assess the MWA-32T system performance, wide field analysis algorithms, and catalog quality. Our source catalog is found to agree well with existing low-frequency surveys in these regions of the sky and with statistical distributions of point sources derived from Northern Hemisphere surveys; it represents one of the deepest surveys to date of this sky field in the 110 MHz to 200 MHz band.
We identify 34 highly-probable detached, red giant eclipsing binary pairs among 315 candidates in Devor's catalog of $\sim$10,000 OGLE-II eclipsing binaries. We estimate that there should be at least 200 such systems in OGLE-III. We show that spectroscopic measurements of the metallicities and radial-velocity-derived masses of these systems would independently constrain both the age-metallicity and helium-metallicity relations of the Galactic Bulge, potentially breaking the age-helium degeneracy that currently limits our ability to characterize the Bulge stellar population. Mass and metallicity measurements alone would be sufficient to immediately validate or falsify recent claims about the age and helium abundance of the Bulge. A spectroscopic survey of these systems would constrain models of Milky Way assembly, as well as provide significant auxiliary science on research questions such as mass loss on the red giant branch. We discuss the theoretical uncertainties in stellar evolution models that would need to be accounted for to maximize the scientific yield.
Expanding blast waves are ubiquitous in many astronomical sources, such as supernovae remnants (SNRs), X-ray emitting binaries (XRBs) and gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). I consider here the dynamics of such an expanding blast wave, both in the adiabatic and the radiative regimes. As the blast wave collects material from the surrounding, it decelerates. A full description of the temporal evolution of the blast wave requires consideration of both the energy density and the pressure of the shocked material. The obtained equation is different than earlier works in which only the energy was considered. The solution converges to the familiar results in both the ultra-relativistic and the sub-relativistic (Newtonian) regimes.
Gravitational coupling between a gaseous disk and an orbiting perturber leads to angular momentum exchange between them which can result in gap opening by planets in protoplanetary disks and clearing of gas by binary supermassive black holes (SMBHs) embedded in accretion disks. Understanding the co-evolution of the disk and the orbit of the perturber in these circumstances requires knowledge of the spatial distribution of the torque exerted by the latter on a highly nonuniform disk. Here we explore disk-satellite interaction in disks with gaps in linear approximation both in Fourier and in physical space, explicitly incorporating the disk non-uniformity in the fluid equations. Density gradients strongly displace the positions of Lindblad resonances in the disk (which often occur at multiple locations), and the waveforms of modes excited close to the gap edge get modified compared to the uniform disk case. The spatial distribution of the excitation torque density is found to be quite different from the existing prescriptions: most of the torque is exerted in a rather narrow region near the gap edge where Lindblad resonances accumulate, followed by an exponential fall-off with the distance from the perturber. Despite these differences, for a given gap profile the full integrated torque exerted on the disk agrees with the conventional uniform disk theory prediction at the level of ~10%. The nonlinearity of the density wave excited by the perturber is shown to decrease as the wave travels out of the gap, slowing down its nonlinear evolution and damping. Our results suggest that gap opening in protoplanetary disks and gas clearing around SMBH binaries can be more efficient than the existing theories predict. They pave the way for self-consistent calculations of the gap structure and the orbital evolution of the perturber using accurate prescription for the torque density behavior.
Usual supernova remnants have either ionizing plasma or plasma in collisional ionization equilibrium, i.e., the ionization temperature is lower than or equal to the electron temperature. However, the existence of recombining supernova remnants, i.e., supernova remnants with the ionization temperature higher than the electron temperature, is recently confirmed. One suggested way to have recombining plasma in a supernova remnant is to have a dense circumstellar medium at the time of the supernova explosion. If the circumstellar medium is dense enough, collisional ionization equilibrium can be established in the early stage of the evolution of the supernova remnant and subsequent adiabatic cooling which occurs after the shock wave gets out of the dense circumstellar medium makes the electron temperature lower than the ionization temperature. We study the circumstellar medium around several supernova progenitors and show which supernova progenitors can have a circumstellar medium which is dense enough to establish collisional ionization equilibrium soon after the explosion. We find that the circumstellar medium around red supergiants (especially massive ones) and the circumstellar medium which is dense enough to make Type IIn supernovae can establish collisional ionization equilibrium soon after the explosion and can evolve to recombining supernova remnants. Wolf-Rayet stars and white dwarfs have possibility to be recombining supernova remnants but the fraction is expected to be very small. As the occurrence rate of the explosions of red supergiants is much higher than that of Type IIn supernovae, the major progenitors of recombining supernova remnants are likely to be red supergiants.
Using deep Chandra observations of the globular cluster M28, we study the quiescent X-ray emission of a neutron star in a low-mass X-ray binary in order to constrain the chemical composition of the neutron star atmosphere and the equation of state of dense matter. We fit the spectrum with different neutron star atmosphere models composed of hydrogen, helium or carbon. The parameter values obtained with the carbon model are unphysical and such a model can be ruled out. Hydrogen and helium models give realistic parameter values for a neutron star, and the derived mass and radius are clearly distinct depending on the composition of the atmosphere. The hydrogen model gives masses/radii consistent with the canonical values of 1.4 Msun and 10 km, and would allow for the presence of exotic matter inside neutron stars. On the other hand, the helium model provides solutions with higher masses/radii, consistent with the stiffest equations of state. Measurements of neutron star masses/radii by spectral fitting should consider the possibility of heavier element atmospheres, which produce larger masses/radii for the same data, unless the composition of the accretor is known independently.
We study a sample of 5 dwarf irregular galaxies in the CenA/M83 group, which are companions to the giant elliptical CenA. We aim at deriving their physical properties over their lifetime and compare them to those of dwarfs located in different environments. We use archival HST/ACS data and apply synthetic color-magnitude diagram fitting in order to reconstruct the past star formation activity of the target galaxies. The average star formation rate for the studied galaxies ranges from 10^{-3} up to \sim 7x10^{-2} M_odot/yr, and their mean metallicities correlate with their luminosities (from [Fe/H]\sim -1.4 up to \sim -1.0). The form of the star formation histories varies across the sample, with quiescent periods alternating with intermittent enhancements in the star formation (from a few up to several times the average lifetime value). The dwarfs in this sample formed ~35% to ~60% of their stellar content prior to ~5 Gyr ago. The resulting star formation histories for the CenA companions are similar to those found for comparable Local Group and M81 group dwarfs. We consider this sample of dwarfs together with 5 previously studied M83 dwarf irregular companions. We find no trend of the average star formation rate with tidal index or distance from the main galaxy of the group. However, dwarfs with higher baryonic masses do show higher average star formation rates, underlining the importance of intrinsic properties in governing the evolution of these galaxies. On the other hand, there is also a clear trend when looking at the recent (~0.5-1 Gyr) level of activity. Namely, dwarfs within a denser region of the group appear to have had their star formation quenched while dwarfs located in the group outskirts show a wide range of possible star formation rates, thus indicating that external processes play a fundamental role, complementary to mass, in shaping the star formation histories of dwarf galaxies.
The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer Preliminary Data Release Source Catalog contains over 257 million objects. We describe the method used to flag variable source candidates in the Catalog. Using a method based on the chi- square of single-exposure flux measurements, we generated a variability flag for each object, and have identified almost 460,000 candidates sources that exhibit significant flux variability with greater than \sim 7{\sigma} confidence. We discuss the flagging method in detail and describe its benefits and limitations. We also present results from the flagging method, including example light curves of several types of variable sources including Algol-type eclipsing binaries, RR Lyr, W UMa, and a blazar candidate.
This contribution addresses the question of whether the initial cluster mass function (ICMF) has a fundamental limit (or truncation) at high masses. The shape of the ICMF at high masses can be studied using the most massive young (<10 Myr) clusters, however this has proven difficult due to low-number statistics. In this contribution we use an alternative method based on the luminosities of the brightest clusters, combined with their ages. If a truncation is present, a generic prediction (nearly independent of the cluster disruption law adopted) is that the median age of bright clusters should be younger than that of fainter clusters. In the case of an non-truncated ICMF, the median age should be independent of cluster luminosity. Here, we present optical spectroscopy of twelve young stellar clusters in the face-on spiral galaxy NGC 2997. The spectra are used to estimate the age of each cluster, and the brightness of the clusters is taken from the literature. The observations are compared with the model expectations of Larsen (2009) for various ICMF forms and both mass dependent and mass independent cluster disruption. While there exists some degeneracy between the truncation mass and the amount of mass independent disruption, the observations favour a truncated ICMF. For low or modest amounts of mass independent disruption, a truncation mass of 5-6*10^5 Msun is estimated, consistent with previous determinations. Additionally, we investigate possible truncations in the ICMF in the spiral galaxy M83, the interacting Antennae galaxies, and the collection of spiral and dwarf galaxies present in Larsen (2009) based on photometric catalogues taken from the literature, and find that all catalogues are consistent with having a (environmentally dependent) truncation in the cluster mass functions.
We have constructed an extended halo model (EHM) which relates total stellar
mass and star formation rate (SFR) to halo mass (M_h). An empirical relation
between the distribution functions of total stellar mass of galaxies and host
halo mass, tuned to match data over the range 0.1<z<2.0, is extended to include
two different scenarios describing variation of SFR on halo mass. The key
datasets used to constrain the EHM include the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS),
the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS), the Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile
(MUSYC) and the Herschel Multi-tiered Extragalactic Survey (HerMES), which is
crucial for deriving accurate SFRs for dusty star-forming galaxies at high
redshift.
Combining the EHM with the halo accretion histories from numerical
simulations, we trace the stellar mass growth and star-formation history in
halos spanning a range of masses. We find that: (1) The intensity of the
star-forming activity in halos in the probed mass range has decreased by around
2 orders to magnitude from z~2 to 0; (2) At a given redshift, the SFR - M_h
relation has a bump between a few times 10^{11} M_Sun and a few times 10^{12}
M_Sun; (3) The peak of SFR density shifts to lower mass halos over time; (4)
Galaxies that are forming stars most actively at z~2 evolve into quiescent
galaxies in today's group environments, strongly supporting previous claims
that the most powerful starbursts at z~2 are progenitors of today's elliptical
galaxies.
We have entered the era of explosive transient astronomy, in which upcoming real-time surveys like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) and Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) will detect supernovae in unprecedented numbers. Future telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope may discover supernovae from the earliest stars in the universe and reveal their masses. The observational signatures of these astrophysical transients are the key to unveiling their central engines, the environments in which they occur, and to what precision they will pinpoint cosmic acceleration and the nature of dark energy. We present a new method for modeling supernova light curves and spectra with the radiation hydrodynamics code RAGE coupled with detailed monochromatic opacities in the SPECTRUM code. We include a suite of tests that demonstrate how the improved physics is indispensable to modeling shock breakout and light curves.
Using the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer, we report the detection of the 158 micron [CII] emission line and underlying dust continuum in the host galaxy of the quasar ULAS J112001.48+064124.3 (hereafter J1120+0641) at z=7.0842+/-0.0004. This is the highest redshift detection of the [CII] line to date, and allows us to put first constraints on the physical properties of the host galaxy. The [CII] line luminosity is (1.2+/-0.2)x10^9 Lsun, which is a factor ~4 lower than observed in a luminous quasar at z=6.42 (SDSS J1148+5251). The underlying far-infrared continuum has a flux density of 0.61+/-0.16 mJy, similar to the average flux density of z~6 quasars that were not individually detected at similar frequencies. The far-infrared continuum detection implies a star-formation rate in the range 160-440 Msun/yr and a total dust mass in the host galaxy of (9+/-2)x10^7 Msun (both numbers have significant uncertainties given the unknown nature of dust at these redshifts). The [CII] line width of sigma_V=100+/-15 km/s is among the smallest observed when compared to the molecular line widths detected in z~6 quasars. Both the [CII] and dust continuum emission are spatially unresolved at the current angular resolution of 2.0x1.7 arcsec^2 (corresponding to 10x9 kpc^2 at the redshift of J1120+0641). The dynamical mass of the host implied by the observed line width is Mdyn < 1.4x10^11 Msun. If the bulge mass was close to the dynamical mass, then the black hole-bulge mass ratio is >10 times higher than observed locally.
In arXiv:0908.4089, we have proposed a model where natural inflation is realized on a steep potential as a consequence of the interaction of the inflaton with gauge fields through an axion-like coupling. In the present work we study the nongaussianities and the spectrum of tensor modes generated in this scenario. The nongaussianities turn out to be compatible with current observations and can be large enough to be detectable by Planck. The non-observation of tensor modes imposes new constraints on the parameter space of the system that are about one order of magnitude stronger than those found in our previous work. More importantly, in certain regions of the parameter space tensor modes might be detected by upcoming Cosmic Microwave Background experiments even if inflation occurs at energies as low as the TeV scale. In this case the tensor modes would be chiral, and would lead to distinctive parity-violating correlation functions in the CMB.
Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) are superconducting detectors capable of counting single photons and measuring their energy in the UV, optical, and near-IR. MKIDs feature intrinsic frequency domain multiplexing (FDM) at microwave frequencies, allowing the construction and readout of large arrays. Due to the microwave FDM, MKIDs do not require the complex cryogenic multiplexing electronics used for similar detectors, such as Transition Edge Sensors (TESs), but instead transfer this complexity to room temperature electronics where they present a formidable signal processing challenge. In this paper we describe the first successful effort to build a readout for a photon counting optical/near-IR astronomical instrument, the ARray Camera for Optical to Near-infrared Spectrophotometry (ARCONS). This readout is based on open source hardware developed by the Collaboration for Astronomy Signal Processing and Electronics Research (CASPER). Designed principally for radio telescope backends, it is flexible enough to be used for a variety of signal processing applications.
Recently, several new correlations between the observed gamma-ray and the X-ray properties of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) were inferred from a comprehensive analysis of the X-ray light curves of more than 650 GRBs measured with the Swift X-ray telescope (Swift/XRT) during the years 2004-2010. Like previously well established correlations, they challenge GRB models. Here we show that in the cannonball (CB) model of GRBs, the newly discovered correlations have the same simple kinematic origin as those discovered earlier. They result from the strong dependence of the observed radiations on the bulk motion Lorentz and Doppler factors of the jet of highly relativistic plasmoids (CBs) that produces these radiations by interaction with the medium through which it propagates.
The RESIK instrument on {\em CORONAS-F} spacecraft observed several sulphur X-ray lines in three of its four channels covering the wavelength range 3.8-6.1 \AA\ during solar flares. The fluxes are analyzed to give the sulphur abundance. Data are chosen for when the instrument parameters were optimized. The measured fluxes of the \ion{S}{15} $1s^2-1s4p$ ($w4$) line at 4.089 \AA\ gives $A({\rm S}) = 7.16 \pm 0.17$ (abundances on a logarithmic scale with $A({\rm H}) = 12$) which we consider to be the most reliable. Estimates from other lines range from 7.13 to 7.24. The preferred S abundance estimate is very close to recent photospheric abundance estimates and to quiet-Sun solar wind and meteoritic abundances. This implies no fractionation of sulphur by processes tending to enhance the coronal abundance from the photospheric that depend on the first ionization potential (FIP), or that sulphur, though its FIP has an intermediate value of 10.36 eV, acts like a "high-FIP" element.
We are developing a concept of a "thin" detector as a high-angular-precision telescope and polarimeter for cosmic gamma-rays above the pair-creation threshold.
We statistically analyse a recent sample of data points measuring the fine-structure constant alpha (relative to the terrestrial value) in quasar absorption systems. Using different statistical techniques, we find general agreement with previous authors that a dipole model is a well-justified fit to the data. We determine the significance of the dipole fit relative to that of a simple monopole fit, discuss the consistency of the interpretation, and test alternate models for potential variation of alpha against the data. Using a simple analysis we find that the monopole term (the constant offset in (delta alpha)/alpha) may be caused by non-terrestrial magnesium isotope abundances in the absorbers. Finally we test the domain-wall model against the data.
Context. The early phase of the coalescence of supermassive black hole (SMBH) binaries from their host galaxies provides a guaranteed source of low-frequency (nHz-$\mu$Hz) gravitational wave (GW) radiation by pulsar timing observations. These types of GW sources would survive the coalescing and be potentially identifiable. Aims. We aim to provide an outline of a new method for detecting GW radiation from individual SMBH systems based on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) observational results, which can be verified by future observations. Methods. Combining the sensitivity of the international Pulsar Timing Array (PTA) and the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) detectors, we used a binary population synthesis (BPS) approach to determine GW radiation from close galaxy pairs under the assumption that SMBHs formed at the core of merged galaxies. We also performed second post-Newtonian approximation methods to estimate the variation of the strain amplitude with time. Results. We find that the value of the strain amplitude \emph{h} varies from about $10^{-14}$ to $10^{-17}$ using the observations of 20 years, and we estimate that about 100 SMBH sources can be detected with the SKA detector.
We present imaging simulations of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect of galaxy clusters for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) including the Atacama Compact Array (ACA). In its most compact configuration at 90GHz, ALMA will resolve the intracluster medium with an effective angular resolution of 5 arcsec. It will provide a unique probe of shock fronts and relativistic electrons produced during cluster mergers at high redshifts, that are hard to spatially resolve by current and near-future X-ray detectors. Quality of image reconstruction is poor with the 12m array alone but improved significantly by adding ACA; expected sensitivity of the 12m array based on the thermal noise is not valid for the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect mapping unless accompanied by an ACA observation of at least equal duration. The observations above 100 GHz will become excessively time-consuming owing to the narrower beam size and the higher system temperature. On the other hand, significant improvement of the observing efficiency is expected once Band 1 is implemented in the future.
The large majority of extragalactic very high energy (VHE; E>100 GeV) sources belongs to the class of active galactic nuclei (AGN), in particular the BL Lac sub-class. AGNs are characterized by an extremely bright and compact emission region, powered by a super-massive black hole (SMBH) and an accretion disk, and relativistic outflows (jets) detected all across the electro-magnetic spectrum. In BL Lac sources the jet axis is oriented close to the line of sight, giving rise to a relativistic boosting of the emission. In radio galaxies, on the other hand, the jet makes a larger angle to the line of sight allowing to resolve the central core and the jet in great details. The giant radio galaxy M 87 with its proximity (1 6Mpc) and its very massive black hole ((3-6) x 10^9 M_solar) provides a unique laboratory to investigate VHE emission in such objects and thereby probe particle acceleration to relativistic energies near SMBH and in jets. M 87 has been established as a VHE emitter since 2005. The VHE emission displays strong variability on time-scales as short as a day. It has been subject of a large joint VHE and multi-wavelength (MWL) monitoring campaign in 2008, where a rise in the 43 GHz VLBA radio emission of the innermost region (core) was found to coincide with a flaring activity at VHE. This had been interpreted as a strong indication that the VHE emission is produced in the direct vicinity of the SMBH black hole. In 2010 again a flare at VHE was detected triggering further MWL observations with the VLBA, Chandra, and other instruments. At the same time M 87 was also observed with the Fermi-LAT telescope at GeV energies and the European VLBI Network (EVN). In this contribution preliminary results from the campaign will be presented.
The H.E.S.S. Cherenkov telescope array, located on the southern hemisphere in Namibia, studies very high energy (VHE; E>100 GeV) gamma-ray emission from astrophysical objects. During its successful operations since 2002 more than 80 galactic and extra-galactic gamma-ray sources have been discovered. H.E.S.S. devotes over 400 hours of observation time per year to the observation of extra-galactic sources resulting in the discovery of several new sources, mostly AGNs, and in exciting physics results e.g. the discovery of very rapid variability during extreme flux outbursts of PKS 2155-304, stringent limits on the density of the extragalactic background light (EBL) in the near-infrared derived from the energy spectra of distant sources, or the discovery of short-term variability in the VHE emission from the radio galaxy M 87. With the recent launch of the Fermi satellite in 2008 new insights into the physics of AGNs at GeV energies emerged, leading to the discovery of several new extragalactic VHE sources. Multi-wavelength observations prove to be a powerful tool to investigate the production mechanism for VHE emission in AGNs. Here, new results from H.E.S.S. observations of extragalactic sources will be presented and their implications for the physics of these sources will be discussed.
The diffuse gas in and nearby the Milky Way plays an important role in the evolution of the entire Galaxy. It has a complex structure characterized by neutral, weakly and highly ionized gas, dust, and molecules. We probe this gas through the observation of its absorption lines in the high-energy spectra of background sources. We use high-quality spectra of AGN Mrk 509, located at high Galactic latitudes obtained with XMM-Newton, HST and FUSE. We use advanced absorption models consisting of photo- and collisional-ionization. We constrain the column density ratios of the different phases of the interstellar medium (ISM) and measure the abundances of C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Al, Si, S, and Fe. We detect seven discrete interstellar clouds with different velocities. One is a typical low-velocity cloud (LVC) and three belong to the family of the intermediate-velocity clouds (IVCs) found near the Galactic disk. These four clouds show large deviation from Solar abundances in the gas phase, mostly caused by dust depletion. The other three clouds are ionized high-velocity clouds (HVCs) and are located either in the Galactic environment or in the Local Group halo as suggested by the signatures of collisional ionization. The similar abundances and ionization structure of the HVCs suggest a common location and origin: they might belong to the remainder of an extragalactic cloud which was captured by the Galaxy. We have shown that combined UV / X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool to investigate the ISM. In common Galactic clouds, like LVCs and IVCs, the ISM shows a complex structure consisting of at least three different temperature phases.
All stellar evolution models for nucleosynthesis require an initial isotopic abundance set to use as a starting point. Generally, our knowledge of isotopic abundances of stars is fairly incomplete except for the Solar System. We present a first model for a complete average isotopic galactic chemical evolution as a function of metallicity. Our model is based on the underlying nuclear astrophysics processes, and is fitted to observational data, rather than traditional forward galactic chemical evolution modeling which integrates stellar yields beginning from big bang nucleosynthesis. We decompose the isotopic solar abundance pattern into contributions from astrophysical sources. Each contribution is then assumed to evolve as a function of metallicity. The resulting total isotopic evolution is summed into an elemental evolution and fitted to available halo and disk stellar data to constrain the model's free parameter values. This procedure allows us to use available elemental observational data to reconstruct and constrain both the much needed complete isotopic evolution that is not accessible to current observations, and the underlying astrophysical processes. Our model finds that Type Ia contributed 70.8 % to the solar Fe56 abundance, and that the onset of Type Ia occured at [Fe/H]=-1.184.
We show that the optical counterpart of the X-ray source CX 1 in M4 is a 20th magnitude star, located in the color-magnitude diagram on (or very close to) the main sequence of the cluster, and exhibiting sinusoidal variations of the flux. We find the X-ray flux to be also periodically variable, with X-ray and optical minima coinciding. Stability of the optical light curve, lack of UV-excess, and unrealistic mean density resulting from period-density relation for semidetached systems, speak against the original identification of CX 1 as a cataclysmic variable. We argue that the X-ray active component of this system is a neutron star (probably a millisecond pulsar).
We test the recent claim by Hu et al. (2008) that FeII emission in Type 1 AGN shows a systematic redshift relative to the local source rest frame and broad-line Hbeta. We compile high s/n median composites using SDSS spectra from both the Hu et al. sample and our own sample of the 469 brightest DR5 spectra. Our composites are generated in bins of FWHM Hbeta and FeII strength as defined in our 4D Eigenvector 1 (4DE1) formalism. We find no evidence for a systematic FeII redshift and consistency with previous assumptions that FeII shift and width (FWHM) follow Hbeta shift and FWHM in virtually all sources. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that FeII emission (quasi-ubiquitous in type 1 sources) arises from a broad-line region with geometry and kinematics the same as that producing the Balmer lines.
We consider the curvature emission properties from relativistic particles streaming along magnetic field lines and co-rotating with pulsar magnetosphere. The co-rotation affects the trajectories of the particles and hence the emission properties, especially the polarization. We consider the modification of the particle velocity and acceleration due to the co-rotation. Curvature radiation from a single particle is calculated using the approximation of a circular path to the particle trajectory. Curvature radiation from particles at a given height actually contains the contributions from particles streaming along all the nearby field lines around the tangential point, forming the emission cone of 1/{\gamma}. The polarization patterns from the emission cone are distorted by the additional rotation, more serious for emission from a larger height. Net circular polarization can be generated by the density gradient in the emission cone. For three typical density models in the form of core, cone and patches, we calculate the polarization profiles for emission generated at a given height. We find that the circular polarization could have a single sign or sign reversal, depending on the density gradient along the rotation phase. The polarization profiles of the total curvature radiation from the whole open field line region, calculated by adding the emission from all possible heights, are similar to that from a dominating emission height. The circular polarization of curvature radiation has sign reversals in the patchy emission, while it has a single sign for the core emission, and is negligible for the cone emission.
The Sun's magnetic field is structured over a range of scales that span approximately seven orders of magnitudes, four of which lie beyond the resolving power of current telescopes. Here we have used a Hinode SOT/SP deep mode data set for the quiet-sun disk center in combination with constraints from the Hanle effect to derive scaling laws that describe how the magnetic structuring varies from the resolved scales down to the magnetic diffusion limit, where the field ceases to be frozen-in. The focus of the analysis is a derivation of the magnetic energy spectrum, but we also discuss the scale dependence of the probability density function (PDF) for the flux densities and the role of the cancellation function for the average unsigned flux density. Analysis of the Hinode data set with the line-ratio method reveals a collapsed flux population in the form of flux tubes with a size distribution that is peaked in the 10-100 km range. Magnetic energy is injected into this scale range by the instability mechanism of flux tube collapse, which is driven by the external gas pressure in the superadiabatic region at the top of the convection zone. This elevates the magnetic energy spectrum just beyond the telescope resolution limit. Flux tube decay feeds an inertial range that cascades down the scale spectrum to the magnetic diffusion limit, and which contains the tangled, "hidden" flux that is known to exist from observations of the Hanle effect. The observational constraints demand that the total magnetic energy in the hidden flux must be of the same order as the total energy in the kG flux tubes. Both the flux tubes and the hidden flux are found to be preferentially located in the intergranular lanes, which is to be expected since they are physically related.
Aims. We observe occultations of WASP-24b to measure brightness temperatures and to determine whether or not its atmosphere exhibits a thermal inversion (stratosphere). Methods. We observed occultations of WASP-24b at 3.6 and 4.5 {\mu}m using the Spitzer Space Telescope. It has been suggested that there is a correlation between stellar activity and the presence of inversions, so we analysed existing HARPS spectra in order to calculate log R'HK for WASP-24 and thus determine whether or not the star is chromospherically active. We also observed a transit of WASP-24b in the Str\"{o}mgren u and y bands, with the CAHA 2.2-m telescope. Results. We measure occultation depths of 0.159 \pm 0.013 per cent at 3.6 {\mu}m and 0.202 \pm 0.018 per cent at 4.5 {\mu}m. The corresponding planetary brightness temperatures are 1974 \pm 71 K and 1944 \pm 85 K respectively. Atmosphere models with and without a thermal inversion fit the data equally well; we are unable to constrain the presence of an inversion without additional occultation measurements in the near-IR. We find log R'HK = -4.98 \pm 0.12, indicating that WASP-24 is not a chromospherically active star. Our global analysis of new and previously-published data has refined the system parameters, and we find no evidence that the orbit of WASP-24b is non-circular. Conclusions. These results emphasise the importance of complementing Spitzer measurements with observations at shorter wavelengths to gain a full understanding of hot Jupiter atmospheres.
This article derives a multipolar hierarchy for the propagation of the weak-lensing shear and convergence in a general spacetime. The origin of B-modes, in particular on large angular scales, is related to the local isotropy of space. Known results assuming a Friedmann-Lema\^itre background are naturally recovered. The example of a Bianchi I spacetime illustrates our formalism and its implications for future observations are stressed.
The correlation between radio and X-ray luminosity in the hard state of black hole X-ray binaries is important for unveiling the relation between the accretion flow and the jets. In this paper, we have modeled the quasi-simultaneous multi-band observations of a recently discovered transient X-ray source, IGR J17177-3656. It is found that the source is probably an outlier following the steep radio/X-ray correlation rather than an outlier in the transition region as suggested by Paizis et al. (2011). It is also found that the multi-band spectrum can be successfully modeled by the luminous hot accretion flow (LHAF) but less likely by the advection dominated accretion flow (ADAF). Our results support the point that LHAF can explain the steep radio/X-ray correlation.
Artificial neural networks (ANN) have different applications in Astronomy, including data reduction and data mining. In this work we propose the use ANNs in the identification of stellar model solutions. We illustrate this method, by applying an ANN to the 0.8M$_\odot$ star CG Cyg B. Our ANN was trained using 60,000 different 0.8M$_\odot$ stellar models. With this approach we identify the models which reproduce CG Cyg B's position in the HR diagram. We observe a correlation between the model's initial metal and helium abundance which, in most cases, does not agree with a helium to metal enrichment ratio $\Delta$Y/$\Delta$Z=2. Moreover, we identify a correlation between the model's initial helium/metal abundance and both its age and mixing-length parameter. Additionally, every model found has a mixing-length parameter below 1.3. This means that CG Cyg B's mixing-length parameter is clearly smaller than the solar one. From this study we conclude that ANNs are well suited to deal with the degeneracy of model solutions of solar type stars.
High-resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST) archive imaging and high-dispersion spectroscopy are used to study the complex morphological and kinematical structure of the planetary nebula, NGC 2818. We analyze narrow band H{\alpha}, [O III], [N II], [S II] and He II images, addressing important morphological features. Ground-based longslit echelle spectra were obtained crossing NGC 2818 at five different positions to precisely determine kinematical features in the structure of the nebula. A distance of 2.5 kpc was used to determine physical scales. Constructing models to fit the data with modern computational tools, we find NGC 2818 is composed by: (1) a non-uniform bipolar structure with a semi-major axis of 0.92 pc (75 arcsec), possibly deformed by the stellar wind, (2) a 0.17 pc (14 arcsec) diameter central region, which is potentially the remnant of an equatorial enhancement, and (3) a great number of cometary knots. These knots are preferentially located inside a radius of 0.24 pc (20 arcsec) around the central star. The ma jor axis of the main structure is oriented at i \simeq 60\degree with respect to the line-of-sight and at PA = +89\degree on the plane of the sky. Expansion velocities of this nebula are Vpol = 105 km/s and Veq = 20 km/s, which lead to our estimate of the kinematical age of {\tau}k \simeq 8,400 \pm 3, 400 yr (assuming homologous expansion). Our observations do not support the idea that high velocity collimated ejections are responsible for the formation of microstructures inside the nebula. We determine the systemic velocity of NGC 2818 to be VHEL = +26 \pm 2 km/s.
This paper describes a new approach to the optimization of information extraction in multi-wavelength image cubes of cosmological fields. The objective is to create a framework for the automatic identification and tagging of sources according to various criteria (isolated source, partially overlapped, fully overlapped, cross-matched, etc) and to set the basis for the automatic production of the SEDs (spectral energy distributions) for all objects detected in the many multi-wavelength images in cosmological fields.In order to do so, a processing pipeline is designed that combines Voronoi tessellation, Bayesian cross-matching, and active contours to create a graph-based representation of the cross-match probabilities. This pipeline produces a set of SEDs with quality tags suitable for the application of already-proven data mining methods. The pipeline briefly described here is also applicable to other astrophysical scenarios such as star forming regions.
We present an analysis of 7Li/6Li isotope ratios along four sight lines that probe diffuse molecular gas near the supernova remnant IC 443. Recent gamma-ray observations have revealed the presence of shock-accelerated cosmic rays interacting with the molecular cloud surrounding the remnant. Our results indicate that the 7Li/6Li ratio is lower in regions more strongly affected by these interactions, a sign of recent Li production by cosmic rays. We find that 7Li/6Li ~ 7 toward HD 254755, which is located just outside the visible edge of IC 443, while 7Li/6Li ~ 3 along the line of sight to HD 43582, which probes the interior region of the supernova remnant. No evidence of 7Li synthesis by neutrino-induced spallation is found in material presumably contaminated by the ejecta of a core-collapse supernova. The lack of a neutrino signature in the 7Li/6Li ratios near IC 443 is consistent with recent models of Galactic chemical evolution, which suggest that the nu-process plays only a minor role in Li production.
We consider a galileon field coupled to gravity. The standard no-hair theorems do not apply, because of the galileon's peculiar derivative interactions. We prove that, nonetheless, static spherically symmetric black holes cannot sustain non-trivial galileon profiles. Our theorem holds regardless of whether there are non-minimal couplings between the galileon and gravity of the covariant galileon type.
We use recent observations from solar system orbital motions in order to constrain f(T) gravity. In particular, imposing a quadratic f(T) correction to the linear-in-T form, which is a good approximation for every realistic case, we extract the spherical solutions of the theory. Using them to describe the Sun's gravitational field, we use recently determined supplementary advances of planetary perihelia, to infer upper bounds on the allowed f(T) corrections. We find that the maximal allowed divergence from the teleparallel equivalent of General Relativity is of the order of 6.2 \times 10^{-10}, in the applicability region of our analysis. This is much smaller than the corresponding (significantly small too) divergence that is predicted from cosmological observations, as expected. Such a tiny allowed divergence from the linear form should be taken into account in f(T) model building.
Asymmetric Dark Matter (ADM) models invoke a particle-antiparticle asymmetry, similar to the one observed in the Baryon sector, to account for the Dark Matter (DM) abundance. Both asymmetries are usually generated by the same mechanism and generally related, thus predicting DM masses around 5 GeV in order to obtain the correct density. The main challenge for successful models is to ensure efficient annihilation of the thermally produced symmetric component of such a light DM candidate without violating constraints from collider or direct searches. A common way to overcome this involves a light mediator, into which DM can efficiently annihilate and which subsequently decays into Standard Model particles. Here we explore the scenario where the light mediator decays instead into lighter degrees of freedom in the dark sector that act as radiation in the early Universe. While this assumption makes indirect DM searches challenging, it leads to signals of extra radiation at BBN and CMB. Under certain conditions, precise measurements of the number of relativistic species, such as those expected from the Planck satellite, can provide information on the structure of the dark sector. We also discuss the constraints of the interactions between DM and Dark Radiation from their imprint in the matter power spectrum.
Turbulence is defined as an eddy-like state of fluid motion where the inertial-vortex forces of the eddies are larger than any other forces that tend to damp the eddies out. By this definition, turbulence always cascades from small scales (where the vorticity is created) to larger scales (where other forces dominate and the turbulence fossilizes). Fossil turbulence is any perturbation in a hydrophysical field produced by turbulence that persists after the fluid is no longer turbulent at the scale of the perturbation. Fossil turbulence patterns and fossil turbulence waves preserve and propagate information about previous turbulence to larger and smaller length scales. Big bang fossil turbulence patterns are identified in anisotropies of temperature detected by space telescopes in the cosmic microwave background. Direct numerical simulations of stratified shear flows and wakes show that turbulence and fossil turbulence interactions are recognizable and persistent.
The four-fermion gravitational interaction is induced by torsion, and gets dominating on the Planck scale. The regular, axial-axial part of this interaction by itself does not stop the gravitational compression. However, the anomalous, vector-vector interaction results in a natural way in big bounce.
We examine the effect of excited neutrinos on the annihilation of relic neutrinos with ultra high energy cosmic neutrinos for the $\nu \bar{\nu}\to \gamma\gamma$ process. The contribution of the excited neutrinos to the neutrino-photon decoupling temperature are calculated. We see that photon-neutrino decoupling temperature can be significantly reduced below the QCD phase transition with the impact of excited neutrinos.
The f(T) theory, a generally modified teleparallel gravity, has been proposed as an alternative gravity model to account for the dark energy phenomena. Following our previous work[Xin-he Meng and Ying-bin Wang, EPJC(2011), arXiv:1107.0629v1], we prove that the Birkhoff's theorem in a more general context holds in this communication letter, specifically with the off diagonal tetrad case. Then, we have discussed respectively the results of the external vacuum and internal gravitational field in the f(T) gravity framework. The more extended meaning of this theorem is also discussed. We also discuss the validity of the Birkhoff's theorem in the frame of f(T) gravity via conformal transformation by regarding the Brans-Dicke-like scalar as effective matter. Both the Jordan and Einstein frames are discussed.
Current searches for compact binary mergers by ground-based gravitational-wave detectors assume for simplicity the two bodies are not spinning. If the binary contains compact objects with significant spin, then this can reduce the sensitivity of these searches, particularly for black hole--neutron star binaries. In this paper we investigate the effect of neglecting precession on the sensitivity of searches for spinning binaries using non-spinning waveform models. We demonstrate that in the sensitive band of Advanced LIGO, the angle between the binary's orbital angular momentum and its total angular momentum is approximately constant. Under this \emph{constant precession cone} approximation, we show that the gravitational-wave phasing is modulated in two ways: a secular increase of the gravitational-wave phase due to precession and an oscillation around this secular increase. We show that this secular evolution occurs in precisely three ways, corresponding to physically different apparent evolutions of the binary's precession about the line of sight. We estimate the best possible fitting factor between \emph{any} non-precessing template model and a single precessing signal, in the limit of a constant precession cone. Our closed form estimate of the fitting-factor depends only the geometry of the in-band precession cone; it does not depend explicitly on binary parameters, detector response, or details of either signal model. The precessing black hole--neutron star waveforms least accurately matched by nonspinning waveforms correspond to viewing geometries where the precession cone sweeps the orbital plane repeatedly across the line of sight, in an unfavorable polarization alignment.
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To facilitate the study of black hole fueling, star formation, and feedback in galaxies, we outline a method for treating the radial forces on interstellar gas due to absorption of photons by dust grains. The method gives the correct behavior in all of the relevant limits (dominated by the central point source; dominated by the distributed isotropic source; optically thin; optically thick to UV/optical; optically thick to IR) and reasonably interpolates between the limits when necessary. The method is explicitly energy conserving so that UV/optical photons that are absorbed are not lost, but are rather redistributed to the IR where they may scatter out of the galaxy. We implement the radiative transfer algorithm in a two-dimensional hydrodynamical code designed to study feedback processes in the context of early-type galaxies. We find that the dynamics and final state of simulations are measurably but only moderately affected by radiative forces on dust, even when assumptions about the dust-to-gas ratio are varied from zero to a value appropriate for the Milky Way. In simulations with high gas densities designed to mimic ULIRGs with a star formation rate of several hundred solar masses per year, dust makes a more substantial contribution to the dynamics and outcome of the simulation. We find that, despite the large opacity of dust to UV radiation, the momentum input to the flow from radiation very rarely exceeds L/c due to two factors: the low opacity of dust to the re-radiated IR and the tendency for dust to be destroyed by sputtering in hot gas environments. We also develop a simplification of our radiative transfer algorithm that respects the essential physics but is much easier to implement and requires a fraction of the computational cost.
In contrast to the predictions of the unified model, some X-ray unobscured Seyfert 2 galaxies have been discovered in the last decade. One of them, the starburst/Seyfert composite galaxy IRAS 01072+4954 (z=0.0236), has a typical Type~1 X-ray emission, while its optical spectrum resembles an HII galaxy and lacks the expected broad lines. We performed near-infrared integral-field observations of this object with the aim to determine the nature of its nuclear emission and to find indications for the existence or absence of a broad-line region. Several reasons have been proposed to explain such peculiar emission. We studied the validity of such hypotheses, including the possibility for it to be True-Seyfert~2. We found little obscuration towards the nucleus A_V = 2.5 mag, and a nuclear star-formation rate Sigma_SFR < 11.6 Msun yr^{-1} kpc^{-2}, which is below the average in Seyferts. Unresolved hot-dust emission with T ~ 1150 K seems to indicate the presence of a torus with its axis close to the line of sight. We found that IRAS 01072+4954 hosts a low mass black hole with an estimated mass of M_BH ~ 10^5 Msun and an upper limit of 2.5x10^6 Msun. Its bolometric luminosity is L_bol ~ 2.5x10^{42} erg/s, which yields a high accretion rate with an Eddington ratio ~ 0.2. If the relations found in more massive systems also apply to this case, then IRAS 01072+4954 should show broad emission lines with FWHM_{broad} ~(400-600) km/s. Indeed, some indications for such narrow broad-line components are seen in our data, but the evidence is not yet conclusive. This source thus seems not to be a True-Seyfert 2, but an extreme case of a narrow line Seyfert 1, which, due to the faintness of the active nucleus, does not have strong FeII emission in the optical.
The Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) in the large-scale structure of the universe leave a distinct peak in the two-point correlation function of the matter distribution. That acoustic peak is smeared and shifted by bulk flows and non-linear evolution. However, it has been shown that it is still possible to sharpen the peak and remove its shift by undoing the effects of the bulk flows. We propose an improvement to the standard acoustic peak reconstruction. Contrary to the standard approach, the new scheme has no free parameters, treats the large-scale modes consistently, and uses optimal filters to extract the BAO information. At redshift of zero, the reconstructed linear matter power spectrum leads to a markedly improved sharpening of the reconstructed acoustic peak compared to standard reconstruction.
We report on the pulse-to-pulse energy distributions and phase-resolved modulation properties for catalogued pulsars in the southern High Time Resolution Universe intermediate-latitude survey. We selected the 315 pulsars detected in a single-pulse search of this survey, allowing a large sample unbiased regarding any rotational parameters of neutron stars. We found that the energy distribution of many pulsars is well-described by a log-normal distribution, with few deviating from a small range in log-normal scale and location parameters. Some pulsars exhibited multiple energy states corresponding to mode changes, and implying that some observed "nulling" may actually be a mode-change effect. PSRJ1900-2600 was found to emit weakly in its previously-identified "null" state. We found evidence for another state-change effect in two pulsars, which show bimodality in their nulling time scales; that is, they switch between a continuous-emission state and a single-pulse-emitting state. Large modulation occurs in many pulsars across the full integrated profile, with increased sporadic bursts at leading and trailing sub-beam edges. Some of these high-energy outbursts may indicate the presence of "giant pulse" phenomena. We found no correlation with modulation and pulsar period, age, or other parameters. Finally, the deviation of integrated pulse energy from its average value was generally quite small, despite the significant phase-resolved modulation in some pulsars; we interpret this as tenuous evidence of energy regulation between distinct pulsar sub-beams.
(Abridged) We study relationships between the SFR and the nuclear properties of X-ray selected AGNs out to z=2.5, using far-IR data in three extragalactic deep fields as part of the PACS Evolutionary Probe (PEP) program. Guided by studies of intrinsic infra-red AGN SEDs, we show that the majority of the FIR emission in AGNs is produced by cold dust heated by star-formation. We uncover characteristic redshift-dependent trends between the mean FIR luminosity (L_fir) and accretion luminosity (L_agn) of AGNs. At low AGN luminosities, accretion and SFR are uncorrelated at all redshifts, consistent with a scenario where most low-luminosity AGNs are primarily fueled by secular processes in their host galaxies. At high AGN luminosities, a significant correlation is observed between L_fir and L_agn, but only among AGNs at low and moderate redshifts (z<1). We interpret this as a signature of the increasing importance of major-mergers in driving both the growth of super-massive black holes (SMBHs) and global star-formation in their hosts at high AGN luminosities. However, we also find that the enhancement of SFR in luminous AGNs weakens or disappears at high redshifts (z>1). This suggests that the role of mergers in SMBH-galaxy co-evolution is less important at these epochs. At all redshifts, we find essentially no relationship between L_fir and nuclear obscuration across five orders of magnitude in obscuring column density, suggesting that various different mechanisms are likely to be responsible for obscuring X-rays in active galaxies. We explain our results within a scenario in which two different modes of SMBH fueling operate among low- and high-luminosity AGNs. We postulate, guided by emerging knowledge about the properties of high redshift galaxies, that the dominant mode of accretion among high-luminosity AGNs evolves with redshift.
We present a new model for Ellipsoidal Variations Induced by a Low-Mass Companion, the EVIL-MC model. We employ several approximations appropriate for planetary systems to substantially increase the computational efficiency of our model relative to more general ellipsoidal variation models and improve upon the accuracy of simpler models. This new approach gives us a unique ability to rapidly and accurately determine planetary system parameters. We use the EVIL-MC model to analyze Kepler Quarter 0-2 (Q0-2) observations of the HAT-P-7 system, an F-type star orbited by a nearly Jupiter-mass companion. Our analysis corroborates previous estimates of the planet-star mass ratio q = (1.10 +/- 0.06) x 10^(-3), and we have revised the planet's dayside brightness temperature to 2680 +10/-20 K. We also find a large difference between the day- and nightside planetary flux, with little nightside emission. Preliminary dynamical+radiative modeling of the atmosphere indicates this result is qualitatively consistent with high altitude absorption of stellar heating. Similar analyses of Kepler and CoRoT photometry of other planets using EVIL-MC will play a key role in providing constraints on the properties of many extrasolar systems, especially given the limited resources for follow-up and characterization of these systems. However, as we highlight, there are important degeneracies between the contributions from ellipsoidal variations and planetary emission and reflection. Consequently, for many of the hottest and brightest Kepler and CoRoT planets, accurate estimates of the planetary emission and reflection, diagnostic of atmospheric heat budgets, will require accurate modeling of the photometric contribution from the stellar ellipsoidal variation.
We have compiled a catalog of optically-selected quasars with simultaneous observations in UV/optical and X-ray bands by the Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer. Objects in this catalog are identified by matching the Swift pointings with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 5 quasar catalog. The final catalog contains 843 objects, among which 637 have both UVOT and XRT observations and 354 of which are detected by both instruments. The overall X-ray detection rate is ~60% which rises to ~85% among sources with at least 10 ks of XRT exposure time. We construct the time-averaged spectral energy distribution for each of the 354 quasars using UVOT photometric measurements and XRT spectra. From model fits to these SEDs, we find that the big blue bump contributes about 0.3 dex to the quasar luminosity. We re-visit the alpha_ox-L_uv relation by selecting a clean sample with only type 1 radio-quiet quasars; the dispersion of this relation is reduced by at least 15% compared to studies that use non-simultaneous UV/optical and X-ray data. We only found a weak correlation between L/L_Edd and alpha_uv. We do not find significant correlations between alpha_x and alpha_ox, alpha_ox and alpha_uv, and alpha_x and Log L(0.3-10 keV). The correlations between alpha_uv and alpha_x, alpha_ox and alpha_x, alpha_ox and alpha_uv, L/L_Edd and alpha_x, and L/L_Edd and alpha_ox are stronger amongst low-redshift quasars, indicating that these correlations are likely driven by the changes of SED shape with accretion state.
The Kepler mission has discovered a large number of planetary systems. We analyze the implications of the discovered single/multi-exoplanet systems from Kepler's data. We test a simple model in which the intrinsic occurrence of plant is an independent process, and with equal probability around all planet producing stars. This leads to a poisson distribution for the intrinsic number of planets around each host. However, the possibility of zero/low mutual inclination is taken into account, creating a correlation between detecting different planets in a given solar system, leading to a non poisson distribution for the number of transiting planets per system. Comparing the model's predictions with the observations made by Kepler, we find that the correlation produced by planarity is insufficient and a higher correlation is needed. This implies that either the formation of one planet in the system enhances the likelihood of other planets to form, or that some stars are considerably more fertile than others. Followup observations on Kepler planet's hosts can help pinpoint the physical nature of this correlation.
Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are common in local galactic nuclei, and SMBHs as massive as several billion solar masses already exist at redshift z=6. These earliest SMBHs may grow by the combination of radiation-pressure-limited accretion and mergers of stellar-mass seed BHs, left behind by the first generation of metal-free stars, or may be formed by more rapid direct collapse of gas in rare special environments where dense gas can accumulate without first fragmenting into stars. This chapter offers a review of these two competing scenarios, as well as some more exotic alternative ideas. It also briefly discusses how the different models may be distinguished in the future by observations with JWST, (e)LISA and other instruments.
Models of axion inflation are particularly interesting since they provide a natural justification for the flatness of the potential over a super-Planckian distance, namely the approximate shift-symmetry of the inflaton. In addition, most of the observational consequences are directly related to this symmetry and hence are correlated. Large tensor modes can be accompanied by the observable effects of a the shift-symmetric coupling $\phi F\tilde F$ to a gauge field. During inflation this coupling leads to a copious production of gauge quanta and consequently a very distinct modification of the primordial curvature perturbations. In this work we compare these predictions with observations. We find that the leading constraint on the model comes from the CMB power spectrum when considering both WMAP 7-year and ACT data. The bispectrum generated by the non-Gaussian inverse-decay of the gauge field leads to a comparable but slightly weaker constraint. There is also a constraint from mu-distortion using TRIS plus COBE/FIRAS data, but it is much weaker. Finally we comment on a generalization of the model to massive gauge fields. When the mass is generated by some light Higgs field, observably large local non-Gaussianity can be produced.
The radial velocity method for detecting extra-solar planets relies on measuring the star's wobble around the system's center of mass. Since this is an indirect method, we may ask if there are other dynamical effects that can mimic such wobble. In recent articles\cite{1,2,3}, we modeled the effect of a nearby binary system on a star's radial velocity. We showed that, if we are unaware of this nearby binary, for instance because one component is unresolved or both components are faint stars, the binary's effect may mimic a planet. Here, we review this work, explaining in which circumstances the binary's effect may mimic a planet and we discuss what can be done in practice in order to distinguish between these two scenarios (planet or nearby binary).
This presentation focuses on a recently discovered super-Li rich turnoff star in the old, metal poor globular cluster NGC 6397 (Koch et al. 2011, ApJL, 738, L29). Its unusually high NLTE lithium abundance of A(7Li) = 4.21, the highest Li enhancement found in a Galactic GC dwarf star to date, has defied any unambiguous explanation through canonical enrichment channels. Spectra of the star show no convincing evidence for binarity, and measured line strengths and chemical element abundance ratios are fully compatible with other turnoff stars in this GC, seemingly ruling out mass transfer from an AGB companion as origin of the high A(Li). A possible cause is an interaction with a red giant that has undergone cool bottom processing.
We examine the star-forming history (SFH) of the M31 disk during the past few hundred Myr. The luminosity functions (LFs) of main sequence stars at distances R_GC > 21 kpc (i.e. > 4 disk scale lengths) are matched by models that assume a constant star formation rate (SFR). However, at smaller R_GC the LFs suggest that during the past ~10 Myr the SFR was 2 - 3 times higher than during the preceding ~100 Myr. The rings of cool gas that harbor a significant fraction of the current star-forming activity are traced by stars with ages ~100 Myr, indicating that (1) these structures have ages of at least 100 Myr, and (2) stars in these structures do not follow the same relation between age and random velocity as their counterparts throughout the disks of other spiral galaxies, probably due to the inherently narrow orbital angular momentum distribution of the giant molecular clouds in these structures. The distribution of evolved red stars is not azimuthally symmetric, in the sense that their projected density along the north east segment of the major axis is roughly twice that on the opposite side of the galaxy. The north east arm of the major axis thus appears to be a fossil star-forming area that dates to intermediate epochs. Such a structure may be the consequence of interactions with a companion galaxy.
By selecting astrometric and photometric data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the L{\'e}pine & Shara Proper Motion North Catalog (LSPM-North), the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), and the USNO-B1.0 catalog, we use a succession of methods to isolate white dwarf candidates for follow-up spectroscopy. Our methods include: reduced proper motion diagram cuts, color cuts, and atmospheric model adherence. We present spectroscopy of 26 white dwarfs obtained from the CTIO 4m and APO 3.5m telescopes. Additionally, we confirm 28 white dwarfs with spectra available in the SDSS DR7 database but unpublished elsewhere, presenting a total of 54 WDs. We label one of these as a recovered WD while the remaining 53 are new discoveries. We determine physical parameters and estimate distances based on atmospheric model analyses. Three new white dwarfs are modeled to lie within 25 pc. Two additional white dwarfs are confirmed to be metal-polluted (DAZ). Follow-up time series photometry confirms another object to be a pulsating ZZ Ceti white dwarf.
The quark gluon plasma (QGP) at zero temperature and high baryon number is a system that may be present inside compact stars. It is quite possible that this cold QGP shares some relevant features with the hot QGP observed in heavy ion collisions, being also a strongly interacting system. In a previous work we have derived from the QCD Lagrangian an equation of state (EOS) for the cold QGP, which can be considered an improved version of the MIT bag model EOS. Compared to the latter, our equation of state reaches higher values of the pressure at comparable baryon densities. This feature is due to perturbative corrections and also to non-perturbative effects. Here we apply this EOS to the study of neutron stars, discussing the absolute stability of quark matter and computing the mass-radius relation for self-bound (strange) stars. The maximum masses of the sequences exceed two solar masses, in agreement with the recently measured values of the mass of the pulsar PSR J1614-2230, and the corresponding radii around 10-11 km.
The secondary-to-primary B/C ratio is widely used to study the cosmic ray (CR) propagation processes in the Galaxy. It is usually assumed that secondary nuclei such as Li-Be-B are entirely generated by collisions of heavier CR nuclei with the interstellar medium (ISM). We study the CR propagation under a scenario where secondary nuclei can also be produced or accelerated from galactic sources. We consider the processes of hadronic interactions inside supernova remnants (SNRs) and re-acceleration of background CRs in strong shocks. Thus, we investigate their impact in the propagation parameter determination within present and future data. The spectra of Li-Be-B nuclei emitted from SNRs are harder than those due to CR collisions with the ISM. The secondary-to-primary ratios flatten significantly at \simTeV/n energies, both from spallation and re-acceleration in the sources. The two mechanisms are complementary to each other and depend on the properties of the local ISM around the expanding remnants. The secondary production in SNRs is significant for dense background media, n\sim1 cm^-3, while the amount of re-accelerated CRs is relevant for SNRs expanding into rarefied media, n\sim0.1 cm-3. Due to these effects, the the diffusion parameter 'delta' may be misunderstood by a factor of ~5-15%. Our estimations indicate that an experiment of the AMS-02 caliber can constrain the key propagation parameters while breaking the source-transport degeneracy, for a wide class of B/C-consistent models. Given the precision of the data expected from on-going experiments, the SNR production/acceleration of secondary nuclei should be considered, if any, to prevent a possible mis-determination of the CR transport parameters.
The broad (FWHM ~ 10,000 km/s) double-peaked H{\alpha} profile from the LINER/Seyfert 1 nucleus of NGC 1097 was discovered in 1991, and monitored for the following 11 years. The profile showed variations attributed to the rotation of gas in a non-axisymmetric Keplerian accretion disk, ionized by a varying radiatively inefficient accretion flow (RIAF) located in the inner parts of the disk. We present and model 11 new spectroscopic observations of the double-peaked profile taken between 2010 March and 2011 March. This series of observations was motivated by the finding that in 2010 March the flux in the double-peaked line was again strong, becoming, in 2010 December, even stronger than in the observations of a decade ago. We also discovered shorter timescale variations than in the previous observations: (1) the first, of ~7 days, is interpreted as due to "reverberation" of the variation of the ionizing source luminosity, and the timescale of 7 days as the light crossing time between the source and the accretion disk; this new timescale and its interpretation provides a distance between the emitting gas and the supermassive black hole and as such introduces a new constraint on its mass; (2) the second, of approximately 5 months, was attributed to the rotation of a spiral arm in the disk, which was found to occur on the dynamical timescale. We use two accretion disk models to fit theoretical profiles to the new data, both having non-axisymmetric emissivities produced by the presence of an one-armed spiral. Our modeling constrains the rotation period for the spiral to be approximately 18 months. This work supports our previous conclusion that the broad double-peaked Balmer emission lines in NGC 1097, and probably also in other low-luminosity active nuclei, originate from an accretion disk ionized by a central RIAF.
Coalescing supermassive black hole binaries are produced by the mergers of galaxies and are the most powerful sources of gravitational waves accessible to space-based gravitational observatories. Some such mergers may occur in the presence of matter and magnetic fields and hence generate an electromagnetic counterpart. In this paper we present the first general relativistic simulations of magnetized plasma around merging supermassive black holes using the general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic code Whisky. By considering different magnetic field strengths, going from non-magnetically dominated to magnetically dominated regimes, we explore how magnetic fields affect the dynamics of the plasma and the possible emission of electromagnetic signals. In particular we observe a total amplification of the magnetic field of ~2 orders of magnitude which is driven by the accretion onto the binary and that leads to much stronger electromagnetic signals, more than a factor of 10^4 larger than comparable calculations done in the force-free regime where such amplifications are not possible.
Observations of light isotopes in cosmic rays provide information on their origin and propagation in the Galaxy. Using the data collected by AMS-01 in the STS- 91 space mission, we compare the measurements on 1H, 2H, 3He and 4He with calculations for interstellar propagation and solar modulation. These data are described well by a diffusive-reacceleration model with parameters that match the B/C ratio data. Close comparisons are made within the astrophysical con- straints provided by the B/C data and within the nuclear uncertainties arising from the production cross sections. Astrophysical uncertainties are expected to be dramatically reduced by future data, but nuclear uncertainties may rep- resent a serious limitation of the model predictions. A diagnostic test for the reliability of the models is given by ratios such as 2H/3He, 6Li/7Li or 10B/11B.
We have discovered a class of eccentric binary systems within the Kepler data archive that have dynamic tidal distortions and tidally-induced pulsations. Each has a uniquely shaped light curve that is characterized by periodic brightening or variability at time scales of 4-20 days, frequently accompanied by shorter period oscillations. We can explain the dominant features of the entire class with orbitally-varying tidal forces that occur in close, eccentric binary systems. The large variety of light curve shapes arises from viewing systems at different angles. This hypothesis is supported by spectroscopic radial velocity measurements for five systems, each showing evidence of being in an eccentric binary system. Prior to the discovery of these 17 new systems, only four stars, where KOI-54 is the best example, were known to have evidence of these dynamic tides and tidally-induced oscillations. We perform preliminary fits to the light curves and radial velocity data, present the overall properties of this class and discuss the work required to accurately model these systems.
We present new age and mass estimates for 920 stellar clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) based on previously published broad-band photometry and the stellar cluster analysis package, MASSCLEANage. Expressed in the generic fitting formula, d^{2}N/dM dt ~ M^{\alpha} t^{\beta}, the distribution of observed clusters is described by \alpha = -1.5 to -1.6 and \beta = -2.1 to -2.2. For 288 of these clusters, ages have recently been determined based on stellar photometric color-magnitude diagrams, allowing us to gauge the confidence of our ages. The results look very promising, opening up the possibility that this sample of 920 clusters, with reliable and consistent age, mass and photometric measures, might be used to constrain important characteristics about the stellar cluster population in the LMC. We also investigate a traditional age determination method that uses a \chi^2 minimization routine to fit observed cluster colors to standard infinite mass limit simple stellar population models. This reveals serious defects in the derived cluster age distribution using this method. The traditional \chi^2 minimization method, due to the variation of U,B,V,R colors, will always produce an overdensity of younger and older clusters, with an underdensity of clusters in the log(age/yr)=[7.0,7.5] range. Finally, we present a unique simulation aimed at illustrating and constraining the fading limit in observed cluster distributions that includes the complex effects of stochastic variations in the observed properties of stellar clusters.
We describe a model for the long term evolution of a circumplanetary disk that is fed mass from a circumstellar disk and contains regions of low turbulence (dead zones). We show that such disks can be subject to accretion driven outbursts, analogous to outbursts previously modeled in the context of circumstellar disks to explain FU Ori phenomena. Circumplanetary disks around a proto-Jupiter can undergo outbursts for infall accretion rates onto the disks in the range ~10^{-9} to 10^{-7} M_sun/yr, typical of accretion rates in the T Tauri phase. During outbursts, the accretion rate and disk luminosity increases by several orders of magnitude. Most of the planet mass growth during planetary gas accretion may occur via disk outbursts involving gas that is considerably hotter than predicted by steady state models. For low infall accretion rates less than ~10^{-10} M_sun/yr that occur in late stages of disk accretion, disk outbursts are unlikely to occur, even if dead zones are present. Such conditions are favorable for the formation of icy satellites.
We investigate the gas density, temperature and pressure profiles in a dark matter halo under the influence of the chameleon modified gravity. Utilizing an analytic approximate solution for the chameleon field equation with the source term with the Navarro-Frenk-White universal density profile, we solve the hydrostatic equilibrium equation for the gas coupled with the scalar field. We find that the gas distribution becomes compact because larger pressure gradient is necessary due to the additional chameleon force. The characteristic radius of the gas distribution is determined by the configuration of the chameleon field. For a smaller mass halo, the gas distribution could be much smaller than the virial radius, which put a constraint on the chameleon field configuration. We also discuss about an application of our results to an f(R) modified gravity model, which may put a tight constraint on the model parameter of |f_{R0}|\simlt 10^{-5}.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which dynamically connect the solar surface to the far reaches of interplanetary space, represent a major anifestation of solar activity. They are not only of principal interest but also play a pivotal role in the context of space weather predictions. The steady improvement of both numerical methods and computational resources during recent years has allowed for the creation of increasingly realistic models of interplanetary CMEs (ICMEs), which can now be compared to high-quality observational data from various space-bound missions. This review discusses existing models of CMEs, characterizing them by scientific aim and scope, CME initiation method, and physical effects included, thereby stressing the importance of fully 3-D ('4pi') spatial coverage.
With the aim of providing new and up-to-date absolute parameters of some close binary systems, new BVR CCD photometry was carried out at the Ankara University Observatory (AUG) for five eclipsing binaries, ET Boo, V1123 Tau, V1191 Cyg, V1073 Cyg and V357 Peg between April, 2007 and October, 2008. In this paper, we present the orbital solutions for these systems obtained by simultaneous light and radial velocity curve analyses. Extensive orbital solution and absolute parameters for ET Boo system were given for the first time through this study. According to the analyses, ET Boo is a detached binary while the parameters of four remaining systems are consistent with the nature of contact binaries. The evolutionary status of the components of these systems are also discussed by referring to their absolute parameters found in this study.
Several recent advances in turbulent dynamo theory are reviewed. High resolution simulations of small-scale and large-scale dynamo action in periodic domains are compared with each other and contrasted with similar results at low magnetic Prandtl numbers. It is argued that all the different cases show similarities at intermediate length scales. On the other hand, in the presence of helicity of the turbulence, power develops on large scales, which is not present in non-helical small-scale turbulent dynamos. At small length scales, differences occur in connection with the dissipation cutoff scales associated with the respective value of the magnetic Prandtl number. These differences are found to be independent of whether or not there is large-scale dynamo action. However, large-scale dynamos in homogeneous systems are shown to suffer from resistive slow-down even at intermediate length scales. The results from simulations are connected to mean field theory and its applications. Recent work on helicity fluxes to alleviate large-scale dynamo quenching, shear dynamos, nonlocal effects and magnetic structures from strong density stratification are highlighted. Several insights which arise from analytic considerations of small-scale dynamos are discussed.
We propose a robust principal component analysis (PCA) framework for the exploitation of multi-band photometric measurements in large surveys. Period search results are improved using the time series of the first principal component due to its optimized signal-to-noise ratio.The presence of correlated excess variations in the multivariate time series enables the detection of weaker variability. Furthermore, the direction of the largest variance differs for certain types of variable stars. This can be used as an efficient attribute for classification. The application of the method to a subsample of Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82 data yielded 132 high-amplitude Delta Scuti variables. We found also 129 new RR Lyrae variables, complementary to the catalogue of Sesar et al., 2010, extending the halo area mapped by Stripe 82 RR Lyrae stars towards the Galactic bulge. The sample comprises also 25 multiperiodic or Blazhko RR Lyrae stars.
Galactic Archeology is a powerful tool for investigating the formation and evolution of the Milky Way. We use this technique to study kinematic groups of F- and G-stars in the solar neighbourhood. From correlations between orbital parameters, three new coherent groups of stars were recently identified and suggested to correspond to remnants of disrupted satellites. We determine detailed elemental abundances in stars belonging to one of these groups and compare their chemical composition with Galactic disc stars. The aim is to look for possible chemical signatures that might give information about the history of this kinematic group of stars. High-resolution spectra were obtained with the FIES spectrograph at the Nordic Optical Telescope, La Palma, and analysed with a differential model atmosphere method. Comparison stars were observed and analysed with the same method. The average value of [Fe/H] for the 20 stars investigated in this study is -0.69 +- 0.05 dex. Elemental abundances of oxygen and alpha-elements are overabundant in comparison with Galactic thin-disc dwarfs and thin-disc chemical evolution models. This abundance pattern has similar characteristics as the Galactic thick-disc. The homogeneous chemical composition together with the kinematic properties and ages of stars in the investigated Group 3 of the Geneva-Copenhagen survey provides evidence of their common origin and possible relation to an ancient merging event. The similar chemical composition of stars in the investigated group and the thick-disc stars might suggest that their formation histories are linked.
The weak gravitational lensing distortion of distant galaxy images ("sources") probes the projected large-scale matter distribution in the Universe. The availability of redshift information in galaxy surveys also allows us to recover the radial matter distribution to a certain degree. To improve the S/N in the mass mapping, we combine the lensing information with the spatial clustering of a population of galaxies that trace the matter density with a known galaxy bias. We construct a minimum-variance estimator for the 3D matter density that incorporates the angular distribution of galaxy tracers, which are coarsely binned in redshift. Merely the second-order biasing of the tracers has to be known, which can in principle be self-consistently constrained in the data by lensing techniques. To study the new estimator, we generate a mock survey with galaxies that trace the matter density with a Gaussian linear stochastic bias. The filter smoothes and linearly mixes the individual lensing mass and tracer number density maps into a combined mass map. The weighting in the mixing depends on the S/N of the individual maps and the correlation, $R$, of the matter and galaxy density. We down-weigh the influence of the dominant tracer number density by rescaling the noise covariance in the filter. Even for a moderate mixing, the S/N in the mass map improves by a factor $\sim2$, most strongly for $z\gtrsim0.5$. Moreover, the systematic offset between a true and apparent mass peak distance in a lensing-only map is eliminated, even for weak correlations of $R\sim0.4$. The mixing, however, introduces a new noise component because of the stochasticity in the matter-tracer density relation. We give a prescription of the noise level and the average radial smoothing in the Gaussian regime. [Abridged]
Using multi-wavelength observations of Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SoHO)/Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI), Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) 171 \AA, and H$\alpha$ from Culgoora Solar Observatory at Narrabri, Australia, we present a unique observational signature of a propagating supersonic plasma blob before an M6.2 class solar flare in AR10808 on 9th September 2005. The blob was observed between 05:27 UT to 05:32 UT with almost a constant shape for the first 2-3 minutes, and thereafter it quickly vanished in the corona. The observed lower bound speed of the blob is estimated as $\sim$215 km s$^{-1}$ in its dynamical phase. The evidence of the blob with almost similar shape and velocity concurrent in H$\alpha$ and TRACE 171 \AA\ supports its formation by multi-temperature plasma. The energy release by a recurrent 3-D reconnection process via the separator dome below the magnetic null point, between the emerging flux and pre-existing field lines in the lower solar atmosphere, is found to be the driver of a radial velocity pulse outwards that accelerates this plasma blob in the solar atmosphere. In support of identification of the possible driver of the observed eruption, we solve the two-dimensional ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations numerically to simulate the observed supersonic plasma blob. The numerical modelling closely match the observed velocity, evolution of multi-temperature plasma, and quick vanishing of the blob found in the observations. Under typical coronal conditions, such blobs may also carry an energy flux of 7.0$\times10^{6}$ ergs cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ to re-balance the coronal losses above active regions.
We present the results of ionized gas turbulent motions study in several nearby dwarf galaxies using a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer with the 6-m telescope of the SAO RAS. Combining the `intensity-velocity dispersion' diagrams (I-sigma) with two-dimensional maps of radial velocity dispersion we found a number of common patterns pointing to the relation between the value of chaotic ionized gas motions and processes of current star formation. In five out of the seven analysed galaxies we identified expanding shells of ionized gas with diameters of 80-350 pc and kinematic ages of 1-4 Myr. We also demonstrate that the I-sigma diagrams may be useful for the search of supernova remnants, other small expanding shells or unique stars in nearby galaxies. As an example, a candidate luminous blue variable (LBV) was found in UGC 8508. We propose some additions to the interpretation, previously used by Munoz-Tunon et al. to explain the I-sigma diagrams for giant star formation regions. In the case of dwarf galaxies, a major part of the regions with high velocity dispersion belongs to the diffuse low surface brightness emission, surrounding the star forming regions. We attribute this to the presence of perturbed low density gas with high values of turbulent velocities around the giant HII regions.
We present a mechanism for the formation of the low frequency 1/f magnetic spectrum based on numerical solutions of a shell reduced-MHD model of the turbulent dynamics inside the sub-Alfv\'enic solar wind. We assign reasonably realistic profiles to the wind speed and the density along the radial direction, and a radial magnetic field. Alfv\'en waves of short periodicity (600 s) are injected at the base of the chromosphere, penetrate into the corona and are partially reflected, thus triggering a turbulent cascade. The cascade is strong for the reflected wave while it is weak for the outward propagating waves. Reflection at the transition region recycles the strong turbulent spectrum into the outward weak spectrum, which is advected beyond the Alfv\'enic critical point without substantial evolution. There, the magnetic field has a perpendicular power-law spectrum with slope close to the Kolmogorov -5/3. The parallel spectrum is inherited from the frequency spectrum of large (perpendicular) eddies. The shape is a double power-law with slopes of -1 and -2 at low and high frequencies respectively, the position of the break depending on the injected spectrum. We suggest that the double power-law spectrum measured by Helios at 0.3 AU, where the average magnetic field is not aligned with the radial (contrary to our assumptions) results from the combination of such different spectral slopes. At low frequency the parallel spectrum dominates with its characteristic 1/f shape, while at higher frequencies its steep spectral slope (-2) is masked by the more energetic perpendicular spectrum (slope -5/3).
We consider homogeneous abelian vector fields in an expanding universe. We find a mechanical analogy in which the system behaves as a particle moving in three dimensions under the action of a central potential. In the case of bounded and rapid evolution compared to the rate of expansion, we show by making use of the virial theorem that for arbitrary potential and polarization pattern, the average energy-momentum tensor is always diagonal and isotropic despite the intrinsic anisotropic evolution of the vector field. For simple power-law potentials of the form V=\lambda (A^\mu A_\mu)^n, the average equation of state is found to be w=(n-1)/(n+1). This implies that vector coherent oscillations could act as natural dark matter or dark energy candidates. Finally, we show that under very general conditions, the average energy-momentum tensor of a rapidly evolving bounded vector field in any background geometry is always isotropic and has the perfect fluid form for any locally inertial observer.
We report the first results of a long term program aiming to provide accurate independent estimates of the Hubble constant (H0) and the Dark Energy equation of state parameter (w) using the L(Hbeta)-velocity dispersion (sigma) distance estimator for Giant HII regions and HII galaxies. We have used VLT and Subaru high dispersion spectroscopic observations of a local sample of HII galaxies, identified in the SDSS DR7 catalogue in order to re-define and improve the L(Hbeta) - sigma distance indicator and to determine the Hubble constant. To this end we used as local calibration or 'anchor' of this correlation, giant HII regions in nearby galaxies which have accurate distance measurements determined via primary indicators. Using our best sample of 89 nearby HII galaxies and 23 Giant HII regions in 9 galaxies we obtain H0 = 73.9+- 2.7 (statistical)+- 2.9 (systematic) km s-1 Mpc-1, in excellent agreement with, and independently confirming, the most recent SNe Ia based results.
We report observations of quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) during the X2.2 flare of 2011 February 15, observed simultaneously in several wavebands. We focus on fluctuations on time scale 1-30 s and find different time lags between different wavebands. During the impulsive phase, the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) channels in the range 25-100 keV lead all the other channels. They are followed by the Nobeyama RadioPolarimeters at 9 and 17 GHz and the Extreme Ultra-Violet (EUV) channels of the Euv SpectroPhotometer (ESP) onboard the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO). The Zirconium and Aluminum filter channels of the Large Yield Radiometer (LYRA) onboard the Project for On-Board Autonomy (PROBA2) satellite and the SXR channel of ESP follow. The largest lags occur in observations from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES), where the channel at 1-8 {\AA} leads the 0.5-4 {\AA} channel by several seconds. The time lags between the first and last channels is up to 9 s. We identified at least two distinct time intervals during the flare impulsive phase, during which the QPPs were associated with two different sources in the Nobeyama RadioHeliograph at 17 GHz. The radio as well as the hard X-ray channels showed different lags during these two intervals. To our knowledge, this is the first time that time lags are reported between EUV and SXR fluctuations on these time scales. We discuss possible emission mechanisms and interpretations, including flare electron trapping.
In the last few years Cassini-VIMS, the Visible and Infared Mapping Spectrometer, returned to us a comprehensive view of the Saturn's icy satellites and rings. After having analyzed the satellites' spectral properties (Filacchione et al. (2007a)) and their distribution across the satellites' hemispheres (Filacchione et al. (2010)), we proceed in this paper to investigate the radial variability of icy satellites (principal and minor) and main rings average spectral properties. This analysis is done by using 2,264 disk-integrated observations of the satellites and a 12x700 pixels-wide rings radial mosaic acquired with a spatial resolution of about 125 km/pixel. The comparative analysis of these data allows us to retrieve the amount of both water ice and red contaminant materials distributed across Saturn's system and the typical surface regolith grain sizes. These measurements highlight very striking differences in the population here analyzed, which vary from the almost uncontaminated and water ice-rich surfaces of Enceladus and Calypso to the metal/organic-rich and red surfaces of Iapetus' leading hemisphere and Phoebe. Rings spectra appear more red than the icy satellites in the visible range but show more intense 1.5-2.0 micron band depths. The correlations among spectral slopes, band depths, visual albedo and phase permit us to cluster the saturnian population in different spectral classes which are detected not only among the principal satellites and rings but among co-orbital minor moons as well. Finally, we have applied Hapke's theory to retrieve the best spectral fits to Saturn's inner regular satellites using the same methodology applied previously for Rhea data discussed in Ciarniello et al. (2011).
We study the sub-AU-scale circumstellar environment of the Herbig Ae star HD144432 with near-infrared (NIR) VLTI/AMBER observations to investigate the structure of its inner dust disk. The interferometric observations were carried out with the AMBER instrument in the H and K band. We interpret the measured H- and K-band visibilities, the near- and mid-infrared visibilities from the literature, and the SED of HD144432 by using geometric ring models and ring-shaped temperature-gradient disk models with power-law temperature distributions. We derived a K-band ring-fit radius of 0.17 \pm 0.01 AU and an H-band radius of 0.18 \pm 0.01 AU (for a distance of 145 pc). This measured K-band radius of \sim0.17 AU lies in the range between the dust sublimation radius of \sim0.13 AU (predicted for a dust sublimation temperature of 1500 K and gray dust) and the prediction of models including backwarming (\sim0.27 AU). We found that an additional extended halo component is required in both the geometric and temperature-gradient modeling. In the best temperature- gradient model, the disk consists of two components. The inner part of the disk is a thin ring with an inner radius of \sim0.21 AU, a temperature of \sim1600 K, and a ring thickness \sim0.02 AU. The outer part extends from \sim1 AU to \sim10 AU with an inner temperature of \sim400 K. We find that the disk is nearly face-on with an inclination angle of < 28 degree. Our temperature-gradient modeling suggests that the NIR excess is dominated by emission from a narrow, bright rim located at the dust sublimation radius, while an extended halo component contributes \sim6% to the total flux at 2 {\mu}m. The MIR model emission has a two-component structure with \sim20% flux from the inner ring and the rest from the outer part. This two-component structure suggests a disk gap, which is possibly caused by the shadow of a puffed-up inner rim.
Using a representative sample of 65 intermediate mass galaxies at z \sim 0.6, we have inves- tigated the interplay between the main ingredients of chemical evolution: metal abundance, gas mass, stellar mass and SFR. All quantities have been estimated using deep spectroscopy and photometry from UV to IR and assuming an inversion of the Schmitt-Kennicutt law for the gas fraction. Six billion years ago, galaxies had a mean gas fraction of 32% \pm 3, i.e. twice that of their local counterparts. Using higher redshift samples from the literature, we explore the gas-phases and estimate the evolution of the mean gas fraction of distant galaxies over the last 11 Gy. The gas fraction increases linearly at the rate of 4% per Gyr from z \sim 0 to z \sim 2.2. We also demonstrate for a statistically representative sample that < 4% of the z \sim 0.6 galaxies are undergoing outflow events, in sharp contrast with z \sim 2.2 galaxies. The observed co-evolution of metals and gas over the past 6 Gyr favours a scenario in which the population of intermediate mass galaxies evolved as closed-systems, converting their own gas reservoirs into stars.
There is a widely held view in the astronomical community that unmanned robotic space vehicles are, and will always be, more efficient explorers of planetary surfaces than astronauts (e.g. Coates, 2001; Clements 2009; Rees 2011). Partly this is due to a common assumption that robotic exploration is cheaper than human exploration (although, as we shall see, this isn't necessarily true if like is compared with like), and partly from the expectation that continued developments in technology will relentlessly increase the capability, and reduce the size and cost, of robotic missions to the point that human exploration will not be able to compete. I will argue below that the experience of human exploration during the Apollo missions, more recent field analogue studies, and trends in robotic space exploration actually all point to exactly the opposite conclusion.
We study the self-calibration - the determination of a complex system response from science data alone - for precise photometric catalogs from wide-field imaging surveys. We create an artificial sky of sources and synthetically observe it under four basic survey strategies, creating an end-to-end simulation of an imaging survey for each. These catalog-level simulations include realistic measurement uncertainties and a complex focal-plane dependence of the instrument response. In the self-calibration step, we simultaneously fit for all the star fluxes and the parameters of a position-dependent flat-field. For realism, we deliberately fit with a wrong noise model and a flat-field functional basis that does not include the model that generated the synthetic data. We demonstrate that with a favorable survey strategy, a complex (but smooth) instrument response can be precisely self-calibrated. We show that returning the same sources to very different focal plane positions is the key property of any survey strategy designed for accurate retrospective calibration. The results of this work suggest the following advice for those considering the design of large-scale imaging surveys: Do not use a regular tiling of the sky; instead return the same sources to very different focal plane positions.
A region of roughly half of the Solar system scale around the star HD 100546 is largely cleared of gas and dust, in contrast to the outer disc extending to about 400 AU. However, some material is observed in the immediate vicinity of the star, called the inner disc. Studying the structure of the inner and the outer disc is a first step to establish the origin of the gap between them and possibly link it to presence of planets. We answer how the dust is distributed within and outside the gap, and constrain the disc geometry. We observe the disc with VLTI interferometer N-band instrument MIDI. At these wavelengths disc completely dominates over the stellar emission. With baseline lengths of 40m our long baseline observations (8.2m telescopes) are most sensitive to the inner few AU from the star, and we combine them with observations at shorter, 15m baselines (1.8m telescopes), to probe emission beyond the gap at up to 20AU from the star. We derive an upper limit of 0.7AU for the mid-infrared size of the inner disc, from our longest baseline data. The chromatic phases show that the N-band brightness of the inner disc is not point-symmetric. Our short baseline data place a bright symmetric ring of emission at 11AU. This is consistent with prior observations of the transition region between the gap and the outer disc, known as the disc wall. The ring inclination and position angles are constrained by our data to i=53+-8deg and PA=145+-5deg. These values are close to known estimates of the rim and disc geometry and suggest co-planarity. Micron-sized dust is distributed asymmetrically in the region from the dust sublimation radius to less than 0.7AU from HD100546 in observations from 2004 Jun to 2005 Dec. This small dusty disc is separated from the symmetric edge of the outer disc by a large, ~10AU wide gap cleared of micron-sized dust but possibly populated by planetesimals and/or planets.
Observations of distant type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), used as standard candles, support the notion that the Cosmos is filled with a mysterious form of energy, the dark energy. The constraints on cosmological parameters derived from data of SNe Ia and the measurements of the cosmic microwave background anisotropies indicate that the dark energy amounts to roughly 70% of all the energy contained in the Universe. In the hypothesis of a flat Universe, we investigate if the dark energy is really required in order to explain the SNe Ia experimental data, and, in this case, how much of such unknown energy is actually deduced from the analysis of these data and must be introduced in the LambdaCDM model of cosmology. In particular we are interested in verifying if the Einstein-de Sitter model of the expanding Universe is really to be ruled out. By using a fitting procedure based on the Newton method search for a minimum, we reanalyzed the "Union compilation" reported by Kowalski et al. (2008) formed by 307 SNe, obtaining a very different estimate of the dark energy, that is roughly 60%. Furthermore, in order to balance the correction of the apparent magnitude of SNe Ia, due to the dilation or stretching of the corresponding light curve width, we introduce a suitable modified redsfhit. Taking into account this correction, we refitted the Union compilation dataset after a selection cut. The main result that emerges from our analysis is that the values of Omega_m and Omega_Lambda strongly depend on the fitting procedure and the selected sample. In particular, the constraint we obtain on the mass density, normalized by the critical mass density, is Omega_m = 0.7 for a sample of 252, and Omega_m = 1 for a sample of 242 SNe Ia respectively. The latter case does not imply the existence of any additional form of dark energy.
We present a study of the orbits of the triple system LHS1070, with the aim
to determine individual masses of its components.
Sixteen new relative astrometric positions of the three components in the K
band were obtained with NACO at the VLT, Omega CASS at the 3.5m telescope on
Calar Alto, and other high-spatial-resolution instruments. We combine them with
data from the literature and fit orbit models to the dataset. We derive an
improved fit for the orbit of LHS1070B and C around each other, and an estimate
for the orbit of B and C around A.
The orbits are nearly coplanar, with a misalignment angle of less than
10{\deg}. The masses of the three components are M_A = 0.13 - 0.16 Msun, M_B =
0.077+/-0.005 Msun, and M_C = 0.071+/-0.004 Msun. Therefore, LHS1070C is
certainly, and LHS1070B probably a brown dwarf. Comparison with theoretical
isochrones shows that LHS1070A is either fainter or more massive than expected.
One possible explanation would be that it is a binary. However, the close
companion reported previously could not be confirmed.
We present a review of the interplay between the evolution of circumstellar disks and the formation of planets, both from the perspective of theoretical models and dedicated observations. Based on this, we identify and discuss fundamental questions concerning the formation and evolution of circumstellar disks and planets which can be addressed in the near future with optical and infrared long-baseline interferometers. Furthermore, the importance of complementary observations with long-baseline (sub)millimeter interferometers and high-sensitivity infrared observatories is outlined.
A serious concern for semi-analytical galaxy formation models, aiming to simulate multi-wavelength surveys and to thoroughly explore the model parameter space, is the extremely time consuming numerical solution of the radiative transfer of stellar radiation through dusty media. To overcome this problem, we have implemented an artificial neural network algorithm in the radiative transfer code GRASIL, in order to significantly speed up the computation of the infrared SED. The ANN we have implemented is of general use, in that its input neurons are defined as those quantities effectively determining the shape of the IR SED. Therefore, the training of the ANN can be performed with any model and then applied to other models. We made a blind test to check the algorithm, by applying a net trained with a standard chemical evolution model (i.e. CHE_EVO) to a mock catalogue extracted from the SAM MORGANA, and compared galaxy counts and evolution of the luminosity functions in several near-IR to sub-mm bands, and also the spectral differences for a large subset of randomly extracted models. The ANN is able to excellently approximate the full computation, but with a gain in CPU time by $\sim 2$ orders of magnitude. It is only advisable that the training covers reasonably well the range of values of the input neurons in the application. Indeed in the sub-mm at high redshift, a tiny fraction of models with some sensible input neurons out of the range of the trained net cause wrong answer by the ANN. These are extreme starbursting models with high optical depths, favorably selected by sub-mm observations, and difficult to predict a priori.
Molecular globules and pillars are spectacular features, found only in the interface region between a molecular cloud and an HII-region. Impacting Far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation creates photon dominated regions (PDRs) on their surfaces that can be traced by typical cooling lines. With the GREAT receiver onboard SOFIA we mapped and spectrally resolved the [CII] 158 micron atomic fine-structure line and the highly excited 12CO J=11-10 molecular line from three objects in Cygnus X (a pillar, a globule, and a strong IRAS source). We focus here on the globule and compare our data with existing Spitzer data and recent Herschel Open-Time PACS data. Extended [CII] emission and more compact CO-emission was found in the globule. We ascribe this emission mainly to an internal PDR, created by a possibly embedded star-cluster with at least one early B-star. However, external PDR emission caused by the excitation by the Cyg OB2 association cannot be fully excluded. The velocity-resolved [CII] emission traces the emission of PDR surfaces, possible rotation of the globule, and high-velocity outflowing gas. The globule shows a velocity shift of ~2 km/s with respect to the expanding HII-region, which can be understood as the residual turbulence of the molecular cloud from which the globule arose. This scenario is compatible with recent numerical simulations that emphazise the effect of turbulence. It is remarkable that an isolated globule shows these strong dynamical features traced by the [CII]-line, but it demands more observational studies to verify if there is indeed an embedded cluster of B-stars.
We analyze the photometric and spectroscopic variability of the classical T Tauri star V2129 Oph over several rotational cycles to test the dynamical predictions of magnetospheric accretion models. The photometric variability and the radial velocity variations in the photospheric lines can be explained by rotational modulation due to cold spots, while the radial velocity variations of the He I (5876 \AA) line and the veiling variability are due to hot spot rotational modulation. The hot and cold spots are located at high latitudes and about the same phase, but the hot spot is expected to sit at the chromospheric level, while the cold spot is at the photospheric level. Using the dipole+octupole magnetic-field configuration previously proposed in the literature for the system, we compute 3D MHD magnetospheric simulations of the star-disk system. We use the simulation's density, velocity and scaled temperature structures as input to a radiative transfer code, from which we calculate theoretical line profiles at all rotational phases. The theoretical profiles tend to be narrower than the observed ones, but the qualitative behavior and the observed rotational modulation of the H\alpha and H\beta emission lines are well reproduced by the theoretical profiles. The spectroscopic and photometric variability observed in V2129 Oph support the general predictions of complex magnetospheric accretion models with non-axisymmetric, multipolar fields.
The network of cosmological tests is tight enough now to show that the relativistic Big Bang cosmology is a good approximation to what happened as the universe expanded and cooled through light element production and evolved to the present. I explain why I reach this conclusion, comment on the varieties of philosophies informing searches for a still better cosmology, and offer an example for further study, the curious tendency of some classes of galaxies to behave as island universes.
Based on random matrix theory, we compute the likelihood of saddles and minima in a class of random potentials that are softly bounded from above and below, as required for the validity of low energy effective theories. Imposing this bound leads to a random mass matrix with non-zero mean of its entries. If the dimensionality of field-space is large, inflation is rare, taking place near a saddle point (if at all), since saddles are more likely than minima or maxima for common values of the potential. Due to the boundedness of the potential, the latter become more ubiquitous for rare low/large values respectively. Based on the observation of a positive cosmological constant, we conclude that the dimensionality of field-space after (and most likely during) inflation has to be low if no anthropic arguments are invoked, since the alternative, encountering a metastable deSitter vacuum by chance, is extremely unlikely.
We show that study of the atmospheric neutrinos in the 10--100 GeV energy range by DeepCore sub-array of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory can substantially constrain the mixing of sterile neutrinos of mass $\sim 1$ eV with active neutrinos. In the scheme with one sterile neutrino we calculate $\nu_\mu-$ and $\bar{\nu}_\mu-$ oscillation probabilities as well as zenith angle distributions of $\nu_\mu^{CC}$ events in different energy intervals in DeepCore. The distributions depend on the mass hierarchy of active neutrinos. Therefore, in principle, the hierarchy can be identified, if $\nu_s$ exists. After a few years of exposure the DeepCore data will allow to exclude the mixing $|U_{\mu 4}|^2 \geq 0.02$ indicated by the LSND/MiniBooNE results. Combination of the DeepCore and high energy IceCube data will further improve sensitivity to $\nu_s$ mixing parameters.
We consider a theory of gravity with a hidden extra-dimension and metric-dependent torsion. A set of physically motivated constraints are imposed on the geometry so that the torsion stays confined to the extra-dimension and the extra-dimension stays hidden at the level of four dimensional geodesic motion. At the kinematic level, the theory maps on to General Relativity, but the dynamical field equations that follow from the action principle deviate markedly from the standard Einstein equations. We study static spherically symmetric vacuum solutions and homogeneous-isotropic cosmological solutions that emerge from the field equations. In both cases, we find solutions of significant physical interest. Most notably, we find positive mass solutions with naked singularity that match the well known Schwarzschild solution at large distances but lack an event horizon. In the cosmological context, we find oscillatory scenario in contrast to the inevitable, singular big bang of the standard cosmology.
We study a Casimir-like behaviour in a "deformed QCD". We demonstrate that for the system defined on a manifold of size L the difference Delta E between the energies of a system in a non-trivial background and Minkowski space-time geometry exhibits the Casimir-like scaling Delta E \sim L^{-1}, despite the presence of a mass gap in the system, in contrast with naive expectation Delta E \sim \exp(-m L), which would normally originate from any physical massive propagating degrees of freedom consequent to conventional dispersion relations. The Casimir-like behaviour in our system comes instead from a non-dispersive ("contact") term which is not related to any physical propagating degrees of freedom, such that the naive argument is simply not applicable. These ideas can be explicitly tested in weakly coupled deformed QCD. We comment on profound consequences for cosmology of this effect if it persists in real strongly coupled QCD.
We investigate $f(R,T)$ gravity models ($R$ is the curvature scalar and $T$ is the trace of the stress-energy tensor of ordinary matter) that are able to reproduce the four known types of future finite-time singularities. We choose a suitable expression for the Hubble parameter in order to realise the cosmic acceleration and we introduce two parameters, $\alpha$ and $H_s$, which characterise each type of singularity. We address conformal anomaly and we observe that it cannot remove the sudden singularity or the type IV one, but, for some values of $\alpha$, the big rip and the type III singularity may be avoided. We also find that, even without taking into account conformal anomaly, the big rip and the type III singularity may be removed thanks to the presence of the $T$ contribution of the $f(R,T)$ theory.
Definitions of entropy usually assume time-reversal (T) invariance of interactions, yet microscopically T is known to be violated. We present a detailed computational example of (uncharged) particle species separation (Maxwell demon) using an interaction that violates both parity (P) and T so that PT is preserved, consistent with the CPT invariance required in quantum field theory (C is charge conjugation). This illustrates how T-violating forces can produce more organized states from disorganized ones, contrary to expectations based on increase of entropy. We also outline several scenarios in which T-violating forces could lead to an organized state in the early Universe, starting from a still earlier disorganized state.
A search for 5.5-MeV solar axions produced in the $p+d\rightarrow\rm{^3He}+A (5.5 \rm{MeV})$ reaction was performed using the Borexino detector. The Compton conversion of axions to photons, ${\rm A}+e\rightarrow e+\gamma$; the axio-electric effect, ${\rm A}+e+Z\rightarrow e+Z$; the decay of axions into two photons, ${\rm A}\rightarrow2\gamma$; and inverse Primakoff conversion on nuclei, ${\rm A}+Z\rightarrow\gamma+Z$, are considered. Model independent limits on axion-electron ($g_{Ae}$), axion-photon ($g_{A\gamma}$), and isovector axion-nucleon ($g_{3AN}$) couplings are obtained: $|g_{Ae}\times g_{3AN}| \leq 5.5\times 10^{-13}$ and $|g_{A\gamma}\times g_{3AN}| \leq 4.6\times 10^{-11} \rm{GeV}^{-1}$ at $m_A <$ 1 MeV (90% c.l.). These limits are 2-4 orders of magnitude stronger than those obtained in previous laboratory-based experiments using nuclear reactors and accelerators.
We argue that calculating vacuum energy requires quantum field theory whose axioms are adapted to curved spacetime. In this context, we suggest that non-zero vacuum energy is connected to dynamical breaking of electroweak symmetry. The observed meV scale can be understood in terms of electroweak physics via a naive estimate. The scenario requires all particle masses to have a dynamical origin. Any Higgs particle has to be a composite, and the origin of vacuum energy might be probed at the LHC.
It is shown under which conditions, at very high densities, such as those that may be found in the interior of a neutron star, a ferromagnetic phase transition could occur, induced by a four fermion interaction analogous to the one which is responsible for chiral symmetry breaking in the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model.
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With a goal of searching for accreting intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs), we report the results of ultra-deep Jansky VLA radio continuum observations of the cores of three Galactic globular clusters: M15, M19, and M22. We reach rms noise levels of 1.5-2.1 uJy/beam at an average frequency of 6 GHz. No sources are observed at the center of any of the clusters. For a conservative set of assumptions about the properties of the accretion, we set 3-sigma upper limits on IMBHs from 360-980 M_sun. These limits are among the most stringent obtained for any globular cluster. They add to a growing body of work that suggests either (a) IMBHs ~> 1000 M_sun are rare in globular clusters, or (b) when present, IMBHs accrete in an extraordinarily inefficient manner.
We present a high angular resolution millimeter-wave dust continuum imaging survey of circumstellar material associated with individual components of 23 multiple star systems in the Taurus-Auriga young cluster. Combined with previous measurements, these new data permit a comprehensive look at how millimeter luminosity (a tracer of disk mass) relates to the separation and mass of a stellar companion. Approximately one third (28-37%) of individual stars in multiples have detectable millimeter emission, a rate half that for single stars (~62%). There is a strong correlation between the luminosity and projected separation (a_p) of a stellar pair. Wide pairs (a_p > 300 AU) have a similar luminosity distribution as single stars, medium pairs (a_p ~ 30-300 AU) are a factor of 5 fainter, and close pairs (a_p < 30 AU) are ~ 5 times fainter yet (aside from a small population of bright circumbinary disks). In most cases, the emission is dominated by a disk around the primary (or a wide tertiary in triples), but there is no clear relationship between luminosity and stellar mass ratio. A direct comparison of resolved disk sizes with predictions from tidal truncation models yields mixed results; some disks are larger than expected given their companion separations. We suggest that the presence of a stellar companion impacts disk properties at a level comparable to the internal evolution mechanisms operating in isolated systems, with both the multiple star formation process itself and star-disk tidal interactions likely playing important roles in the evolution of disk material. From the perspective of the mass content of the disk, we expect that (giant) planet formation is inhibited around the components of close pairs or secondaries, but should be as likely as for single stars around the primaries (or wide tertiaries in hierarchical triples) in more widely-separated multiple star systems.
We investigate the origin and fate of the recently discovered gas cloud G2 close to the Galactic Center. Our hydrodynamical simulations focussing on the dynamical evolution of the cloud in combination with currently available observations favor two scenarios: a Compact Cloud which started around the year 1995 and an extended Spherical Shell of gas, with an apocenter distance within the disk(s) of young stars. The former is able to explain the detected signal of G2 in the position-velocity diagram of the Br gamma emission of the year 2008.5 and 2011.5 data. The latter can account for both, G2's signal as well as the fainter extended tail-like structure G2t seen at larger distances from the black hole and smaller velocities. In contrast, gas stripped from a compact cloud by hydrodynamical interactions is not able to explain the location of the detected G2t emission in the observed position-velocity diagrams. This might be a severe problem for the so-called Compact Source Scenario and favors the Spherical Shell Scenario. From these first idealized simulations we expect a roughly constant feeding of the supermassive black hole through a nozzle-like structure over a long period, starting shortly after the closest approach in 2013.51 for the Compact Cloud. If the matter accretes in the hot accretion mode, we do not expect a significant boost of the current activity of Sgr A* for the Compact Cloud model, but a boost of the average infrared and X-ray luminosity by roughly a factor of 80 for the Spherical Shell scenario with order of magnitude variations on a timescale of a few months. Assuming that a part of the gas is accreted in cold disk mode, even higher boost factors can be reached. The near-future evolution of the cloud will be a sensitive probe of the conditions of the gas distribution in the milli-parsec environment of the massive black hole in the Galactic Center.
We perform a detailed study of the bispectrum of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect. Using an analytical model for the pressure profiles of the intracluster medium, we demonstrate the SZ bispectrum to be a sensitive probe of the amplitude of the matter power spectrum parameter \sigma_8. We find that the bispectrum amplitude scales as $B_{\rm SZ} \propto \sigma_8^{11-12}$, compared to that of the power spectrum, which scales as $A_{\rm tSZ} \propto \sigma_8^{7-9}$. We show that the SZ bispectrum is principally sourced by massive clusters at redshifts around z \sim 0.4, which have been well-studied observationally. This is in contrast to the SZ power spectrum, which receives a significant contribution from less-well understood low-mass and high-redshift groups and clusters. Therefore, the amplitude of the bispectrum at l \sim 3000 is less sensitive to astrophysical uncertainties than the SZ power spectrum. We show that current high resolution CMB experiments should be able to detect the SZ bispectrum amplitude with high significance, in part due to the low contamination from extra-galactic foregrounds. A combination of the SZ bispectrum and the power spectrum can sharpen the measurements of thermal and kinetic SZ components and help distinguish cosmological and astrophysical information from high-resolution CMB maps.
We have obtained new velocity-resolved spectra of the [CII] 158 micron line towards the Ring Nebula in Lyra (NGC 6720), one of the best-studied planetary nebulae, in order to probe its controversial 3-dimensional structure and to estimate the mass of circumstellar material in this object. We used the Terahertz receiver GREAT aboard the SOFIA airborne telescope to obtain the [CII] spectra at eight locations within and outside the bright optical ring of NGC 6720. Emission was detected at all positions except for the most distant position along the nebula's minor axis, and generally covers a broad velocity range, ~50 km/s (FWZI), except at a position along the major axis located just outside the optical ring, where it is significantly narrower (~25 km/s). The one narrow spectrum appears to be probing circumstellar material lying outside the main nebular shell that has not been accelerated by past fast wind episodes from the central star, and therefore most likely comes from equatorial and/or low-latitude regions of this bipolar nebula. Along lines-of-sight passing within about 10 arcsec of the nebular center, the CII column density is a factor 46 higher than the CO column density. The total mass of gas associated with the [CII] emission inside a circular region of diameter 87.5 arcsec is at least 0.11 solar masses. A significant amount of [CII] flux arises from a photodissociation region immediately outside the bright optical ring, where we find a CII to CO ratio of 6.5, lower than that seen towards the central region. Comparing our data with lower-quality CI spectra, which indicate similarly large CI/CO ratios in NGC 6720, we conclude that the bulk of elemental carbon in NGC 6720 is divided roughly equally between CII and CI, and that the emissions from these species are far more robust tracers of circumstellar material than CO in this object and other evolved planetary nebulae.
A significant amount of data on the historical and current behaviour of variable stars is derived from visual estimates of brightness using a set of comparison stars. To make optimum use of this invaluable collection one must understand the characteristics of visual photometry, which are significantly different from those of electronic or photographic data. Here I show that the dispersion of estimates among observers is very consistent at between 0.2 and 0.3 magnitudes and, surprisingly, has no apparent dependence on the colour of comparison stars or on their spacing in brightness.
We report the detection, with a high level of confidence, of coherent outflows around voids found in the seventh data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS DR7). In particular, we developed a robust <|cos theta|> statistical test to quantify the strength of redshift-space distortions (RSD) associated with extended coherent velocity fields. We consistently find that the vector that joins void centers with galaxies that lie in shells around them is more likely to be perpendicular to the line-of-sight than parallel to it. This effect is clear evidence for the existence of outflows in the vicinity of voids. We show that the RSD exist for a wide range of void radius and shell thickness, but they are more evident in the largest voids in our sample. For instance, we find that the <|cos theta|> for galaxies located in shells within 2 h^-1 Mpc from the edge of voids larger than 15 h^-1 Mpc deviates 3.81sigma from uniformity. The measurements presented in this work provide useful information to constrain cosmological parameters, in particular Omega_m and Sigma_8.
We measure the small-scale (comoving separation 10 kpc/h < r_p < 200 kpc/h) two-point correlation function of quasars using a sample of 26 spectroscopically confirmed binary quasars at 0.6<z<2.2 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Quasar Lens Search (SQLS). Thanks to careful candidate selections and extensive follow-up observations of the SQLS, which is aimed at constructing a complete quasar lens sample, our sample of binary quasars is also expected to be nearly complete within a specified range of angular separations and redshifts. The measured small-scale correlation function rises steeply toward smaller scales, which is consistent with earlier studies based on incomplete or smaller binary quasar samples. We find that the quasar correlation function can be fitted by a power-law reasonably well over 4 order of magnitudes, with the best-fit slope of xi(r)\propto r^{-1.92}. We interpret the measured correlation function within the framework of the Halo Occupation Distribution (HOD). We propose a simple model which assumes a constant fraction of quasars that appear as satellites in dark matter haloes, and find that measured small-scale clustering signals constrain the satellite fraction to f_sat=0.054_{-0.016}^{+0.017} for a singular isothermal sphere number density profile of satellites. We note that the HOD modelling appears to underpredict clustering signals at the smallest separations of r_p ~ 10 kpc/h unless we assume very steep number density profiles (such as an NFW profile with the concentration parameter c_vir > 30), which may be suggestive of enhanced quasar activities by direct interactions.
We develop an analytic halo model for the distribution of dust around galaxies. The model results are compared with the observed surface dust density profile measured through reddening of background quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) reported by Menard et al.(2010). We assume that the dust distribution around a galaxy is described by a simple power law, similarly to the mass distribution, but with a sharp cut-off at $\alpha R_{\rm vir}$ where $R_{\rm vir}$ is the galaxy's virial radius and $\alpha$ is a model parameter. Our model reproduces the observed dust distribution profile very well over a wide range of radial distance of $10 - 10^{4} h^{-1}$kpc. For the characteristic galaxy halo mass of $2\times 10^{12} h^{-1}M_{\odot}$ estimated for the SDSS galaxies, the best fit model is obtained if $\alpha$ is greater than unity, which suggests that dust is distributed to over a few hundred kilo-parsecs from the galaxies. The observed large-scale dust distribution profile is reproduced if we assume the total amount of dust is equal to that estimated from the integrated stellar evolution over the cosmic time.
We analyze data from Hinode spacecraft taken over two 54-minute periods during the emergence of AR 11024. We focus on small-scale portions within the observed solar active region and discover the appearance of very distinctive small-scale and short-lived dark features in Ca II H chromospheric filtergrams and Stokes I images. The features appear in regions with close-to-zero longitudinal magnetic field, and are observed to increase in length before they eventually disappear. Energy release in the low chromospheric line is detected while the dark features are fading. In time series of magnetograms a diverging bipolar configuration is observed accompanying the appearance of the dark features and the brightenings. The observed phenomena are explained as evidencing elementary flux emergence in the solar atmosphere, i.e small-scale arch filament systems rising up from the photosphere to the lower chromosphere with a length scale of a few solar granules. Brightenings are explained as being the signatures of chromospheric heating triggered by reconnection of the rising loops (once they reached chromospheric heights) with pre-existing magnetic fields as well as to reconnection/cancellation events in U-loop segments of emerging serpentine fields. We study the temporal evolution and dynamics of the events and compare them with the emergence of magnetic loops detected in quiet sun regions and serpentine flux emergence signatures in active regions. Incorporating the novel features of granular-scale flux emergence presented in this study we advance the scenario for serpentine flux emergence.
Ulysses investigated the high latitude Jovian magnetosphere for a second time after Pioneer 11 mission and gave us the opportunity to search the structure and the dynamics of this giant magnetosphere above the magnetodisc. Kivelson(1976) and Kennel & Coroniti(1979) reported that Pioneer 11 observed energetic particle intensities at high latitudes at the same level with those measured in the plasma sheet and inferred that they were not consistent with the magnetodisc model. Ulysses observations supported the idea about a large-scale layer of energetic ions and electrons in the outer high latitude Jovian magnetosphere (Cowley et al.1996; Anagnostopoulos et al. 2001). This study perform a number of further tests for the existence of the large scale layer of energetic ions in the outer high latitude Jovian magnetosphere by studying appropriate cross-B field anisotropies in order to monitor the ion northward/southward intensity gradients. In particular, we examined Ulysses/HI-SCALE observations of energetic ions with large gyro-radius (0.5-1.6MeV protons and >2.5MeV heavy(Z>5) ions) in order to compare instant intensity changes with remote sensing intensity gradients. Our analysis confirms the existence of an energetic particle layer in the north hemisphere, during the inbound trajectory of Ulysses traveling at moderate latitudes, and in the south high-latitude duskside magnetosphere, during the outbound segment of the spacecraft trajectory. Our Ulysses/HI-SCALE data analysis also provides evidence for the detection of an energetic proton magnetopause boundary layer during the outbound trajectory of the spacecraft. During Ulysses flyby of Jupiter the almost permanent appearance of alternative northward and southward intensity gradients suggests that the high latitude layer appeared to be a third major area of energetic particles, which coexisted with the radiation belts and the magnetodisc.
We report on the long term X-ray monitoring with Swift, RXTE, Suzaku and XMM-Newton of the outburst of the recently discovered magnetar Swift J1822.3-1606 (SGR 1822-1606), from the first observations soon after the detection of the short X-ray bursts which led to its discovery, through the first stages of its outburst decay (covering the time-span from July 2011, until end of February 2012). We also report on archival ROSAT observations which witnessed the source during its likely quiescent state, and on Swift J1822.3-1606's upper limits on radio-pulsed and optical emission during outburst, with the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) and the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), respectively. Our X-ray timing analysis finds the source rotating with a period of P=8.43772013(2)s and a period derivative \dot{P}=9.1(4)x10^{-14} s/s, which entails an inferred dipolar surface magnetic field of B=2.8x10^{13} G at the equator. This measurement makes Swift J1822.3-1606 the second magnetar with a dipolar magnetic field lower than the electron critical field (after SGR 0418+5729; Rea et al. 2010). Following the flux and spectral evolution from the beginning of the outburst until now, we find that the flux decreased by about an order of magnitude, with a subtle softening of the spectrum, both typical of the outburst decay of magnetars. By modeling the secular thermal evolution of Swift J1822.3-1606, we find that the observed timing properties of the source, as well as its quiescent X-ray luminosity, can be reproduced if it was born with a poloidal and toroidal surface fields of B_{p} ~ 2x10^{14} G and B_{tor}~10^{16} G, respectively, and if its current age is ~0.5 Myr.
The 18-cm radio lines of the OH radical were observed in comet 103P/Hartley 2 with the Nan\c{c}ay radio telescope in support to its flyby by the EPOXI mission and to observations with the Herschel Space Observatory. The OH lines were detected from 24 September to 15 December 2010. These observations are used to estimate the gas expansion velocity within the coma to 0.83 \pm 0.08 km/s in October 2010. The water production increased steeply but progressively before perihelion, and reached 1.9 \pm 0.3 X 10E28 s-1 just before the EPOXI flyby.
The BD+40\degree4124 region was observed with high angular and spectral resolution with the German heterodyne instrument GREAT in CO J = 13 \rightarrow 12 and [CII] on SOFIA. These observations show that the [CII] emission is very strong in the reflection nebula surrounding the young Herbig Ae/Be star BD+40\degree4124. A strip map over the nebula shows that the [CII] emission approximately coincides with the optical nebulosity. The strongest [CII] emission is centered on the B2 star and a deep spectrum shows that it has faint wings, which suggests that the ionized gas is expanding. We also see faint CO J = 13 \rightarrow 12 at the position of BD+40\degree4124, which suggests that the star may still be surrounded by an accretion disk.We also detected [CII] emission and strong CO J = 13 \rightarrow 12 toward V1318 Cyg. Here the [CII] emission is fainter than in BD+40\degree4124 and appears to come from the outflow, since it shows red and blue wings with very little emission at the systemic velocity, where the CO emission is quite strong. It therefore appears that in the broad ISO beam the [CII] emission was dominated by the reflection nebula surrounding BD+40\degree4124, while the high J CO lines originated from the adjacent younger and more deeply embedded binary system V1318 Cyg.
We propose a model where a supernova explodes in some vicinity of our solar system (some tens of parsecs) in the recent past (some tens of thousands years) with the energy release in cosmic rays of order of $ 10 ^ {51} $ erg. The flux from this supernova is added to an isotropic flux from other sources. We consider the case where the Sun's location is not in some typical for Our Galaxy average environment, but in the Local Superbubble about 100 pc across, in which the diffusion coefficient $D (E) = D_0 \times E ^ {0.6} $, with the value of $ D_0 \sim 10 ^ {25} cm^ 2 s^ {-1} $. We describe the energy dependence of the anisotropy of cosmic rays in the TeV region, together with the observed features of the energy spectrum of protons found in direct measurements. Our model provides a natural explanation to the hardening of the proton spectrum at 200 GeV, together with the observed steepening of the spectrum above 50 TeV.
Ultracompact (UC) HII regions constitute one of the earliest phases in the
formation of a massive star and are characterized by extreme physical
conditions (Go>10^5 Habing field and n>10^6 cm^-3). The UC HII Mon R2 is the
closest one and therefore an excellent target to study the chemistry in these
complex regions.
We carried out a 3mm and 1mm spectral survey using the IRAM 30-m telescope
towards three positions that represent different physical environments in Mon
R2: (i) the ionization front (IF) at (0",0"); two peaks in the molecular cloud
(ii) MP1 at the offset (+15",-15") and (iii) MP2 at the farther offset
(0",40"). In addition, we carried out extensive modeling to explain the
chemical differences between the three observed regions.
We detected more than thirty different species. We detected SO+ and C4H
suggesting that UV radiation plays an important role in the molecular chemistry
of this region. We detected the typical PDR molecules CN, HCN, HCO, C2H, and
c-C3H2. While the IF and the MP1 have a chemistry similar to that found in high
UV field and dense PDRs like the Orion Bar, the MP2 is more similar to lower
UV/density PDRs like the Horsehead nebula.
We also detected complex molecules that are not usually found in PDRs (CH3CN,
H2CO, HC3N, CH3OH and CH3C2H). Sulfur compounds CS, HCS+, C2S, H2CS, SO and SO2
and the deuterated species DCN and C2D were also identified. [DCN]/[HCN]=0.03
and [C2D]/[C2H]=0.05, are among the highest in warm regions.
Our results show that the high UV/dense PDRs present a different chemistry
from that of the low UV case. Abundance ratios like [CO+]/[HCO+] or
[HCO]/[HCO+] are good diagnostics to differentiate between them. In Mon R2 we
have the two classes of PDRs, a high UV PDR towards the IF and the adjacent
molecular bar and a low-UV PDR which extends towards the north-west following
the border of the cloud.
Circumbinary discs are commonly observed around post-asymptotic giant branch (AGB) systems and are known to play an important role in their evolution. Several studies have pointed out that a circumbinary disc interacts through resonances with the central binary and leads to angular momentum transfer from the central binary orbit to the disc. This interaction may be responsible for a substantial increase in the binary eccentricity. We investigate whether this disc eccentricity-pumping mechanism can be responsible for the high eccentricities commonly found in post-AGB binary systems.
For many years feedback processes generated by OB-stars in molecular clouds, including expanding ionization fronts, stellar winds, or UV-radiation, have been proposed to trigger subsequent star formation. However, hydrodynamic models including radiation and gravity show that UV-illumination has little or no impact on the global dynamical evolution of the cloud. The Rosette molecular cloud, irradiated by the NGC2244 cluster, is a template region for triggered star-formation, and we investigated its spatial and density structure by applying a curvelet analysis, a filament-tracing algorithm (DisPerSE), and probability density functions (PDFs) on Herschel column density maps, obtained within the HOBYS key program. The analysis reveals not only the filamentary structure of the cloud but also that all known infrared clusters except one lie at junctions of filaments, as predicted by turbulence simulations. The PDFs of sub-regions in the cloud show systematic differences. The two UV-exposed regions have a double-peaked PDF we interprete as caused by shock compression. The deviations of the PDF from the log-normal shape typically associated with low- and high-mass star-forming regions at Av~3-4m and 8-10m, respectively, are found here within the very same cloud. This shows that there is no fundamental difference in the density structure of low- and high-mass star-forming regions. We conclude that star-formation in Rosette - and probably in high-mass star-forming clouds in general - is not globally triggered by the impact of UV-radiation. Moreover, star formation takes place in filaments that arose from the primordial turbulent structure built up during the formation of the cloud. Clusters form at filament mergers, but star formation can be locally induced in the direct interaction zone between an expanding HII--region and the molecular cloud.
In this paper we present new and archive radio measurements obtained with the Very Large Array of the magnetic chemically peculiar (MCP) star \sigma Ori E. The radio data have been obtained at different frequencies and are well distributed along the rotational phases. We analyze in detail the radio emission from \sigma Ori E with the aim to search evidence of circularly polarized radio pulses. Up to now, among the MCP stars only CU Virginis shows 100% polarized time-stable radio pulses, explained as highly directive electron cyclotron maser emission, visible from Earth at particular rotational phases, like a pulsar. Our analysis shows that there is no hint of coherent emission at frequencies below 15 GHz. We conclude that the presence of a quadrupolar component of the magnetic field, dominant within few stellar radii from the star, where the maser emission should be generated, inhibits the onset of the cyclotron maser instability in \sigma Ori E.
Collapse and fragmentation of uniform filamentary clouds under isotropic far-ultraviolet external radiation are investigated. Especially, impact of photodissociation of hydrogen molecules during collapse is investigated. Dynamical and thermal evolution of collapsing filamentary clouds are calculated by solving virial equation and energy equation with taking into accounts non-equilibrium chemical reactions. It is found that thermal evolution is hardly affected by the external radiation if the initial density is high ($n_0 > 10^2 \mathrm{cm^{-3}}$). On the other hand, if line mass of the filamentary cloud is moderate and initial density is low ($n_0 \le 10^2 \mathrm{cm^{-3}}$), thermal evolution of the filamentary cloud tends to be adiabatic owing to the effect of the external dissociation radiation. In this case, collapse of the filamentary cloud is suppressed and the filamentary cloud fragments into very massive clouds ($\sim 10^{4-5} M_\odot$) in the early stage of collapse. Analytic criterion for the filamentary clouds to fragment into such massive clouds is discussed. We also investigate collapse and fragmentation of the filamentary clouds with an improved model. This model can partly capture the effect of run-away collapse. Also in this model, the filamentary clouds with low initial density ($n_0 \le 10^2 \mathrm{cm^{-3}}$) fragment into massive clouds ($\sim 10^4 M_\odot$) owing to the effect of the external radiation.
We investigate the nucleosynthesis in a massive star of 70 M_solar with solar metallicity in the main sequence stage. The helium core mass after hydrogen burning corresponds to 32 M_solar. Nucleosynthesis calculations have been performed during the stellar evolution and the jet-like supernova explosion of a collapsar model. We focus on the production of heavier elements than iron. Nucleosynthesis calculations have been done by using large nuclear reaction networks, where the weak s-, p-, and r-processes are taken into account. We confirm that s-elements of 60 < A < 90 are highly overproduced relative to the solar abundances in the hydrostatic nucleosynthesis. During oxygen burning, p-elements of A > 90 are produced via photodisintegrations of seed s-elements. However, the produced p-elements are destructed in later stages except for ^{180}Ta. In the explosive nucleosynthesis, elements of 90 < A < 160 are significantly overproduced relative to the solar values owing to the r-process, which is very different from the results of spherical explosion models. Only heavy p-elements (N > 50) are overproduced relative to the solar values via the p-process because of the low peak temperatures in the oxygen and neon-rich layers. We confirm primary synthesis of light p-elements in the ejected matter of high peak temperature. The ejected matter has [Sr/Eu] \sim -0.4, which is different from that of a typical r-process-enriched star of CS22892-052 ([Sr/Eu] \sim -1). We find that Sr-Y-Zr isotopes are primarily synthesized in the explosive nucleosynthesis in a similar process of the primary production of light p-elements, which could be one of the sites of a lighter element primary process (LEPP).
During a week of the March maximum in 2011, two oppositely installed direction-sensitive TEU-167d Dark Electron Multipliers (DEMs) recorded a flux of daemons from the near-Earth almost circular heliocentric orbits (NEACHOs). The flux measured from above is f \approx (8\pm3)\times10^-7 cm^-2 s^-1, and that from below is twice smaller. The difference may be due both to specific design features of the TEUs themselves, and to dissimilarities in the slope of trajectories along which objects are coming from above or from below. It is shown that the daemon paradigm enables a quantitative interpretation of DAMA and CoGeNT experiments with no additional hypotheses. Both the experiments record a daemon flux of f ~ 10^-6 cm^-2 s^-1 from strongly elongated Earth-crossing heliocentric orbits (SEECHOs), predecessors of NEACHOs. Recommendations are given for processing of DAMA/LIBRA data, which unambiguously suggest that, in approximately half of cases (when there occur double events in the detector, rejected in processing under a single-hit criterion), the signals being recorded are successively excited by a single SEECHO object along a path of ~1 m, i.e., this is not a WIMP. It is noted that due regard to cascade events and pair interaction of ions will weaken the adverse influence exerted by the blocking effect on the channeling of iodine ions knocked out in NaI(Tl) crystal. This influence will become not so catastrophic as it follows from simplified semi-analytical models of the process: one might expect the energy of up to ~10% of primary recoil iodine ions will be converted to the scintillation light.
We analyze the density field of galaxies observed by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) included in the SDSS Data Release Nine (DR9). DR9 includes spectroscopic redshifts for over 400,000 galaxies spread over a footprint of 3,275 deg^2. We identify, characterize, and mitigate the impact of sources of systematic uncertainty on large-scale clustering measurements, both for angular moments of the redshift-space correlation function and the spherically averaged power spectrum, P(k), in order to ensure that robust cosmological constraints will be obtained from these data. A correlation between the projected density of stars and the higher redshift (0.43 < z < 0.7) galaxy sample (the `CMASS' sample) due to imaging systematics imparts a systematic error that is larger than the statistical error of the clustering measurements at scales s > 120h^-1Mpc or k < 0.01hMpc^-1. We find that these errors can be ameliorated by weighting galaxies based on their surface brightness and the local stellar density. We use mock galaxy catalogs that simulate the CMASS selection function to determine that randomly selecting galaxy redshifts in order to simulate the radial selection function of a random sample imparts the least systematic error on correlation function measurements and that this systematic error is negligible for the spherically averaged correlation function. The methods we recommend for the calculation of clustering measurements using the CMASS sample are adopted in companion papers that locate the position of the baryon acoustic oscillation feature (Anderson et al. 2012), constrain cosmological models using the full shape of the correlation function (Sanchez et al. 2012), and measure the rate of structure growth (Reid et al. 2012). (abridged)
We present two dimensional Monte-Carlo radiative transfer models for the disk of the eclipsing binary $\epsilon$ Aur by fitting its spectral energy distribution from optical to the far-IR wavelengths. We also report new observations of $\epsilon$ Aur made by AKARI in its five mid and far-IR photometric bands and were used to construct our SED. The disk is optically thick and has flared disk geometry containing gas and dust with a gas to dust mass ratio of 100. We have taken the primary of the binary to be a F0Iae-type post-AGB star and the disk is heated by a B5V hot star with a temperature of 15,000 K at the center of the disk. We take the radius of the disk to be 3.8 AU for our models as constrained from the IR interferometric imaging observations of the eclipsing disk. Our models imply that the disk contains grains which are much bigger than the ISM grains (grain sizes 10$\mu$ to 100$\mu$). The grain chemistry of the disk is carbonaceous and our models show that silicate and ISM dust chemistry do not reproduce the slope of the observed SED in the mid-IR to far-IR regions. This implies that the formation of the disk shaped secondary in $\epsilon$ Aur system could be the result of accretion of matter and or mass transfer from the primary which is now a F0Iae post-AGB star. It is not a proto-planetary disk. The disk is seen nearly edge on with an inclination angle larger than 85$^{o}$. We propose from our radiative transfer modeling that the disk is not solid and have a void of 2AU radius at the center within which no grains are present making the region nearly transparent. The disk is not massive, its mass is derived to be less than 0.005M$_{\odot}$.
Context. Investigations of abundances of carbon and nitrogen in the atmospheres of evolved stars of open clusters may provide comprehensive information on chemical composition changes caused by stellar evolution. Aims. Our main aim is to increase the number of open clusters with determined carbon-to nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios. Methods. High-resolution spectra were analysed using a differential model atmosphere method. Abundances of carbon were derived using the C_2 Swan (0,1) band head at 5635.5 {\AA} (FEROS spectra) and the C_2 Swan (1,0) band head at 4737 {\AA} (UVES spectra). The wavelength interval 7980-8130 {\AA}, with strong CN features was analysed to determine nitrogen abundances and 12^C/13^C isotope ratios. The oxygen abundances were determined from the [Oi] line at 6300 {\AA}. Results. The average value of 12^C/13^C isotope ratios of Cr 261 is equal to 18 \pm 2 in four giants and to 12 \pm 1 in two clump stars; it is equal to 16 \pm 1 in four clump stars of the open cluster NGC 6253. The mean C/N ratios in Cr 261 and NGC 6253 are equal to 1.67 \pm 0.06 and 1.37 \pm 0.09, respectively. Conclusions. The 12^C/13^C and C/N values in Cr 261 and NGC 6253 within limits of uncertainties agree with the theoretical model of thermohaline-induced mixing as well as with the cool-bottom processing model
The lag-luminosity relation for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is an anti-correlation between the time lag, tau_lag, which represents the delay between the arrival of hard and soft photons, and the isotropic peak luminosity, L. In this paper, we use a sample of 43 Swift bursts to investigate whether this relation depends on redshift. Both the z-correction and the k-correction are taken into account. Our analysis consists of binning the data in redshift, z, then applying a fit of the form: log(L) = A + Blog(tau_lag0/<tau_lag0>) for each bin, where tau_lag0 is the time-lag in the burst's source frame, and <tau_lag0> is the corresponding mean value for the entire sample. The goal is to see whether the two fitting parameters, A and B, evolve in a systematic way with z. Our results indicate that both the normalization, A, and the slope, B, seem to vary in a systematic way with redshift. We note that although good best-fits were obtained, with reasonable values for both the linear regression coefficient, r, and the reduced chi-squared, the data showed large scatter. Also, the number of GRBs in the sample studied is not large, and thus our conclusions are only tentative at this point. A flat universe with omega_M = 0.27, omega_lambda = 0.73, and a Hubble constant, H_0 = 70 km s-1 Mpc-1 is assumed.
High-resolution photoionization experiments were carried out using beams of Be-like C$^{2+}$, N$^{3+}$, and O$^{4+}$ ions with roughly equal populations of the $^1$S ground-state and the $^3$P$^o$ manifold of metastable components. The energy scales of the experiments are calibrated with uncertainties of 1 to 10 meV depending on photon energy. Resolving powers beyond 20,000 were reached allowing for the separation of contributions from the individual metastable $^3$P$^o_0$, $^3$P$^o_1$, and $^3$P$^o_2$ states. The measured data compare favourably with semi-relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix
We report the results of our study of fractional entropy enhancement in the intra-cluster medium (ICM) of the clusters from the representative XMM-Newton cluster structure survey (REXCESS). We compare the observed entropy profile of these clusters with that expected for the ICM without any feedback, as well as with the introduction of preheating and entropy change due to gas cooling. We make the first estimate of the total, as well as radial, non-gravitational energy deposition up to r500 for a large, nearly flux-limited, sample of clusters. We find that the total energy deposition corresponding to the entropy enhancement is proportional to the cluster temperature (and hence mass), and that the energy deposition per particle as a function of gas mass shows a similar profile in all clusters, with its being more pronounced in the central region than in the outer region. Our results support models of entropy enhancement through AGN feedback.
The flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) 4C +21.35 (PKS 1222+216) displays prominent nuclear infrared emission from ~1200 K dust. A 70 -- 400 GeV flare with ~10 min variations during half an hour of observations was found by the MAGIC telescopes, and GeV variability was observed on sub-day timescales with the Large Area Telescope on Fermi. We examine 4C +21.35, assuming that it is a source of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). UHECR proton acceleration in the inner jet powers a neutral beam of neutrinos, neutrons and gamma rays from photopion production. The radiative efficiency and production spectra of neutrals formed through photohadronic processes with isotropic external target photons of the broad line region and torus are calculated. Secondary radiations made by this process have a beaming factor ~\delta^5, where \delta is the Doppler factor. The pair-production optical depth for gamma rays and the photopion efficiency for UHECR neutrons as they pass through external isotropic radiation fields are calculated. If target photons come from the broad line region and dust torus, large Doppler factors, \delta >~100 are required to produce rapidly variable secondary radiation with isotropic luminosity >~1e47 erg/s at the pc scale. The \gamma-ray spectra from leptonic secondaries are calculated from cascades initiated by the UHECR neutron beam at the pc-scale region and fit to the flaring spectrum of 4C +21.35. Detection of >~100 TeV neutrinos from 4C +21.35 or other VHE blazars with IceCube or KM3NeT would confirm this scenario.
The nature of the first unidentified VHE gamma-ray source with significant angular offset from the Galactic plane, HESS J1507-622, is explored. Fermi-LAT data in the high-energy (HE, 100 MeV < E < 100 GeV) gamma-ray range collected over 34 month are used to describe the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the source. HESS J1507-622 is detected in the Fermi energy range and its spectrum is best described by a power law in energy with Gamma = 1.7 +/- 0.1_stat +/- 0.2_sys and integral flux between (0.3-300) GeV of F = (2.0 +/- 0.5_stat +/- 1.0_sys x 10^-9 cm^-2 s^-1. The SED constructed from the Fermi and H.E.S.S. data for this source does not support a smooth power-law continuation from the VHE to the HE gamma-ray range. With the available data it is not possible to discriminate between a hadronic and a leptonic scenario for HESS J1507-622. The location and compactness of the source indicate a considerable physical offset from the Galactic plane for this object. This challenges a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) origin for HESS J1507-622 since the time of travel for a pulsar born in the Galactic disk to reach such a location would exceed the IC cooling time of electrons that are energetic enough to produce VHE gamma-rays. However, an origin of this gamma-ray source connected to a pulsar that was born off the Galactic plane in the explosion of a hypervelocity star cannot be excluded. Since off-plane supernovae seem to be rare events, only very few off-plane gamma-ray PWNe are expected. On the contrary HESS J1507-622 could be the first discovered representative of a population of spatially extended VHE gamma-ray emitters with HE gamma-ray counterpart that are located at considerable offsets from the Galactic plane. Future surveys in the VHE gamma-ray range are necessary to probe the presence or absence of such a source population. (abridged)
We discuss a model of formation of extragalactic radio sources when the parent optical galaxy has a large-scale dipolar magnetic field. The study of dynamics of ejected from the central part of optical galaxy clouds of relativistic particles in dipolar magnetic field gives a possibility to explain main morphological features and physical properties of formed extragalactic radio sources. We bring some results of statistical analyses and correlations between physical parameters for more than 500 radio sources. In appendix we present the data of all used extragalactic radio sources with the references for them.
We explore the benefits of using a passively evolving population of galaxies to measure the evolution of the rate of structure growth between z=0.25 and z=0.65 by combining data from the SDSS-I/II and SDSS-III surveys. The large-scale linear bias of a population of dynamically passive galaxies, which we select from both surveys, is easily modeled. Knowing the bias evolution breaks degeneracies inherent to other methodologies, and decreases the uncertainty in measurements of the rate of structure growth and the normalization of the galaxy power-spectrum by up to a factor of two. If we translate our measurements into a constraint on sigma_8(z=0) assuming a concordance cosmological model and General Relativity (GR), we find that using a bias model improves our uncertainty by a factor of nearly 1.5. Our results are consistent with a flat Lambda Cold Dark Matter model and with GR.
In protoplanetary disks, the inner radial boundary between the MRI turbulent (`active') and MRI quiescent (`dead') zones plays an important role in models of the disk evolution and in some planet formation scenarios. In reality, this boundary is not well-defined: thermal heating from the star in a passive disk yields a transition radius close to the star ($<0.1$ au), whereas if the disk is already MRI active, it can self-consistently maintain the requisite temperatures out to a transition radius of roughly 1 au. Moreover, the interface may not be static; it may be highly fluctuating or else unstable. In this paper, we study a reduced model of the dynamics of the active/dead zone interface that mimics several important aspects of a real disk system. We find that MRI-transition fronts propagate inward (a `dead front' suppressing the MRI) if they are initially at the larger transition radius, or propagate outward (an `active front' igniting the MRI) if starting from the smaller transition radius. In both cases, the front stalls at a well-defined intermediate radius, where it remains in a quasi-static equilibrium. We propose that it is this new, intermediate stalling radius that functions as the true boundary between the active and dead zones in protoplanetary disks. These dynamics are likely implicated in observations of variable accretion, such as FU Ori outbursts, as well as in those planet formation theories that require the accumulation of solid material at the dead/active interface.
We present measurements of galaxy clustering from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS), which is part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III (SDSS-III). These use the Data Release 9 (DR9) CMASS sample, which contains 264,283 massive galaxies covering 3275 square degrees with an effective redshift z=0.57 and redshift range 0.43 < z < 0.7. Assuming a concordance Lambda-CDM cosmological model, this sample covers an effective volume of 2.2 Gpc^3, and represents the largest sample of the Universe ever surveyed at this density, n = 3 x 10^-4 h^-3 Mpc^3. We measure the angle-averaged galaxy correlation function and power spectrum, including density-field reconstruction of the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) feature. The acoustic features are detected at a significance of 5\sigma in both the correlation function and power spectrum. Combining with the SDSS-II Luminous Red Galaxy Sample, the detection significance increases to 6.7\sigma. Fitting for the position of the acoustic features measures the distance to z=0.57 relative to the sound horizon DV /rs = 13.67 +/- 0.22 at z=0.57. Assuming a fiducial sound horizon of 153.19 Mpc, which matches cosmic microwave background constraints, this corresponds to a distance DV(z=0.57) = 2094 +/- 34 Mpc. At 1.7 per cent, this is the most precise distance constraint ever obtained from a galaxy survey. We place this result alongside previous BAO measurements in a cosmological distance ladder and find excellent agreement with the current supernova measurements. We use these distance measurements to constrain various cosmological models, finding continuing support for a flat Universe with a cosmological constant.
We present a fast method of producing mock galaxy catalogues that can be used to compute covariance matrices of large-scale clustering measurements and test the methods of analysis. Our method populates a 2nd-order Lagrangian Perturbation Theory (2LPT) matter field, where we calibrate masses of dark matter halos by detailed comparisons with N-body simulations. We demonstrate the clustering of halos is recovered at ~10 per cent accuracy. We populate halos with mock galaxies using a Halo Occupation Distribution (HOD) prescription, which has been calibrated to reproduce the clustering measurements on scales between 30 and 80 Mpc/h. We compare the sample covariance matrix from our mocks with analytic estimates, and discuss differences. We have used this method to make catalogues corresponding to Data Release 9 of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS),producing 600 mock catalogues of the "CMASS" galaxy sample. These mocks enabled detailed tests of methods and errors that formed an integral part of companion analyses of these galaxy data.
We obtain constraints on cosmological parameters from the spherically averaged redshift-space correlation function of the CMASS Data Release 9 (DR9) sample of the Baryonic Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS). We combine this information with additional data from recent CMB, SN and BAO measurements. Our results show no significant evidence of deviations from the standard flat-Lambda CDM model, whose basic parameters can be specified by Omega_m = 0.285 +- 0.009, 100 Omega_b = 4.59 +- 0.09, n_s = 0.96 +- 0.009, H_0 = 69.4 +- 0.8 km/s/Mpc and sigma_8 = 0.80 +- 0.02. The CMB+CMASS combination sets tight constraints on the curvature of the Universe, with Omega_k = -0.0043 +- 0.0049, and the tensor-to-scalar amplitude ratio, for which we find r < 0.16 at the 95 per cent confidence level (CL). These data show a clear signature of a deviation from scale-invariance also in the presence of tensor modes, with n_s <1 at the 99.7 per cent CL. We derive constraints on the fraction of massive neutrinos of f_nu < 0.049 (95 per cent CL), implying a limit of sum m_nu < 0.51 eV. We find no signature of a deviation from a cosmological constant from the combination of all datasets, with a constraint of w_DE = -1.033 +- 0.073 when this parameter is assumed time-independent, and no evidence of a departure from this value when it is allowed to evolve as w_DE(a) = w_0 + w_a (1 - a). The achieved accuracy on our cosmological constraints is a clear demonstration of the constraining power of current cosmological observations.
We analyze self-consistent N-body simulations of the Milky Way disk and the ongoing disruption of the Sagittarius dwarf satellite to study the effect of Sagittarius tidal debris on dark matter detection experiments. In agreement with significant previous work, we reiterate that the standard halo model is insufficient to describe the non-Maxwellian velocity distribution of the Milky Way halo in our equilibrium halo-only and halo/galaxy models, and offer suggestions for correcting for this discrepancy. More importantly, we emphasize that the dark matter component of the leading tidal arm of the Sagittarius dwarf is significantly more extended than the stellar component of the arm, since the dark matter and stellar streams are not necessarily coaxial and may be offset by several kpc at the point at which they impact the Galactic disk. This suggests that the dark matter component of the Sagittarius debris is likely to have a non-negligible influence on dark matter detection experiments even when the stellar debris is centered several kpc from the solar neighborhood. Relative to models without an infalling Sagittarius dwarf, the Sagittarius dark matter debris in our models induces an energy-dependent enhancement of direct search event rates of as much as ~20 - 45%, an energy-dependent reduction in the amplitude of the annual modulation of the event rate by as much as a factor of two, a shift in the phase of the annual modulation by as much as ~20 days, and a shift in the recoil energy at which the modulation reverses phase. These influences of Sagittarius are of general interest in the interpretation of dark matter searches, but may be particularly important in the case of relatively light (m_X < 20 GeV) dark matter because the Sagittarius stream impacts the solar system at high speed compared to the primary halo dark matter.
We have considered 53 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) observed by the Swift X-Ray Telescope (XRT). None of the SNe Ia are individually detected at any time or in stacked images. Using these data and assuming that the SNe Ia are a homogeneous class of objects, we have calculated upper limits to the X- ray luminosity (0.2 - 10 keV) and mass-loss rate of L0.2-10 < 1.7\times1038 erg s-1 and M \cdot < 1.1\times10-6 M\odot yr-1 \times(vw)/(10 km s-1), respectively. The results exclude massive or evolved stars as the companion objects in SNe Ia progenitor systems, but allow the possibility of main sequence or small stars, along with double degenerate systems consisting of two white dwarfs, consistent with results obtained at other wavelengths (e.g., UV, radio) in other studies.
We present a detection of the unnormalized skewness <T^3> induced by the thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (tSZ) effect in filtered Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) 148 GHz cosmic microwave background temperature maps. Contamination due to infrared and radio sources is minimized by template subtraction of resolved sources and by constructing a mask using outlying values in the 218 GHz (tSZ-null) ACT maps. We measure <T^3>= -31 +- 6 \mu K^3 (measurement error only) or +- 14 \mu K^3 (including cosmic variance error) in the filtered ACT data, a 5-sigma detection. We show that the skewness is a sensitive probe of sigma_8, and use analytic calculations and tSZ simulations to obtain cosmological constraints from this measurement. From this signal alone we infer a value of sigma_8= 0.78 +0.03 -0.04 (68 % C.L.) +0.05 -0.16 (95 % C.L.). Our results demonstrate that measurements of non-Gaussianity can be a useful method for characterizing the tSZ effect and extracting the underlying cosmological information.
We analyze the anisotropic clustering of massive galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) Data Release 9 (DR9) sample, which consists of 264,283 galaxies in the redshift range 0.43 < z < 0.7 spanning 3,275 square degrees. Both peculiar velocities and errors in the assumed redshift-distance relation ("Alcock-Paczynski effect") generate correlations between clustering amplitude and orientation with respect to the line-of-sight. Together with the sharp baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) standard ruler, our measurements of the broadband shape of the monopole and quadrupole correlation functions simultaneously constrain the comoving angular diameter distance (2190 +/- 61 Mpc) to z=0.57, the Hubble expansion rate at z=0.57 (92.4 +/- 4.5 km/s/Mpc), and the growth rate of structure at that same redshift (d sigma8/d ln a = 0.43 +/- 0.069). Our analysis provides the best current direct determination of both DA and H in galaxy clustering data using this technique. If we further assume a LCDM expansion history, our growth constraint tightens to d sigma8/d ln a = 0.415 +/- 0.034. In combination with the cosmic microwave background, our measurements of DA, H, and growth all separately require dark energy at z > 0.57, and when combined imply \Omega_{\Lambda} = 0.74 +/- 0.016, independent of the Universe's evolution at z<0.57. In our companion paper (Samushia et al. prep), we explore further cosmological implications of these observations.
In the background of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Universe, there exists Hawking radiation which comes from the cosmic apparent horizon due to quantum effect. Although the Hawking radiation on the late time evolution of the universe could be safely neglected, it plays an important role in the very early stage of the universe. In view of this point, we identify the temperature in the scalar field potential with the Hawking temperature of cosmic apparent horizon. Then we find a nonsingular universe sourced by the temperature-dependant scalar field. We find that the universe could be created from a de Sitter phase which has the Planck energy density. Thus the Big-Bang singularity is avoided.
This is the written version of a lecture at the KITP workshop on Bits,
Branes, and Black Holes. In it I describe work with D. Harlow, S. Shenker, D.
Stanford which explains how the tree-like structure of eternal inflation,
together with the existence of terminal vacua, leads to an arrow-of-time.
Conformal symmetry of the dS/CFT type is inconsistent with an arrow-of-time and
must be broken. The presence in the landscape of terminal vacua leads to a new
kind of attractor called a fractal-flow, which both breaks conformal symmetry,
and creates a directional time-asymmetry. This can be seen from both the local
or causal-patch viewpoint, and also from the global or multiversal viewpoint.
The resulting picture is consistent with the view recently expressed by Bousso.
In the last part of the lecture I illustrate how the tree-model can be useful
in explaining the value of the cosmological constant and the cosmic coincidence
problem. The mechanisms are not new but the description is.
An outline of a proof of the local decomposition of linear metric perturbations into gauge-invariant and gauge-variant parts on an arbitrary background spacetime which admits ADM decomposition is briefly discussed. We explicitly construct the gauge-invariant and gauge-variant parts of the linear metric perturbations based on some assumptions. We also point out the zero-mode problem is an essential problem to globalize of this decomposition of linear metric perturbation. The resolution of this zero-mode problem implies the possibility of the development of the higher-order gauge-invariant perturbation theory on an arbitrary background spacetime in a global sense.
John Ellard Gore FRAS, MRIA (1845-1910) was an Irish amateur astronomer and prolific author of popular astronomy books. His main observational interest was variable stars, of which he discovered several, and he served as the first Director of the BAA Variable Star Section. He was also interested in binary stars, leading him to calculate orbital elements of many such systems. He demonstrated that the companion of Sirius, thought by many to be a dark body, was in fact self luminous. In doing so he provided the first indication of the immense density of what later became known as white dwarfs.
An important open question in cosmology is the degree to which the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) solutions of Einstein's equations are able to model the large-scale behaviour of the locally inhomogeneous observable universe. We investigate this problem by considering a range of exact n-body solutions of Einstein's constraint equations. These solutions contain discrete masses, and so allow arbitrarily large density contrasts to be modelled. We restrict our study to regularly arranged distributions of masses in topological 3-spheres. This has the benefit of allowing straightforward comparisons to be made with FLRW solutions, as both spacetimes admit a discrete group of symmetries. It also provides a time-symmetric hypersurface at the moment of maximum expansion that allows the constraint equations to be solved exactly. We find that when all the mass in the universe is condensed into a small number of objects (<10) then the amount of backreaction in dust models can be large, with O(1) deviations from the predictions of the corresponding FLRW solutions. When the number of masses is large (>100), however, then our measures of backreaction become small (<1%). This result does not rely on any averaging procedures, which are notoriously hard to define uniquely in general relativity, and so provides (to the best of our knowledge) the first exact and unambiguous demonstration of backreaction in general relativistic cosmological modelling. Discrete models such as these can therefore be used as laboratories to test ideas about backreaction that could be applied in more complicated and realistic settings.
We investigate cosmological consequences of nonlinear sigma model coupled with a cosmological fluid which satisfies the continuity equation. The target space action is of de Sitter type and is composed of four scalar fields. The potential which is a function of only one of the scalar fields is also introduced. We perform a general analysis of the ensuing cosmological equations and give various critical points and their properties. Then, we show that the model exhibits exact cosmological solution which yields a transition from matter domination into dark energy and compare it with the $\Lambda$CDM behavior. Especially, we calculate the age of the Universe and show that it is consistent with the observational value if the equation of the state $\omega_f$ for the cosmological fluid is within the range of $0.13 < \omega_f < 0.22.$ Some implication of this result is also discussed.
According to the standard view classically black holes carry no hair, whereas quantum hair is at best exponentially weak. We show that suppression of hair is an artifact of the semi-classical treatment and that in the quantum picture hair appears as an inverse mass-square effect. Such hair is predicted in the microscopic quantum description in which a black hole represents a self-sustained leaky Bose-condensate of N soft gravitons. In this picture the Hawking radiation is the quantum depletion of the condensate. Within this picture we show that quantum black hole physics is fully compatible with continuous global symmetries and that global hair appears with the strength B/N, where B is the global charge swallowed by the black hole. For large charge this hair has dramatic effect on black hole dynamics. Our findings can have interesting astrophysical consequences, such as existence of black holes with large detectable baryonic and leptonic numbers.
Spherically symmetric brane black holes have tidal charge, which modifies both weak and strong lensing characteristics. Even if lensing measurements are in agreement with a Schwarzschild lens, the margin of error of the detecting instrument allows for a certain tidal charge. In this note we derive the respective constraint on the tidal charge of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in the center of our galaxy, from the radius of the first relativistic Einstein ring, emerging in strong lensing. We find that even if general relativistic predictions are confirmed by high precision strong lensing measurements, SMBHs could have a much larger tidal charge, than the Sun or neutron stars.
We examine the parameter accuracy that can be achieved by advanced ground-based detectors for binary inspiralling black holes and neutron stars. We use the 2.5 PN spinning waveforms of Arun et al. (2009). Our main result is that the errors are noticeably different from existing 2PN studies for aligned spins. While the masses can be determined more accurately, the individual spins are measured less accurately compared to previous work at lower PN order. We also examine several regions of parameter space relevant to expected sources and the impact of simple priors. A combination of the spins is measurable to higher accuracy and we examine what this can tell us about spinning systems.
One may ask whether the CFT restricted to a subset b of the AdS boundary has a well-defined dual restricted to a subset H(b) of the bulk geometry. The Poincare patch is an example, but more general choices of b can be considered. We propose a geometric construction of H. We argue that H should contain the set C of causal curves with both endpoints on b. Yet H should not reach so far from the boundary that the CFT has insufficient degrees of freedom to describe it. This can be guaranteed by constructing a superset of H from light-sheets off boundary slices and invoking the covariant entropy bound in the bulk. The simplest covariant choice is L, the intersection of L^+ and L^-, where L^+ (L^-) is the union of all future-directed (past-directed) light-sheets. We prove that C=L, so the holographic domain is completely determined by our assumptions: H=C=L. In situations where local bulk operators can be constructed on b, H is closely related to the set of bulk points where this construction remains unambiguous under modifications of the CFT Hamiltonian outside of b. Our construction leads to a covariant geometric RG flow. We comment on the description of black hole interiors and cosmological regions via AdS/CFT.
We study the effect of non-trivial sound speeds on local-type non-Gaussianity during multiple-field inflation. To this end, we consider a model of multiple-field DBI and use the deltaN formalism to track the super-horizon evolution of perturbations. By adopting a sum separable Hubble parameter we derive analytic expressions for the relevant quantities in the two-field case, valid beyond slow variation. We find that non-trivial sound speeds can, in principle, curve the trajectory in such a way that significant local-type non-Gaussianity is produced. Deviations from slow variation, such as rapidly varying sound speeds, enhance this effect. To illustrate our results we consider two-field inflation in the tip regions of two warped throats and find large local-type non-Gaussianity produced towards the end of the inflationary process.
We consider generalized chameleon models where the conformal coupling between matter and gravitational geometries is not only a function of the chameleon field \phi, but also of its derivatives via higher order co-ordinate invariants. Specifically we consider the first such non-trivial conformal factor A(\phi,X), where X is the canonical kinetic term for \phi. The associated phenomenology is investigated and we show that such theories have a new generic mass-altering mechanism, potentially assisting the generation of a sufficiently large chameleon mass in dense environments. The most general effective potential is derived for such derivative chameleon setups and explicit examples are given. Interestingly this points us to the existence of a purely derivative chameleon protected by a shift symmetry for \phi. We also discuss potential ghost-like instabilities associated with mass-lifting mechanisms and find another, mass-lowering and instability-free, branch of solutions. This suggests that, barring fine-tuning, stable derivative models are in fact typically anti-chameleons that suppress the field's mass in dense environments. Furthermore we investigate modifications to the thin-shell regime and prove a no-go theorem for chameleon effects in non-conformal geometries of the disformal type.
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