Quasar Outflows and AGN Feedback in the Extreme UV: HST/COS Observations of QSO HE0238-1904

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arav, Nahum; Borguet, B.; Chamberlain, C.; Edmonds, D.; Danforth, C.

2014-01-01

Spectroscopic observations of quasar outflows at rest-frame 500-1000 Angstrom have immense diagnostic power. We present analyses of such data, where absorption troughs from three important ions are measured: first, O IV and O IV* that allow us to obtain the distance of high ionization outflows from the AGN; second, Ne VIII and Mg X that are sensitive to the very high ionization phase of the outflow. Their inferred column densities, combined with those of troughs from O VI, N IV, and H I, yield two important results: 1) The outflow shows two ionization phases, where the high ionization phase carries the bulk of the material. This is similar to the situation seen in x-ray warm absorber studies. Furthermore, the low ionization phase is inferred to have a volume filling factor of 10^(-5)-10^(-6). 2) From the O IV to O IV* column density ratio, and the knowledge of the ionization parameter, we determine a distance of 3000 pc. from the outflow to the central source. Since this is a typical high ionization outflow, we can determine robust values for the mass flux and kinetic luminosity of the outflow: 40 solar masses per year and 10^45 ergs/s, respectively, where the latter is roughly equal to 1% of the bolometric luminosity. Such a large kinetic luminosity and mass flow rate measured in a typical high ionization wind suggests that quasar outflows are a major contributor to AGN feedback mechanisms.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Danforth, Charles W.; Stocke, John T.; France, Kevin

The power mechanism and accretion geometry for low-power FR 1 radio galaxies are poorly understood in comparison to those for Seyfert galaxies and QSOs. In this paper, we use the diagnostic power of the Ly α recombination line observed using the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope ( HST ) to investigate the accretion flows in three well-known, nearby FR 1s: M87, NGC 4696, and Hydra A. The Ly α emission line’s luminosity, velocity structure, and the limited knowledge of its spatial extent provided by COS are used to assess conditions within a few parsecs of themore » supermassive black hole in these radio-mode active galactic nuclei. We observe strong Ly α emission in all three objects with total luminosity similar to that seen in BL Lacertae objects. M87 shows a complicated emission-line profile in Ly α , which varies spatially across the COS aperture and possibly temporally over several epochs of observation. In both NGC 4696 and M87, the Ly α luminosities ∼10{sup 40} erg s{sup -1} are closely consistent with the observed strength of the ionizing continuum in Case B recombination theory and with the assumption of a near-unity covering factor. It is possible that the Ly α -emitting clouds are ionized largely by beamed radiation associated with the jets. Long-slit UV spectroscopy can be used to test this hypothesis. Hydra A and the several BL Lac objects studied in this and previous papers have Ly α luminosities larger than M87 but their extrapolated, nonthermal continua are so luminous that they overpredict the observed strength of Ly α , a clear indicator of relativistic beaming in our direction. Given their substantial space density (∼4 × 10{sup -3} Mpc{sup -3}), the unbeamed Lyman continuum radiation of FR 1s may make a substantial minority contribution (∼10%) to the local UV background if all FR 1s are similar to M87 in ionizing flux level.« less

Keck Deep Fields. III. Luminosity-dependent Evolution of the Ultraviolet Luminosity and Star Formation Rate Densities at z~4, 3, and 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawicki, Marcin; Thompson, David

2006-09-01

We use our very deep UnGRI catalog of z~4, 3, and 2 UV-selected star-forming galaxies to study the cosmological evolution of the rest-frame 1700 Å luminosity density. The ability to reliably constrain the contribution of faint galaxies is critical here, and our data do so by reaching deep into the galaxy population, to M*LBG+2 at z~4 and deeper still at lower redshifts (M*LBG=-21.0 and L*LBG is the corresponding luminosity). We find that the luminosity density at z>~2 is dominated by the hitherto poorly studied galaxies fainter than L*LBG, and, indeed, the bulk of the UV light at these epochs comes from galaxies in the rather narrow luminosity range L=(0.1-1)L*LBG. Overall, there is a gradual rise in total luminosity density starting at >~4 (we find twice as much UV light at z~3 as at z~4), followed by a shallow peak or plateau within z~3-1, finally followed by the well-known plunge to z~0. Within this total picture, luminosity density in sub-L*LBG galaxies at z>~2 evolves more rapidly than that in more luminous objects; this trend is reversed at lower redshifts, z<~1-a reversal that is reminiscent of galaxy downsizing. We find that within the context of commonly used models there seemingly are not enough faint or bright LBGs to maintain ionization of intergalactic gas even as recently as z~4, and the problem becomes worse at higher redshifts: apparently the universe must be easier to reionize than some recent studies have assumed. Nevertheless, sub-L*LBG galaxies do dominate the total UV luminosity density at z>~2, and this dominance highlights the need for follow-up studies that will teach us more about these very numerous but thus far largely unexplored systems. Based on data obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and NASA and was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation.

Photon underproduction crisis and the redshift evolution of escape fraction of hydrogen ionizing photons from galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaire, Vikram; Srianand, Raghunathan

2016-01-01

In the standard picture, the only sources of cosmic UV background are the quasars and the star forming galaxies. The hydrogen ionizing emissivity from galaxies depends on a parameter known as escape fraction (fesc). It is the ratio of the escaping hydrogen ionizing photons from galaxies to the total produced by their stellar population. Using available multi-wavelength and multi-epoch galaxy luminosity function measurements, we update the galaxy emissivity by estimating a self-consistent combination of the star formation rate density and dust attenuation. Using the recent quasar luminosity function measurements, we present an updated hydrogen ionizing emissivity from quasars which shows a factor of ~2 increase as compared to the previous estimates at z<2. We use these in a cosmological radiative transfer code developed by us to generate the UV background and show that the recently inferred high values of hydrogen photoionization rates at low redshifts can be easily obtained with reasonable values of fesc. This resolves the problem of 'photon underproduction crisis' and shows that there is no need to invoke non-standard sources of the UV background such as decaying dark matter particles. We will present the implications of this updated quasar and galaxy emissivity on the values of fesc at high redshifts and on the cosmic reionization. We will also present the effect of the updated UV background on the inferred properties of the intergalactic medium, especially on the Lyman alpha forest and the metal line absorption systems.

Optical and X-ray luminosities of expanding nebulae around ultraluminous X-ray sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siwek, Magdalena; Sądowski, Aleksander; Narayan, Ramesh; Roberts, Timothy P.; Soria, Roberto

2017-09-01

We have performed a set of simulations of expanding, spherically symmetric nebulae inflated by winds from accreting black holes in ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs). We implemented a realistic cooling function to account for free-free and bound-free cooling. For all model parameters we considered, the forward shock in the interstellar medium becomes radiative at a radius ˜100 pc. The emission is primarily in optical and UV, and the radiative luminosity is about 50 per cent of the total kinetic luminosity of the wind. In contrast, the reverse shock in the wind is adiabatic so long as the terminal outflow velocity of the wind vw ≳ 0.003c. The shocked wind in these models radiates in X-rays, but with a luminosity of only ˜1035 erg s-1. For wind velocities vw ≲ 0.001c, the shocked wind becomes radiative, but it is no longer hot enough to produce X-rays. Instead it emits in optical and UV, and the radiative luminosity is comparable to 100 per cent of the wind kinetic luminosity. We suggest that measuring the optical luminosities and putting limits on the X-ray and radio emission from shock-ionized ULX bubbles may help in estimating the mass outflow rate of the central accretion disc and the velocity of the outflow.

Quasar outflows and AGN feedback in the extreme UV: HST/COS observations of HE 0238-1904

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arav, Nahum; Borguet, Benoit; Chamberlain, Carter; Edmonds, Doug; Danforth, Charles

2013-12-01

Spectroscopic observations of quasar outflows at rest-frame 500-1000 Å have immense diagnostic power. We present analyses of such data, where absorption troughs from O IV and O IV* allow us to obtain the distance of the outflows from the AGN and troughs from Ne VIII and Mg X reveal the warm absorber phase of the outflow. Their inferred column densities, combined with those of O VI, N IV and H I, yield two important results. (1) The outflow shows two ionization phases, where the high-ionization phase carries the bulk of the material. This is similar to the situation seen in X-ray warm absorber studies. Furthermore, the low-ionization phase is inferred to have a volume filling factor of 10-5-10-6. (2) We determine a distance of 3000 pc from the outflow to the central source using the O IV*/O IV column density ratio and the knowledge of the ionization parameter. Since this is a typical high-ionization outflow, we can determine robust values for the outflow's mass flux and kinetic luminosity of 40 M⊙ yr-1 and 1045 erg s-1, respectively, where the latter is roughly equal to 1 per cent of the bolometric luminosity. Such a large kinetic luminosity and mass flow rate measured in a typical high-ionization wind suggest that quasar outflows are a major contributor to AGN feedback mechanisms.

Star formation in the inner galaxy: A far-infrared and radio study of two H2 regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lester, D. F.; Dinerstein, H. L.; Werner, M. W.; Harvey, P. M.; Evans, N. J.; Brown, R. L.

1985-01-01

Far-infrared and radio continuum maps have been made of the central 6' of the inner-galaxy HII regions G30.8-0.0 (in the W43 complex) and G25.4-0.2, along with radio and molecular line measurements at selected positions. The purpose of this study is an effort to understand star formation in the molecular ring at 5 kpc in galactic radius. Measurements at several far infrared wavelengths allow the dust temperature structures and total far infrared fluxes to be determined. Comparison of the radio and infrared maps shows a close relationship between the ionized gas and the infrared-emitting material. There is evidence that parts of G30.8 are substantially affected by extinction, even at far-infrared wavelengths. Using radio recombination line and CO line data for G25.4-0.2, the distance ambiguity for this source is resolved. The large distance previously ascribed to the entire complex is found to apply to only one of the two main components. The confusion in distance determination is found to result from an extraordinary near-superposition of two bright HII regions. Using the revised distances of 4.3 kpc for G25.4SE and 12 kpc for G25.4NW, it is found that the latter, which is apparently the fainter of the two sources, is actually the more luminous. The ratio of total luminosity to ionizing luminosity is very similar to that of HII regions in the solar circle. Assuming a coeval population of ionizing stars, a normal initial mass function is indicated.

The ionizing radiation of Seyfert 2 galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ho, Luis C.; Shields, Joseph C.; Filippenko, Alexei V.

1993-01-01

We report the discovery of a nonrandom trend in the dispersion of emission-line intensity ratios for Seyfert 2 galaxies. The sense of this pattern suggests the influence of a single physical parameter, the hardness of the ionizing continuum, which controls the heating energy per ionizing photon. We compare the observed line ratios with new photoionization calculations and find that the observed distributions can be reproduced if the ionizing continuum is parametrized by a power law. Our results also suggest an inverse correlation between luminosity and continuum hardness for Seyfert 2 nuclei; if true, this trend extends a similar pattern known in quasars and Seyfert 1 galaxies to active galactic nuclei of lower luminosity. Samples of Seyfert 2 nuclei with improved selection uniformity are desirable for elaboration of these findings.

H II Regions in the Disks of Spiral Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozas, M.

1997-06-01

The objective of the research presented in the thesis is to use photometrically calibrated high quality images in \\ha\\ of the disks of spiral galaxies to study their global star forming properties. In the first part of the study we catalog and study statistically the \\hii\\ regions in a set of spirals, imaged in \\ha\\ . The observed parameters of each region are its fluxes and diameters, from which we can also derive the mean surface brightness and its internal radial gradient (the latter for the largest most luminous regions). Plotting the luminosity function (LF) for a given galaxy (the number of regions versus \\ha\\ flux) we find a characteristic discontinuity: a peak accompanied by a change in gradient of the function, at a luminosity of 10$^{38.6}$ erg s$^{-1}$ per region. We attribute this to the change from ionization-bounded \\hii\\ regions, at luminosities below the transition, to density-bounded regions above the transition, and explain with a quantitative model based on this assumption why the transition takes place at a well-defined luminosity, and one which varies very little from galaxy to galaxy. In the six galaxies observed and analyzed in this way, the variance is 0.07 mag., making the transition a good prima facie candidate to be a powerful standard candle for accurate extragalactic distance measurements. Confirmation of the nature of the transition is provided by measurements of the internal brightness gradients, which show a jump from a constant value (predicted for ionization bounded regions) below the transition to a larger and increasing value above the transition. The theoretical model which can account for the transition was used to show how the gradients of the LF in the ionization bounded and the density bounded regimes can be used to derive the mass function of the ionizing stars in regions close to the transition luminosity, yielding a mean value for the slope of the MF in the galaxies observed of -2.4; the brightest stars in these regions are characteristically early O-types. Further evidence that the most luminous regions are density-bounded is provided by measuring the internal velocity dispersions of \\hii\\ regions across a galaxy, using the TAURUS Fabry-Perot spectral line imager. A plot of velocity dispersion v. luminosity in \\ha\\ is a scatter diagram in the log-log plane with a linear upper envelope having a slope of +2.6, on which lies the brightest regions: those above the transition. We explain these findings by assuming that a typical region does not show gas in virial equilibrium, since sporadic stellar events: winds and explosions, provide a non-negligible fraction of the \\ha\\ luminosity. However the locus of the upper envelope should correspond to a virial relation; the more massive regions show more rapid damping of impulsive energy input. The slope of the envelope is that predicted for regions whose mass rather than total luminosity is being sampled, i.e. density-bounded regions. The thesis is completed with a different application of our \\ha\\ observations: a technique to test the relation between the presence or absence of twofold symmetries in the star formation patterns of grand design spirals, and the strength of any bar which is present. We find that a strong bar inhibits the second degree of symmetry, implying more mixing in the disk. Finally we apply a dynamical model, using numerical simulations, to the spiral galaxy NGC 157, in order to determine its principal resonance. (SECTION: Dissertation Summaries)

Evolution of the symbiotic binary system AG Pegasi - The slowest classical nova eruption ever recorded

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kenyon, Scott J.; Mikolajewska, Joanna; Mikolajewski, Maciej; Polidan, Ronald S.; Slovak, Mark H.

1993-01-01

We present an analysis of new and existing photometric and spectroscopic observations of the ongoing eruption in the symbiotic star AG Pegasi, showing that this binary has evolved considerably since the turn of the century. Recent dramatic changes in both the UV continuum and the wind from the hot component allow a more detailed analysis than in previous papers. AG Peg is composed of a normal M3 giant and a hot, compact star embedded in a dense, ionized nebula. The hot component powers the activity observed in this system, including a dense wind and a photoionized region within the outer atmosphere of the red giant. The hot component contracted in radius at roughly constant luminosity from 1850 to 1985. Its bolometric luminosity declined by a factor of about 4 during the past 5 yr. Both the mass loss rate from the hot component and the emission activity decreased in step with the hot component's total luminosity, while photospheric radiation from the red giant companion remained essentially constant.

Do Radio Jets Contribute to Driving Ionized Gas Outflows in Moderate Luminosity Type 2 AGN?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowler, Julia; Sajina, Anna; Lacy, Mark

2016-01-01

This poster examines the role of AGN-driven feedback in low to intermediate power radio galaxies. We begin with [OIII] measurements of ionized gas outflows in 29 moderate AGN-luminosity z~0.3-0.7 dust-obscured Type 2 AGN. We aim to examine the relative role of the AGN itself, of star-formation and of nascent radio jets in driving these outflows. The strength of the AGN and star formation are based on the [OIII] luminosities, and the far-IR luminosities respectively. For the radio jets, we present multi-frequency radio (X, S, and L-bands) JVLA imaging of our sample, which allows us both to constrain the overall radio power, but also look for signatures of young radio sources, including Giga-hertz Peaked Spectrum (GPS) sources, as well as small-scale jets. While radio jet-driven outflows are well known for powerful radio-loud galaxies, this study allows us to constrain the degree to which this mechanism is significant at more modest radio luminosities of L5GHz~10^22-25 W/Hz.

A Model for Protostellar Cluster Luminosities and the Impact on the CO–H2 Conversion Factor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaches, Brandt A. L.; Offner, Stella S. R.

2018-02-01

We construct a semianalytic model to study the effect of far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation on gas chemistry from embedded protostars. We use the protostellar luminosity function (PLF) formalism of Offner & McKee to calculate the total, FUV, and ionizing cluster luminosity for various protostellar accretion histories and cluster sizes. We2 compare the model predictions with surveys of Gould Belt star-forming regions and find that the tapered turbulent core model matches best the mean luminosities and the spread in the data. We combine the cluster model with the photodissociation region astrochemistry code, 3D-PDR, to compute the impact of the FUV luminosity from embedded protostars on the CO-to-H2 conversion factor, X CO, as a function of cluster size, gas mass, and star formation efficiency. We find that X CO has a weak dependence on the FUV radiation from embedded sources for large clusters owing to high cloud optical depths. In smaller and more efficient clusters the embedded FUV increases X CO to levels consistent with the average Milky Way values. The internal physical and chemical structures of the cloud are significantly altered, and X CO depends strongly on the protostellar cluster mass for small efficient clouds.

The mean ultraviolet spectrum of a representative sample of faint z ˜ 3 Lyman alpha emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakajima, Kimihiko; Fletcher, Thomas; Ellis, Richard S.; Robertson, Brant E.; Iwata, Ikuru

2018-06-01

We discuss the rest-frame ultraviolet (UV) emission line spectra of a large (˜100) sample of low luminosity redshift z ˜ 3.1 Lyman alpha emitters (LAEs) drawn from a Subaru imaging survey in the SSA22 survey field. Our earlier work based on smaller samples indicated that such sources have high [O III]/[O II] line ratios possibly arising from a hard ionizing spectrum that may be typical of similar sources in the reionization era. With optical spectra secured from VLT/VIMOS, we re-examine the nature of the ionizing radiation in a larger sample using the strength of the high ionization diagnostic emission lines of CIII]λ1909, CIVλ1549, HEIIλ1640, and O III]λλ1661, 1666 Å in various stacked subsets. Our analysis confirms earlier suggestions of a correlation between the strength of Ly α and CIII] emission and we find similar trends with broad-band UV luminosity and rest-frame UV colour. Using various diagnostic line ratios and our stellar photoionization models, we determine both the gas phase metallicity and hardness of the ionization spectrum characterized by ξion - the number of Lyman continuum photons per UV luminosity. We confirm our earlier suggestion that ξion is significantly larger for LAEs than for continuum-selected Lyman break galaxies, particularly for those LAEs with the faintest UV luminosities. We briefly discuss the implications for cosmic reionization if the metal-poor intensely star-forming systems studied here are representative examples of those at much higher redshift.

The line continuum luminosity ratio in AGN: Or on the Baldwin Effect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mushotzky, R.; Ferland, F. J.

1983-01-01

The luminosity dependence of the equivalent width of CIV in active galaxies, the "Baldwin" effect, is shown to be a consequence of a luminosity dependent ionization parameter. This law also agrees with the lack of a "Baldwin" effect in Ly alpha or other hydrogen lines. A fit to the available data gives a weak indication that the mean covering factor decreases with increasing luminosity, consistent with the inference from X-ray observations. The effects of continuum shape and density on various line ratios of interest are discussed.

A Physically based Model of the Ionizing Radiation from Active Galaxies for Photoionization Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, A. D.; Groves, B. A.; Sutherland, R. S.; Dopita, M. A.; Kewley, L. J.; Jin, C.

2016-12-01

We present a simplified model of active galactic nucleus (AGN) continuum emission designed for photoionization modeling. The new model oxaf reproduces the diversity of spectral shapes that arise in physically based models. We identify and explain degeneracies in the effects of AGN parameters on model spectral shapes, with a focus on the complete degeneracy between the black hole mass and AGN luminosity. Our reparametrized model oxaf removes these degeneracies and accepts three parameters that directly describe the output spectral shape: the energy of the peak of the accretion disk emission {E}{peak}, the photon power-law index of the non-thermal emission Γ, and the proportion of the total flux that is emitted in the non-thermal component {p}{NT}. The parameter {E}{peak} is presented as a function of the black hole mass, AGN luminosity, and “coronal radius” of the optxagnf model upon which oxaf is based. We show that the soft X-ray excess does not significantly affect photoionization modeling predictions of strong emission lines in Seyfert narrow-line regions. Despite its simplicity, oxaf accounts for opacity effects where the accretion disk is ionized because it inherits the “color correction” of optxagnf. We use a grid of mappings photoionization models with oxaf ionizing spectra to demonstrate how predicted emission-line ratios on standard optical diagnostic diagrams are sensitive to each of the three oxaf parameters. The oxaf code is publicly available in the Astrophysics Source Code Library.

Quantitative spectroscopy of Wolf-Rayet stars in HD97950 and R136a - the cores of giant HII regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowther, P. A.; Dessart, Luc

1998-05-01

We present quantitative analyses of Wolf-Rayet stars in the cores of two giant Hii regions - HD97950 in NGC3603 and R136a in 30 Doradus - based on archive Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spectroscopy. We confirm previous WN6h+abs classifications for components A1, B and C in HD97950, while classifications for R136a1-3 are revised from O3If^*/WN6 to WN5h. From detailed non-local thermodynamic equilibrium analyses, we find that all Wolf-Rayet stars exhibit products of CNO-processed material at their surface since they are rich in both helium (H/He~3-6, by number) and nitrogen (N/He~0.002-0.006). Their luminosities, log(L/Lsolar)=6.0-6.3, are amongst the highest known for Wolf-Rayet stars. Consequently they are very massive stars (M_init>=100Msolar) at a relatively low age (~2Myr), reminiscent of the late WN stars in the Carina Nebula. We obtain a revised distance modulus of 15.03mag (=10.1kpc) to NGC3603 based on available photometry, an updated M_v calibration for early O stars and a reddening of E(B-V)=1.23mag towards its core. From a census of the massive stellar content of the two central clusters we conclude that their global properties are comparable. We evaluate the contribution made by Wolf-Rayet stars to the total Lyman continuum ionizing flux and kinetic energy released into the ISM. We discuss how simple calibrations can be used to estimate stellar luminosities, ionizing fluxes and mass-loss rates of luminous OB stars. Wolf-Rayet stars provide ~20 per cent of the total ionizing flux (~1.3x10^51 Ly photons^-1) within 0.5pc of their cores, and ~60 per cent of the total kinetic energy injected into the ISM (5-6x10^38ergs^-1), despite representing only 10 per cent of the massive stellar population. For the larger R136 cluster in 30 Doradus (r<=10pc), 117 massive stars provide a total ionizing flux of 4x10^51 Ly photons^-1 and release a total kinetic energy of 1.6x10^39 ergs^-1 into the ISM, the latter being dominated by nine WR (43 per cent) and six O3If^*/WN (29 per cent) stars.

Searching for the influence radius of AGN in nearby narrow emission-line galaxies using the CALIFA survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robleto-Orús, A. C.; Torres-Papaqui, J. P.; Coziol, R.; Morales-Vargas, A.; Romero-Cruz, F. J.; Ortega-Minakata, R. A.; Chow-Martinez, M.; Trejo-Alonso, J. J.

2017-07-01

In narrow emission-line galaxies, one important problem consists in discriminating gas ionization due to an AGN and gas ionization due to OB stars in active star-forming regions. This problem becomes more acute in case of AGNs classified as transition-type objects (TO), where star formation is relatively intense, and for LINERs, where the AGN is very weak. Thanks to the integral field spectroscopy, we have a new way to attack this problem. By definition, OB stars ionize a definite portion of space, the Strömgren's sphere, which size depends on the total luminosity of the star, its temperature, and the density of the surrounding gas. Therefore one expects gas ionized by OB stars to cover limited areas in a galaxy. On the other hand, due to the huge amount of ionizing photons emitted by an AGN, its "influence radius" is expected do be much more extended, in the order of kpc. Using a sample of galaxies from included in the CALIFA survey DR3, we will test a new way to measure the characteristic "influence radius" of AGN with different intensities.

A Semi-analytical Model for Wind-fed Black Hole High-mass X-Ray Binaries: State Transition Triggered by Magnetic Fields from the Companion Star

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yaji, Kentaro; Yamada, Shinya; Masai, Kuniaki

We propose a mechanism of state transition in wind-fed black hole (BH) binaries (high-mass X-ray binaries) such as Cyg X-1 and LMC X-1. Modeling a line-driven stellar wind from the companion by two-dimensional hydrodynamical calculations, we investigate the processes of wind capture by, and accretion onto, the BH. We assume that the wind acceleration is terminated at the He ii ionization front because ions responsible for line-driven acceleration are ionized within the front, i.e., the He iii region. It is found that the mass accretion rate inferred from the luminosity is remarkably smaller than the capture rate. Considering the difference,more » we construct a model for the state transition based on the accretion flow being controlled by magnetorotational instability. The outer flow is torus-like, and plays an important role to trigger the transition. The model can explain why state transition does occur in Cyg X-1, while not in LMC X-1. Cyg X-1 exhibits a relatively low luminosity, and then the He ii ionization front is located and can move between the companion and BH, depending on its ionizing photon flux. On the other hand, LMC X-1 exhibits too high luminosity for the front to move considerably; the front is too close to the companion atmosphere. The model also predicts that each state of high-soft or low-hard would last fairly long because the luminosity depends weakly on the wind velocity. In the context of the model, the state transition is triggered by a fluctuation of the magnetic field when its amplitude becomes comparable to the field strength in the torus-like outer flow.« less

A New Catalog of H II Regions in M31

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azimlu, M.; Marciniak, R.; Barmby, P.

2011-10-01

We present a new catalog of H II regions in M31. The full disk of the galaxy (~24 kpc from the galaxy center) is covered in a 2.2 deg2 mosaic of 10 fields observed with the Mosaic Camera on the Mayall 4 m telescope as part of the Local Group Galaxies survey. We used HIIphot, a code for automated photometry of H II regions, to identify the regions and measure their fluxes and sizes. A 10σ detection level was used to exclude diffuse gas fluctuations and star residuals after continuum subtraction. That selection limit may result in missing some faint H II regions, but our catalog of 3691 H II regions is still complete to a luminosity of L Hα = 1034 erg s-1. This is five times fainter than the only previous CCD-based study which contained 967 objects in the NE half of M31. We determined the Hα luminosity function (LF) by fitting a power law to luminosities larger than L Hα = 1036.7 and determined a slope of 2.52 ± 0.07. The in-arm and inter-arm LFs peak at different luminosities but they have similar bright-end slopes. The inter-arm regions are less populated (40% of total detected regions) and constitute only 14% of the total luminosity of L Hα = 5.6 × 1040 erg s-1 (after extinction correction and considering 65% contribution from diffused ionized gas). A star formation rate of 0.44 M sun yr-1 was estimated from the Hα total luminosity; this value is consistent with the determination from the Spitzer 8 μm image. We removed all known and potential planetary nebulae, yet we found a double-peaked LF. The inter-arm older population suggests a starburst between 15 and 20 million years ago. This result is in agreement with UV studies of the star formation history in M31 which found a star formation rate decrease in the recent past. We found a fair spatial correlation between the H II regions and stellar clusters in selected star-forming regions. Most of the matched regions lie within the arm regions.

The Nature of the Energy Source in LINER's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colina, L.; Koratkar, Anuradha

1996-01-01

LINER's (low-ionization nuclear emission-line regions) are found in about 30% of all bright galaxies, including luminous infrared galaxies. They form a heterogeneous class powered by a variety of ionizing mechanisms such as low-luminosity AGNs (active galactic nuclei), starbursts, shocks, or any combination of these. In early-type spirals, LINER's are powered by a low-luminosity AGN, or by an AGN surrounded by circumnuclear star-forming regions. In luminous infrared galaxies, LINER's are powered by starbursts with associated wind-related extended shocks, and an AGN may play a minor role, if any. LINER's in some FR I radio galaxies show strong evidence for the presence of a massive central black hole, and there are indications for the existence of shocks in the nuclear disks of these galaxies. Yet, the dominant ionizing mechanism for LINER's in radio-quiet ellipticals and FR I host galaxies is still unclear. Multifrequency high spatial resolution imaging and spectroscopy are essential to discriminate among the different ionizing mechanisms present in LINER's.

A HERSCHEL SURVEY OF THE [N II] 205 {mu}m LINE IN LOCAL LUMINOUS INFRARED GALAXIES: THE [N II] 205 {mu}m EMISSION AS A STAR FORMATION RATE INDICATOR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao Yinghe; Gao Yu; Lu, Nanyao

2013-03-01

We present, for the first time, a statistical study of [N II] 205 {mu}m line emission for a large sample of local luminous infrared galaxies using Herschel Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver Fourier Transform Spectrometer (SPIRE FTS) data. For our sample of galaxies, we investigate the correlation between the [N II] luminosity (L{sub [N{sub II]}}) and the total infrared luminosity (L{sub IR}), as well as the dependence of L{sub [N{sub II]}}/L{sub IR} ratio on L{sub IR}, far-infrared colors (IRAS f{sub 60}/f{sub 100}), and the [O III] 88 {mu}m to [N II] luminosity ratio. We find that L{sub [N{sub II]}} correlatesmore » almost linearly with L{sub IR} for non-active galactic nucleus galaxies (all having L{sub IR} < 10{sup 12} L{sub Sun }) in our sample, which implies that L{sub [N{sub II]}} can serve as a star formation rate tracer which is particularly useful for high-redshift galaxies that will be observed with forthcoming submillimeter spectroscopic facilities such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Our analysis shows that the deviation from the mean L{sub [N{sub II]}}-L{sub IR} relation correlates with tracers of the ionization parameter, which suggests that the scatter in this relation is mainly due to the variations in the hardness, and/or ionization parameter, of the ambient galactic UV field among the sources in our sample.« less

Lyman continuum leaking AGN in the SSA22 field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micheva, Genoveva; Iwata, Ikuru; Inoue, Akio K.

2017-02-01

Subaru/SuprimeCam narrow-band photometry of the SSA22 field reveals the presence of four Lyman continuum (LyC) candidates among a sample of 14 active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Two show offsets and likely have stellar LyCin nature or are foreground contaminants. The remaining two LyC candidates are type I AGN. We argue that the average LyC escape fraction of high-redshift, low-luminosity AGN is not likely to be unity, as often assumed in the literature. From direct measurement we obtain the average LyC-to-UV flux density ratio and ionizing emissivity for a number of AGN classes and find it at least a factor of 2 lower than values obtained assuming fesc = 1. Comparing to recent Ly α forest measurements, AGNs at redshift z ˜ 3 make up at most ˜12 per cent and as little as ˜5 per cent of the total ionizing budget. Our results suggest that AGNs are unlikely to dominate the ionization budget of the Universe at high redshifts.

X-ray and multiwavelength insights into the inner structure of high-luminosity disc-like emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, B.; Brandt, W. N.; Eracleous, M.; Wu, Jian; Hall, P. B.; Rafiee, A.; Schneider, D. P.; Wu, Jianfeng

2013-02-01

We present X-ray and multiwavelength studies of a sample of eight high-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGN) with disc-like Hβ emission-line profiles selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7. These sources have higher redshift (z ≈ 0.6) than the majority of the known disc-like emitters, and they occupy a largely unexplored space in the luminosity-redshift plane. Seven sources have typical AGN X-ray spectra with power-law photon indices of Γ ≈ 1.4-2.0; two of them show some X-ray absorption (column density NH ≈ 1021-1022 cm-2 for neutral gas). The other source, J0850+4451, has only three hard X-ray photons detected and is probably heavily obscured (NH ≳ 3 × 1023 cm-2). This object is also identified as a low-ionization broad absorption line (BAL) quasar based on Mg II λ2799 absorption; it is the first disc-like emitter reported that is also a BAL quasar. The infrared-to-ultraviolet (UV) spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of these eight sources are similar to the mean SEDs of typical quasars with a UV `bump', suggestive of standard accretion discs radiating with high efficiency, which differs from low-luminosity disc-like emitters. Studies of the X-ray-to-optical power-law slope parameters (αOX) indicate that there is no significant excess X-ray emission in these high-luminosity disc-like emitters. Energy budget analysis suggests that for disc-like emitters in general, the inner disc must illuminate and ionize the outer disc efficiently (≈15 per cent of the nuclear ionizing radiation is required on average) via direct illumination and/or scattering. Warped accretion discs are probably needed for direct illumination to work in high-luminosity objects, as their geometrically thin inner discs decrease the amount of direct illumination possible for a flat disc.

On the Scatter in the Radius-Luminosity Relationship for Active Galactic Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilerci Eser, E.; Vestergaard, M.; Peterson, B. M.; Denney, K. D.; Bentz, M. C.

2015-03-01

We investigate and quantify the observed scatter in the empirical relationship between the broad line region size R and the luminosity of the active galactic nucleus, in order to better understand its origin. This study is motivated by the indispensable role of this relationship in the mass estimation of cosmologically distant black holes, but may also be relevant to the recently proposed application of this relationship for measuring cosmic distances. We study six nearby reverberation-mapped active galactic nuclei (AGNs) for which simultaneous UV and optical monitoring data exist. We also examine the long-term optical luminosity variations of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 and employ Monte Carlo simulations to study the effects of the intrinsic variability of individual objects on the scatter in the global relationship for a sample of ~40 AGNs. We find the scatter in this relationship has a correctable dependence on color. For individual AGNs, the size of the Hβ emitting region has a steeper dependence on the nuclear optical luminosity than on the UV luminosity, which can introduce a scatter of ~0.08 dex into the global relationship, due the nonlinear relationship between the variations in the ionizing continuum and those in the optical continuum. Also, our analysis highlights the importance of understanding and minimizing the scatter in the relationship traced by the intrinsic variability of individual AGNs since it propagates directly into the global relationship. We find that using the UV luminosity as a substitute for the ionizing luminosity can reduce a sizable fraction of the current observed scatter of ~0.13 dex.

Ionization nebulae surrounding supersoft X-ray sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rappaport, S.; Chiang, E.; Kallman, T.; Malina, R.

1994-01-01

In this work we carry out a theoretical investigation of a new type of astrophysical gaseous nebula, viz., ionized regions surrounding supersoft X-ray sources. Supersoft X-ray sources, many of which have characteristic luminosities of approximately 10(exp 37)-(10(exp 38) ergs/s and effective temperatures of approximately 4 x 10(exp 5) K, were first discovered with the Einstein Observatory. These sources have now been shown to constitute a distinct class of X-ray source and are being found in substantial numbers with ROSAT. We predict that these sources should be surrounded by regions of ionized hydrogen and helium with properties that are distinct from other astrophysical gaseous nebulae. We present caluations of the ionization and temperature structure of these ionization nebulae, as well as the expected optical line fluxes. The ionization profiles for both hydrogen and helium exhibit substantially more gradual transitions from the ionized to the unionized state than is the case for conventional H II regions. The calculated optical line intensitites are presented as absolute fluxes from sources in the Large Magellanic Cloud and as fractions of the central source luminosity. We find, in particular, that (O III) lambda 5008 and He II lambda 4686 are especially prominent in these ionization nebulae as compared to other astrophysical nebulae. We propose that searches for supersoft X-rays via their characteristic optical lines may reveal sources in regions where the soft X-rays are nearly completely absorbed by the interstellar medium.

A SAMPLE OF SEYFERT-2 GALAXIES WITH ULTRALUMINOUS GALAXY-WIDE NARROW-LINE REGIONS: QUASAR LIGHT ECHOES?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schirmer, M.; Diaz, R.; Levenson, N. A.

2013-01-20

We report the discovery of Seyfert-2 galaxies in SDSS-DR8 with galaxy-wide, ultraluminous narrow-line regions (NLRs) at redshifts z = 0.2-0.6. With a space density of 4.4 Gpc{sup -3} at z {approx} 0.3, these 'green beans' (GBs) are amongst the rarest objects in the universe. We are witnessing an exceptional and/or short-lived phenomenon in the life cycle of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The main focus of this paper is on a detailed analysis of the GB prototype galaxy J2240-0927 (z = 0.326). Its NLR extends over 26 Multiplication-Sign 44 kpc and is surrounded by an extended NLR. With a total [Omore » III] {lambda}5008 luminosity of (5.7 {+-} 0.9) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 43} erg s{sup -1}, this is one of the most luminous NLRs known around any type-2 galaxy. Using VLT/XSHOOTER, we show that the NLR is powered by an AGN, and we derive resolved extinction, density, and ionization maps. Gas kinematics is disturbed on a global scale, and high-velocity outflows are absent or faint. This NLR is unlike any other NLR or extended emission line region known. Spectroscopy with Gemini/GMOS reveals extended, high-luminosity [O III] emission also in other GBs. WISE 24 {mu}m luminosities are 5-50 times lower than predicted by the [O III] fluxes, suggesting that the NLRs reflect earlier, very active quasar states that have strongly subsided in less than a galaxy's light-crossing time. These light echoes, or ionization echoes, are about 100 times more luminous than any other such echo known to date. X-ray data are needed for photoionization modeling and to verify the light echoes.« less

ON THE SCATTER IN THE RADIUS-LUMINOSITY RELATIONSHIP FOR ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kilerci Eser, E.; Vestergaard, M.; Peterson, B. M.

2015-03-01

We investigate and quantify the observed scatter in the empirical relationship between the broad line region size R and the luminosity of the active galactic nucleus, in order to better understand its origin. This study is motivated by the indispensable role of this relationship in the mass estimation of cosmologically distant black holes, but may also be relevant to the recently proposed application of this relationship for measuring cosmic distances. We study six nearby reverberation-mapped active galactic nuclei (AGNs) for which simultaneous UV and optical monitoring data exist. We also examine the long-term optical luminosity variations of the Seyfert 1more » galaxy NGC 5548 and employ Monte Carlo simulations to study the effects of the intrinsic variability of individual objects on the scatter in the global relationship for a sample of ∼40 AGNs. We find the scatter in this relationship has a correctable dependence on color. For individual AGNs, the size of the Hβ emitting region has a steeper dependence on the nuclear optical luminosity than on the UV luminosity, which can introduce a scatter of ∼0.08 dex into the global relationship, due the nonlinear relationship between the variations in the ionizing continuum and those in the optical continuum. Also, our analysis highlights the importance of understanding and minimizing the scatter in the relationship traced by the intrinsic variability of individual AGNs since it propagates directly into the global relationship. We find that using the UV luminosity as a substitute for the ionizing luminosity can reduce a sizable fraction of the current observed scatter of ∼0.13 dex.« less

THE CANADA-FRANCE HIGH-z QUASAR SURVEY: NINE NEW QUASARS AND THE LUMINOSITY FUNCTION AT REDSHIFT 6

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Willott, Chris J.; Crampton, David; Hutchings, John B.

2010-03-15

We present discovery imaging and spectroscopy for nine new z {approx} 6 quasars found in the Canada-France High-z Quasar Survey (CFHQS) bringing the total number of CFHQS quasars to 19. By combining the CFHQS with the more luminous Sloan Digital Sky Survey sample, we are able to derive the quasar luminosity function from a sample of 40 quasars at redshifts 5.74 < z < 6.42. Our binned luminosity function shows a slightly lower normalization and flatter slope than found in previous work. The binned data also suggest a break in the luminosity function at M {sub 1450} {approx} -25. Amore » double power-law maximum likelihood fit to the data is consistent with the binned results. The luminosity function is strongly constrained (1{sigma} uncertainty <0.1 dex) over the range -27.5 < M {sub 1450} < -24.7. The best-fit parameters are {phi}(M*{sub 1450}) = 1.14 x 10{sup -8} Mpc{sup -3} mag{sup -1}, break magnitude M*{sub 1450} = -25.13, and bright end slope {beta} = -2.81. However, the covariance between {beta} and M*{sub 1450} prevents strong constraints being placed on either parameter. For a break magnitude in the range -26 < M*{sub 1450} < -24, we find -3.8 < {beta} < -2.3 at 95% confidence. We calculate the z = 6 quasar intergalactic ionizing flux and show it is between 20 and 100 times lower than that necessary for reionization. Finally, we use the luminosity function to predict how many higher redshift quasars may be discovered in future near-IR imaging surveys.« less

Structure and kinematics of the broad-line regions in active galaxies from IUE variability data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koratkar, Anuradha P.; Gaskell, C. Martin

1991-01-01

IUE archival data are used here to investigate the structure nad kinematics of the broad-line regions (BLRs) in nine AGN. It is found that the centroid of the line-continuum cross-correlation functions (CCFs) can be determined with reasonable reliability. The errors in BLR size estimates from CCFs for irregularly sampled light curves are fairly well understood. BLRs are found to have small luminosity-weighted radii, and lines of high ionization tend to be emitted closer to the central source than lines of low ionization, especially for low-luminosity objects. The motion of the gas is gravity-dominated with both pure inflow and pure outflow of high-velocity gas being excluded at a high confidence level for certain geometries.

A High Space Density of Luminous Lyman Alpha Emitters at z ∼ 6.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagley, Micaela B.; Scarlata, Claudia; Henry, Alaina; Rafelski, Marc; Malkan, Matthew; Teplitz, Harry; Dai, Y. Sophia; Baronchelli, Ivano; Colbert, James; Rutkowski, Michael; Mehta, Vihang; Dressler, Alan; McCarthy, Patrick; Bunker, Andrew; Atek, Hakim; Garel, Thibault; Martin, Crystal L.; Hathi, Nimish; Siana, Brian

2017-03-01

We present the results of a systematic search for Lyα emitters (LAEs) at 6≲ z≲ 7.6 using the HST WFC3 Infrared Spectroscopic Parallel (WISP) Survey. Our total volume over this redshift range is ∼ 8× {10}5 Mpc3, comparable to many of the narrowband surveys despite their larger area coverage. We find two LAEs at z = 6.38 and 6.44 with line luminosities of {L}Lyα }∼ 4.7× {10}43 erg s‑1, putting them among the brightest LAEs discovered at these redshifts. Taking advantage of the broad spectral coverage of WISP, we are able to rule out almost all lower-redshift contaminants. The WISP LAEs have a high number density of 7.7× {10}-6 Mpc‑3. We argue that the LAEs reside in megaparsec-scale ionized bubbles that allow the Lyα photons to redshift out of resonance before encountering the neutral intergalactic medium. We discuss possible ionizing sources and conclude that the observed LAEs alone are not sufficient to ionize the bubbles.

High resolution radio and optical observations of the central starburst in the low-metallicity dwarf galaxy II Zw 40

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kepley, Amanda A.; Reines, Amy E.; Johnson, Kelsey E.

2014-02-01

The extent to which star formation varies in galaxies with low masses, low metallicities, and high star formation rate surface densities is not well constrained. To gain insight into star formation under these physical conditions, this paper estimates the ionizing photon fluxes, masses, and ages for young massive clusters in the central region of II Zw 40—the prototypical low-metallicity dwarf starburst galaxy—from radio continuum and optical observations. Discrete, cluster-sized sources only account for half the total radio continuum emission; the remainder is diffuse. The young (≲ 5 Myr) central burst has a star formation rate surface density that significantly exceedsmore » that of the Milky Way. Three of the 13 sources have ionizing photon fluxes (and thus masses) greater than R136 in 30 Doradus. Although isolating the effects of galaxy mass and metallicity is difficult, the H II region luminosity function and the internal extinction in the center of II Zw 40 appear to be primarily driven by a merger-related starburst. The relatively flat H II region luminosity function may be the result of an increase in interstellar medium pressure during the merger and the internal extinction is similar to that generated by the clumpy and porous dust in other starburst galaxies.« less

Measuring the Outflow Properties of FeLoBAL Quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dabbieri, Collin; Choi, Hyunseop; MacInnis, Francis; Leighly, Karen; Terndrup, Donald

2018-01-01

Roughly 20 percent of the quasar population shows broad absorption lines, which are indicators of an energetic wind. Within the broad absorption line class of quasars exist FeLoBAL quasars, which show strong absorption lines from the Fe II and Fe III transitions as well as other low-ionization lines. FeLoBALs are of particular interest because they are thought to possibly be a short-lived stage in a quasar's life where it expels its shroud of gas and dust. This means the winds we see from FeLoBALs are one manifestation of galactic feedback. This idea is supported by Farrah et al. (2012) who found an anti correlation between outflow strength and contribution from star formation to the total IR luminosity of the host galaxy when examining a sample of FeLoBAL quasars. We analyze the sample of 26 FeLoBALs from Farrah et al. (2012) in order to measure the properties of their outflows, including ionization, density, column density and covering fraction. The absorption and continuum profiles of these objects are modeled using SimBAL, a program which creates synthetic spectra using a grid of Cloudy models. A Monte-Carlo method is employed to determine posterior probabilities for the physical parameters of the outflow. From these probabilities we extract the distance of the outflow, the mass outflow rate and the kinetic luminosity. We demonstrate SimBAL is capable of modeling a wide range of spectral morphologies. From the 26 objects studied we observe interesting correlations between ionization parameter, distance and density. Analysis of our sample also suggests a dearth of objects with velocity widths greater than or equal to 300 km/s at distances greater than or equal to 100 parsecs.

Highly ionized atoms in cooling gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edgar, R. J.; Chevalier, R. A.

1986-01-01

The ionization of low density gas cooling from a high temperature was calculated. The evolution during the cooling is assumed to be isochoric, isobaric, or a combination of these cases. The calculations are used to predict the column densities and ultraviolet line luminosities of highly ionized atoms in cooling gas. In a model for cooling of a hot galactic corona, it is shown that the observed value of N(N V) can be produced in the cooling gas, while the predicted value of N(Si IV) falls short of the observed value by a factor of about 5. The same model predicts fluxes of ultraviolet emission lines that are a factor of 10 lower than the claimed detections of Feldman, Brune, and Henry. Predictions are made for ultraviolet lines in cooling flows in early-type galaxies and clusters of galaxies. It is shown that the column densities of interest vary over a fairly narrow range, while the emission line luminosities are simply proportional to the mass inflow rate.

Highly ionized atoms in cooling gas. [in model for cooling of hot Galactic corona

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edgar, Richard J.; Chevalier, Roger A.

1986-01-01

The ionization of low density gas cooling from a high temperature was calculated. The evolution during the cooling is assumed to be isochoric, isobaric, or a combination of these cases. The calculations are used to predict the column densities and ultraviolet line luminosities of highly ionized atoms in cooling gas. In a model for cooling of a hot galactic corona, it is shown that the observed value of N(N V) can be produced in the cooling gas, while the predicted value of N(Si IV) falls short of the observed value by a factor of about 5. The same model predicts fluxes of ultraviolet emission lines that are a factor of 10 lower than the claimed detections of Feldman, Bruna, and Henry. Predictions are made for ultraviolet lines in cooling flows in early-type galaxies and clusters of galaxies. It is shown that the column densities of interest vary over a fairly narrow range, while the emission line luminosities are simply proportional to the mass inflow rate.

The First Detection of (O IV) from an Ultraluminous X-Ray Source with Spitzer. 2. Evidence for High Luminosity in Holmberg II ULX

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

from the accretion disk of the binary system and inconsistent with narrow beaming. We show that the emission nebula is matter- bounded both in the line...making them very dif- ficult to characterize. The ionization nebulae surrounding some ULXs have become critical for understanding the properties of...Abolmasov et al. 2007). It is located inside an ionized nebula (the “Foot nebula ”), and shows high- ionization optical emission lines coincident with

The MOSDEF Survey: Metallicity Dependence of PAH Emission at High Redshift and Implications for 24 μm Inferred IR Luminosities and Star Formation Rates at z ˜ 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shivaei, Irene; Reddy, Naveen A.; Shapley, Alice E.; Siana, Brian; Kriek, Mariska; Mobasher, Bahram; Coil, Alison L.; Freeman, William R.; Sanders, Ryan L.; Price, Sedona H.; Azadi, Mojegan; Zick, Tom

2017-03-01

We present results on the variation of 7.7 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission in galaxies spanning a wide range in metallicity at z ˜ 2. For this analysis, we use rest-frame optical spectra of 476 galaxies at 1.37 ≤ z ≤ 2.61 from the MOSFIRE Deep Evolution Field (MOSDEF) survey to infer metallicities and ionization states. Spitzer/MIPS 24 μm and Herschel/PACS 100 and 160 μm observations are used to derive rest-frame 7.7 μm luminosities ({L}7.7) and total IR luminosities ({L}{IR}), respectively. We find significant trends between the ratio of {L}7.7 to {L}{IR} (and to dust-corrected star formation rate [SFR]) and both metallicity and [O III]/[O II] ({{{O}}}32) emission line ratio. The latter is an empirical proxy for the ionization parameter. These trends indicate a paucity of PAH emission in low-metallicity environments with harder and more intense radiation fields. Additionally, {L}7.7/{L}{IR} is significantly lower in the youngest quartile of our sample (ages of ≲500 Myr) compared to older galaxies, which may be a result of the delayed production of PAHs by AGB stars. The relative strength of {L}7.7 to {L}{IR} is also lower by a factor of ˜2 for galaxies with masses {M}* < {10}10 {M}⊙ , compared to the more massive ones. We demonstrate that commonly used conversions of {L}7.7 (or 24 μm flux density, f 24) to {L}{IR} underestimate the IR luminosity by more than a factor of 2 at {M}* ˜ {10}9.6{--10.0} {M}⊙ . We adopt a mass-dependent conversion of {L}7.7 to {L}{IR} with {L}7.7/{L}{IR} = 0.09 and 0.22 for {M}* ≤slant {10}10 and > {10}10 {M}⊙ , respectively. Based on the new scaling, the SFR-M * relation has a shallower slope than previously derived. Our results also suggest a higher IR luminosity density at z ˜ 2 than previously measured, corresponding to a ˜30% increase in the SFR density.

Measuring the Impact of AGN Outflows via Intensive UV and X-ray Monitoring Campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriss, Gerard

2015-08-01

Observations of AGN outflows have progressed from the era of single-object surveys to intensive monitoring campaigns spanning weeks to months. The combination of multiple observations, improved temporal coverage, multi-wavelength monitoring in both the X-ray and UV bands, and the baseline of prior historical observations has enabled determinations of the locations, mass flux, and kinetic luminosities of the outflowing absorbing gas in several AGN, notably Mrk 509, NGC 5548, Mrk 335, and NGC 985. Another intensive campaign is planned for 2015-2016 on NGC 7469. In all cases, the mass flux and kinetic energy is dominated by the higher-ionization X-ray absorbing gas. But the higher-resolution UV observations give a kinematically resolved picture of the overall outflow. In most cases, the outflowing gas is located at parsec to kpc scales, with insufficient kinetic luminosity to have an evolutionary impact on the host galaxy. Typically, the kinetic luminosity is less than a percent of the Eddington luminosity. In some cases, transient, broad UV absorption troughs have appeared (e.g., Mrk 335 and NGC 5548), with variability timescales suggesting locations near the broad-line region of the AGN. Yet these higher-velocity outflows also have low-impact kinetic luminosities. In the best-studied case of NGC 5548, the strength of the broad UV absorption lines varies with the degree of soft X-ray obscuration first revealed by XMM-Newton spectra. The lower-ionization, narrow associated absorption lines in the UV spectrum of NGC 5548 that appeared concurrently with the soft X-ray obscuration vary in response to the changing UV flux on a daily basis. The intensive monitoring allows us to fit time-dependent photoionization models to the UV-absorbing gas, allowing precise determinations of the locations, mass flux, and kinetic luminosities of the absorbers.

Radiative transfer calculations of the diffuse ionized gas in disc galaxies with cosmic ray feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandenbroucke, Bert; Wood, Kenneth; Girichidis, Philipp; Hill, Alex S.; Peters, Thomas

2018-05-01

The large vertical scale heights of the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in disc galaxies are challenging to model, as hydrodynamical models including only thermal feedback seem to be unable to support gas at these heights. In this paper, we use a three-dimensional Monte Carlo radiation transfer code to post-process disc simulations of the Simulating the Life-Cycle of Molecular Clouds project that include feedback by cosmic rays. We show that the more extended discs in simulations including cosmic ray feedback naturally lead to larger scale heights for the DIG which are more in line with observed scale heights. We also show that including a fiducial cosmic ray heating term in our model can help to increase the temperature as a function of disc scale height, but fails to reproduce observed DIG nitrogen and sulphur forbidden line intensities. We show that, to reproduce these line emissions, we require a heating mechanism that affects gas over a larger density range than is achieved by cosmic ray heating, which can be achieved by fine tuning the total luminosity of ionizing sources to get an appropriate ionizing spectrum as a function of scale height. This result sheds a new light on the relation between forbidden line emissions and temperature profiles for realistic DIG gas distributions.

Metals in the circumgalactic medium are out of ionization equilibrium due to fluctuating active galactic nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segers, Marijke C.; Oppenheimer, Benjamin D.; Schaye, Joop; Richings, Alexander J.

2017-10-01

We study the effect of a fluctuating active galactic nucleus (AGN) on the abundance of circumgalactic O VI in galaxies selected from the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments simulations. We follow the time-variable O VI abundance in post-processing around four galaxies - two at z = 0.1 with stellar masses of M* ˜ 1010 M⊙ and M* ˜ 1011 M⊙, and two at z = 3 with similar stellar masses - out to impact parameters of twice their virial radii, implementing a fluctuating central source of ionizing radiation. Due to delayed recombination, the AGN leave significant 'AGN proximity zone fossils' around all four galaxies, where O VI and other metal ions are out of ionization equilibrium for several megayears after the AGN fade. The column density of O VI is typically enhanced by ≈0.3-1.0 dex at impact parameters within 0.3Rvir, and by ≈0.06-0.2 dex at 2Rvir, thereby also enhancing the covering fraction of O VI above a given column density threshold. The fossil effect tends to increase with increasing AGN luminosity, and towards shorter AGN lifetimes and larger AGN duty cycle fractions. In the limit of short AGN lifetimes, the effect converges to that of a continuous AGN with a luminosity of (fduty/100 per cent) times the AGN luminosity. We also find significant fossil effects for other metal ions, where low-ionization state ions are decreased (Si IV, C IV at z = 3) and high-ionization state ions are increased (C IV at z = 0.1, Ne viii, Mg x). Using observationally motivated AGN parameters, we predict AGN proximity zone fossils to be ubiquitous around M* ˜ 1010-11 M⊙ galaxies, and to affect observations of metals in the circumgalactic medium at both low and high redshifts.

No Sign of Strong Molecular Gas Outflow in an Infrared-bright Dust-obscured Galaxy with Strong Ionized-gas Outflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toba, Yoshiki; Komugi, Shinya; Nagao, Tohru; Yamashita, Takuji; Wang, Wei-Hao; Imanishi, Masatoshi; Sun, Ai-Lei

2017-12-01

We report the discovery of an infrared (IR)-bright dust-obscured galaxy (DOG) that shows a strong ionized-gas outflow but no significant molecular gas outflow. Based on detailed analysis of their optical spectra, we found some peculiar IR-bright DOGs that show strong ionized-gas outflow ([O III] λ5007) from the central active galactic nucleus (AGN). For one of these DOGs (WISE J102905.90+050132.4) at z spec = 0.493, we performed follow-up observations using ALMA to investigate their CO molecular gas properties. As a result, we successfully detected 12CO(J = 2–1) and 12CO(J = 4–3) lines and the continuum of this DOG. The intensity-weighted velocity map of both lines shows a gradient, and the line profile of those CO lines is well-fitted by a single narrow Gaussian, meaning that this DOG has no sign of strong molecular gas outflow. The IR luminosity of this object is log (L IR/L ⊙) = 12.40, which is classified as an ultraluminous IR galaxy (ULIRG). We found that (i) the stellar mass and star formation rate relation and (ii) the CO luminosity and far-IR luminosity relation are consistent with those of typical ULIRGs at similar redshifts. These results indicate that the molecular gas properties of this DOG are normal despite the fact that its optical spectrum shows a powerful AGN outflow. We conclude that a powerful ionized-gas outflow caused by the AGN does not necessarily affect the cold interstellar medium in the host galaxy, at least for this DOG.

The Faint End of the Quasar Luminosity Function at z ~ 4: Implications for Ionization of the Intergalactic Medium and Cosmic Downsizing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glikman, Eilat; Djorgovski, S. G.; Stern, Daniel; Dey, Arjun; Jannuzi, Buell T.; Lee, Kyoung-Soo

2011-02-01

We present an updated determination of the z ~ 4 QSO luminosity function (QLF), improving the quality of the determination of the faint end of the QLF presented by Glikman et al. (2010). We have observed an additional 43 candidates from our survey sample, yielding one additional QSO at z = 4.23 and increasing the completeness of our spectroscopic follow-up to 48% for candidates brighter than R = 24 over our survey area of 3.76 deg2. We study the effect of using K-corrections to compute the rest-frame absolute magnitude at 1450 Å compared with measuring M 1450 directly from the object spectra. We find a luminosity-dependent bias: template-based K-corrections overestimate the luminosity of low-luminosity QSOs, likely due to their reliance on templates derived from higher luminosity QSOs. Combining our sample with bright quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and using spectrum-based M 1450 for all the quasars, we fit a double power law to the binned QLF. Our best fit has a bright-end slope, α = 3.3 ± 0.2, and faint-end slope, β = 1.6+0.8 -0.6. Our new data revise the faint-end slope of the QLF down to flatter values similar to those measured at z ~ 3. The break luminosity, though poorly constrained, is at M* = -24.1+0.7 -1.9, approximately 1-1.5 mag fainter than at z ~ 3. This QLF implies that QSOs account for about half the radiation needed to ionize the intergalactic medium at these redshifts. The data presented herein were obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation.

SDSS IV MaNGA: Dependence of Global and Spatially Resolved SFR–M ∗ Relations on Galaxy Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Hsi-An; Lin, Lihwai; Hsieh, Bau-Ching; Sánchez, Sebastián F.; Ibarra-Medel, Héctor; Boquien, Médéric; Lacerna, Ivan; Argudo-Fernández, Maria; Bizyaev, Dmitry; Cano-Díaz, Mariana; Drory, Niv; Gao, Yang; Masters, Karen; Pan, Kaike; Tabor, Martha; Tissera, Patricia; Xiao, Ting

2018-02-01

The galaxy integrated Hα star formation rate–stellar mass relation, or SFR(global)–M *(global) relation, is crucial for understanding star formation history and evolution of galaxies. However, many studies have dealt with SFR using unresolved measurements, which makes it difficult to separate out the contamination from other ionizing sources, such as active galactic nuclei and evolved stars. Using the integral field spectroscopic observations from SDSS-IV MaNGA, we spatially disentangle the contribution from different Hα powering sources for ∼1000 galaxies. We find that, when including regions dominated by all ionizing sources in galaxies, the spatially resolved relation between Hα surface density (ΣHα (all)) and stellar mass surface density (Σ*(all)) progressively turns over at the high Σ*(all) end for increasing M *(global) and/or bulge dominance (bulge-to-total light ratio, B/T). This in turn leads to the flattening of the integrated Hα(global)–M *(global) relation in the literature. By contrast, there is no noticeable flattening in both integrated Hα(H II)–M *(H II) and spatially resolved ΣHα (H II)–Σ*(H II) relations when only regions where star formation dominates the ionization are considered. In other words, the flattening can be attributed to the increasing regions powered by non-star-formation sources, which generally have lower ionizing ability than star formation. An analysis of the fractional contribution of non-star-formation sources to total Hα luminosity of a galaxy suggests a decreasing role of star formation as an ionizing source toward high-mass, high-B/T galaxies and bulge regions. This result indicates that the appearance of the galaxy integrated SFR–M * relation critically depends on their global properties (M *(global) and B/T) and relative abundances of various ionizing sources within the galaxies.

UNRAVELLING THE COMPLEX STRUCTURE OF AGN-DRIVEN OUTFLOWS. II. PHOTOIONIZATION AND ENERGETICS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karouzos, Marios; Woo, Jong-Hak; Bae, Hyun-Jin, E-mail: woo@astro.snu.ac.kr

2016-12-20

Outflows have been shown to be prevalent in galaxies hosting luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs); they present a physically plausible way to couple the AGN energy output with the interstellar medium of their hosts. Despite their prevalence, accurate characterization of these outflows has been challenging. In the second of a series of papers, we use Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph integral field unit (IFU) data of six local ( z  < 0.1) and moderate-luminosity Type 2 AGNs to study the ionization properties and energetics of AGN-driven outflows. We find strong evidence connecting the extreme kinematics of the ionized gas to the AGN photoionization.more » The kinematic component related to the AGN-driven outflow is clearly separated from other kinematic components, such as virial motions or rotation, on the velocity and velocity dispersion diagram. Our spatially resolved kinematic analysis reveals that 30 to 90% of the total mass and kinetic energy of the outflow is contained within the central kpc of the galaxy. The spatially integrated mass and kinetic energy of the gas entrained in the outflow correlate well with the AGN bolometric luminosity and results in energy conversion efficiencies between 0.01% and 1%. Intriguingly, we detect ubiquitous signs of ongoing circumnuclear star formation. Their small size, the centrally contained mass and energy, and the universally detected circumnuclear star formation cast doubts on the potency of these AGN-driven outflows as agents of galaxy-scale negative feedback.« less

Impact of ultraluminous X-ray sources on photoabsorption in the first galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sazonov, S.; Khabibullin, I.

2018-05-01

In the local Universe, integrated X-ray emission from high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) is dominated by the brightest ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) with luminosity ≳1040 erg s-1. Such rare objects probably also dominated the production of X-rays in the early Universe. We demonstrate that a ULX with LX ˜ 1040-1041 erg s-1 (isotropic-equivalent luminosity in the 0.1-10 keV energy band) shining for ˜105 yr (the expected duration of a supercritically accreting phase in HMXBs) can significantly ionize the ISM in its host dwarf galaxy of total mass M ˜ 107-108 M⊙ and thereby reduce its opacity to soft X-rays. As a result, the fraction of the soft X-ray (below 1 keV) radiation from the ULX escaping into the intergalactic medium (IGM) can increase from ˜20-50 per cent to ˜30-80 per cent over its lifetime. This implies that HMXBs can induce a stronger heating of the IGM at z ≳ 10 compared to estimates neglecting the ULX feedback on the ISM. However, larger galaxies with M ≳ 3 × 108 M⊙ could not be significantly ionized even by the brightest ULXs in the early Universe. Since such galaxies probably started to dominate the global star formation rate at z ≲ 10, the overall escape fraction of soft X-rays from the HMXB population probably remained low, ≲30 per cent, at these epochs.

Aberration compensation in a Skew parametric-resonance ionization cooling channel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sy, Amy V.; Derbenev, Yaroslav S.; Morozov, Vasiliy

Skew Parametric-resonance Ionization Cooling (Skew PIC) represents a novel method for focusing of highly divergent particle beams, as in the final 6D cooling stage of a high-luminosity muon collider. In the muon collider concept, the resultant equilibrium transverse emittances from cooling with Skew PIC are an order of magnitude smaller than in conventional ionization cooling. The concept makes use of coupling of the transverse dynamic behavior, and the linear dynamics are well-behaved with good agreement between analytic solutions and simulation results. Compared to the uncoupled system, coupling of the transverse dynamic behavior purports to reduce the number of multipoles requiredmore » for aberration compensation while also avoiding unwanted resonances. Aberration compensation is more complicated in the coupled case, especially in the high-luminosity muon collider application where equilibrium angular spreads in the cooling channel are on the order of 200 mrad. We present recent progress on aberration compensation for control of highly divergent muon beams in the coupled correlated optics channel, and a simple cooling model to test the transverse acceptance of the channel.« less

Infrared fine-structure line diagnostics of shrouded active galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voit, G. M.

1992-01-01

The ultraluminous far-IR galaxies revealed by IRAS, quasar-like in luminosity but smothered in molecular gas, probably conceal either immense starbursts or luminous active nuclei. In both scenarios, these objects ought to produce copious infrared fine-structure emission with several lines comparable to H-beta in luminosity. We show how these lines, if detected, can be used to determine the electron densities and far-IR obscurations of shrouded photoionized regions and to constrain the shape and ionization parameter of the ionizing spectra. The presence of Ne v emission in particular will distinguish shrouded AGNs from shrouded starbursts. Since all active galaxies photoionize at least some surrounding material, these diagnostics can also be applied to active galaxies in general and will aid in studying how an active nucleus interacts with the interstellar medium of its host galaxy.

ABUNDANCES IN THE LOCAL REGION. I. G AND K GIANTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luck, R. Earle, E-mail: rel2@case.edu

2015-09-15

Parameters and abundances for 1133 stars of spectral types F, G, and K of luminosity class III have been derived. In terms of stellar parameters, the primary point of interest is the disagreement between gravities derived with masses determined from isochrones, and gravities determined from an ionization balance. This is not a new result per se, but the size of this sample emphasizes the severity of the problem. A variety of arguments led to the selection of the ionization-balance gravity as the working value. The derived abundances indicate that the giants in the solar region have Sun-like total abundances andmore » abundance ratios. Stellar evolution indicators have also been investigated with the Li abundances and the [C/Fe] and C/O ratios, indicating that standard processing has been operating in these stars. The more salient result for stellar evolution is that the [C/Fe] data across the red-giant clump indicates the presence of mass-dependent mixing in accord with standard stellar evolution predictions.« less

Far-IR spectroscopy of the galactic center: Neutral and ionized gas in the central 10 pc of the galaxy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollenbach, D. J.; Watson, D. M.; Townes, C. H.; Dinerstein, H. L.; Hollenbach, D.; Lester, D. F.; Werner, M.; Storey, J. W. V.

1983-01-01

The 3P1 - 3P2 fine structure line emission from neutral atomic oxygen at 63 microns in the vicinity of the galactic center was mapped. The emission is extended over more than 4' (12 pc) along the galactic plane, centered on the position of Sgr A West. The line center velocities show that the O I gas is rotating around the galactic center with an axis close to that of the general galactic rotation, but there appear also to be noncircular motions. The rotational velocity at R is approximately 1 pc corresponds to a mass within the central pc of about 3 x 10(6) solar mass. Between 1 and 6 pc from the center the mass is approximately proportional to radius. The (O I) line probability arises in a predominantly neutral, atomic region immediately outside of the ionized central parsec of out galaxy. Hydrogen densities in the (O I) emitting region are 10(3) to 10(6) cm(-3) and gas temperatures are or = 100 K. The total integrated luminosity radiated in the line is about 10(5) solar luminosity, and is a substantial contribution to the cooling of the gas. Photoelectric heating or heating by ultraviolet excitation of H2 at high densities (10(5) cm(-3)) are promising mechanisms for heating of the gas, but heating due to dissipation of noncircular motions of the gas may be an alternative possibility. The 3P1 - 3P0 fine structure line of (O III) at 88 microns toward Sgr A West was also detected. The (O III) emission comes from high density ionized gas (n 10(4) cm(-3)), and there is no evidence for a medium density region (n 10(3) cm(-3)), such as the ionized halo in Sgr A West deduced from radio observations. This radio halo may be nonthermal, or may consist of many compact, dense clumps of filaments on the inner edges of neutral condensations at R or = 2 pc.

Hydrodynamic Models of Line-Driven Accretion Disk Winds III: Local Ionization Equilibrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pereyra, Nicolas Antonio; Kallman, Timothy R.; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We present time-dependent numerical hydrodynamic models of line-driven accretion disk winds in cataclysmic variable systems and calculate wind mass-loss rates and terminal velocities. The models are 2.5-dimensional, include an energy balance condition with radiative heating and cooling processes, and includes local ionization equilibrium introducing time dependence and spatial dependence on the line radiation force parameters. The radiation field is assumed to originate in an optically thick accretion disk. Wind ion populations are calculated under the assumption that local ionization equilibrium is determined by photoionization and radiative recombination, similar to a photoionized nebula. We find a steady wind flowing from the accretion disk. Radiative heating tends to maintain the temperature in the higher density wind regions near the disk surface, rather than cooling adiabatically. For a disk luminosity L (sub disk) = solar luminosity, white dwarf mass M(sub wd) = 0.6 solar mass, and white dwarf radii R(sub wd) = 0.01 solar radius, we obtain a wind mass-loss rate of M(sub wind) = 4 x 10(exp -12) solar mass yr(exp -1) and a terminal velocity of approximately 3000 km per second. These results confirm the general velocity and density structures found in our earlier constant ionization equilibrium adiabatic CV wind models. Further we establish here 2.5D numerical models that can be extended to QSO/AGN winds where the local ionization equilibrium will play a crucial role in the overall dynamics.

The Variable Warm Absorber in Circinus X-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, N. S.; Kallman, T. E.; Galloway, D. K.; Brandt, W. N.

2008-01-01

We observed Circinus X-1 twice during a newly reached low-flux phase near zero orbital phase using the High-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) onboard Chandra. In both observations the source did not show the P Cygni lines we observed during the high-flux phases of the source in 2000 and 2001. During the prezero phase the source did not exhibit significant variability but did exhibit an emission-line spectrum rich in H- and He-like lines from high-Z elements such as Si, S, Ar, and Ca. The light curve in the postdip observation showed quiescent and flaring episodes. Only in these flaring episodes was the source luminosity significantly higher than observed during the prezero phase. We analyzed all high-resolution X-ray spectra by fitting photoionization and absorption models from the most recent version of the XSTAR code. The prezero-phase spectrum could be fully modeled with a very hot photoionized plasma with an ionization parameter of log ξ = 3.0, down from log ξ = 4.0 in the high-flux state. The ionization balances we measure from the spectra during the postzero-phase episodes are significantly different. Both episodes feature absorbers with variable high columns, ionization parameters, and luminosity. While cold absorption remains at levels quite similar to that observed in previous years, the new observations show unprecedented levels of variable warm absorption. The line emissivities also indicate that the observed low source luminosity is inconsistent with a static hot accretion disk corona (ADC), an effect that seems common to other near-edge-on ADC sources as well. We conclude that unless there exists some means of coronal heating other than X-rays, the true source luminosity is likely much higher, and we observe obscuration in analogy to the extragalactic Seyfert 2 sources. We discuss possible consequences and relate cold, lukewarm, warm, and hot absorbers to dynamic accretion scenarios.

ROSAT X-ray sources embedded in the rho Ophiuchi cloud core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casanova, Sophie; Montmerle, Thierry; Feigelson, Eric D.; Andre, Philippe

1995-02-01

We present a deep ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) image of the central region of the rho Oph star-forming region. The selected area, about 35 x 35 arcmins in size, is rich with dense molecular cores and young stellar objects (YSOs). Fifty-five reliable X-ray sources are detected (and up to 50 more candidates may be present) above approximately 1 keV,, doubling the number of Einstein sources in this area. These sources are cross-identified with an updated list of 88 YSOs associated with the rho Oph cloud core. A third of the reliable X-ray sources do not have optical counterparts on photographic plates. Most can be cross-identified wth Class II and Class III infrared (IR) sources, which are embedded T Tauri stars, but three reliable X-ray sources and up to seven candidate sources are tentatively identified with Class I protostars. Eighteen reliable, and up to 20 candidate, X-ray sources are probably new cloud members. The overall detection rate of the bona fide cloud population is very high (73% for the Class II and Class III objects). The spatial distribution of the X-ray sources closely follows that of the moleclar gas. The visual extinctions Av estimated from near-IR data) of the ROSAT sources can be as high as 50 or more, confirming that most are embedded in the cloud core and are presumably very young. Using bolometric luminosities Lbol estimated from J-magnitudes a tight correlation between Lx and Lbol is found, similar to that seen for older T Tauri stars in the Cha I cloud: Lx approximately 10-4 Lbol. A general relation Lxproportional to LbolLj seems to apply to all T Tauri-like YSOs. The near equality of the extintion in the IR J band and in the keV X-ray rage implies that this relation is valid for the detected fluxes as well as for the dereddened fluxes. The X-ray luminosity function of the embedded sourced in rho Oph spans a range of Lx approximately 1028.5 to approximately equal to or greater than 1031.5 ergs/s and is statistically indistinguishable from that of X-ray-detected visile T Tauri stars. We estimate a total X-ray luminosity Lx, Oph approximately equal to or greater than 6 x 10 32 ergs/s from approximately equal to 200 X-ray sources in the cloud core, down to Lbol approximately 0.1 solar luminosity or Mstar approximately 0.3 solar mass. We discuss several consequences of in situ irradiation of molecular clouds by X-rays from embedded YSOs. These X-rays must partially ionize the inner regions of circumstellar disk coronae, possibly playing an important role in coupling magnetic ionize the fields and wind or bipolar outflows. Photon-stimulated deportion of large molecules by YSO X-rays may be partly responsible for the bright 12 micrometer halos seen in some molecular clouds.

Accretion disc wind variability in the states of the microquasar GRS 1915+105

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neilsen, Joseph; Petschek, Andrew J.; Lee, Julia C.

2012-03-01

Continuing our study of the role and evolution of accretion disc winds in the microquasar GRS 1915+105, we present high-resolution spectral variability analysis of the β and γ states with the Chandra High-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer. By tracking changes in the absorption lines from the accretion disc wind, we find new evidence that radiation links the inner and outer accretion discs on a range of time-scales. As the central X-ray flux rises during the high-luminosity γ state, we observe the progressive overionization of the wind. In the β state, we argue that changes in the inner disc leading to the ejection of a transient 'baby jet' also quench the highly ionized wind from the outer disc. Our analysis reveals how the state, structure and X-ray luminosity of the inner accretion disc all conspire to drive the formation and variability of highly ionized accretion disc winds.

The interstellar medium of M31. III - Narrow-band imagery in H alpha and (SII)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walterbos, R. A. M.; Braun, R.

1992-01-01

Deep CCD imagery in H alpha and (SII) is presented of the major spiral arms of M31 with particular attention given to the data reduction and the analysis of the (SII)/H alpha flux ratios. A diffuse ionized gas noted in the images is analyzed which shows higher (SII)/H alpha ratios, and 967 discrete nebulae are listed with gray-scale images, finding charts, and absolute fluxes. The differential H-alpha luminosity function is found to have a slope of -0.95 for brighter objects and flattens out below a critical level. The curve is shown to correspond to the point at which single-star ionization accounts for the H alpha luminosities and is consistent with previous observations. The catalog of objects and fluxes is the largest existing sample of this type, and the unresolved objects in the sample are considered to be planetary nebulae.

The galaxy NGC 1566 - Distribution and kinematics of the ionized gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comte, G.; Duquennoy, A.

1982-10-01

H-alpha narrowband observations are the basis of a study of ionized hydrogen in the large spiral galaxy NGC 1566 which has yielded a catalog of 418 H II regions covering the main body of the galaxy, supplemented by 59 positions and estimated H-alpha luminosities for regions located in the pseudo-outer ring where no H-alpha plate is available. A discussion of luminosity function, diameter distribution and spiral structure notes evidence for a double two-armed spiral pattern. The plane of the galaxy appears warped, and the efficiency of the two different spiral patterns in star formation is different. A preliminary radial velocity field is determined from three interferograms in H-alpha light, and is found to be acceptably fitted by a simple bulge-plus-disk dynamical model in which the apparent disk mass-to-light ratio sharply increases from center to edge.

Full-data Results of Hubble Frontier Fields: UV Luminosity Functions at z ∼ 6–10 and a Consistent Picture of Cosmic Reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishigaki, Masafumi; Kawamata, Ryota; Ouchi, Masami; Oguri, Masamune; Shimasaku, Kazuhiro; Ono, Yoshiaki

2018-02-01

We present UV luminosity functions of dropout galaxies at z∼ 6{--}10 with the complete Hubble Frontier Fields data. We obtain a catalog of ∼450 dropout-galaxy candidates (350, 66, and 40 at z∼ 6{--}7, 8, and 9, respectively), with UV absolute magnitudes that reach ∼ -14 mag, ∼2 mag deeper than the Hubble Ultra Deep Field detection limits. We carefully evaluate number densities of the dropout galaxies by Monte Carlo simulations, including all lensing effects such as magnification, distortion, and multiplication of images as well as detection completeness and contamination effects in a self-consistent manner. We find that UV luminosity functions at z∼ 6{--}8 have steep faint-end slopes, α ∼ -2, and likely steeper slopes, α ≲ -2 at z∼ 9{--}10. We also find that the evolution of UV luminosity densities shows a non-accelerated decline beyond z∼ 8 in the case of {M}trunc}=-15, but an accelerated one in the case of {M}trunc}=-17. We examine whether our results are consistent with the Thomson scattering optical depth from the Planck satellite and the ionized hydrogen fraction Q H II at z≲ 7 based on the standard analytic reionization model. We find that reionization scenarios exist that consistently explain all of the observational measurements with the allowed parameters of {f}esc}={0.17}-0.03+0.07 and {M}trunc}> -14.0 for {log}{ξ }ion}/[{erg}}-1 {Hz}]=25.34, where {f}esc} is the escape fraction, M trunc is the faint limit of the UV luminosity function, and {ξ }ion} is the conversion factor of the UV luminosity to the ionizing photon emission rate. The length of the reionization period is estimated to be {{Δ }}z={3.9}-1.6+2.0 (for 0.1< {Q}{{H}{{II}}}< 0.99), consistent with the recent estimate from Planck.

Lyman-continuum leakage as dominant source of diffuse ionized gas in the Antennae galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weilbacher, Peter M.; Monreal-Ibero, Ana; Verhamme, Anne; Sandin, Christer; Steinmetz, Matthias; Kollatschny, Wolfram; Krajnović, Davor; Kamann, Sebastian; Roth, Martin M.; Erroz-Ferrer, Santiago; Marino, Raffaella Anna; Maseda, Michael V.; Wendt, Martin; Bacon, Roland; Dreizler, Stefan; Richard, Johan; Wisotzki, Lutz

2018-04-01

The Antennae galaxy (NGC 4038/39) is the closest major interacting galaxy system and is therefore often studied as a merger prototype. We present the first comprehensive integral field spectroscopic dataset of this system, observed with the MUSE instrument at the ESO VLT. We cover the two regions in this system which exhibit recent star formation: the central galaxy interaction and a region near the tip of the southern tidal tail. In these fields, we detect HII regions and diffuse ionized gas to unprecedented depth. About 15% of the ionized gas was undetected by previous observing campaigns. This newly detected faint ionized gas is visible everywhere around the central merger, and shows filamentary structure. We estimate diffuse gas fractions of about 60% in the central field and 10% in the southern region. We are able to show that the southern region contains a significantly different population of HII regions, showing fainter luminosities. By comparing HII region luminosities with the HST catalog of young star clusters in the central field, we estimate that there is enough Lyman-continuum leakage in the merger to explain the amount of diffuse ionized gas that we detect. We compare the Lyman-continuum escape fraction of each HII region against emission line ratios that are sensitive to the ionization parameter. While we find no systematic trend between these properties, the most extreme line ratios seem to be strong indicators of density bounded ionization. Extrapolating the Lyman-continuum escape fractions to the southern region, we conclude that simply from the comparison of the young stellar populations to the ionized gas there is no need to invoke other ionization mechanisms than Lyman-continuum leaking HII regions for the diffuse ionized gas in the Antennae. FITS images and Table of HII regions are available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/611/A95 and at http://muse-vlt.eu/science/antennae/

The Planetary Accretion Shock. I. Framework for Radiation-hydrodynamical Simulations and First Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marleau, Gabriel-Dominique; Klahr, Hubert; Kuiper, Rolf; Mordasini, Christoph

2017-02-01

The key aspect determining the postformation luminosity of gas giants has long been considered to be the energetics of the accretion shock at the surface of the planet. We use one-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamical simulations to study the radiative loss efficiency and to obtain postshock temperatures and pressures and thus entropies. The efficiency is defined as the fraction of the total incoming energy flux that escapes the system (roughly the Hill sphere), taking into account the energy recycling that occurs ahead of the shock in a radiative precursor. We focus in this paper on a constant equation of state (EOS) to isolate the shock physics but use constant and tabulated opacities. While robust quantitative results will have to await a self-consistent treatment including hydrogen dissociation and ionization, the results presented here show the correct qualitative behavior and can be understood from semianalytical calculations. The shock is found to be isothermal and supercritical for a range of conditions relevant to the core accretion formation scenario (CA), with Mach numbers { M }≳ 3. Across the shock, the entropy decreases significantly by a few times {k}{{B}}/{{baryon}}. While nearly 100% of the incoming kinetic energy is converted to radiation locally, the efficiencies are found to be as low as roughly 40%, implying that a significant fraction of the total accretion energy is brought into the planet. However, for realistic parameter combinations in the CA scenario, we find that a nonzero fraction of the luminosity always escapes the Hill sphere. This luminosity could explain, at least in part, recent observations in the young LkCa 15 and HD 100546 systems.

Reionization of Hydrogen and Helium by Early Stars and Quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyithe, J. Stuart B.; Loeb, Abraham

2003-04-01

We compute the reionization histories of hydrogen and helium caused by the ionizing radiation fields produced by stars and quasars. For the quasars we use a model based on halo-merger rates that reproduces all known properties of the quasar luminosity function at high redshifts. The less constrained properties of the ionizing radiation produced by stars are modeled with two free parameters: (i) a transition redshift, ztran, above which the stellar population is dominated by massive, zero-metallicity stars and below which it is dominated by a Scalo mass function; and (ii) the product of the escape fraction of stellar ionizing photons from their host galaxies and the star formation efficiency, fescf*. We constrain the allowed range of these free parameters at high redshifts on the basis of the lack of the H I Gunn-Peterson trough at z<~6 and the upper limit on the total intergalactic optical depth for electron scattering, τes<0.18, from recent cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. We find that quasars ionize helium by a redshift z~4, but cannot reionize hydrogen by themselves before z~6. A major fraction of the allowed combinations of fescf* and ztran leads to an early peak in the ionized fraction because of the presence of metal-free stars at high redshifts. This sometimes results in two reionization epochs, namely, an early H II or He III overlap phase followed by recombination and a second overlap phase. Even if early overlap is not achieved, the peak in the visibility function for scattering of the CMB often coincides with the early ionization phase rather than with the actual reionization epoch. Consequently, τes does not correspond directly to the reionization redshift. We generically find values of τes>~7%, which should be detectable by the MAP satellite.

Luminosity limits for liquid argon calorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

J, Rutherfoord; B, Walker R.

2012-12-01

We have irradiated liquid argon ionization chambers with betas using high-activity Strontium-90 sources. The radiation environment is comparable to that in the liquid argon calorimeters which are part of the ATLAS detector installed at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. We measure the ionization current over a wide range of applied potential for two different source activities and for three different chamber gaps. These studies provide operating experience at exceptionally high ionization rates. We can operate these chambers either in the normal mode or in the space-charge limited regime and thereby determine the transition point between the two. From the transition point we indirectly extract the positive argon ion mobility.

The 3-D ionization structure of the planetary nebula NGC 6565

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turatto, M.; Cappellaro, E.; Ragazzoni, R.; Benetti, S.; Sabbadin, F.

2002-03-01

A detailed study of the planetary nebula NGC 6565 has been carried out on long-slit echellograms (lambda /Delta lambda =60 000, spectral range = lambda lambda 3900-7750 Å) at six, equally spaced position angles. The expansion velocity field, the c(Hβ ) distribution and the radial profile of the physical conditions (electron temperature and density) are obtained. The distance, radius, mass and filling factor of the nebula and the temperature and luminosity of the central star are derived. The radial ionization structure is analyzed using both the classical method and the photo-ionization code CLOUDY. Moreover, we present the spatial structure in a series of images from different directions, allowing the reader to ``see'' the nebula in 3-D. NGC 6565 results to be a young (2000-2500 years), patchy, optically thick triaxial ellipsoid (a=10.1 arcsec, a/b=1.4, a/c=1.7) projected almost pole-on. The matter close to major axis was swept-up by some accelerating agent (fast wind? ionization? magnetic fields?), forming two faint and asymmetric polar cups. A large cocoon of almost neutral gas completely embeds the ionized nebula. NGC 6565 is in a recombination phase, because of the luminosity drop of the massive powering star, which is reaching the white dwarf domain (log T* =~ 5.08 K; log L*/Lsun =~ 2.0). The stellar decline started about 1000 years ago, but the main nebula remained optically thin for other 600 years before the recombination phase occurred. In the near future the ionization front will re-grow, since the dilution factor due to the expansion will prevail on the slower and slower stellar decline. NGC 6565 is at a distance of 2.0 (+/-0.5) kpc and can be divided into three radial zones: the ``fully ionized'' one, extending up to 0.029-0.035 pc at the equator (0.050 pc at the poles), the ``transition'' one, up to 0.048-0.054 pc (0.080 pc), the ``halo'', detectable up to 0.110 pc. The ionized mass ( =~ 0.03 Msun) is only a fraction of the total mass (>= 0.15 Msun), which has been ejected by an equatorial enhanced superwind of 4 (+/-2) x 10-5 Msun yr-1 lasted for 4 (+/-2) x 103 years. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla Observatories, under programme ID 65.I-0524, and on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained from the data archive at the Space Telescope Institute (observing program GO 7501; P.I. Arsen Hajian). STScI is operated by the association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. under the NASA contract NAS 5-26555. We have applied the photoionization code CLOUDY, developed at the Institute of Astronomy of the Cambridge University.

Studies of hydrodynamic events in stellar evolution. 3: Ejection of planetary nebulae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sparks, W. M.; Kutter, G. S.

1973-01-01

The dynamic behavior of the H-rich envelope (0.101 solar mass) of an evolved star (1.1 solar mass) as the luminosity rises to 19000 solar luminosity during the second ascent of the red giant branch. For luminosities in the range 3100 L 19000 solar luminosity the H-rich envelope pulsates like a long-period variable (LPV) with periods of the order of a year. As L reaches 19000 solar luminosity, the entire H-rich envelope is ejected as a shell with speeds of a few 10 km/s. The ejection occurs on a timescale of a few LPV pulsation periods. This ejection is associated with the formation of a planetary nebula. The computations are based on an implicit hydrodynamic computer code. T- and RHO-dependent opacities and excitation and ionization energies are included. As the H-rich envelope is accelerated off the stellar core, the gap between envelope and core is approximated by a vacuum, filled with radiation. Across the vacuum, the luminosity is conserved and the anisotropy of the radiation is considered as well as the solid angle subtended by the remnant star at the inner surface of the H-rich envelope. Spherical symmetry and the diffusion approximation are assumed.

Dependences of Ratio of the Luminosity to Ionization on Velocity and Chemical Composition of Meteors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narziev, M.

2011-01-01

On the bases of results simultaneous photographic and radio echo observations, the results complex radar and television observations of meteors and also results of laboratory modeling of processes of a luminescence and ionization, correlation between of luminous intensity Ip to linear electronic density q from of velocities and chemical structure are investigated. It is received that by increasing value of velocities of meteors and decrease of nuclear weight of substance of particles, lg Ip/q decreased more than one order.

Disk Evaporation in Star Forming Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollenbach, David; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Young stars produce sufficient ultraviolet photon luminosity and mechanical luminosity in their winds to significantly affect the structure and evolution of the accretion disks surrounding them. The Lyman continuum photons create a nearly static, ionized, isothermal 10(exp 4) K atmosphere forms above the neutral disk at small distances from the star. Further out, they create a photoevaporative flow which relatively rapidly destroys the disk. The resulting slow (10-50 km/s) ionized outflow, which persists for approx. greater than 10(exp 5) years for disk masses M(sub d) approx. 0.3M(sub *), may explain the observational characteristics of many ultracompact HII regions. We compare model results to the observed radio free-free spectra and luminosities of ultracompact HII regions and to the interesting source MWC349, which is observed to produce hydrogen masers. We apply the results to Ae and Be stars in order to determine the lifetimes of disks around such stars. We also apply the results to the early solar nebula to explain the the dispersal of the solar nebula and the differences in hydrogen content in the giant planets. Finally, we model the small bright objects ("proplyds") observed in the Orion Nebula as disks around young, low mass stars which are externally illuminated by the UV photons from the nearby massive star Theta(sup 1) C.

Massive Stars and the Ionization of the Diffuse Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahre, Lauren E.; Walterbos, Rene A. M.

2015-08-01

Diffuse ionized Gas (DIG, sometimes called the warm ionized medium or WIM) has been recognized as a major component of the interstellar medium (ISM) in disk galaxies. A general understanding of the characteristics of the DIG is emerging, but several questions remain unanswered. One of these is the ionization mechanism for this gas, believed to be connected to OB stars and HII regions. Using 5-band (NUV (2750 A), U, V, B, and I) photometric imaging data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Legacy Extragalactic Ultraviolet Survey (LEGUS) and ground-based Halpha data from the Local Volume Legacy (LVL) survey and HST Halpha data from LEGUS, we will investigate the photoionization of HII regions and DIG in nearly 50 galaxies. The 5-band photometry will enable us to determine properties of the most massive stars and reddening corrections for specific regions within a galaxy. Luminosities and ages for groups and clusters will be obtained from SED-fitting of photometric data. For individual stars ages will be determined from isochrone-fitting using reddening-corrected color-magnitude diagrams. We can then obtain estimates of the ionizing luminosities by matching these photometric properties for massive stars and clusters to various stellar atmosphere models. We will compare these predictions to the inferred Lyman continuum production rates from reddening-corrected ground- and HST-based Halpha data for HII regions and DIG. This particular presentation will demonstrate the above process for a set of selected regions in galaxies within the LEGUS sample. It will subsequently be expanded to cover the full LEGUS sample, with the overall goals of obtaining a better understanding of the radiative energy feedback from massive stars on the ISM, particularly their ability to ionize the surrounding ISM over a wide range of spatial scales and SFR surface densities, and to connect the ionization of the ISM to HII region morphologies.

Intensity Mapping of the [CII] Fine Structure Line during the Epoch of Reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Yan; Cooray, A.; Silva, M.; Santos, M. G.; Bock, J.; Bradford, M.; Zemcov, M.

2012-01-01

The atomic CII fine-structure line is one of the brightest lines in a typical star-forming galaxy spectrum with a luminosity 0.1% to 1% of the bolometric luminosity. It is otentially a reliable tracer of the dense gas distribution at high edshifts and could provide an additional probe to the era of reionization. By taking into account of the spontaneous, stimulated and collisional emission of the CII line, we calculate the spin temperature and the mean intensity as a function of the redshift. When averaged over a cosmologically large volume, we find that the CII emission from ionized carbon in individual galaxies is larger than the signal generated by carbon in the intergalactic medium (IGM). Assuming that the CII luminosity is proportional to the carbon mass in dark matter halos, we also compute the power spectrum of the CII line intensity at various redshifts. In order to avoid the contamination from CO rotational lines at low redshift when targeting a CII survey at high redshifts, we propose the cross-correlation of CII and 21-cm line emission from high redshifts. To explore the detectability of the CII signal from reionization, we also evaluate the expected errors on the CII power spectrum and CII-21 cm cross power spectrum based on the design of the future milimeter surveys. We note that the CII-21 cm cross power spectrum contains interesting features that captures physics during reionization, including the ionized bubble sizes and the mean ionization fraction, which are challenging to measure from 21-cm data alone. We propose an instrumental concept for the reionization CII experiment targeting the frequency range of 200 to 300 GHz with 1, 3 and 10 meter apertures and a bolometric spectrometer array with 64 independent spectral pixels with about 20,000 bolometers.

Epicyclic helical channels for parametric resonance ionization cooling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johson, Rolland Paul; Derbenev, Yaroslav

Proposed next-generation muon colliders will require major technical advances to achieve rapid muon beam cooling requirements. Parametric-resonance Ionization Cooling (PIC) is proposed as the final 6D cooling stage of a high-luminosity muon collider. In PIC, a half-integer parametric resonance causes strong focusing of a muon beam at appropriately placed energy absorbers while ionization cooling limits the beam’s angular spread. Combining muon ionization cooling with parametric resonant dynamics in this way should then allow much smaller final transverse muon beam sizes than conventional ionization cooling alone. One of the PIC challenges is compensation of beam aberrations over a sufficiently wide parametermore » range while maintaining the dynamical stability with correlated behavior of the horizontal and vertical betatron motion and dispersion. We explore use of a coupling resonance to reduce the dimensionality of the problem and to shift the dynamics away from non-linear resonances. PIC simulations are presented.« less

The Herschel Planetary Nebula Survey (HerPlaNS): A Comprehensive Dusty Photoionization Model of NGC6781.

PubMed

Otsuka, Masaaki; Ueta, Toshiya; van Hoof, Peter A M; Sahai, Raghvendra; Aleman, Isabel; Zijlstra, Albert A; Chu, You-Hua; Villaver, Eva; Leal-Ferreira, Marcelo L; Kastner, Joel; Szczerba, Ryszard; Exter, Katrina M

2017-08-01

We perform a comprehensive analysis of the planetary nebula (PN) NGC 6781 to investigate the physical conditions of each of its ionized, atomic, and molecular gas and dust components and the object's evolution, based on panchromatic observational data ranging from UV to radio. Empirical nebular elemental abundances, compared with theoretical predictions via nucleosynthesis models of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, indicate that the progenitor is a solar-metallicity, 2.25-3.0 M ⊙ initial-mass star. We derive the best-fit distance of 0.46 kpc by fitting the stellar luminosity (as a function of the distance and effective temperature of the central star) with the adopted post-AGB evolutionary tracks. Our excitation energy diagram analysis indicates high-excitation temperatures in the photodissociation region (PDR) beyond the ionized part of the nebula, suggesting extra heating by shock interactions between the slow AGB wind and the fast PN wind. Through iterative fitting using the Cloudy code with empirically derived constraints, we find the best-fit dusty photoionization model of the object that would inclusively reproduce all of the adopted panchromatic observational data. The estimated total gas mass (0.41 M ⊙ ) corresponds to the mass ejected during the last AGB thermal pulse event predicted for a 2.5 M ⊙ initial-mass star. A significant fraction of the total mass (about 70%) is found to exist in the PDR, demonstrating the critical importance of the PDR in PNe that are generally recognized as the hallmark of ionized/H + regions.

Infrared fine-structure line diagnostics of shrouded active galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voit, G. M.

1993-01-01

Far-infrared spectroscopy of celestial objects will improve dramatically in the coming decade, allowing astronomers to use fine-structure line emission to probe photoionized regions obscured in the optical band by thick clouds of dust. The ultraluminous far-IR galaxies revealed by IRAS, quasar-like in luminosity but smothered in molecular gas, probably conceal either immense starbursts or luminous active nuclei. In both scenarios, these objects ought to produce copious infrared fine-structure emission with several lines comparable to H(beta) in luminosity. This paper shows how these lines, if detected, can be used to determine the electron densities and far-IR obscurations of shrouded photoionized regions and to constrain the shape and ionization parameter of the ionizing spectra. The presence of (Ne V) emission in particular will distinguish shrouded AGN's from shrouded starbursts. Since all active galaxies photoionize at least some surrounding material, these diagnostics can also be applied to active galaxies in general and will aid in studying how an active nucleus interacts with the interstellar medium of its host galaxy.

Theoretical and Observational Studies of the Central Engines of AGN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sivron, Ran

1995-01-01

In Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) the luminosity is so intense that the effect of radiation pressure on a particle may exceed the gravitational attraction. It was shown that when such luminosities are reached, relatively cold (not completely ionized) thermal matter clouds may form in the central engines of AGN, where most of the luminosity originates. We show that the spectrum of emission from cold clouds embedded in hot relativistic matter is similar to the observed spectrum. We also show that within the hot relativistic matter, cold matter moves faster than the speed of sound or the Alfven speed, and shocks form. The shocks provide a mechanism by which a localized perturbation can propagate throughout the central engine. The shocked matter can emit the observed luminosity, and can explain the flux and spectral variability. It may also provide an efficient mechanism for the outward transfer of angular momentum and provide the outward flow of winds. With observations from X-ray satellites, emission features from the cold and hot matter may be revealed. Our analysis of X-ray data from the Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG - 6-30-15 over five years using detectors on the Ginga and Rosat satellites, revealed some interesting variable features. A source with hot matter emits non-thermal radiation which is Compton reflected from cold matter and then absorbed by warm (partially ionized) absorbing matter in the first model, which can be fit to the data if both the cold and warm absorbers are near the central engine. An alternative model in which the emission from the hot matter is partially covered by very warm matter (in which all elements except Iron are mostly ionized) is also successful. In this model the cold and warm matter may be at distances of up to 100 times the size of the central engine, well within the region where broad optical lines are produced. The flux variability is more naturally explained by the second model. Our results support the existence of cold matter in, or near, the central engine of MCG -6-30-15. Cold matter in the central engine, and evidence of the effects of shocks, is probably forthcoming with future X-ray satellites.

Physical properties and H-ionizing-photon production rates of extreme nearby star-forming regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chevallard, Jacopo; Charlot, Stéphane; Senchyna, Peter; Stark, Daniel P.; Vidal-García, Alba; Feltre, Anna; Gutkin, Julia; Jones, Tucker; Mainali, Ramesh; Wofford, Aida

2018-06-01

Measurements of the galaxy UV luminosity function at z ≳ 6 suggest that young stars hosted in low-mass star-forming galaxies produced the bulk of hydrogen-ionizing photons necessary to reionize the intergalactic medium (IGM) by redshift z ˜ 6. Whether star-forming galaxies dominated cosmic reionization, however, also depends on their stellar populations and interstellar medium properties, which set, among other things, the production rate of H-ionizing photons, ξ _{ion}^\\star, and the fraction of these escaping into the IGM. Given the difficulty of constraining with existing observatories the physical properties of z ≳ 6 galaxies, in this work we focus on a sample of ten nearby objects showing UV spectral features comparable to those observed at z ≳ 6. We use the new-generation BEAGLE tool to model the UV-to-optical photometry and UV/optical emission lines of these Local `analogues' of high-redshift galaxies, finding that our relatively simple, yet fully self-consistent, physical model can successfully reproduce the different observables considered. Our galaxies span a broad range of metallicities and are characterised by high ionization parameters, low dust attenuation, and very young stellar populations. Through our analysis, we derive a novel diagnostic of the production rate of H-ionizing photons per unit UV luminosity, ξ _{ion}^\\star, based on the equivalent width of the bright [O III]49595007 line doublet, which does not require measurements of H-recombination lines. This new diagnostic can be used to estimate ξ _{ion}^\\star from future direct measurements of the [O III]49595007 line using JWST/NIRSpec (out to z ˜ 9.5), and by exploiting the contamination by Hβ +[O III]{4959}{5007}} of photometric observations of distant galaxies, for instance from existing Spitzer/IRAC data and from future ones with JWST/NIRCam.

Hydrogen line ratios in Seyfert galaxies and low redshift quasars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriss, G. R.

1984-01-01

New observations of the Lymal alpha radiation/hydrogen alpha radiation ratio in a set of X-ray selected active galactic nuclei and an archival study of International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations of Lymal alpha low redshift quasars and Seyfert galaxies have been used to form a large sample for studying the influence of soft X-rays on the enhancement of Balmer emission in the broad line region. In common models of broad line clouds, the Balmer lines are formed deep in the interior, largely by collisional excitation. Heating within the clouds is provided by soft X-ray radiation, while Lymal alpha is formed mainly by recombination after photoionization. The ratio Lymal alpha/Halpha is expected to depend weakly on the ratio of ionizing ultraviolet luminosity to X-ray luminosity (L sub UV/l sub x). If the Lymal alpha luminosity is used as a measure of L sub UV' a weak dependence of Lymal/H alpha on the X-ray luminosity is found similar to previous results.

DEAD, UNDEAD, AND ZOMBIE ZONES IN PROTOSTELLAR DISKS AS A FUNCTION OF STELLAR MASS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohanty, Subhanjoy; Ercolano, Barbara; Turner, Neal J., E-mail: s.mohanty@imperial.ac.uk, E-mail: ercolano@usm.lmu.de, E-mail: neal.turner@jpl.nasa.gov

We investigate the viability of the magnetorotational instability (MRI) in X-ray ionized viscous accretion disks around both solar-type stars and very low mass stars. In particular, we determine the disk regions where the MRI can be shut off either by Ohmic resistivity (the so-called dead and undead zones) or by ambipolar diffusion (a region we term the zombie zone). We consider two stellar masses: M {sub *} = 0.7 M {sub Sun} and 0.1 M {sub Sun }. In each case, we assume that: the disk surface density profile is that of a scaled Minimum Mass Solar Nebula, with Mmore » {sub disk}/M {sub *} = 0.01 as suggested by current data; disk ionization is driven primarily by stellar X-rays, complemented by cosmic rays and radionuclides; and the stellar X-ray luminosity scales with bolometric luminosity as L{sub X} /L {sub *} Almost-Equal-To 10{sup -3.5}, as observed. Ionization rates are calculated with the MOCCASIN Monte Carlo X-ray transport code, and ionization balance determined using a simplified chemical network, including well-mixed 0.1 {mu}m grains at various levels of depletion. We find that (1) ambipolar diffusion is the primary factor controlling MRI activity in disks around both solar-type and very low mass classical T Tauri stars. Assuming that the MRI yields the maximum possible field strength at each radius, we further find that: (2) the MRI-active layer constitutes only {approx}5%-10% of the total disk mass; (3) the accretion rate ( M-dot ) varies radially in both magnitude and sign (inward or outward), implying time-variable accretion as well as the creation of disk gaps and overdensities, with consequences for planet formation and migration; (4) achieving the empirical accretion rates in solar-type and very low mass stars requires a depletion of well-mixed small grains (via grain growth and/or settling) by a factor of 10-1000 relative to the standard dust-to-gas mass ratio of 10{sup -2}; and (5) the current non-detection of polarized emission from field-aligned grains in the outer disk regions is consistent with active MRI at those radii.« less

A comparison of the emission line properties between quasars and type 1 Seyfert galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, C. C.; Boggess, A.; Gull, T. R.

1982-01-01

For quasars and Seyfert galaxies, the equivalent width of C IV lambda 1550 increases as the continuum luminosity of an object decreases. A reasonable interpretation is that the covering factor increases as luminosity decreases. This is consistent with the fact that the L alpha and C IV equivalent widths for Seyferts are a factor of 2 larger than those for high redshift quasars. The C IV/C III ratio, which is a sensitive indicator of the ionization parameter, is about 5 for many Seyferts while it is about 2 for high redshift quasars.

Wedge Absorbers for Final Cooling for a High-Energy High-Luminosity Lepton Collider

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Neuffer, David; Mohayai, Tanaz; Snopok, Pavel

2016-06-01

A high-energy high-luminosity muon collider scenario requires a "final cooling" system that reduces transverse emittance to ~25 microns (normalized) while allowing longitudinal emittance increase. Ionization cooling using high-field solenoids (or Li Lens) can reduce transverse emittances to ~100 microns in readily achievable configurations, confirmed by simulation. Passing these muon beams at ~100 MeV/c through cm-sized diamond wedges can reduce transverse emittances to ~25 microns, while increasing longitudinal emittance by a factor of ~5. Implementation will require optical matching of the exiting beam into downstream acceleration systems.

LEO P: AN UNQUENCHED VERY LOW-MASS GALAXY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McQuinn, Kristen B. W.; Skillman, Evan D.; Berg, Danielle

Leo P is a low-luminosity dwarf galaxy discovered through the blind H i Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA survey. The H i and follow-up optical observations have shown that Leo P is a gas-rich dwarf galaxy with active star formation, an underlying older population, and an extremely low oxygen abundance. We have obtained optical imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope to two magnitudes below the red clump in order to study the evolution of Leo P. We refine the distance measurement to Leo P to be 1.62 ± 0.15 Mpc, based on the luminosity of the horizontal branch stars and 10more » newly identified RR Lyrae candidates. This places the galaxy at the edge of the Local Group, ∼0.4 Mpc from Sextans B, the nearest galaxy in the NGC 3109 association of dwarf galaxies of which Leo P is clearly a member. The star responsible for ionizing the H ii region is most likely an O7V or O8V spectral type, with a stellar mass ≳25 M{sub ⊙}. The presence of this star provides observational evidence that massive stars at the upper end of the initial mass function are capable of being formed at star formation rates as low as ∼10{sup −5} M{sub ⊙} yr{sup −1}. The best-fitting star formation history (SFH) derived from the resolved stellar populations of Leo P using the latest PARSEC models shows a relatively constant star formation rate over the lifetime of the galaxy. The modeled luminosity characteristics of Leo P at early times are consistent with low-luminosity dSph Milky Way satellites, suggesting that Leo P is what a low-mass dSph would look like if it evolved in isolation and retained its gas. Despite the very low mass of Leo P, the imprint of reionization on its SFH is subtle at best, and consistent with being totally negligible. The isolation of Leo P, and the total quenching of star formation of Milky Way satellites of similar mass, implies that the local environment dominates the quenching of the Milky Way satellites.« less

Toward a Unified View of Black-Hole High-Energy States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nowak, Michael A.

1995-01-01

We present here a review of high-energy (greater than 1 keV) observations of seven black-hole candidates, six of which have estimated masses. In this review we focus on two parameters of interest: the ratio of 'nonthermal' to total luminosity as a function of the total luminosity divided by the Eddington luminosity, and the root-mean-square (rms) variability as a function of the nonthermal-to-total luminosity ratio. Below approx. 10% Eddington luminosity, the sources tend to be strictly nonthermal (the so called 'off' and 'low' states). Above this luminosity the sources become mostly thermal (the 'high' state). with the nonthermal component increasing with luminosity (the 'very high' and 'flare' states). There are important exceptions to this behavior, however, and no steady - as opposed to transient - source has been observed over a wide range of parameter space. In addition, the rms variability is positively correlated with the ratio of nonthermal to total luminosity, although there may be a minimum level of variability associated with 'thermal' states. We discuss these results in light of theoretical models and find that currently no single model describes the full range of black-hole high-energy behavior. In fact, the observations are exactly opposite from what one expects based upon simple notions of accretion disk instabilities.

X-Ray Emission from the Wolf-Rayet Bubble S 308

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toala, J. A.; Guerrero, M. A.; Chu, Y.-H.; Gruendl, R. A.; Arthur, S. J.; Smith, R. C.; Snowden, S. L.

2012-01-01

The Wolf-Rayet (WR) bubble S 308 around the WR star HD 50896 is one of the only two WR bubbles known to possess X-ray emission. We present XMM-Newton observations of three fields of this WR bubble that, in conjunction with an existing observation of its Northwest quadrant (Chu et al. 2003), map most of the nebula. The X-ray emission from S 308 displays a limb-brightened morphology, with a 22' in size central cavity and a shell thickness of approx. 8'. This X-ray shell is confined by the optical shell of ionized material. The spectrum is dominated by the He-like triplets of N VI at approx.0.43 keV and O VII at approx.0.5 keV, and declines towards high energies, with a faint tail up to 1 keV. This spectrum can be described by a two-temperature optically thin plasma emission model (T1 approx.1.1 x 10(exp 6) K, T2 approx.13 x 10(exp 6) K), with a total X-ray luminosity approx.3 x 10(exp 33) erg/s at the assumed distance of 1.8 kpc. Qualitative comparison of the X-ray morphology of S 308 with the results of numerical simulations of wind-blown WR bubbles suggests a progenitor mass of 40 Stellar mass and an age in the WR phase approx.20,000 yrs. The X-ray luminosity predicted by simulatioms including the effects of heat conduction is in agreement with the observations, however, the simulated X-ray spectrum indicates generally hotter gas than is derived from the observations. We suggest that non-equilibrium ionization (NEI) may provide an explanation for this discrepancy.

The initial mass function and star formation law in the outer disc of NGC 2915

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruzzese, S. M.; Meurer, G. R.; Lagos, C. D. P.; Elson, E. C.; Werk, J. K.; Blakeslee, John P.; Ford, H.

2015-02-01

Using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Advanced Camera for Surveys/Wide Field Camera data we present the photometry and spatial distribution of resolved stellar populations in the outskirts of NGC 2915, a blue compact dwarf with an extended H I disc. These observations reveal an elliptical distribution of red giant branch stars, and a clumpy distribution of main-sequence stars that correlate with the H I gas distribution. We constrain the upper-end initial mass function (IMF) and determine the star formation law (SFL) in this field, using the observed main-sequence stars and an assumed constant star formation rate. Previously published Hα observations of the field, which show one faint H II region, are used to provide further constraints on the IMF. We find that the main-sequence luminosity function analysis alone results in a best-fitting IMF with a power-law slope α = -2.85 and upper-mass limit M_u = 60 M_{⊙}. However, if we assume that all Hα emission is confined to H II regions then the upper-mass limit is restricted to M_u ≲ 20 M_{⊙}. For the luminosity function fit to be correct, we have to discount the Hα observations implying significant diffuse ionized gas or escaping ionizing photons. Combining the HST photometry with H I imaging, we find the SFL has a power-law index N = 1.53 ± 0.21. Applying these results to the entire outer H I disc indicates that it contributes 11-28 per cent of the total recent star formation in NGC 2915, depending on whether the IMF is constant within the disc or varies from the centre to the outer region.

The UV Luminosity Function at 6 < z < 10 from the Hubble Frontier Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Livermore, Rachael C.; Finkelstein, Steven L.; Lotz, Jennifer M.

2017-01-01

The Hubble Frontier Fields program has obtained deep optical and near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope imaging of six galaxy clusters and associated parallel fields. The depth of the imaging (m_AB ~ 29) means we can identify faint galaxies at z > 6, and those in the cluster fields also benefit from magnification due to strong gravitational lensing that allows us to reach intrinsic absolute magnitudes of M_UV ~ -12.5 at z ~ 6. Here, we present the UV luminosity functions at 6 < z < 10 from the complete Hubble Frontier Fields data, revealing a steep faint-end slope that extends to the limits of the data. The lack of any apparent turnover in the luminosity functions means that faint galaxies in the early Universe may have provided sufficient ionizing radiation to sustain reionization.

Accelerated Evolution of the Lyα Luminosity Function at z >~ 7 Revealed by the Subaru Ultra-deep Survey for Lyα Emitters at z = 7.3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konno, Akira; Ouchi, Masami; Ono, Yoshiaki; Shimasaku, Kazuhiro; Shibuya, Takatoshi; Furusawa, Hisanori; Nakajima, Kimihiko; Naito, Yoshiaki; Momose, Rieko; Yuma, Suraphong; Iye, Masanori

2014-12-01

We present the ultra-deep Subaru narrowband imaging survey for Lyα emitters (LAEs) at z = 7.3 in the Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Survey (SXDS) and Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) fields (~0.5 deg2) with a total integration time of 106 hr. Exploiting our new sharp bandwidth filter, NB101, installed on the Suprime-Cam, we have reached L(Lyα) = 2.4 × 1042 erg s-1 (5σ) for z = 7.3 LAEs, about four times deeper than previous Subaru z >~ 7 studies, which allows us to reliably investigate the evolution of the Lyα luminosity function (LF) for the first time down to the luminosity limit same as those of Subaru z = 3.1-6.6 LAE samples. Surprisingly, we only find three and four LAEs in the SXDS and COSMOS fields, respectively, while one expects a total of ~65 LAEs by our survey in the case of no Lyα LF evolution from z = 6.6 to 7.3. We identify a decrease of the Lyα LF from z = 6.6 to 7.3 at the >90% confidence level from our z = 7.3 Lyα LF with the best-fit Schechter parameters of L*{Lyα } = 2.7+8.0-1.2 × 1042 {erg} {s}-1 and φ * = 3.7+17.6-3.3 × 10-4 {Mpc}-3 for a fixed α = -1.5. Moreover, the evolution of the Lyα LF is clearly accelerated at z > 6.6 beyond the measurement uncertainties including cosmic variance. Because no such accelerated evolution of the UV-continuum LF or the cosmic star formation rate (SFR) is found at z ~ 7, but suggested only at z > 8, this accelerated Lyα LF evolution is explained by physical mechanisms different from a pure SFR decrease but related to the Lyα production and escape in the process of cosmic reionization. Because a simple accelerating increase of intergalactic medium neutral hydrogen absorbing Lyα cannot be reconciled with Thomson scattering of optical depth measurements from WMAP and Planck, our findings may support new physical pictures suggested by recent theoretical studies, such as the existence of HI clumpy clouds within cosmic ionized bubbles that are selectively absorbing Lyα and the large ionizing photon escape fraction of galaxies causing weak Lyα emission.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gutiérrez, Carlos M.; Moon, Dae-Sik, E-mail: cgc@iac.es

We present the identification and characterization of the optical counterpart to 2XMM J011942.7+032421, one of the most luminous and distant ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs). The counterpart is located near a star-forming region in a spiral arm of the galaxy NGC 470 with u, g, and r magnitudes of 21.53, 21.69, and 21.71 mag, respectively. The luminosity of the counterpart is much larger than that of a single O-type star, indicating that it may be a stellar cluster. Our optical spectroscopic observations confirm the association of the X-ray source and the optical counterpart with its host galaxy NGC 470, which validates the high,more » ≳10{sup 41} erg s{sup -1}, X-ray luminosity of the source. Its optical spectrum is embedded with numerous emission lines, including H recombination lines, metallic forbidden lines, and more notably the high-ionization He II (λ4686) line. That line shows a large velocity dispersion of ≅410 km s{sup -1}, consistent with the existence of a compact (<5 AU) highly ionized accretion disk rotating around the central X-ray source. The ∼1.4 × 10{sup 37} erg s{sup -1} luminosity of the He II line emission makes the source one of the most luminous ULXs in that emission. This, together with the high X-ray luminosity and the large velocity dispersion of the He II emission, suggests that the source is an ideal candidate for more extensive follow-up observations for understanding the nature of hyper-luminous X-ray sources, a more luminous subgroup of ULXs, and more likely candidates for intermediate-mass black holes.« less

Constraining the Active Galactic Nucleus Contribution in a Multiwavelength Study of Seyfert Galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melendez, M.; Kraemer, S.B.; Schmitt, H.R.; Crenshaw, D.M.; Deo, R.P.; Mushotzky, R.F.; Bruhweiler, F.C.

2008-01-01

We have studied the relationship between the high- and low-ionization [O IV] (lambda)25.89 microns, [Ne III] (lambda)15.56 microns, and [Ne II] (lambda)12.81 microns emission lines with the aim of constraining the active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and star formation contributions for a sample of 103 Seyfert galaxies.We use the [O IV] and [Ne II] emission as tracers for the AGN power and star formation to investigate the ionization state of the emission-line gas.We find that Seyfert 2 galaxies have, on average, lower [O IV]/[Ne II] ratios than Seyfert 1 galaxies. This result suggests two possible scenarios: (1) Seyfert 2 galaxies have intrinsically weaker AGNs, or (2) Seyfert 2 galaxies have relatively higher star formation rates than Seyfert 1 galaxies. We estimate the fraction of [Ne II] directly associated with the AGNs and find that Seyfert 2 galaxies have a larger contribution from star formation, by a factor of approx.1.5 on average, than what is found in Seyfert 1 galaxies. Using the stellar component of [Ne II] as a tracer of the current star formation, we found similar star formation rates in Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 galaxies.We examined the mid- and far-infrared continua and found that [Ne II] is well correlated with the continuum luminosity at 60 microns and that both [Ne III] and [O IV] are better correlated with the 25 micron luminosities than with the continuum at longer wavelengths, suggesting that the mid-infrared continuum luminosity is dominated by the AGN, while the far-infrared luminosity is dominated by star formation. Overall, these results test the unified model of AGNs and suggest that the differences between Seyfert galaxies cannot be solely due to viewing angle dependence.

AURORAL X-RAYS, COSMIC RAYS, AND RELATED PHENOMENA DURING THE STORM OF FEBRUARY 10-11, 1958

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Winckler, J.R.; Peterson, L.; Hoffman, R.

1959-06-01

Balloon observations were made during the auroral storm of February 10- 11, 1958, at Minneapolis. Strong x-ray bursts in two groups were detected. The groups appeared coincident with two large magnetic bays, with strong radio noise absorption, and with the passage across the zenith of a very large amount of auroral luminosity. From the x-ray intensity and measured energies, an electron current of 0.6 x 10/sup 6/ electrons /cm/sup 2// scc was present. These electrons ionizing the upper D layer accounted for the increased cosmic noise absorption. The x-rays themselves carried 1000 times less energy than the electrons and couldmore » not provide sufficient ionization for the observed radio absorption. Visual auroral fornis during this storm are reported to have lower borders at thc 200 to 300 km level. There is thus a difficulty in bringing the electrons to the D layer without ani accompanying visible aurora. A cosmic-ray decrease accompanied the storm and was observed to be from 4 to 6% at sea level, 21% in the balloon altitude ionization, and 15% in total energy influx at 55 deg geomagnetic latitude. Compared with the great intensity of the magnetic and auroral phenomena in this storm, the cosmic-ray modulation was not exceptionally large. (auth)« less

Spectroscopic observations of V443 Herculis - A symbiotic binary with a low mass white dwarf

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobrzycka, Danuta; Kenyon, Scott J.; Mikolajewska, Joanna

1993-01-01

We present an analysis of new and existing photometric and spectroscopic observations of the symbiotic binary V443 Herculis. This binary system consists of a normal M5 giant and a hot compact star. These two objects have comparable luminosities: about 1500 solar for the M5 giant and about 1000 solar for the compact star. We identify three nebular regions in this binary: a small, highly ionized volume surrounding the hot component, a modestly ionized shell close to the red giant photosphere, and a less dense region of intermediate ionization encompassing both binary components. The system parameters for V443 Her suggest the hot component currently declines from a symbiotic nova eruption.

Massive Star Formation of the SGR a East H (sub II) Regions Near the Galactic Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yusef-Zadeh, F.; Lacy, J. H.; Wardle, M.; Whitney, B.; Bushouse, H.; Roberts, D. A.; Arendt, R. G.

2010-01-01

A group of four compact H II regions associated with the well-known 50 km/s molecular cloud is the closest site of on-going star formation to the dynamical center of the Galaxy, at a projected distance of approximately 6 pc. We present a study of ionized gas based on the [Ne II] (12.8 micron) line, as well as multi-frequency radio continuum, Hubble Space Telescope Pa alpha, and Spitzer Infrared Array Camera observations of the most compact member of the H II group, Sgr A East H II D. The radio continuum image at 6 cm shows that this source breaks up into two equally bright ionized features, D1 and D2. The spectral energy distribution of the D source is consistent with it being due to a 25 =/- 3 solar mass star with a luminosity of 8 +/- 3 x 10(exp 4) Solar luminosity . The inferred mass, effective temperature of the UV source, and the ionization rate are compatible with a young O9-B0 star. The ionized features D1 and D2 are considered to be ionized by UV radiation collimated by an accretion disk. We consider that the central massive star photoevaporates its circumstellar disk on a timescale of 3x (exp 4) years giving a mass flux approximately 3 x 10(exp -5) Solar Mass / year and producing the ionized material in D1 and D2 expanding in an inhomogeneous medium. The ionized gas kinematics, as traced by the [Ne II] emission, is difficult to interpret, but it could be explained by the interaction of a bipolar jet with surrounding gas along with what appears to be a conical wall of lower velocity gas. The other H II regions, Sgr A East A-C, have morphologies and kinematics that more closely resemble cometary flows seen in other compact H II regions, where gas moves along a paraboloidal surface formed by the interaction of a stellar wind with a molecular cloud.

LUMINOSITY FUNCTIONS OF LMXBs IN CENTAURUS A: GLOBULAR CLUSTERS VERSUS THE FIELD

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Voss, Rasmus; Gilfanov, Marat; Sivakoff, Gregory R.

2009-08-10

We study the X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXB) in the nearby early-type galaxy Centaurus A, concentrating primarily on two aspects of binary populations: the XLF behavior at the low-luminosity limit and the comparison between globular cluster and field sources. The 800 ksec exposure of the deep Chandra VLP program allows us to reach a limiting luminosity of {approx}8 x 10{sup 35} erg s{sup -1}, about {approx}2-3 times deeper than previous investigations. We confirm the presence of the low-luminosity break of the overall LMXB XLF at log(L{sub X} ) {approx} 37.2-37.6, below which the luminosity distribution followsmore » a dN/d(ln L) {approx} const law. Separating globular cluster and field sources, we find a statistically significant difference between the two luminosity distributions with a relative underabundance of faint sources in the globular cluster population. This demonstrates that the samples are drawn from distinct parent populations and may disprove the hypothesis that the entire LMXB population in early-type galaxies is created dynamically in globular clusters. As a plausible explanation for this difference in the XLFs, we suggest an enhanced fraction of helium-accreting systems in globular clusters, which are created in collisions between red giants and neutron stars. Due to the four times higher ionization temperature of He, such systems are subject to accretion disk instabilities at {approx}20 times higher mass accretion rate and, therefore, are not observed as persistent sources at low luminosities.« less

IUE observations of blue halo high luminosity stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hack, M.; Franco, M. L.; Stalio, R.

1981-01-01

Two high luminosity population II blue stars of high galactic latitude, BD+33 deg 2642 and HD 137569 were observed at high resolution. The stellar spectra show the effect of mass loss in BD+33 deg 2642 and abnormally weak metallic lines in HD 137569. The interstellar lines in the direction of BD+33 deg 2642, which lies at a height z greater than or equal to 6.2 kpc from the galactic plane, are split into two components. No high ionization stages are found at the low velocity component; nor can they be detected in the higher velocity clouds because of mixing with the corresponding stellar/circumstellar lines.

X-ray spectroscopy of the super soft source RXJ0925.7-475

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ebisawa, Ken; Asai, Kazumi; Dotani, Tadayasu; Mukai, Koji; Smale, Alan

1996-01-01

The super soft source (SSS) RXJ 0925.7-475 was observed with the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) solid state spectrometer and its energy spectrum was analyzed. A simple black body model does not fit the data, and several absorption edges of ionized heavy elements are required. Without the addition of absorption edges, the best-fit black body radius and the estimated bolometric luminosity are 6800 (d/1 kpc) km and 1.2 x 10(exp 37) (d/1 kps)(exp 2) erg/s, respectively. The introduction of absorption edges significantly reduces the best-fit radius and luminosity to 140 (d/1 KPS) km and 6 x 10(exp 34) (d/1 kpc)(exp 2) erg/s, respectively. This suggests that the estimation of the emission region size and luminosity of SSS based on the black body model fit to the observed data is not reliable.

The Galactic HII Region Luminosity Function at Infrared and Radio Wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mascoop, Joshua; Anderson, Loren; Sandor Makai, Zoltan; Armentrout, William Paul

2018-01-01

HII regions are the clearest indicators of ongoing high-mass star formation. The HII region luminosity function (LF) therefore probes present global star formation properties, and its shape has been related to HII region properties and galaxy Hubble types. Most HII region LF studies to date have been conducted in external galaxies; due to observational difficulties, there have been relatively few studies of the Milky Way HII region LF. Using ~600 HII regions from the WISE Catalog of Galactic HII Regions, we examine the Galactic LF in the first quadrant. Our high-resolution view of Galactic star formation regions allows us to separate nearby sources, and our sample is complete for all HII regions ionized by single O9.5 stars.We analyze the Galactic LF at six infrared wavelengths - where the emission is due to dust - and also at 20 cm, where the emission is from ionized gas. All LFs have a similar shape, showing that infrared LFs can be used in place of ionized gas tracers. All LFs can be described by a single power law with an index of approximately -2, in agreement with previous studes. We find no compelling evidence of a break or "knee" in the LF. Moreover, we see no significant variation in the form of the LF as a function of heliocentric distance, HII region size, or Galactocentric radius.

Ultrafast outflows disappear in high-radiation fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinto, C.; Alston, W.; Parker, M. L.; Fabian, A. C.; Gallo, L. C.; Buisson, D. J. K.; Walton, D. J.; Kara, E.; Jiang, J.; Lohfink, A.; Reynolds, C. S.

2018-05-01

Ultrafast outflows (UFOs) are the most extreme winds launched by active galactic nuclei (AGN) due to their mildly relativistic speeds (˜0.1-0.3c) and are thought to significantly contribute to galactic evolution via AGN feedback. Their nature and launching mechanism are however not well understood. Recently, we have discovered the presence of a variable UFO in the narrow-line Seyfert 1 IRAS 13224-3809. The UFO varies in response to the brightness of the source. In this work we perform flux-resolved X-ray spectroscopy to study the variability of the UFO and found that the ionization parameter is correlated with the luminosity. In the brightest states the gas is almost completely ionized by the powerful radiation field and the UFO is hardly detected. This agrees with our recent results obtained with principal component analysis. We might have found the tip of the iceberg: the high ionization of the outflowing gas may explain why it is commonly difficult to detect UFOs in AGN and possibly suggest that we may underestimate their actual feedback. We have also found a tentative correlation between the outflow velocity and the luminosity, which is expected from theoretical predictions of radiation-pressure-driven winds. This trend is rather marginal due to the Fe XXV-XXVI degeneracy. Further work is needed to break such degeneracy through time-resolved spectroscopy.

Ionization and thermal equilibrium models for O star winds based on time-independent radiation-driven wind theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drew, J. E.

1989-01-01

Ab initio ionization and thermal equilibrium models are calculated for the winds of O stars using the results of steady state radiation-driven wind theory to determine the input parameters. Self-consistent methods are used for the roles of H, He, and the most abundant heavy elements in both the statistical and the thermal equilibrium. The model grid was chosen to encompass all O spectral subtypes and the full range of luminosity classes. Results of earlier modeling of O star winds by Klein and Castor (1978) are reproduced and used to motivate improvements in the treatment of the hydrogen equilibrium. The wind temperature profile is revealed to be sensitive to gross changes in the heavy element abundances, but insensitive to other factors considered such as the mass-loss rate and velocity law. The reduced wind temperatures obtained in observing the luminosity dependence of the Si IV lambda 1397 wind absorption profile are shown to eliminate any prospect of explaining the observed O VI lambda 1036 line profiles in terms of time-independent radiation-driven wind theory.

Emission Line Properties of Seyfert Galaxies in the 12 μm Sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malkan, Matthew A.; Jensen, Lisbeth D.; Rodriguez, David R.; Spinoglio, Luigi; Rush, Brian

2017-09-01

We present optical and ultraviolet spectroscopic measurements of the emission lines of 81 Seyfert 1 and 104 Seyfert 2 galaxies that comprise nearly all of the IRAS 12 μm AGN sample. We have analyzed the emission-line luminosity functions, reddening, and other diagnostics. For example, the narrow-line regions (NLR) of Seyfert 1 and 2 galaxies do not significantly differ from each other in most of these diagnostics. Combining the Hα/Hβ ratio with a new reddening indicator—the [S II]6720/[O II]3727 ratio—we find the average E(B-V) is 0.49 ± 0.35 for type 1 and 0.52 ± 0.26 for type 2 Seyferts. The NLR of Sy 1s has an ionization level insignificantly higher than that of Sy 2s. For the broad-line region (BLR), we find that the C IV equivalent width correlates more strongly with [O III]/Hβ than with UV luminosity. Our bright sample of local active galaxies includes 22 Seyfert nuclei with extremely weak broad wings in Hα, known as Seyfert 1.9s and 1.8s, depending on whether or not broad Hβ wings are detected. Aside from these weak broad lines, our low-luminosity Seyferts are more similar to the Sy 2s than to Sy 1s. In a BPT diagram, we find that Sy 1.8s and 1.9s overlap the region occupied by Sy 2s. We compare our results on optical emission lines with those obtained by previous investigators, using AGN subsamples from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The luminosity functions of forbidden emission lines [O II]λ3727 Å, [O III]λ5007 Å, and [S II]λ6720 Å in Sy 1s and Sy 2s are indistinguishable. They all show strong downward curvature. Unlike the LFs of Seyfert galaxies measured by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, ours are nearly flat at low luminosities. The larger number of faint Sloan “AGN” is attributable to their inclusion of weakly emitting LINERs and H II+AGN “composite” nuclei, which do not meet our spectral classification criteria for Seyferts. In an Appendix, we have investigated which emission line luminosities can provide the most reliable measures of the total non-stellar luminosity, estimated from our extensive multi-wavelength database. The hard X-ray or near-ultraviolet continuum luminosity can be crudely predicted from either the [O III]λ5007 Å luminosity or the combinations of [O III]+Hβ or [N II]+Hα lines, with a scatter of +/- 4 times for Sy 1s and +/- 10 times for Sy 2s. Although these uncertainties are large, the latter two hybrid (NLR+BLR) indicators have the advantage of predicting the same HX luminosity independent of Seyfert type.

Minor Contribution of Quasars to Ionizing Photon Budget at z ˜ 6: Update on Quasar Luminosity Function at the Faint End with Subaru/Suprime-Cam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onoue, Masafusa; Kashikawa, Nobunari; Willott, Chris J.; Hibon, Pascale; Im, Myungshin; Furusawa, Hisanori; Harikane, Yuichi; Imanishi, Masatoshi; Ishikawa, Shogo; Kikuta, Satoshi; Matsuoka, Yoshiki; Nagao, Tohru; Niino, Yuu; Ono, Yoshiaki; Ouchi, Masami; Tanaka, Masayuki; Tang, Ji-Jia; Toshikawa, Jun; Uchiyama, Hisakazu

2017-10-01

We constrain the quasar contribution to the cosmic reionization based on our deep optical survey of z ˜ 6 quasars down to z R = 24.15 using Subaru/Suprime-Cam in three UKIDSS-DXS fields covering 6.5 deg2. In Kashikawa et al. (2015), we select 17 quasar candidates and report our initial discovery of two low-luminosity quasars ({M}1450˜ -23) from seven targets, one of which might be a Lyα-emitting galaxy. From an additional optical spectroscopy, none of the four candidates out of the remaining 10 turn out to be genuine quasars. Moreover, the deeper optical photometry provided by the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP) shows that, unlike the two already-known quasars, the I - z and z - y colors of the last six candidates are consistent with M- or L-type brown dwarfs. Therefore, the quasar luminosity function (QLF) measurement in the previous paper is confirmed. Compiling the QLF measurements from the literature over a wide magnitude range, including an extremely faint AGN candidate from Parsa et al. (2017), to fit them with a double power law, we find that the best-fit faint-end slope is α =-{2.04}-0.18+0.33 (-{1.98}-0.21+0.48) and characteristic magnitude is {M}1450* =-{25.8}-1.9+1.1 (-{25.7}-1.8+1.0) in the case of two (one) quasar detection. Our result suggests that, if the QLF is integrated down to {M}1450=-18, quasars produce ˜1%-12% of the ionizing photons required to fully ionize the universe at z ˜ 6 with a 2σ confidence level, assuming that the escape fraction is {f}{esc}=1 and the intergalactic medium clumpy factor is C = 3. Even when the systematic uncertainties are taken into account, our result supports the scenario that quasars are the minor contributors of the reionization.

The Ionized Gas and Nuclear Environment in NGC 3783. IV; Variability and Modeling of the 900 ks CHANDRA Spectrum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Netzer, Hagai; Kaspi, Shai; Behar, Ehud; Brandt, W. N.; Chelouche, Doron; George, Ian M.; Crenshaw, D. Michael; Gabel, Jack R.; Hamann, Frederick W.; George, Steven B.

2003-01-01

We present a detailed analysis of the 900 ks spectrum of NGC3783 obtained by Chandra in 2000-2001 (Kaspi et al. 2002). We split the data in various ways to look for time dependent and luminosity dependent spectral variations. This analysis, the measured equivalent widths of a large number of X-ray lines, and our photoionization calculations, lead us to the following conclusions: 1) NGC 3783 fluctuated in luminosity, by a factor N 1.5, during individual 170 ks observations. The fluctuations were not associated with significant spectral variations. 2) On a longer time scale, of 20-120 days, we discovered two very different spectral shapes that are noted the high state and the low state spectra. The observed changes between the two can be described as the appearance and disappearance of a soft continuum component. The spectral variations are not related, in a simple way, to the brightening or the fading of the short wavelength continuum, as observed in other objects. NGC3783 seems to be the first AGN to show this unusual behavior. 3) The appearance of the soft continuum component is consistent with beeing the only spectral variation and there is no need to invoke changes in the absorber s opacity. In particular, all absorption lines with reliable measurements show the same equivalent width, within the observational uncertainties, during high and low states. 4) Photoionization model calculations show that a combination of three ionization components, each split into two kinematic components, explain very well the intensity of almost all absorption lines and the bound-free absorption. The components span a large range of ionization and a total column of about 3 x 10(exp 22) per square centimeter Moreover, all components are thermally stable and are situated on the vertical branch of the stability curve.. This means that they are in pressure equilibrium and perhaps occupy the same volume of space. This is the first detection of such a multi-component equilibrium gas in AGN. 5) The only real discrepancy between the model and the observations is the wavelength of the iron M-shell UTA feature. This is most likely due to an underestimation of the dielectronic recombination O VI and discuss its possible origin. 6) The lower limit on the distance of the absorbing gas in NGC3783 is between 0.2 and 3.2 pc, depending of the specific ionization component. The constant pressure assumption imposes an upper limit of about 25 pc on the distance of the least ionized gas from the central sourec.

ASCA Observations of "Type 2" LINERs Evidence for a Stellar Source of Ionization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Terashima, Yuichi; Ho, Luis C.; Ptak, Andrew F.; Mushotzky, Richard F.; Serlemitsos, Peter J.; Yaqoob, Tahir; Kunieda, Hideyo

1999-01-01

We present ASCA observations of LINERs without broad H.alpha emission in their optical spectra. The sample of "type 2" LINERs consists of NGC 404, 4111, 4192, 4457, and 4569. We have detected X-ray emission from all the objects except for NGC 404; among the detected objects are two so-called transition objects (NGC 4192 and NGC 4569), which have been postulated to be composite nuclei having both an H II region and a LINER component. The images of NGC 4111 and NGC 4569 in the soft (0.5-2 keV) and hard (2-7 keV) X-ray bands are extended on scales of several kpc. The X-ray spectra of NGC 4111, NGC 4457 and NGC 4569 are well fitted by a two-component model that consists of soft thermal emission with kT approximately 0.65 keV and a hard component represented by a power law (photon index approximately 2) or by thermal bremsstrahlung emission (kT approximately several keV). The extended hard X-rays probably come from discrete sources, while the soft emission most likely originates from hot gas produced by active star formation in the host galaxy. We have found no clear evidence for the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the sample. Using black hole masses estimated from host galaxy bulge luminosities, we obtain an upper limit on the implied Eddington ratios less than 5 x 10(exp -5). If an AGN component is the primary ionization source of the optical emission lines, then it must be heavily obscured with a column density significantly larger than 10(exp 23)/sq cm, since the observed X-ray luminosity is insufficient to drive the luminosities of the optical emission lines. Alternatively, the optical emission could be ionized by a population of exceptionally hot stars. This interpretation is consistent with the small [O I] lambda6300/H.alpha ratios observed in these sources, the ultraviolet spectral characteristics in the cases where such information exists, and the X-ray results reported here. We also analyze the X-ray properties of NGC 4117, a low-luminosity Seyfert 2 galaxy serendipitously observed in the field of NGC 4111.

VLA Observations of the Disk around the Young Brown Dwarf 2MASS J044427+2512

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ricci, L.; Rome, H.; Pinilla, P.

We present multi-wavelength radio observations obtained with the VLA of the protoplanetary disk surrounding the young brown dwarf 2MASS J04442713+2512164 (2M0444) in the Taurus star-forming region. 2M0444 is the brightest known brown dwarf disk at millimeter wavelengths, making this an ideal target to probe radio emission from a young brown dwarf. Thermal emission from dust in the disk is detected at 6.8 and 9.1 mm, whereas the 1.36 cm measured flux is dominated by ionized gas emission. We combine these data with previous observations at shorter sub-mm and mm wavelengths to test the predictions of dust evolution models in gas-richmore » disks after adapting their parameters to the case of 2M0444. These models show that the radial drift mechanism affecting solids in a gaseous environment has to be either completely made inefficient, or significantly slowed down by very strong gas pressure bumps in order to explain the presence of mm/cm-sized grains in the outer regions of the 2M0444 disk. We also discuss the possible mechanisms for the origin of the ionized gas emission detected at 1.36 cm. The inferred radio luminosity for this emission is in line with the relation between radio and bolometric luminosity valid for for more massive and luminous young stellar objects, and extrapolated down to the very low luminosity of the 2M0444 brown dwarf.« less

The KONA Survey: A Near-IR Perspective of the Circumnuclear Environment of local Seyfert Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hicks, Erin K. S.; Mueller Sanchez, Francisco; Malkan, Matthew Arnold

2018-06-01

With the Keck OSIRIS Nearby AGN, KONA, survey we simultaneously probe the stellar, molecular gas, and ionized gas kinematics within the central 400 pc of a sample of 40 local representative AGN. KONA's spatially resolved spectra enable an unprecedented study of the feeding and feedback processes in bona- fide AGN. We present a study the nuclear K-band properties of these local Seyferts, as well as the integrated molecular hydrogen and stellar distribution and kinematic at radii varying from 25 to 200 pc. We find that the luminosities of the unresolved Seyfert 1 sources at 2.1 microns are correlated with the hard X-ray luminosities over 3 orders of magnitude in both K-band and X-ray luminosities, implying that the majority of the emission is non-stellar. No correlation is found between the 2.1 microns luminosity and hard X-ray luminosity for the Seyfert 2 galaxies. The spatial extent and spectral slope of the Seyfert 2 galaxies indicates the presence of nuclear star formation and attenuating material (gas and dust), which is found to be compact in some galaxies and in others extended. A comparison of the circumnuclear stellar and molecular hydrogen properties (flux distribution, surface brightness, and velocity dispersion) in Seyfert 1 and 2 sources will also be presented.

Probing the accretion flow and emission-line regions of M81, the nearest broad-lined low-luminosity AGN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barth, Aaron

2017-08-01

The nucleus of M81 is an object of singular importance as a template for low-luminosity accretion flows onto supermassive black holes. We propose to obtain a complete, small-aperture, high S/N STIS UV/optical spectrum of the M81 nucleus and multi-filter WFC3 imaging covering the UV through near-IR. Such data have never previously been obtained with HST; the only prior archival UV/optical spectra of M81 have low S/N, incomplete wavelength coverage, and are strongly contaminated by starlight. Combined with new Chandra X-ray data, our proposed observations will comprise the definitive reference dataset on the spectral energy distribution of this benchmark low-luminosity AGN. These data will provide unique new constraints on the possible contribution of a truncated thin accretion disk to the AGN emission spectrum, clarifying a fundamental property of low-luminosity accretion flows. The data will additionally provide new insights into broad-line region structure and black hole mass scaling relationships at the lowest AGN luminosities, and spatially resolved diagnostics of narrow-line region excitation conditions at unprecedented spatial resolution to assess the impact of the AGN on the ionization state of the gas in the host galaxy bulge.

An X-ray Investigation of the NGC 346 Field in the SMC (2): The Field Population

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naze, Y.; Hartwell, J. M.; Stevens, I. R.; Manfroid, J.; Marchenko, S.; Corcoran, M. F.; Moffat, A. F. J.; Skalkowski, G.

2003-01-01

We present results from a Chandra observation of the NGC 346 cluster, which is the ionizing source of N66, the most luminous HII region and the largest star formation region in the SMC. In the first part of this investigation, we have analysed the X-ray properties of the cluster itself and the remarkable star HD 5980. But the field contains additional objects of interest. In total, 79 X-ray point sources were detected in the Chandra observation: this is more than five times the number of sources detected by previous X-ray surveys. We investigate here their characteristics in detail. The sources possess rather high hardness ratios, and their cumulative luminosity function is steeper than that for the rest of the SMC at higher .luminosities. Their absorption columns suggest that most of the sources belong to NGC346. Using new UBV RI imaging with the ESO 2.2m telescope, we also discovered possible counterparts for 36 of these X-ray sources and estimated a B spectral type for a large number of these counterparts. This tends to suggest that most of the X-ray sources in the field are in fact X-ray binaries. Finally, some objects show X-ray and/or optical variability, with a need for further monitoring.

Extended X-Ray Emission around Quasars at Intermediate Redshift

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiore, Fabrizio

1998-01-01

We compare the optical to soft X-ray spectral energy distribution (SED) of a sample of bright low-redshift (0.048 less than z less than 0.155), radio-quiet quasars, with a range of thermal models which have been proposed to explain the optical/UV/soft X-ray quasar emission: (a) optically thin emission from an ionized plasma, (b) optically thick emission from the innermost regions of an accretion disk in Schwarzschild and Kerr geometries. We presented ROSAT PSPC observations of these quasars in an earlier paper. Here our goals are to search for the signature of thermal emission in the quasar SED, and to investigate whether a single component is dominating at different frequencies. We find that isothermal optically thin plasma models can explain the observed soft X-ray color and the mean OUV color. However, they predict an ultraviolet (1325 Angstrom) luminosity a factor of 3 to 10 times lower than observed. Pure disk models, even in a Kerr geometry, do not have the necessary flexibility to account for the observed OUV and soft X-ray luminosities. Additional components are needed both in the optical and in the soft X-rays (e.g. a hot corona can explain the soft X-ray color). The most constrained modification of pure disk models, is the assumption of an underlying power law component extending from the infrared (3 micrometers) to the X-ray. This can explain both the OUV and soft X-ray colors and luminosities and does not exceed the 3 micrometers luminosity, where a contribution from hot dust is likely to be important. We also discuss the possibility that the observed soft X-ray color and luminosity are dominated by reflection from the ionized surface of the accretion disk. While modifications of both optically thin plasma models and pure disk models might account for the observed SED, we do not find any strong evidence that the OUV bump and soft X-ray emission are one and the same component. Likewise, we do not find any strong argument which definitely argues in favor of thermal models.

The little Galaxies that could (reionize the universe): predicting faint end slopes & escape fractions at z>4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Lauren; Governato, F.; Karcher, M.; Quinn, T.; Wadsley, J.

2017-07-01

The sources that reionized the universe are still unknown, but likely candidates are faint but numerous galaxies. In this paper, we present results from running a high-resolution, uniform volume simulation, the Vulcan, to predict the number densities of undetectable, faint galaxies and their escape fractions of ionizing radiation, fesc, during reionization. Our approach combines a high spatial resolution, a realistic treatment of feedback and hydroprocesses, a strict threshold for minimum number of resolution elements per galaxy, and a converged measurement of fesc. We calibrate our physical model using a novel approach to create realistic galaxies at z = 0, so the simulation is predictive at high redshifts. With this approach, we can (1) robustly predict the evolution of the galaxy UV luminosity function at faint magnitudes down to MUV ˜ -15, two magnitudes fainter than observations, and (2) estimate fesc over a large range of galaxy masses based on the detailed stellar and gas distributions in resolved galaxies. We find steep faint end slopes, implying high number densities of faint galaxies, and the dependence of fesc on the UV magnitude of a galaxy, given by the power law: log fesc = (0.51 ± 0.04)MUV + 7.3 ± 0.8, with the faint population having fesc ˜ 35 per cent. Convolving the UV luminosity function with fesc(MUV), we find an ionizing emissivity that is (1) dominated by the faintest galaxies and (2) reionizes the universe at the appropriate rate, consistent with observational constraints of the ionizing emissivity and the optical depth to the decoupling surface τes, without the need for additional sources of ionizing radiation.

Complex Lyα Profiles in Redshift 6.6 Ultraluminous Lyα Emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Songaila, A.; Hu, E. M.; Barger, A. J.; Cowie, L. L.; Hasinger, G.; Rosenwasser, B.; Waters, C.

2018-06-01

We report on a search for ultraluminous Lyα-emitting galaxies (LAEs) at z = 6.6 using the NB921 filter on the Hyper Suprime-Cam on the Subaru telescope. We searched a 30 deg2 area around the north ecliptic pole, which we observed in broadband g‧, r‧, i‧, z‧, and y‧ and narrowband NB816 and NB921, for sources with NB921 < 23.5 and z‧-NB921 > 1.3. This corresponds to a selection of log L(Lyα) > 43.5 erg s‑1. We followed up seven candidate LAEs (out of 13) with the Keck DEIMOS spectrograph and confirmed five z = 6.6 LAEs, one z = 6.6 AGN with a broad Lyα line and a strong red continuum, and one low-redshift ([O III] 5007) galaxy. The five ultraluminous LAEs have wider line profiles than lower-luminosity LAEs, and one source, NEPLA4, has a complex line profile similar to that of COLA1. In combination with previous results, we show that the line profiles of the z = 6.6 ultraluminous LAEs are systematically different from those of lower-luminosity LAEs at this redshift. This result suggests that ultraluminous LAEs generate highly ionized regions of the intergalactic medium in their vicinity that allow the full Lyα profile of the galaxy—including any blue wings—to be visible. If this interpretation is correct, then ultraluminous LAEs offer a unique opportunity to determine the properties of the ionized zones around them, which will help in understanding the ionization of the z ∼ 7 intergalactic medium. A simple calculation gives a very rough estimate of 0.015 for the escape fraction of ionizing photons, but more sophisticated calculations are needed to fully characterize the uncertainties.

Gamma rays from accretion onto rotating black holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, M. S.

1979-01-01

Ionized matter falling onto an isolated rotating black hole will be heated sufficiently that proton-proton collisions will produce mesons, including neutral pions, which decay into gamma rays. For massive (1000-solar mass) black holes, the resulting gamma-ray luminosity may exceed 10 to the 36th erg/s with a spectrum peaked near 20 MeV.

Polarized muon beams for muon collider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skrinsky, A. N.

1996-11-01

An option for the production of intense and highly polarized muon beams, suitable for a high-luminosity muon collider, is described briefly. It is based on a multi-channel pion-collection system, narrow-band pion-to-muon decay channels, proper muon spin gymnastics, and ionization cooling to combine all of the muon beams into a single bunch of ultimately low emittance.

Accelerated evolution of the Lyα luminosity function at z ≳ 7 revealed by the Subaru ultra-deep survey for Lyα emitters at z = 7.3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Konno, Akira; Ouchi, Masami; Ono, Yoshiaki

2014-12-10

We present the ultra-deep Subaru narrowband imaging survey for Lyα emitters (LAEs) at z = 7.3 in the Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Survey (SXDS) and Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) fields (∼0.5 deg{sup 2}) with a total integration time of 106 hr. Exploiting our new sharp bandwidth filter, NB101, installed on the Suprime-Cam, we have reached L(Lyα) = 2.4 × 10{sup 42} erg s{sup –1} (5σ) for z = 7.3 LAEs, about four times deeper than previous Subaru z ≳ 7 studies, which allows us to reliably investigate the evolution of the Lyα luminosity function (LF) for the first time down to themore » luminosity limit same as those of Subaru z = 3.1-6.6 LAE samples. Surprisingly, we only find three and four LAEs in the SXDS and COSMOS fields, respectively, while one expects a total of ∼65 LAEs by our survey in the case of no Lyα LF evolution from z = 6.6 to 7.3. We identify a decrease of the Lyα LF from z = 6.6 to 7.3 at the >90% confidence level from our z = 7.3 Lyα LF with the best-fit Schechter parameters of L{sub Lyα}{sup ∗}=2.7{sub −1.2}{sup +8.0}×10{sup 42} erg s{sup −1} and ϕ{sup ∗}=3.7{sub −3.3}{sup +17.6}×10{sup −4} Mpc{sup −3} for a fixed α = –1.5. Moreover, the evolution of the Lyα LF is clearly accelerated at z > 6.6 beyond the measurement uncertainties including cosmic variance. Because no such accelerated evolution of the UV-continuum LF or the cosmic star formation rate (SFR) is found at z ∼ 7, but suggested only at z > 8, this accelerated Lyα LF evolution is explained by physical mechanisms different from a pure SFR decrease but related to the Lyα production and escape in the process of cosmic reionization. Because a simple accelerating increase of intergalactic medium neutral hydrogen absorbing Lyα cannot be reconciled with Thomson scattering of optical depth measurements from WMAP and Planck, our findings may support new physical pictures suggested by recent theoretical studies, such as the existence of HI clumpy clouds within cosmic ionized bubbles that are selectively absorbing Lyα and the large ionizing photon escape fraction of galaxies causing weak Lyα emission.« less

Lyman-α emitters gone missing: the different evolution of the bright and faint populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinberger, Lewis H.; Kulkarni, Girish; Haehnelt, Martin G.; Choudhury, Tirthankar Roy

2018-06-01

We model the transmission of the Lyman-α line through the circum- and intergalactic media around dark matter haloes expected to host Lyman-alpha emitters (LAEs) at z ≥ 5.7, using the high-dynamic-range Sherwood simulations. We find very different CGM environments around more massive haloes (˜1011M⊙) compared to less massive haloes (˜109M⊙) at these redshifts, which can contribute to a different evolution of the Lyα transmission from LAEs within these haloes. Additionally we confirm that part of the differential evolution could result from bright LAEs being more likely to reside in larger ionized regions. We conclude that a combination of the CGM environment and the IGM ionization structure is likely to be responsible for the differential evolution of the bright and faint ends of the LAE luminosity function at z ≥ 6. More generally, we confirm the suggestion that the self-shielded neutral gas in the outskirts of the host halo can strongly attenuate the Lyα emission from high redshift galaxies. We find that this has a stronger effect on the more massive haloes hosting brighter LAEs. The faint-end of the LAE luminosity function is thus a more reliable probe of the average ionization state of the IGM. Comparing our model for LAEs with a range of observational data we find that the favoured reionization histories are our previously advocated `Late' and `Very Late' reionization histories, in which reionization finishes rather rapidly at around z ≃ 6.

The Disk Wind in the Rapidly Spinning Stellar-mass Black Hole 4U 1630-472 Observed with NuSTAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Ashley L.; Walton, Dominic J.; Miller, Jon M.; Barret, Didier; Boggs, Steven E.; Christensen, Finn E.; Craig, William W.; Fabian, Andy C.; Furst, Felix; Hailey, Charles J.;

ULTRAVIOLET SPECTROSCOPY OF PQ Gem AND V405 Aur FROM THE HST AND IUE SATELLITES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanad, M. R., E-mail: mrsanad1@yahoo.com

Ultraviolet spectra of two intermediate polars (IPs), PQ Gem and V405 Aur, observed with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and Faint Object Spectrograph and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellites were analyzed during the period between 1994–2000. We estimated the reddening of the two systems from the 2200 Å feature. Six spectra of the two systems revealing modulations of line fluxes at different times are presented. PQ Gem and V405 Aur are featured by spectral lines in different ionization states. This paper focuses on the third ionized carbon emission line at 1550 Å and the first ionized heliummore » emission line at 1640 Å produced in the optically thin outer region of the accretion curtain for the two systems by calculating spectral line fluxes. From HST and IUE data, we deduced ultraviolet luminosities and ultraviolet accretion rates for the two binary stars. The average temperature of the accretion streams for PQ Gem and V405 Aur are ∼4500 K and 4100 K, respectively. The results reveal that there are modulations in fluxes of spectral lines, ultraviolet luminosities, and ultraviolet accretion rates with time for both systems. These modulations are referred to the changes of both density and temperature as a result of the variations of mass transfer rate from the secondary star to the primary star. The current results are consistent with an accretion curtain model for IPs.« less

The great galactic centre mystery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riegler, G. R.

1982-01-01

Gamma-ray observations of the center of the Galaxy show a varying positron-electron annihilation radiation emission, while at radio wavelengths a non-thermal compact source surrounded by ionized gas moving at high velocities can be seen. Line emission maps for atomic and ionized hydrogen and molecular gas suggest gas expulsion and a massive collapsed object. IR observations show that ionized gas in the central few parsecs of the Galactic center is concentrated in at least 14 small clouds. Charge-coupled device images show a pair of faint, very red sources within a few arc seconds of IRS 16 and the compact non-thermal radio source. The positron-electron annihilation line emission implies an annihilation rate of 10 to the 43rd per sec, compared with an observed luminosity at IR wavelengths of 10 to the 40 erg per sec. Some models are briefly discussed.

Studies of the Twin Helix Parametric-resonance Ionization Cooling Channel with COSY INFINITY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

J.A. Maloney, K.B. Beard, R.P. Johnson, A. Afanasev, S.A. Bogacz, Y.S. Derbenev, V.S. Morozov, B. Erdelyi

2012-07-01

A primary technical challenge to the design of a high luminosity muon collider is an effective beam cooling system. An epicyclic twin-helix channel utilizing parametric-resonance ionization cooling has been proposed for the final 6D cooling stage. A proposed design of this twin-helix channel is presented that utilizes correlated optics between the horizontal and vertical betatron periods to simultaneously focus transverse motion of the beam in both planes. Parametric resonance is induced in both planes via a system of helical quadrupole harmonics. Ionization cooling is achieved via periodically placed wedges of absorbing material, with intermittent rf cavities restoring longitudinal momentum necessarymore » to maintain stable orbit of the beam. COSY INFINITY is utilized to simulate the theory at first order. The motion of particles around a hyperbolic fixed point is tracked. Comparison is made between the EPIC cooling channel and standard ionization cooling effects. Cooling effects are measured, after including stochastic effects, for both a single particle and a distribution of particles.« less

Gamma rays from accretion onto rotating black holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, M. S.

1978-01-01

Ionized matter falling onto an isolated, rotating black hole will be heated sufficiently that proton-proton collisions will produce mesons, including neutral pions, which decay into gamma rays. For massive (1000 M sub circled dot), black holes, the resulting gamma-ray luminosity may exceed 10 to the 36th power engs/s, with a spectrum peaked near 20 MeV.

Monte Carlo simulations of the detailed iron absorption line profiles from thermal winds in X-ray binaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomaru, Ryota; Done, Chris; Odaka, Hirokazu; Watanabe, Shin; Takahashi, Tadayuki

2018-05-01

Blueshifted absorption lines from highly ionized iron are seen in some high inclination X-ray binary systems, indicating the presence of an equatorial disc wind. This launch mechanism is under debate, but thermal driving should be ubiquitous. X-ray irradiation from the central source heats disc surface, forming a wind from the outer disc where the local escape velocity is lower than the sound speed. The mass-loss rate from each part of the disc is determined by the luminosity and spectral shape of the central source. We use these together with an assumed density and velocity structure of the wind to predict the column density and ionization state, then combine this with a Monte Carlo radiation transfer to predict the detailed shape of the absorption (and emission) line profiles. We test this on the persistent wind seen in the bright neutron star binary GX 13+1, with luminosity L/LEdd ˜ 0.5. We approximately include the effect of radiation pressure because of high luminosity, and compute line features. We compare these to the highest resolution data, the Chandra third-order grating spectra, which we show here for the first time. This is the first physical model for the wind in this system, and it succeeds in reproducing many of the features seen in the data, showing that the wind in GX13+1 is most likely a thermal-radiation driven wind. This approach, combined with better streamline structures derived from full radiation hydrodynamic simulations, will allow future calorimeter data to explore the detail wind structure.

Characterizing the Circumgalactic Medium of Nearby Galaxies with HST/COS and HST/STIS Absorption-line Spectroscopy. II. Methods and Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keeney, Brian A.; Stocke, John T.; Danforth, Charles W.; Shull, J. Michael; Pratt, Cameron T.; Froning, Cynthia S.; Green, James C.; Penton, Steven V.; Savage, Blair D.

2017-05-01

We present basic data and modeling for a survey of the cool, photoionized circumgalactic medium (CGM) of low-redshift galaxies using far-UV QSO absorption-line probes. This survey consists of “targeted” and “serendipitous” CGM subsamples, originally described in Stocke et al. (Paper I). The targeted subsample probes low-luminosity, late-type galaxies at z< 0.02 with small impact parameters (< ρ > =71 kpc), and the serendipitous subsample probes higher luminosity galaxies at z≲ 0.2 with larger impact parameters (< ρ > =222 kpc). Hubble Space Telescope and FUSE UV spectroscopy of the absorbers and basic data for the associated galaxies, derived from ground-based imaging and spectroscopy, are presented. We find broad agreement with the COS-Halos results, but our sample shows no evidence for changing ionization parameter or hydrogen density with distance from the CGM host galaxy, probably because the COS-Halos survey probes the CGM at smaller impact parameters. We find at least two passive galaxies with H I and metal-line absorption, confirming the intriguing COS-Halos result that galaxies sometimes have cool gas halos despite no on-going star formation. Using a new methodology for fitting H I absorption complexes, we confirm the CGM cool gas mass of Paper I, but this value is significantly smaller than that found by the COS-Halos survey. We trace much of this difference to the specific values of the low-z metagalactic ionization rate assumed. After accounting for this difference, a best-value for the CGM cool gas mass is found by combining the results of both surveys to obtain {log}(M/{M}⊙ )=10.5+/- 0.3, or ˜30% of the total baryon reservoir of an L≥slant {L}* , star-forming galaxy. Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.

Studying the large scale structure and interstellar medium of galaxies during the epochs of peak cosmic star formation and Reionization with infrared fine structure lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzgil, Bade D.

Infrared (IR) fine-structure (FS) lines from trace metals in the interstellar medium (ISM) of galaxies are valuable diagnostics of the physical conditions in a broad range of astrophysical environments, such gas irradiated by stellar far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons or X-rays from accreting supermassive black holes, called active galactic nuclei (AGN). The transparency of these lines to dust and their high escape fractions into the intergalactic medium (IGM) render them as useful probes to study the epochs of peak cosmic star formation (SF) and Reionization. Chapter 1 of this thesis is a study of the ISM of the Cloverleaf quasar. Observations of IR FS lines from singly ionized carbon and neutral oxygen have allowed us to assess the physical conditions---parametrized by their gas density and the impingent FUV flux---prevalent in atomic gas heated by stellar FUV photons. We find that UV heating from local SF is not sufficient to explain the measured FS and molecular luminosities, and suggest that X-ray heating from the AGN is required to simultaneously explain both sets of data. The general picture of the Cloverleaf ISM that emerges from our composite model is one where the [CII] and [OI]63 line emission is produced primarily within PDRs and HII regions of a 1.3-kpc wide starburst, which is embedded in a denser XDR component that is the dominant source of heating for the CO gas. The fact that the star-forming PDR and HII region gas is co-spatial with the XDR---and within ˜ 650 pc of the accreting black hole---provides strong evidence that SF is ongoing while immersed in a strong X-ray radiation field provided by the nearby AGN. This finding has implications for the co-evolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. The work in this chapter will be submitted for first-author publication imminently. In Chapter 2, we explore the possibility of studying the redshifted far-IR fine-structure line emission using the three-dimensional (3-D) power spectra obtained with an imaging spectrometer. The intensity mapping approach measures the spatio-spectral fluctuations due to line emission from all galaxies, including those below the individual detection threshold. The technique provides 3-D measurements of galaxy clustering and moments of the galaxy luminosity function. Furthermore, the linear portion of the power spectrum can be used to measure the total line emission intensity including all sources through cosmic time with redshift information naturally encoded. Total line emission, when compared to the total star formation activity and/or other line intensities reveals evolution of the interstellar conditions of galaxies in aggregate. As a case study, we consider measurement of [CII] autocorrelation in the 0.5 < z < 1.5 epoch, where interloper lines are minimized, using far-IR/submm balloon-borne and future space-borne instruments with moderate and high sensitivity, respectively. In this context, we compare the intensity mapping approach to blind galaxy surveys based on individual detections. We find that intensity mapping is nearly always the best way to obtain the total line emission because blind, wide-field galaxy surveys lack sufficient depth and deep pencil beams do not observe enough galaxies in the requisite luminosity and redshift bins. Also, intensity mapping is often the most efficient way to measure the power spectrum shape, depending on the details of the luminosity function and the telescope aperture. The work in this chapter has been published in Uzgil et al. (2014). In the final Chapter, we consider the extension of intensity mapping experiments targeting IR FS lines to the late stages of the Epoch of Reionization (EoR), at z ˜ 7. Intensity mapping experiments of emission lines from the ISM of galaxies are highly complementary to experiments that are aiming to detect the 21 cm power spectrum during the same epoch, as the former is a direct probe of the sources of Reionization, and the latter is a probe of the effect of those sources on the surrounding IGM. Since current and planned observations are limited by cosmic variance at the bright end of the galaxy luminosity function, and will not be able to detect the faintest galaxies responsible for a significant fraction of the ionizing photon supply during EoR, intensity mapping is an appealing approach to study the nature and evolution of galaxies during this stage in the history of the Universe. Again, the utility of FS lines as ISM diagnostics, combined with the ability of intensity mapping to measure redshift-evolution in mean intensity of individual lines or the evolution of line ratios (constructed from multiple cross-power spectra), presents a unique and tantalizing opportunity to directly observe changes in properties of interstellar medium (such as hardness of the ionizing spectrum in galaxies and metallicity) that are important to galaxy evolution studies.

Copernicus observations of Nova Cygni 1975

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, E. B.; Snow, T. P.; Upson, W. L.; Anderson, R.; Starrfield, S. G.; Gallagher, J. S.; Friedjung, M.; Linsky, J. L.; Henry, R. C.; Moos, H. W.

1977-01-01

Near-ultraviolet radiation from Nova Cygni 1975 was detected by the Copernicus satellite on five occasions from 1975 September 1 to 1975 September 9. The nova was not seen in the UV after this date. The principal result was the observation of a broad emission feature from the Mg II doublet at 2800 A. The absence of strong UV radiation at shorter wavelengths suggests that these lines are produced by collisional excitation in the outer layers of an expanding shell with electron temperature of approximately 4000 K. The absence of observed emission lines from highly ionized species indicates that the amount of material with log T between 4.4 and 5.7 is less than 0.001 times that which produces the Mg II emission. The continuum flux in the near-UV decreased as the nova evolved, showing that the total luminosity decreased as the nova faded in the visible.

Extraplanar H II Regions in Spiral Galaxies. II. In Situ Star Formation in the Interstellar Thick Disk of NGC 4013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howk, J. Christopher; Rueff, Katherine M.; Lehner, Nicolas; Wotta, Christopher B.; Croxall, Kevin; Savage, Blair D.

2018-04-01

We present observations of an Hα-emitting knot in the thick disk of NGC 4013, demonstrating it is an H II region surrounding a cluster of young hot stars z = 860 pc above the plane of this edge-on spiral galaxy. With LBT/MODS spectroscopy we show that this H II region has an Hα luminosity ∼4–7 times that of the Orion nebula, with an implied ionizing photon production rate log Q 0 ≈ 49.4 (photons s‑1). HST/WFPC2 imaging reveals an associated blue continuum source with M V = ‑8.21 ± 0.24. Together, these properties demonstrate that the H II region is powered by a young cluster of stars formed in situ in the thick disk, with an ionizing photon flux equivalent to ∼6 O7 V stars. If we assume ≈6 other extraplanar Hα-emitting knots are H II regions, the total thick disk star formation rate of NGC 4013 is ∼5 × 10‑4 M ⊙ yr‑1. The star formation likely occurs in the dense clouds of the interstellar thick disk seen in optical images of dust extinction and CO emission.

FR II radio galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey: observational facts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozieł-Wierzbowska, D.; Stasińska, G.

2011-08-01

Starting from the Cambridge Catalogues of radio sources, we have created a sample of 401 Fanaroff-Riley type II (FR II) radio sources that have counterparts in the main galaxy sample of the seventh Data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and analyse their radio and optical properties. We find that the luminosity in the Hα line - which we argue gives a better measure of the total emission-line flux than the widely used luminosity in [O III]- is strongly correlated with the radio luminosity P1.4 GHz. We show that the absence of emission lines in about one third of our sample is likely due to a detection threshold and not to a lack of optical activity. We also find a very strong correlation between the values of LHα and P1.4 GHz when scaled by ‘MBH’, an estimate of the black hole mass. We find that the properties of FR II galaxies are mainly driven by the Eddington parameter LHα/‘MBH’ or, equivalently, P1.4 GHz/‘MBH’. Radio galaxies with hotspots are found among the ones with the highest values of P1.4 GHz/‘MBH’. Compared to classical active galactic nuclei (AGN) hosts in the main galaxy sample of the SDSS, our FR II galaxies show a larger proportion of objects with very hard ionizing radiation field and large ionization parameter. A few objects are, on the contrary, ionized by a softer radiation field. Two of them have double-peaked emission lines and deserve more attention. We find that the black hole masses and stellar masses in FR II galaxies are very closely related: ‘MBH’∝M1.13* with very little scatter. A comparison sample of line-less galaxies in the SDSS follows exactly the same relation, although the masses are, on average, smaller. This suggests that the FR II radio phenomenon occurs in normal elliptical galaxies, preferentially in the most massive ones. Although most FR II galaxies are old, some contain traces of young stellar populations. Such young populations are not seen in normal line-less galaxies, suggesting that the radio (and optical) activity in some FR II galaxies may be triggered by recent star formation. The ‘MBH’-M* relation in a comparison sample of radio-quiet AGN hosts from the SDSS is very different, suggesting that galaxies which are still forming stars are also still building their central black holes. Globally, our study indicates that, while radio and optical activity are strongly related in FR II galaxies, the features of the optical activity in FR IIs are distinct from those of the bulk of radio-quiet active galaxies. An appendix (available as Supporting Information with the online version of the article) gives the radio maps of our FR II galaxies, superimposed on the SDSS images, and the parameters derived for our analysis that were not publicly available.

An X-ray/SDSS sample. I. Multi-phase outflow incidence and dependence on AGN luminosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perna, M.; Lanzuisi, G.; Brusa, M.; Mignoli, M.; Cresci, G.

2017-07-01

Aims: The connection between the growth of super-massive black holes (SMBHs) and the evolution of their host galaxies is nowadays well established, although the underlying mechanisms explaining their mutual relations are still debated. Multi-phase fast, massive outflows have been postulated to play a crucial role in this process. The aim of this work is to constrain the nature and the fraction of outflowing gas in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) as well as the nuclear conditions possibly at the origin of such phenomena. Methods: We present a large spectroscopic sample of X-ray detected SDSS AGNs at z< 0.8 with a high signal-to-noise ratio in the [O III]λ5007 line to unveil the faint wings of the emission profile associated with AGN-driven outflows. We used X-ray and optical flux ratio diagnostics to select the sample. We derived physical and kinematic characterization by re-analysing optical (and X-ray) spectra. Results: We derive the incidence of ionized ( 40%) and atomic (<1%) outflows covering a wide range of AGN bolometric luminosity from 1042 to 1046 erg/s. We also derive bolometric luminosities and X-ray bolometric corrections to test whether the presence of outflows is associated with an X-ray loudness, as suggested by our recent results obtained by studying high-z QSOs. Conclusions: We study the relations between the outflow velocity inferred from [O III] kinematic analysis and different AGN power tracers, such as black hole mass (MBH), [O III], and X-ray luminosity. We show a well-defined positive trend between outflow velocity and LX, for the first time, over a range of 5 order of magnitudes. Overall, we find that in the QSO-luminosity regime and at MBH> 108M⊙ the fraction of AGNs with outflows becomes >50%. Finally, we discuss our results about X-ray bolometric corrections and outflow incidence in cold and ionized phases in the context of an evolutionary sequence allowing two distinct stages for the feedback phase: first, an initial stage characterized by X-ray/optical obscured AGNs, in which the atomic gas is still present in the ISM and the outflow processes involve all the gas components and, second, a later stage associated with unobscured AGNs, in which the line of sight has been cleaned and the cold components have been heated or exhausted.

The nuclear region of low luminosity flat radio spectrum sources. II. Emission-line spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonçalves, A. C.; Serote Roos, M.

2004-01-01

We report on the spectroscopic study of 19 low luminosity Flat Radio Spectrum (LL FRS) sources selected from Marchã's et al. (\\cite{March96}) 200 mJy sample. In the optical, these objects are mainly dominated by the host galaxy starlight. After correcting the data for this effect, we obtain a new set of spectra clearly displaying weak emission lines; such features carry valuable information concerning the excitation mechanisms at work in the nuclear regions of LL FRS sources. We have used a special routine to model the spectra and assess the intensities and velocities of the emission lines; we have analyzed the results in terms of diagnostic diagrams. Our analysis shows that 79% of the studied objects harbour a Low Ionization Nuclear Emission-line Region (or LINER) whose contribution was swamped by the host galaxy starlight. The remaining objects display a higher ionization spectrum, more typical of Seyferts; due to the poor quality of the spectra, it was not possible to identify any possible large Balmer components. The fact that we observe a LINER-type spectrum in LL FRS sources supports the idea that some of these objects could be undergoing an ADAF phase; in addition, such a low ionization emission-line spectrum is in agreement with the black hole mass values and sub-Eddington accretion rates published for some FRS sources. Based on observations collected at the Multiple Mirror Telescope on Mt. Hopkins. Full Fig. 1 is only available in electronic form at http://www.edpsciences.org

Giant Hα Nebula Surrounding the Starburst Merger NGC 6240

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Michitoshi; Yagi, Masafumi; Ohyama, Youichi; Komiyama, Yutaka; Kashikawa, Nobunari; Tanaka, Hisashi; Okamura, Sadanori

2016-03-01

We revealed the detailed structure of a vastly extended Hα-emitting nebula (“Hα nebula”) surrounding the starburst/merging galaxy NGC 6240 by deep narrow-band imaging observations with the Subaru Suprime-Cam. The extent of the nebula is ˜90 kpc in diameter and the total Hα luminosity amounts to LHα ≈ 1.6 × 1042 erg s-1. The volume filling factor and the mass of the warm ionized gas are ˜10-4-10-5 and ˜5 × 108 M⊙, respectively. The nebula has a complicated structure, which includes numerous filaments, loops, bubbles, and knots. We found that there is a tight spatial correlation between the Hα nebula and the extended soft-X-ray-emitting gas, both in large and small scales. The overall morphology of the nebula is dominated by filamentary structures radially extending from the center of the galaxy. A large-scale bipolar bubble extends along the minor axis of the main stellar disk. The morphology strongly suggests that the nebula was formed by intense outflows—superwinds—driven by starbursts. We also found three bright knots embedded in a looped filament of ionized gas that show head-tail morphologies in both emission-line and continuum, suggesting close interactions between the outflows and star-forming regions. Based on the morphology and surface brightness distribution of the Hα nebula, we propose the scenario that three major episodes of starburst/superwind activities, which were initiated ˜102 Myr ago, formed the extended ionized gas nebula of NGC 6240. Based on data collected at the Subaru Telescope, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

N uSTAR Hard X-Ray Data and Gemini 3D Spectra Reveal Powerful AGN and Outflow Histories in Two Low-redshift Lyα Blobs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamuro, Taiki; Schirmer, Mischa; Turner, James E. H.; Davies, Rebecca L.; Ichikawa, Kohei

2017-10-01

We have shown that Lyα blobs (LABs) may still exist even at z˜ 0.3, about seven billion years later than most other LABs known (Shirmer et al.). Their luminous Lyα and [O III] emitters at z˜ 0.3 offer new insights into the ionization mechanism. This paper focuses on the two X-ray brightest LABs at z˜ 0.3, SDSS J0113+0106 (J0113) and SDSS J1155-0147 (J1155), comparable in size and luminosity to “B1,” one of the best-studied LABs at z≳ 2. Our NuSTAR hard X-ray (3-30 keV) observations reveal powerful active galactic nuclei (AGN) with {L}2{--10{keV}}=(0.5{--}3)× {10}44 erg s-1. J0113 also faded by a factor of ˜5 between 2014 and 2016, emphasizing that variable AGN may cause apparent ionization deficits in LABs. Joint spectral analyses including Chandra data constrain column densities of {N}{{H}}={5.1}-3.3+3.1× {10}23 cm-2 (J0113) and {N}{{H}}={6.0}-1.1+1.4× {10}22 cm-2 (J1155). J0113 is likely buried in a torus with a narrow ionization cone, but ionizing radiation is also leaking in other directions, as revealed by our Gemini/GMOS 3D spectroscopy. The latter shows a bipolar outflow over 10 kpc, with a peculiar velocity profile that is best explained by AGN flickering. X-ray analysis of J1155 reveals a weakly absorbed AGN that may ionize over a wide solid angle, consistent with our 3D spectra. Extinction-corrected [O III] log-luminosities are high, ˜43.6. The velocity dispersions are low, ˜100-150 km s-1, even at the AGN positions. We argue that this is a combination of high extinction hiding the turbulent gas and previous outflows that have cleared the escape paths for their successors.

Survey parameters for detecting 21cm - Lyα emitter cross correlations with the Square Kilometre Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutter, Anne; Trott, Cathryn M.; Dayal, Pratika

2018-06-01

Detections of the cross correlation signal between the 21cm signal during reionization and high-redshift Lyman Alpha emitters (LAEs) are subject to observational uncertainties which mainly include systematics associated with radio interferometers and LAE selection. These uncertainties can be reduced by increasing the survey volume and/or the survey luminosity limit, i.e. the faintest detectable Lyman Alpha (Lyα) luminosity. We use our model of high-redshift LAEs and the underlying reionization state to compute the uncertainties of the 21cm-LAE cross correlation function at z ≃ 6.6 for observations with SKA1-Low and LAE surveys with Δz = 0.1 for three different values of the average IGM ionization state (⟨χHI⟩≃ 0.1, 0.25, 0.5). At z ≃ 6.6, we find SILVERRUSH type surveys, with a field of view of 21 deg2 and survey luminosity limits of Lα ≥ 7.9 × 1042erg s-1, to be optimal to distinguish between an inter-galactic medium (IGM) that is 50%, 25% and 10% neutral, while surveys with smaller fields of view and lower survey luminosity limits, such as the 5 and 10 deg2 surveys with WFIRST, can only discriminate between a 50% and 10% neutral IGM.

The Faint End of the z = 5 Quasar Luminosity Function from the CFHTLS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGreer, Ian D.; Fan, Xiaohui; Jiang, Linhua; Cai, Zheng

2018-03-01

We present results from a spectroscopic survey of z ∼ 5 quasars in the CFHT Legacy Survey. Using both optical color selection and a likelihood method, we select 97 candidates over an area of 105 deg2 to a limit of i AB < 23.2, and 7 candidates in the range 23.2 < i AB < 23.7 over an area of 18.5 deg2. Spectroscopic observations for 43 candidates were obtained with Gemini, MMT, and Large Binocular Telescope, of which 37 are z > 4 quasars. This sample extends measurements of the quasar luminosity function ∼1.5 mag fainter than our previous work in Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82. The resulting luminosity function is in good agreement with our previous results, and suggests that the faint end slope is not steep. We perform a detailed examination of our survey completeness, particularly the impact of the Lyα emission assumed in our quasar spectral models, and find hints that the observed Lyα emission from faint z ∼ 5 quasars is weaker than for z ∼ 3 quasars at a similar luminosity. Our results strongly disfavor a significant contribution of faint quasars to the hydrogen-ionizing background at z = 5.

NGC628 with SITELLE: I. Imaging spectroscopy of 4285 H II region candidates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rousseau-Nepton, L.; Robert, C.; Martin, R. P.; Drissen, L.; Martin, T.

2018-07-01

This is the first paper of a series dedicated to nebular physics and the chemical evolution of nearby galaxies by investigating large samples of H II regions with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope imaging spectrograph SITELLE (Spectro-Imageur à Transformée de Fourier pour l'Étude en Long et en Large des raies d'Émission). We present a technique adapted to imaging spectroscopy to identify and extract parameters from 4285 H II region candidates found in the disc of NGC 628. Using both the spatial and spectral capabilities of SITELLE, our technique enables the extraction of the position, dust extinction, velocity, H α profile, diffuse ionized gas (DIG) background, luminosity, size, morphological type, and the emission-line fluxes for individual spaxels and the integrated spectrum for each region. We have produced a well-sampled H II region luminosity function and studied its variation with galactocentric radius and level of the DIG background. We found a slope α of -1.12 ± 0.03 with no evidence of a break at high luminosity. Based on the width of the region profile, bright regions are rather compact, while faint regions are seen over a wide range of sizes. The radius function reveals a slope of -1.81 ± 0.02. BPT diagrams of the individual spaxels and integrated line ratios confirm that most detections are H II regions. Also, maps of the line ratios show complex variations of the ionization conditions within H II regions. All this information is compiled in a new catalogue for H II regions. The objective of this data base is to provide a complete sample which will be used to study the whole parameter space covered by the physical conditions in active star-forming regions.

Cosmic Reionization after Planck and before JWST: An Analytic Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madau, Piero

2017-12-01

The reionization of cosmic hydrogen marks a critical juncture in the history of structure formation. Here we present a new formulation of the standard reionization equation for the evolution of the volume-averaged H II fraction that is more consistent with the accepted conceptual model of inhomogeneous intergalactic absorption. The revised equation explicitly accounts for the presence of the optically thick “Lyman-limit systems” that are known to determine the mean-free path of ionizing radiation after overlap. Integration of this equation provides a better characterization of the timing of reionization by smoothly linking the pre-overlap with the post-overlap phases of such a process. We confirm the validity of the quasi-instantaneous approximation as a predictor of reionization completion/maintenance and discuss new insights on the sources of cosmic reionization using the improved formalism. A constant emission rate into the intergalactic medium (IGM) of three Lyman continuum (LyC) photons per atom per gigayear leads to a reionization history that is consistent with a number of observational constraints on the ionization state of the z = 5–9 universe. While star-forming galaxies can dominate the reionization process if the luminosity-weighted fraction of LyC photons that escape into the IGM, {f}{esc}, exceeds 15% (for a faint magnitude cut-off of the galaxy UV luminosity function of {M}{lim}=-13 and a LyC photon yield per unit 1500 Å luminosity of {ξ }{ion}={10}25.3 {{erg}}-1 {Hz}), simple models where the product of the two unknowns {f}{esc}{ξ }{ion} is not evolving with redshift fail to reproduce the changing neutrality of the IGM observed at these epochs.

Nustar Reveals an Intrinsically X-ray Weak Broad Absorption Line Quasar in the Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxy Markarian 231

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teng, Stacy H.; Brandt. W. N.; Harrison, F. A.; Luo, B.; Alexander, D. M.; Bauer, F. E.; Boggs, S. E.; Christensen, F. E.; Comastri, A.; Craig, W. W.;

OBSERVATIONS OF Arp 220 USING HERSCHEL-SPIRE: AN UNPRECEDENTED VIEW OF THE MOLECULAR GAS IN AN EXTREME STAR FORMATION ENVIRONMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rangwala, Naseem; Maloney, Philip R.; Glenn, Jason

2011-12-10

We present Herschel Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver Fourier Transform Spectrometer (Herschel SPIRE-FTS) observations of Arp 220, a nearby ultra-luminous infrared galaxy. The FTS provides continuous spectral coverage from 190 to 670 {mu}m, a wavelength region that is either very difficult to observe or completely inaccessible from the ground. The spectrum provides a good measurement of the continuum and detection of several molecular and atomic species. We detect luminous CO (J = 4-3 to 13-12) and water rotational transitions with comparable total luminosity {approx}2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 8} L{sub Sun }; very high-J transitions of HCN (J = 12-11 to 17-16)more » in absorption; strong absorption features of rare species such as OH{sup +}, H{sub 2}O{sup +}, and HF; and atomic lines of [C I] and [N II]. The modeling of the continuum shows that the dust is warm, with T = 66 K, and has an unusually large optical depth, with {tau}{sub dust} {approx} 5 at 100 {mu}m. The total far-infrared luminosity of Arp 220 is L{sub FIR} {approx} 2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 12} L{sub Sun }. Non-LTE modeling of the extinction corrected CO rotational transitions shows that the spectral line energy distribution of CO is fit well by two temperature components: cold molecular gas at T {approx} 50 K and warm molecular gas at T {approx} 1350{sup +280}{sub -100} K (the inferred temperatures are much lower if CO line fluxes are not corrected for dust extinction). These two components are not in pressure equilibrium. The mass of the warm gas is 10% of the cold gas, but it dominates the CO luminosity. The ratio of total CO luminosity to the total FIR luminosity is L{sub CO}/L{sub FIR} {approx} 10{sup -4} (the most luminous lines, such as J = 6-5, have L{sub CO,J=6-5}/L{sub FIR} {approx} 10{sup -5}). The temperature of the warm gas is in excellent agreement with the observations of H{sub 2} rotational lines. At 1350 K, H{sub 2} dominates the cooling ({approx}20 L{sub Sun} M{sup -1}{sub Sun }) in the interstellar medium compared to CO ({approx}0.4 L{sub Sun} M{sup -1}{sub Sun }). We have ruled out photodissociation regions, X-ray-dominated regions, and cosmic rays as likely sources of excitation of this warm molecular gas, and found that only a non-ionizing source can heat this gas; the mechanical energy from supernovae and stellar winds is able to satisfy the large energy budget of {approx}20 L{sub Sun} M{sup -1}{sub Sun }. Analysis of the very high-J lines of HCN strongly indicates that they are solely populated by infrared pumping of photons at 14 {mu}m. This mechanism requires an intense radiation field with T > 350 K. We detect a massive molecular outflow in Arp 220 from the analysis of strong P Cygni line profiles observed in OH{sup +}, H{sub 2}O{sup +}, and H{sub 2}O. The outflow has a mass {approx}> 10{sup 7} M{sub Sun} and is bound to the nuclei with velocity {approx}< 250 km s{sup -1}. The large column densities observed for these molecular ions strongly favor the existence of an X-ray luminous AGN (10{sup 44} erg s{sup -1}) in Arp 220.« less

A Foreground Masking Strategy for [C II] Intensity Mapping Experiments Using Galaxies Selected by Stellar Mass and Redshift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, G.; Moncelsi, L.; Viero, M. P.; Silva, M. B.; Bock, J.; Bradford, C. M.; Chang, T.-C.; Cheng, Y.-T.; Cooray, A. R.; Crites, A.; Hailey-Dunsheath, S.; Uzgil, B.; Hunacek, J. R.; Zemcov, M.

2018-04-01

Intensity mapping provides a unique means to probe the epoch of reionization (EoR), when the neutral intergalactic medium was ionized by energetic photons emitted from the first galaxies. The [C II] 158 μm fine-structure line is typically one of the brightest emission lines of star-forming galaxies and thus a promising tracer of the global EoR star formation activity. However, [C II] intensity maps at 6 ≲ z ≲ 8 are contaminated by interloping CO rotational line emission (3 ≤ J upp ≤ 6) from lower-redshift galaxies. Here we present a strategy to remove the foreground contamination in upcoming [C II] intensity mapping experiments, guided by a model of CO emission from foreground galaxies. The model is based on empirical measurements of the mean and scatter of the total infrared luminosities of galaxies at z < 3 and with stellar masses {M}* > {10}8 {M}ȯ selected in the K-band from the COSMOS/UltraVISTA survey, which can be converted to CO line strengths. For a mock field of the Tomographic Ionized-carbon Mapping Experiment, we find that masking out the “voxels” (spectral–spatial elements) containing foreground galaxies identified using an optimized CO flux threshold results in a z-dependent criterion {m}{{K}}AB}≲ 22 (or {M}* ≳ {10}9 {M}ȯ ) at z < 1 and makes a [C II]/COtot power ratio of ≳10 at k = 0.1 h/Mpc achievable, at the cost of a moderate ≲8% loss of total survey volume.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Effects of preionization in radiative shocks (Sutherland+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutherland, R. S.; Dopita, M. A.

2017-06-01

In this paper we treat the preionization problem in shocks over the velocity range 10

MICROLENSING OF QUASAR BROAD EMISSION LINES: CONSTRAINTS ON BROAD LINE REGION SIZE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guerras, E.; Mediavilla, E.; Jimenez-Vicente, J.

2013-02-20

We measure the differential microlensing of the broad emission lines between 18 quasar image pairs in 16 gravitational lenses. We find that the broad emission lines are in general weakly microlensed. The results show, at a modest level of confidence (1.8{sigma}), that high ionization lines such as C IV are more strongly microlensed than low ionization lines such as H{beta}, indicating that the high ionization line emission regions are more compact. If we statistically model the distribution of microlensing magnifications, we obtain estimates for the broad line region size of r{sub s} = 24{sup +22} {sub -15} and r{sub s}more » = 55{sup +150} {sub -35} lt-day (90% confidence) for the high and low ionization lines, respectively. When the samples are divided into higher and lower luminosity quasars, we find that the line emission regions of more luminous quasars are larger, with a slope consistent with the expected scaling from photoionization models. Our estimates also agree well with the results from local reveberation mapping studies.« less

Is ionized calcium a reliable predictor of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy? A before and after study

PubMed Central

TARTAGLIA, F.; GIULIANI, A.; SGUEGLIA, M.; PATRIZI, G.; DI ROCCO, G.; BLASI, S.; RUSSO, G.; TORTORELLI, G.; GIANNOTTI, D.; REDLER, A.

2014-01-01

Summary Wanting to find a way of identifying patients suitable for early discharge after thyroidectomy, we set out to establish whether ionized calcium concentration is a better predictor of post-surgical hypocalcemia than total serum calcium. Data were analyzed to establish whether serum ionized calcium concentrations are correlated with total serum calcium levels and symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. Sixty-two patients undergoing total thyroidectomy at the Department of Surgical Sciences of the “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy, in 2010. Ionized calcium was measured before (day 0) and after surgery (days 1, 2 and 60) in all the patients. These measurements were compared with preoperative (day 0) and postoperative total serum calcium levels (days 1, 2 and 60). The preoperative ionized calcium levels differed from the ionized calcium levels recorded on days 1 and 2; this pattern was not observed for the total calcium concentrations. Conversely, total calcium on days I and II correlated significantly with the various ionized calcium measurements. The presence of parathyroid glands in the surgical specimen did not seem to affect suitability for discharge. The statistical analysis showed that ionized calcium measurements are more reliable than total calcium measurements in the immediate and long-term follow-up of total thyroidectomy patients. Applying a 95% confidence interval we established reference values for both total serum calcium and ionized calcium, below which all patients develop postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia. In conclusion, measurement of ionized calcium, as opposed to total calcium, should be strongly recommended in the immediate and long-term follow-up of total thyroidectomy patients. PMID:24690338

A census of the Carina Nebula - II. Energy budget and global properties of the nebulosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Nathan; Brooks, Kate J.

2007-08-01

The first paper in this series took a direct census of energy input from the known OB stars in the Carina Nebula, and in this paper we study the global properties of the surrounding nebulosity. This detailed comparison may prove useful for interpreting observations of extragalactic giant HII regions and ultraluminous infrared (IR) galaxies. We find that the total IR luminosity of Carina is about 1.2 × 107Lsolar, accounting for only about 50-60 per cent of the known stellar luminosity from Paper I. Similarly, the ionizing photon luminosity derived from the integrated radio continuum is about 7 × 1050 s-1, accounting for ~75 per cent of the expected Lyman continuum from known OB stars. The total kinetic energy of the nebula is about 8 × 1051 erg, or ~30 per cent of the mechanical energy from stellar winds over the lifetime of the nebula, so there is no need to invoke a supernova (SN) explosion based on energetics. Warm dust grains residing in the HII region interior dominate emission at 10-30μm, but cooler grains at 30-40K dominate the IR luminosity and indicate a likely gas mass of ~106Msolar. We find an excellent correlation between the radio continuum and 20-25μm emission, consistent with the idea that the ~80-K grain population is heated by trapped Lyα photons. Similarly, we find a near perfect correlation between the far-IR optical depth map of cool grains and 8.6-μm hydrocarbon emission, indicating that most of the nebular mass resides as atomic gas in photodissociation regions and not in dense molecular clouds. Synchronized star formation around the periphery of Carina provides a strong case that star formation here was indeed triggered by stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation. This second generation appears to involve a cascade toward preferentially intermediate- and low-mass stars, but this may soon change when ηCarinae and its siblings explode. If the current reservoir of atomic and molecular gas can be tapped at that time, massive star formation may be rejuvenated around the periphery of Carina much as if it were a young version of Gould's Belt. Furthermore, when these multiple SNe occur, the triggered second generation will be pelted repeatedly with SN ejecta bearing short-lived radioactive nuclides. Carina may therefore represent the most observable analogue to the cradle of our own Solar system.

Origin of the X-ray Spectral Variation and Seemingly Broad Iron Line Strucuture in the Seyfert Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebisawa, Ken; Naoki, Iso

2012-07-01

X-ray intensities and spectra of the Seyfert galaxies are known to be variable. Some of the sources have characteristic seemingly broad iron line structure, and their spectral variations are small in the iron line energy band. MCG-6-30-15 is such an archetypal source, and Miyakawa (2011) proposed a "Variable Partial Covering (VPC)" model to explain its continuum spectral variation, seemingly broad iron line structure, and small spectral variation in the iron energy band simultaneously, only due to variation of a single parameter. That single parameter is the "partial covering fraction" to describe the geometrical fraction of the X-ray emitting area covered by the ionized absorbers in the line of sight. The intrinsic X-ray luminosity is hardly variable in this model. We have applied the VPC model to the 27 Seyfert galaxies observed with Suzaku, and found that spectral variations of the 22 sources are successfully explained by this model only varying the partial covering fraction. Intrinsic X-ray luminosities of Seyfert galaxies are not variable, as opposed to what they apparently seem, and gravitationally red-shifted iron line is not necessary. Those ionized absorbing clouds are most likely to be Broad Line Region (BLR) clouds, and we will be able to constrain the BLR structure from X-ray observations.

DUST EXTINCTION FROM BALMER DECREMENTS OF STAR-FORMING GALAXIES AT 0.75 {<=} z {<=} 1.5 WITH HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE/WIDE-FIELD-CAMERA 3 SPECTROSCOPY FROM THE WFC3 INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC PARALLEL SURVEY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dominguez, A.; Siana, B.; Masters, D.

Spectroscopic observations of H{alpha} and H{beta} emission lines of 128 star-forming galaxies in the redshift range 0.75 {<=} z {<=} 1.5 are presented. These data were taken with slitless spectroscopy using the G102 and G141 grisms of the Wide-Field-Camera 3 (WFC3) on board the Hubble Space Telescope as part of the WFC3 Infrared Spectroscopic Parallel survey. Interstellar dust extinction is measured from stacked spectra that cover the Balmer decrement (H{alpha}/H{beta}). We present dust extinction as a function of H{alpha} luminosity (down to 3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 41} erg s{sup -1}), galaxy stellar mass (reaching 4 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 8} M {sub Sunmore » }), and rest-frame H{alpha} equivalent width. The faintest galaxies are two times fainter in H{alpha} luminosity than galaxies previously studied at z {approx} 1.5. An evolution is observed where galaxies of the same H{alpha} luminosity have lower extinction at higher redshifts, whereas no evolution is found within our error bars with stellar mass. The lower H{alpha} luminosity galaxies in our sample are found to be consistent with no dust extinction. We find an anti-correlation of the [O III] {lambda}5007/H{alpha} flux ratio as a function of luminosity where galaxies with L {sub H{alpha}} < 5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 41} erg s{sup -1} are brighter in [O III] {lambda}5007 than H{alpha}. This trend is evident even after extinction correction, suggesting that the increased [O III] {lambda}5007/H{alpha} ratio in low-luminosity galaxies is likely due to lower metallicity and/or higher ionization parameters.« less

ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEUS OBSCURATION FROM WINDS: FROM DUSTY INFRARED-DRIVEN TO WARM AND X-RAY PHOTOIONIZED

PubMed Central

Dorodnitsyn, A.; Kallman, T.

2016-01-01

We present calculations of AGN winds at ~parsec scales, along with the associated obscuration. We take into account the pressure of infrared radiation on dust grains and the interaction of X-rays from a central black hole with hot and cold plasma. Infrared radiation (IR) is incorporated in radiation-hydrodynamic simulations adopting the flux-limited diffusion approximation. We find that in the range of X-ray luminosities L=0.05 – 0.6Ledd, the Compton-thick part of the flow (aka torus) has an opening angle of approximately 72° – 75° regardless of the luminosity. At L ≳ 0.1 the outflowing dusty wind provides the obscuration with IR pressure playing a major role. The global flow consists of two phases: the cold flow at inclinations θ ≳ 70° and a hot, ionized wind of lower density at lower inclinations. The dynamical pressure of the hot wind is important in shaping the denser IR supported flow. At luminosities ≤0.1Ledd episodes of outflow are followed by extended periods when the wind switches to slow accretion. PMID:27642184

Luminous Type IIP SN 2013ej with high-velocity 56Ni ejecta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utrobin, V. P.; Chugai, N. N.

2017-12-01

We explore the well-observed Type IIP supernova 2013ej with peculiar luminosity evolution. It is found that the hydrodynamic model cannot reproduce in detail the bolometric luminosity at both the plateau and the radioactive tail. Yet the ejecta mass of 23-26 M⊙ and the kinetic energy of (1.2-1.4) × 1051 erg are determined rather confidently. We suggest that the controversy revealed in hydrodynamic simulations stems from the strong asphericity of the 56Ni ejecta. An analysis of the asymmetric nebular H α line and of the peculiar radioactive tail made it possible to recover parameters of the asymmetric bipolar 56Ni ejecta with the heavier jet residing in the rear hemisphere. The inferred 56Ni mass is 0.039 M⊙, twice as large compared to a straightforward estimate from the bolometric luminosity at the early radioactive tail. The bulk of ejected 56Ni has velocities in the range of 4000-6500 km s-1. The linear polarization predicted by the model with the asymmetric ionization produced by bipolar 56Ni ejecta is consistent with the observational value.

Nature versus Nurture: Luminous Blue Variable Nebulae in and near Massive Stellar Clusters at the Galactic Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lau, R. M.; Herter, T. L.; Morris, M. R.; Adams, J. D.

2014-04-01

Three luminous blue variables (LBVs) are located in and near the Quintuplet Cluster at the Galactic center: the Pistol Star, G0.120-0.048, and qF362. We present imaging at 19, 25, 31, and 37 μm of the region containing these three LBVs, obtained with SOFIA using FORCAST. We argue that Pistol and G0.120-0.048 are identical "twins" that exhibit contrasting nebulae due to the external influence of their different environments. Our images reveal the asymmetric, compressed shell of hot dust surrounding the Pistol Star and provide the first detection of the thermal emission from the symmetric, hot dust envelope surrounding G0.120-0.048. However, no detection of hot dust associated with qF362 is made. Dust and gas composing the Pistol nebula are primarily heated and ionized by the nearby Quintuplet Cluster stars. The northern region of the Pistol nebula is decelerated due to the interaction with the high-velocity (2000 km s-1) winds from adjacent Wolf-Rayet Carbon (WC) stars. From fits to the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the Pistol nebula with the DustEM code we determine that the Pistol nebula is composed of a distribution of very small, transiently heated grains (10 to ~ 35 Å) having a total dust mass of 0.03 M ⊙, and that it exhibits a gradient of decreasing grain size from south to north due to differential sputtering by the winds from the WC stars. The total IR luminosity of the Pistol nebula is 5.2 × 105 L ⊙. Dust in the G0.120-0.048 nebula is primarily heated by the central star; however, the nebular gas is ionized externally by the Arches Cluster. Unlike the Pistol nebula, the G0.120-0.048 nebula is freely expanding into the surrounding medium. A grain size distribution identical to that of the non-sputtered region of the Pistol nebula satisfies the constraints placed on the G0.120-0.048 nebula from DustEM model fits to its SED and implies a total dust mass of 0.021 M ⊙. The total IR luminosity of the G0.120-0.048 nebula is ~105 L ⊙. From Paschen-α and 6 cm observations we determine a total gas mass of 9.3 M ⊙ and 6.2 M ⊙ for the Pistol and G0.120-0.048 nebulae, respectively. Given the independent dust and gas mass estimates we find that the Pistol and G0.120-0.048 nebulae exhibit similar gas-to-dust mass ratios of 310^{+77}_{-52} and 293^{+73}_{-101}, respectively. Both nebulae share identical size scales (~0.7 pc) which suggests that they have similar dynamical timescales of ~104 yr, assuming a shell expansion velocity of v exp = 60 km s-1.

Free Magnetic Energy and Coronal Heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winebarger, Amy; Moore, Ron; Falconer, David

2012-01-01

Previous work has shown that the coronal X-ray luminosity of an active region increases roughly in direct proportion to the total photospheric flux of the active region's magnetic field (Fisher et al. 1998). It is also observed, however, that the coronal luminosity of active regions of nearly the same flux content can differ by an order of magnitude. In this presentation, we analyze 10 active regions with roughly the same total magnetic flux. We first determine several coronal properties, such as X-ray luminosity (calculated using Hinode XRT), peak temperature (calculated using Hinode EIS), and total Fe XVIII emission (calculated using SDO AIA). We present the dependence of these properties on a proxy of the free magnetic energy of the active region

Mesure des champs de radiation dans le detecteur ATLAS et sa caverne avec les detecteurs au silicium a pixels ATLAS-MPX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouchami, Jihene

The LHC proton-proton collisions create a hard radiation environment in the ATLAS detector. In order to quantify the effects of this environment on the detector performance and human safety, several Monte Carlo simulations have been performed. However, direct measurement is indispensable to monitor radiation levels in ATLAS and also to verify the simulation predictions. For this purpose, sixteen ATLAS-MPX devices have been installed at various positions in the ATLAS experimental and technical areas. They are composed of a pixelated silicon detector called MPX whose active surface is partially covered with converter layers for the detection of thermal, slow and fast neutrons. The ATLAS-MPX devices perform real-time measurement of radiation fields by recording the detected particle tracks as raster images. The analysis of the acquired images allows the identification of the detected particle types by the shapes of their tracks. For this aim, a pattern recognition software called MAFalda has been conceived. Since the tracks of strongly ionizing particles are influenced by charge sharing between adjacent pixels, a semi-empirical model describing this effect has been developed. Using this model, the energy of strongly ionizing particles can be estimated from the size of their tracks. The converter layers covering each ATLAS-MPX device form six different regions. The efficiency of each region to detect thermal, slow and fast neutrons has been determined by calibration measurements with known sources. The study of the ATLAS-MPX devices response to the radiation produced by proton-proton collisions at a center of mass energy of 7 TeV has demonstrated that the number of recorded tracks is proportional to the LHC luminosity. This result allows the ATLAS-MPX devices to be employed as luminosity monitors. To perform an absolute luminosity measurement and calibration with these devices, the van der Meer method based on the LHC beam parameters has been proposed. Since the ATLAS-MPX devices response and the luminosity are correlated, the results of measuring radiation levels are expressed in terms of particle fluences per unit integrated luminosity. A significant deviation has been obtained when comparing these fluences with those predicted by GCALOR, which is one of the ATLAS detector simulations. In addition, radiation measurements performed at the end of proton-proton collisions have demonstrated that the decay of radionuclides produced during collisions can be observed with the ATLAS-MPX devices. The residual activation of ATLAS components can be measured with these devices by means of ambient dose equivalent calibration. Keywords: pattern recognition, charge sharing effect, neutron detection efficiency, luminosity, van der Meer method, particle fluences, GCALOR simulation, residual activation, ambient dose equivalent.

OPTICAL PHOTOMETRIC AND POLARIMETRIC INVESTIGATION OF NGC 1931

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pandey, A. K.; Eswaraiah, C.; Sharma, Saurabh

We present optical photometric and polarimetric observations of stars toward NGC 1931 with the aim of deriving cluster parameters such as distance, reddening, age, and luminosity/mass function as well as understanding dust properties and star formation in the region. The distance to the cluster is found to be 2.3 {+-} 0.3 kpc and the reddening E(B - V) in the region is found to be variable. The stellar density contours reveal two clusters in the region. The observations suggest a differing reddening law within the cluster region. Polarization efficiency of the dust grains toward the direction of the cluster ismore » found to be less than that for the general diffuse interstellar medium (ISM). The slope of the mass function (-0.98 {+-} 0.22) in the southern region in the mass range of 0.8 < M/M {sub Sun} < 9.8 is found to be shallower in comparison to that in the northern region (-1.26 {+-} 0.23), which is comparable to the Salpeter value (-1.35). The K-band luminosity function (KLF) of the region is found to be comparable to the average value of the slope ({approx}0.4) for young clusters obtained by Lada and Lada; however, the slope of the KLF is steeper in the northern region as compared to the southern region. The region is probably ionized by two B2 main-sequence-type stars. The mean age of the young stellar objects (YSOs) is found to be 2 {+-} 1 Myr, which suggests that the identified YSOs could be younger than the ionizing sources of the region. The morphology of the region, the distribution and ages of the YSOs, and ionizing sources indicate a triggered star formation in the region.« less

A Magnified View of the Epoch of Reionization with the Hubble Frontier Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Livermore, Rachael C.; Finkelstein, Steven L.; Lotz, Jennifer M.

2017-06-01

The Hubble Frontier Fields program has obtained deep optical and near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope imaging of six galaxy clusters and associated parallel fields. The depth of the imaging (m_AB ~ 29) means we can identify faint galaxies at z >6, and those in the cluster fields also benefit from magnification due to strong gravitational lensing. Using wavelet decomposition to subtract the foreground cluster galaxies, we can reach intrinsic absolute magnitudes of M_UV ~ -12.5 at z ~ 6. Here, we present the UV luminosity functions at 6

X-rays from superbubbles in the Large Magellanic Cloud

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, You-Hua; Mac Low, Mordecai-Marc

1990-01-01

Diffuse X-ray emission not associated with known supernova remnants (SNRs) are found in seven Large Magellanic Cloud H II complexes encompassing 10 OB associations: N44, N51D, N57A, N70, N154, N157 (30 Dor), and N158. Their X-ray luminosities range from 7 x 10 to the 34th ergs/s in N57A to 7 x 10 to the 36th ergs/s in 30 Dor. All, except 30 Dor, have simple ring morphologies, indicating shell structures. Modeling these as superbubbles, it is found that the X-ray luminosities expected from their hot interiors fall an order of magnitude below the observed values. SNRs close to the center of a superbubble add very little emission, but it is calculated that off-center SNRs hitting the ionized shell could explain the observed emission.

Is NeII a Tracer for X-Rays in Disks around Tauri Stars?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guedel, Manuel

2007-10-01

Although dust grains dominate the appearance of protoplanetary disks because of their high opacity, the key processes for disk evolution and planetesimal formation are driven through the dynamical state of the gas. In contrast to the dust component, we do not have a similar knowledge of the gas component. One of the Spitzer breakthroughs was the detection of the [Ne II] 12.8um line. Glassgold et al. (2007) proposed that this line provides diagnostics for a warm disk surface layer that is heated and ionized by stellar X-rays. A correlation of the [Ne II] luminosity with the X-ray luminosity is expected. The statistical sample so far available is insufficient to test this hypothesis. We aim at significantly enlarging the sample, with the goal of confirming or refuting this model.

Ionized and total magnesium concentrations in blood from dogs with naturally acquired parvoviral enteritis.

PubMed

Mann, F A; Boon, G D; Wagner-Mann, C C; Ruben, D S; Harrington, D P

1998-05-01

To determine whether pretreatment total and ionized blood magnesium concentrations were associated with outcome for dogs with parvoviral enteritis and whether ionized magnesium concentration was related to total magnesium concentration or other laboratory values. Prospective cohort study. 61 healthy dogs and 72 dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Total, ionized, and pH-normalized ionized magnesium concentrations, ionized and pH-normalized ionized calcium concentrations, pH, sodium and potassium concentrations, and Hct were measured prior to treatment. chi 2 Analyses were used to test for associations between outcome and age and between outcome and treatment with antiendotoxin antibody. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine whether ionized magnesium concentration was linearly associated with other laboratory values. Total and ionized magnesium concentrations were not significantly different between healthy dogs and dogs with parvoviral enteritis or between dogs surviving and those not surviving parvoviral enteritis. The only laboratory value strongly correlated with ionized magnesium concentration was pH-normalized ionized magnesium concentration. Of the factors tested, none were significantly associated with outcome, except that dogs 16 weeks old or less treated with antiendotoxin antibody were significantly more likely to die than were dogs 16 weeks old or less that were not treated with antiendotoxin antibody. Total and ionized blood magnesium concentrations cannot be used to consistently predict outcome for dogs with parvoviral enteritis. Antiendotoxin antibody should be used with caution in dogs 16 weeks old or less.

Calculation of total and ionization cross sections for electron scattering by primary benzene compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Suvam; Naghma, Rahla; Kaur, Jaspreet; Antony, Bobby

2016-07-01

The total and ionization cross sections for electron scattering by benzene, halobenzenes, toluene, aniline, and phenol are reported over a wide energy domain. The multi-scattering centre spherical complex optical potential method has been employed to find the total elastic and inelastic cross sections. The total ionization cross section is estimated from total inelastic cross section using the complex scattering potential-ionization contribution method. In the present article, the first theoretical calculations for electron impact total and ionization cross section have been performed for most of the targets having numerous practical applications. A reasonable agreement is obtained compared to existing experimental observations for all the targets reported here, especially for the total cross section.

The remarkable infrared galaxy Arp 220 = IC 4553

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soifer, B. T.; Neugebauer, G.; Helou, G.; Lonsdale, C. J.; Hacking, P.; Rice, W.; Houck, J. R.; Low, F. J.; Rowan-Robinson, M.

1984-01-01

IRAS observations of the peculiar galaxy Arp 220 = IC 4553 show that it is extremely luminous in the far-infrared, with a total luminosity of 2 x 10 to the 12th solar luminosities. The infrared-to-blue luminosity ratio of this galaxy is about 80, which is the largest value of the ratio for galaxies in the UGC catalog, and places it in the range of the 'unidentified' infrared sources recently reported by Houck et al. in the IRAS all-sky survey. Other observations of Arp 220, combined with the luminosity in the infrared, allow either a Seyfert-like or starburst origin for this luminosity.

Mass loss from red giants - A simple evolutionary model for NGC 7027

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jura, M.

1984-01-01

NGC 7027 is a young planetary nebula with the remnants of a red giant circumstellar envelope surrounding the central, ionized region. By comparing the outer molecular envelope with the inner ionized material, it is argued that the mass loss rate has decreased by at least a factor of 3, and more probably by about a factor of 10, during the past 1000 years. From this result, it is argued that the luminosity of the central star has also decreased substantially during the same time, consistent with models for the rapid evolution of stars just after they evolve off the asymptotic giant branch. In this picture, the distance to NGC 7027 is less than 1300 pc. NGC 7027 was the last (and best) example of a star where apparently the momentum in the outflowing mass /M(dot)v/ is considerably greater than the momentum in the radiation field (L/c). With the above description of this object, the evidence is now strong that quite often the mass lost from late-type giants is ultimately driven to infinity by radiation pressure on grains. If M(dot)v is as large as L/c for asymptotic branch stars, then it is expected that the total amount of mass lost during this stage of evolution is of the same magnitude as the initial mass of the star, and therefore this mass loss can profoundly affect the star's ultimate fate.

Empirical mass-loss rates for 25 O and early B stars, derived from Copernicus observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gathier, R.; Lamers, H. J. G. L. M.; Snow, T. P.

1981-01-01

Ultraviolet line profiles are fitted with theoretical line profiles in the cases of 25 stars covering a spectral type range from O4 to B1, including all luminosity classes. Ion column densities are compared for the determination of wind ionization, and it is found that the O VI/N V ratio is dependent on the mean density of the wind and not on effective temperature value, while the Si IV/N V ratio is temperature-dependent. The column densities are used to derive a mass-loss rate parameter that is empirically correlated against the mass-loss rate by means of standard stars with well-determined rates from IR or radio data. The empirical mass-loss rates obtained are compared with those derived by others and found to vary by as much as a factor of 10, which is shown to be due to uncertainties or errors in the ionization fractions of models used for wind ionization balance prediction.

GIANT Hα NEBULA SURROUNDING THE STARBURST MERGER NGC 6240

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yoshida, Michitoshi; Yagi, Masafumi; Komiyama, Yutaka

We revealed the detailed structure of a vastly extended Hα-emitting nebula (“Hα nebula”) surrounding the starburst/merging galaxy NGC 6240 by deep narrow-band imaging observations with the Subaru Suprime-Cam. The extent of the nebula is ∼90 kpc in diameter and the total Hα luminosity amounts to L{sub Hα} ≈ 1.6 × 10{sup 42} erg s{sup −1}. The volume filling factor and the mass of the warm ionized gas are ∼10{sup −4}–10{sup −5} and ∼5 × 10{sup 8} M{sub ⊙}, respectively. The nebula has a complicated structure, which includes numerous filaments, loops, bubbles, and knots. We found that there is a tight spatial correlation between the Hαmore » nebula and the extended soft-X-ray-emitting gas, both in large and small scales. The overall morphology of the nebula is dominated by filamentary structures radially extending from the center of the galaxy. A large-scale bipolar bubble extends along the minor axis of the main stellar disk. The morphology strongly suggests that the nebula was formed by intense outflows—superwinds—driven by starbursts. We also found three bright knots embedded in a looped filament of ionized gas that show head-tail morphologies in both emission-line and continuum, suggesting close interactions between the outflows and star-forming regions. Based on the morphology and surface brightness distribution of the Hα nebula, we propose the scenario that three major episodes of starburst/superwind activities, which were initiated ∼10{sup 2} Myr ago, formed the extended ionized gas nebula of NGC 6240.« less

Giant H II Regions in the Merging System NGC 3256: Are They the Birthplaces of Globular Clusters?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

English, J.; Freeman, K. C.

2003-03-01

CCD images and spectra of ionized hydrogen in the merging system NGC 3256 were acquired as part of a kinematic study to investigate the formation of globular clusters (GCs) during the interactions and mergers of disk galaxies. This paper focuses on the proposition by Kennicutt & Chu that giant H II regions (GHRs), with an Hα luminosity greater than 1.5×1040 ergs s-1, are birthplaces of young populous clusters (YPCs). Although, compared with some other interacting systems, NGC 3256 has relatively few (seven) giant H II complexes, these regions are comparable in total flux to about 85 30 Doradus-like giant H II regions (GHRs). The bluest, massive YPCs (Zepf et al.) are located in the vicinity of observed 30 Dor GHRs, contributing to the notion that some fraction of 30 Dor GHRs do cradle massive YPCs, as 30 Dor harbors R136. If interactions induce the formation of 30 Dor GHRs, the observed luminosities indicate that almost 900 30 Dor GHRs would form in NGC 3256 throughout its merger epoch. In order for 30 Dor GHRs to be considered GC progenitors, this number must be consistent with the specific frequencies of globular clusters estimated for elliptical galaxies formed via mergers of spirals (Ashman & Zepf). This only requires that about 10% of NGC 3256's 900 30 Dor GHRs harbor YPCs, which survive several gigayears and have masses >=MR136.

On the determination of the number of O stars in H II regions and starburst galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vacca, William D.

1994-01-01

The hot star population in H II regions, H II galaxies, and starburst galaxies is often described in terms of the number of 'equivalent' O stars of a single representative subtype and luminosity class needed to produce the ionizing luminosity deduced from the nebular recombination lines in the optical spectra. In this paper we define conversion factors eta(sub 0), eta(sub 1), and zeta(sub 5000) with which the total number of O V stars and their flux contribution at 5000 A can be derived from the number of these 'equivalent' stars. These quantities depend primarily on three parameters: the slope and upper mass limit of the stellar mass function and the metallicity of the region. Using the latest stellar atmosphere and evolution models, we calculate eta(sub 0), eta(sub 1), and zeta(sub 5000) for a large number of values of these parameters. The results are presented in tabular as well as graphical form. We apply our results to two H II regions for which the hot star population are known and find that the predicted numbers of O stars agree well the observed counts. In addition, we describe a method by which the values of eta(sub 0) and eta(sub 1) and the observed emission-line fluxes can be used to place constraints on the allowed values of the slope and upper mass limit of the stellar mass function in a region.

Upgrade plans for the ATLAS Forward Calorimeter at the HL-LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutherfoord, John; ATLAS Liquid Argon Calorimeter Group

2012-12-01

Although data-taking at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is expected to continue for a number of years, plans are already being developed for operation of the LHC and associated detectors at an increased instantaneous luminosity about 5 times the original design value of 1034 cm-2 s-1. The increased particle flux at this high luminosity (HL) will have an impact on many sub-systems of the ATLAS detector. In particular, in the liquid argon forward calorimeter (FCal), which was designed for operation at LHC luminosities, the associated increase in the ionization load at HL-LHC luminosities creates a number of problems which can degrade its performance. These include space-charge effects in the liquid argon gaps, excessive drop in potential across the gaps due to large HV supply currents through the protection resistors, and an increase in temperature which may cause the liquid argon to boil. One solution, which would require opening both End-Cap cryostats, is the construction and installation of new FCals with narrower liquid argon gaps, lowering the values of the protection resistors, and the addition of cooling loops. A second proposed solution, which does not require opening the cryostat cold volume, is the addition of a small, warm calorimeter in front of each existing FCal, resulting in a reduction of the particle flux to levels at which the existing FCal can operate normally.

Novae in External Galaxies: M51, M87, and M101

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafter, A. W.; Ciardullo, R.; Pritchet, C. J.

2000-02-01

As part of a program to determine the stellar population of novae, we have conducted a multiepoch Hα survey of the galaxies M51, M87, and M101. A total of nine and 12 novae were detected in the spiral galaxies M51 and M101, respectively, during four epochs of observation, and two epochs of observation yielded a total of nine novae in the giant elliptical galaxy M87. After correcting for the effective survey time and for the fraction of luminosity sampled, we find global nova rates of 18+/-7, 91+/-34, and 12+/-4 novae per year for M51, M87, and M101, respectively. After normalizing to the total K-band luminosity of each galaxy, we estimate luminosity-specific nova rates for M51, M87, and M101 of 1.09+/-0.47, 2.30+/-0.99, and 0.97+/-0.38 novae per year per 1010 solar luminosities in K. When we compare these data with measured values for the luminosity-specific nova rates of other galaxies, we find no compelling evidence for a significant variation with Hubble type. Possible ramifications of this result are discussed within the context of current theoretical models for nova production in galaxies.

Hyper-luminous dust-obscured galaxies discovered by the Hyper Suprime-Cam on Subaru and WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toba, Yoshiki; Nagao, Tohru; Strauss, Michael A.; Aoki, Kentaro; Goto, Tomotsugu; Imanishi, Masatoshi; Kawaguchi, Toshihiro; Terashima, Yuichi; Ueda, Yoshihiro; Bosch, James; Bundy, Kevin; Doi, Yoshiyuki; Inami, Hanae; Komiyama, Yutaka; Lupton, Robert H.; Matsuhara, Hideo; Matsuoka, Yoshiki; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Morokuma, Tomoki; Nakata, Fumiaki; Oi, Nagisa; Onoue, Masafusa; Oyabu, Shinki; Price, Paul; Tait, Philip J.; Takata, Tadafumi; Tanaka, Manobu M.; Terai, Tsuyoshi; Turner, Edwin L.; Uchida, Tomohisa; Usuda, Tomonori; Utsumi, Yousuke; Yamada, Yoshihiko; Wang, Shiang-Yu

2015-10-01

We present the photometric properties of a sample of infrared (IR) bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs). Combining wide and deep optical images obtained with the Hyper Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope and all-sky mid-IR (MIR) images taken with Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer, we discovered 48 DOGs with i - Ks > 1.2 and i - [22] > 7.0, where i, Ks, and [22] represent AB magnitude in the i-band, Ks-band, and 22 μm, respectively, in the GAMA 14 hr field (˜ 9 deg2). Among these objects, 31 (˜ 65%) show power-law spectral energy distributions (SEDs) in the near-IR (NIR) and MIR regime, while the remainder show an NIR bump in their SEDs. Assuming that the redshift distribution for our DOGs sample is Gaussian, with mean and sigma z = 1.99 ± 0.45, we calculated their total IR luminosity using an empirical relation between 22 μm luminosity and total IR luminosity. The average value of the total IR luminosity is (3.5 ± 1.1) × 1013 L⊙, which classifies them as hyper-luminous infrared galaxies. We also derived the total IR luminosity function (LF) and IR luminosity density (LD) for a flux-limited subsample of 18 DOGs with 22 μm flux greater than 3.0 mJy and with i-band magnitude brighter than 24 AB magnitude. The derived space density for this subsample is log φ = -6.59 ± 0.11 [Mpc-3]. The IR LF for DOGs including data obtained from the literature is fitted well by a double-power law. The derived lower limit for the IR LD for our sample is ρIR ˜ 3.8 × 107 [L⊙ Mpc-3] and its contributions to the total IR LD, IR LD of all ultra-luminous infrared galaxies, and that of all DOGs are > 3%, > 9%, and > 15%, respectively.

SPATIALLY RESOLVED SPECTROSCOPY AND CHEMICAL HISTORY OF STAR-FORMING GALAXIES IN THE HERCULES CLUSTER: THE EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petropoulou, V.; Vilchez, J.; Iglesias-Paramo, J.

2011-06-10

Spatially resolved spectroscopy has been obtained for a sample of 27 star-forming (SF) galaxies selected from our deep H{alpha} survey of the Hercules cluster. We have applied spectral synthesis models to all emission-line spectra of this sample using the population synthesis code STARLIGHT and have obtained fundamental parameters of stellar components such as mean metallicity and age. The emission-line spectra were corrected for underlying stellar absorption using these spectral synthesis models. Line fluxes were measured and O/H and N/O gas chemical abundances were obtained using the latest empirical calibrations. We have derived the masses and total luminosities of the galaxiesmore » using available Sloan Digital Sky Survey broadband photometry. The effects of cluster environment on the chemical evolution of galaxies and on their mass-metallicity (MZ) and luminosity-metallicity (LZ) relations were studied by combining the derived gas metallicities, the mean stellar metallicities and ages, the masses and luminosities of the galaxies, and their existing H I data. Our Hercules SF galaxies are divided into three main subgroups: (1) chemically evolved spirals with truncated ionized-gas disks and nearly flat oxygen gradients, demonstrating the effect of ram-pressure stripping; (2) chemically evolved dwarfs/irregulars populating the highest local densities, possible products of tidal interactions in preprocessing events; and (3) less metallic dwarf galaxies that appear to be 'newcomers' to the cluster and are experiencing pressure-triggered star formation. Most Hercules SF galaxies follow well-defined MZ and LZ sequences (for both O/H and N/O), though the dwarf/irregular galaxies located at the densest regions appear to be outliers to these global relations, suggesting a physical reason for the dispersion in these fundamental relations. The Hercules cluster appears to be currently assembling via the merger of smaller substructures, providing an ideal laboratory where the local environment has been found to be a key parameter in understanding the chemical history of galaxies.« less

Detection of [O III] at z ∼ 3: A Galaxy Above the Main Sequence, Rapidly Assembling Its Stellar Mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vishwas, Amit; Ferkinhoff, Carl; Nikola, Thomas; Parshley, Stephen C.; Schoenwald, Justin P.; Stacey, Gordon J.; Higdon, Sarah J. U.; Higdon, James L.; Weiss, Axel; Güsten, Rolf; Menten, Karl M.

2018-04-01

We detect bright emission in the far-infrared (far-IR) fine structure [O III] 88 μm line from a strong lensing candidate galaxy, H-ATLAS J113526.3-014605, hereafter G12v2.43, at z = 3.127, using the second-generation Redshift (z) and Early Universe Spectrometer (ZEUS-2) at the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment Telescope (APEX). This is only the fifth detection of this far-IR line from a submillimeter galaxy at the epoch of galaxy assembly. The observed [O III] luminosity of 7.1 × 109 ≤ft(\\tfrac{10}{μ }\\right) L ⊙ likely arises from H II regions around massive stars, and the amount of Lyman continuum photons required to support the ionization indicate the presence of (1.2–5.2) × 106 ≤ft(\\tfrac{10}{μ }\\right) equivalent O5.5 or higher stars, where μ would be the lensing magnification factor. The observed line luminosity also requires a minimum mass of ∼2 × 108 ≤ft(\\tfrac{10}{μ }\\right) M ⊙ in ionized gas, that is 0.33% of the estimated total molecular gas mass of 6 × 1010 ≤ft(\\tfrac{10}{μ }\\right) M ⊙. We compile multi-band photometry tracing rest-frame ultraviolet to millimeter continuum emission to further constrain the properties of this dusty high-redshift, star-forming galaxy. Via SED modeling we find G12v2.43 is forming stars at a rate of 916 ≤ft(\\tfrac{10}{μ }\\right) M ⊙ yr‑1 and already has a stellar mass of 8 × 1010 ≤ft(\\tfrac{10}{μ }\\right) M ⊙. We also constrain the age of the current starburst to be ≤slant 5 Myr, making G12v2.43 a gas-rich galaxy lying above the star-forming main sequence at z ∼ 3, undergoing a growth spurt, and it could be on the main sequence within the derived gas depletion timescale of ∼66 Myr.

Mapping the Lyα Emission around a z ˜ 6.6 QSO with MUSE: Extended Emission and a Companion at a Close Separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farina, Emanuele P.; Venemans, Bram P.; Decarli, Roberto; Hennawi, Joseph F.; Walter, Fabian; Bañados, Eduardo; Mazzucchelli, Chiara; Cantalupo, Sebastiano; Arrigoni-Battaia, Fabrizio; McGreer, Ian D.

2017-10-01

We utilize the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the Very Large Telescope to search for extended Lyα emission around the z ˜ 6.6 QSO J0305-3150. After carefully subtracting the point spread function, we reach a nominal 5σ surface-brightness limit of SB5σ = 1.9 × 10-18 erg s-1 cm-2 arcsec-2 over a 1 arcsec2 aperture, collapsing five wavelength slices centered at the expected location of the redshifted Lyα emission (I.e., at 9256 Å). Current data suggest the presence (5σ accounting for systematics) of a Lyα nebula that extends for 9 kpc around the QSO. This emission is displaced and redshifted by 155 km s-1 with respect to the location of the QSO host galaxy traced by the [{{C}} {{II}}] 158 μm emission line. The total luminosity is L({Ly}α ) = (3.0 ± 0.4) × 1042 erg s-1. Our analysis suggests that this emission is unlikely to rise from optically thick clouds illuminated by the ionizing radiation of the QSO. It is more plausible that the Lyα emission is due to the fluorescence of the highly ionized optically thin gas. This scenario implies a high hydrogen volume density of {n}{{H}}˜ 6 cm-3. In addition, we detect a Lyα emitter (LAE) in the immediate vicinity of the QSO, I.e., with a projected separation of ˜12.5 kpc and a line-of-sight velocity difference of 560 km s-1. The luminosity of the LAE is L({Ly}α ) = (2.1 ± 0.2) × 1042 erg s-1 and its inferred star-formation rate is SFR ˜ 1.3 M ⊙ yr-1. The probability of finding such a close LAE is one order of magnitude above the expectations based on the QSO-galaxy cross-correlation function. This discovery is in agreement with a scenario where dissipative interactions favor the rapid build-up of supermassive black holes at early cosmic times.

An X-ray Investigation of the NGC 346 Field in the SMC (2): The Field Population

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naze, Y.; Hartwell, J. M.; Stevens, I. R.; Manfroid, J.; Marchenko. S.; Corcoran, M. F.; Moffat, A. F. J.; Skalkowski, G.; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We present results from a Chandra observation of the NGC 346 cluster, the ionizing source of N66, the most luminous H II region and the largest star formation region in the SMC. In the first part of this investigation, we have analysed the X-ray properties of the cluster itself and the remarkable star HD 5980. But the field contains additional objects of interest. In total, 79 X-ray point sources were detected in the Chandra observation and we investigate here their characteristics in details. The sources possess rather high HRs, and their cumulative luminosity function is steeper than the SMC's trend. Their absorption columns suggest that most of the sources belong to NGC 346. Using new UBVRI imaging with the ESO 2.2m telescope, we also discovered possible counterparts for 36 of these X-ray sources. Finally, some objects show X-ray and/or optical variability, and thus need further monitoring.

LDQ10: a compact ultra low-power radiation-hard 4 × 10 Gb/s driver array

DOE PAGES

Zeng, Z.; Zhang, T.; Wang, G.; ...

2017-02-28

Here, a High-speed and low-power VCSEL driver is an important component of the Versatile Link for the high-luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) experiments. A compact low-power radiation-hard 4 × 10 Gb/s VCSEL driver array (LDQ10) has been developed in 65 nm CMOS technology. Each channel in LDQ10 can provide a modulation current up to 8 mA and bias current up to 12 mA. Edge pre-emphasis is employed to compensate for the bandwidth limitations due to parasitic and the turn-on delay of VCSEL devices. LDQ10 occupies a chip area of 1900 μm × 1700 μm and consumes 130 mW power for typical currentmore » settings. The modulation amplitude degrades less than 5% after 300 Mrad total ionizing dose. LDQ10 can be directly wire-bonded to the VCSEL array and it is a suitable candidate for the Versatile Link.« less

The X-ray evolution of inflows and outflows in active galactic nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saez, Cristian

The evolution of the space density of AGNs might have spectral counterparts which could be observable in X-rays. The main objective of this thesis is to study the spectral properties of AGNs in X-rays in order to increase our current knowledge of AGN evolution. In chapter 2, we present results from a statistical analysis of 173 bright radio-quiet AGNs selected from the Chandra Deep Field-North and Chandra Deep Field-South surveys (hereafter, CDFs) in the redshift range of 0.1 ≲z≲ 4. We find that the X-ray power-law photon index (Gamma) of radio-quiet AGNs is correlated with their 2--10 keV rest-frame X-ray luminosity ( LX) at the > 99.5% confidence level in two redshift bins, 0.3 ≲z≲ 0.96, and 1.5 ≲z≲ 3.3 and is slightly less significant in the redshift bin 0.96 ≲z≲ 1.5. The X-ray spectral slope steepens as the X-ray luminosity increases for AGNs in the luminosity range 1042 to 1045 erg s-1. Combining our results from the CDFs with those from previous studies in the redshift range 1.5 ≲z≲ 3.3, we find that the Gamma -- L X correlation has a null-hypothesis probability of 1.6 x 10 -9. We investigate the redshift evolution of the correlation between the power-law photon index and the hard X-ray luminosity and find that the slope and offset of a linear fit to the correlation change significantly (at the > 99.9% confidence level) between redshift bins of 0.3 ≲z≲ 0.96 and 1.5 ≲z≲ 3.3. We explore physical scenarios explaining the origin of this correlation and its possible evolution with redshift in the context of steady corona models focusing on its dependency on variations of the properties of the hot corona with redshift. In chapter 3, we present results from three Suzaku observations of the z = 3.91 gravitationally lensed broad absorption line quasar APM 08279+5255. We detect strong and broad absorption at rest-frame energies of ≲ 2 keV (low-energy) and 7--12 keV (high-energy). The detection of these features confirms the results of previous long-exposure (80--90 ks) Chandra and XMM-Newton observations. The low and high-energy absorption is detected in both the back-illuminated (BI) and front-illuminated (FI) Suzaku XIS spectra (with an F-test significance of ≳ 99%). We interpret the low-energy absorption as arising from a low-ionization absorber with log (NH/cm-2) ˜ 23 and the high-energy absorption as due to lines arising from highly ionized (2.75 ≲ log xi ≲ 4.0; where xi is the ionization parameter) iron in a near-relativistic outflowing wind. Assuming this interpretation we find that the velocities in the outflow range between 0.1c and 0.6c. We constrain the angle between the outflow direction of the X-ray absorber and our line of sight to be ≲ 36°. We also detect likely variability of the absorption lines (at the ≳ 99.9% and ≳ 98% significance levels in the FI and BI spectra, respectively) with a rest-frame time scale of ˜1 month. Assuming that the detected high-energy absorption features arise from Fe XXV, we estimate that the fraction of the total bolometric energy injected over the quasar's lifetime into the intergalactic medium in the form of kinetic energy to be ≳ 10%. In chapter 4, we present an expansion of our previous work on the study of X-ray outflows on APM 08279+5255. The main conclusions from our multi-epoch spectral analysis of Chandra, XMM-Newton and Suzaku observations of the z = 3.91 gravitationally lensed broad absorption line (BAL) quasar APM 08279+5255 are: (1) In every observation we confirm the presence of two strong features, one at rest-frame energies between 1--4 keV, and the other between 7--18 keV. (2) The low-energy absorption is interpreted as arising (1--4 keV rest-frame) from a low-ionization absorber with log (N H/cm-2) ˜ 23 and the high-energy absorption (7--18 keV rest-frame) as due to lines arising from highly ionized (3 ≲ log xi ≲ 4; where xi is the ionization parameter) iron in a near-relativistic outflowing wind. Assuming this interpretation, we find that the velocities on the outflow could get up to ˜ 0.7c. We also present results obtained from fits to all the long exposure observations of APM 08279+5255 with a new outflow model. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Photometric properties of stars clusters with young or mixed age stellar populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mollá, M.; García-Vargas, M. L.; Martín-Manjón, M. L.

2013-05-01

The main goal of this work is to present and discuss the synthetic photometrical properties of stellar clusters resulting from the PopStar code. Colors in Johnson and SDSS systems, Hα and Hβ luminosities and equivalent widths, and ionizing region size, have been computed for a wide range of metallicities Z = 0.0001, 0.0004, 0.004,0.008,0.02 and 0.05, and ages, from 0.1 Myr to 20 Gyr in Mollá, Garc{í}a-Vargas, & Bressan (2009, MNRAS, 398, 451). Emission lines are shown in Mart{í}n-Manj{ó}n et al. (2010, MNRAS, 403, 2012). Now we calculate colors with the emission lines contribution to the broad band color, so colors include stellar and nebular components, plus the emission lines following the evolution of the cluster and the region geometry in a consistent way. We compare the Single Stellar Populations contaminated and uncontaminated colors (in both Johnson and SDSS systems) and show the importance of emission lines contribution when photometry is used as a tool to characterize stellar populations. With these models we may determine the physical properties of young ionizing clusters when only photometrical observations are available and these correspond to the isolated star forming regions, subtracted the contribution of the underlying population In most cases, however, the ionizing population is usually embedded in a large and complex system, and the observed photometrical properties are the result of the combination of both the young star-forming burst and the host-underlying older population. The second objective of our work is therefore to provide a grid of models for nearby galaxies able to interpret mixed regions where the separation of young and old population is not possible or reliable enough. We obtain a set of PopStar Spectral Energy Distributions (available at PopStar site and also in VO) and derived colors for mixed populations where an underlying host population is combined in different mass ratios with a recent, metal-rich ionizing burst. These colors, together with other photometrical parameters, like Hα radius of the ionized region, and Balmer lines equivalent width and luminosity allow to infer the physical properties of star-forming regions without any spectroscopic information. For details and a complete set of tables and figures see Mollá, García-Vargas, & Martín-Manjón (2012, MNRAS, submitted).

ROSAT survey of emission from Be stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, Carol

1993-01-01

ROSAT pointed observations of bright, classical Be stars have demonstrated that detection of soft x-rays at a level expected for normal B stars of comparable T(sub eff) and luminosity is anti-correlated with the presence of episodes of enhanced mass ejection and formation of a dense, moderately ionized equatorial circumstellar disk. At epochs of lower than average disk column density, x-ray flaring has been detected in 2 Be stars, lambda Eri and pi Aqr.

AN IONIZED OUTFLOW FROM AB AUR, A HERBIG AE STAR WITH A TRANSITIONAL DISK

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodríguez, Luis F.; Zapata, Luis A.; Ortiz-León, Gisela N.

AB Aur is a Herbig Ae star with a transitional disk. Transitional disks present substantial dust clearing in their inner regions, most probably because of the formation of one or more planets, although other explanations are still viable. In transitional objects, accretion is found to be about an order of magnitude smaller than in classical full disks. Since accretion is believed to be correlated with outflow activity, centimeter free-free jets are expected to be present in association with these systems, at weaker levels than in classical protoplanetary (full) systems. We present new observations of the centimeter radio emission associated withmore » the inner regions of AB Aur and conclude that the morphology, orientation, spectral index, and lack of temporal variability of the centimeter source imply the presence of a collimated, ionized outflow. The radio luminosity of this radio jet is, however, about 20 times smaller than that expected for a classical system of similar bolometric luminosity. We conclude that centimeter continuum emission is present in association with stars with transitional disks, but at levels than are becoming detectable only with the upgraded radio arrays. On the other hand, assuming that the jet velocity is 300 km s{sup –1}, we find that the ratio of mass loss rate to accretion rate in AB Aur is ∼0.1, similar to that found for less evolved systems.« less

Optimizing integrated luminosity of future hadron colliders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benedikt, Michael; Schulte, Daniel; Zimmermann, Frank

2015-10-01

The integrated luminosity, a key figure of merit for any particle-physics collider, is closely linked to the peak luminosity and to the beam lifetime. The instantaneous peak luminosity of a collider is constrained by a number of boundary conditions, such as the available beam current, the maximum beam-beam tune shift with acceptable beam stability and reasonable luminosity lifetime (i.e., the empirical "beam-beam limit"), or the event pileup in the physics detectors. The beam lifetime at high-luminosity hadron colliders is largely determined by particle burn off in the collisions. In future highest-energy circular colliders synchrotron radiation provides a natural damping mechanism, which can be exploited for maximizing the integrated luminosity. In this article, we derive analytical expressions describing the optimized integrated luminosity, the corresponding optimum store length, and the time evolution of relevant beam parameters, without or with radiation damping, while respecting a fixed maximum value for the total beam-beam tune shift or for the event pileup in the detector. Our results are illustrated by examples for the proton-proton luminosity of the existing Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at its design parameters, of the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC), and of the Future Circular Collider (FCC-hh).

The Evolution of GX 339-4 in the Low-hard State as Seen by NuSTAR and Swift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang-Ji, Jingyi; García, Javier A.; Steiner, James F.; Tomsick, John A.; Harrison, Fiona A.; Bambi, Cosimo; Petrucci, Pierre-Olivier; Ferreira, Jonathan; Chakravorty, Susmita; Clavel, Maïca

2018-03-01

We analyze 11 Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array and Swift observations of the black hole X-ray binary GX 339–4 in the hard state, 6 of which were taken during the end of the 2015 outburst and 5 during a failed outburst in 2013. These observations cover luminosities from 0.5% to 5% of the Eddington luminosity. Implementing the most recent version of the reflection model relxillCp, we perform simultaneous spectral fits on both data sets to track the evolution of the properties in the accretion disk, including the inner edge radius, the ionization, and the temperature of the thermal emission. We also constrain the photon index and electron temperature of the primary source (the “corona”). We observe a maximum truncation radius of 37 R g in the preferred fit for the 2013 data set, and a marginal correlation between the level of truncation and luminosity. We also explore a self-consistent model under the framework of coronal Comptonization, and find consistent results regarding the disk truncation in the 2015 data, providing a more physical preferred fit for the 2013 observations.

Thermodynamics of giant planet formation: shocking hot surfaces on circumplanetary discs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szulágyi, J.; Mordasini, C.

2017-02-01

The luminosity of young giant planets can inform about their formation and accretion history. The directly imaged planets detected so far are consistent with the `hot-start' scenario of high entropy and luminosity. If nebular gas passes through a shock front before being accreted into a protoplanet, the entropy can be substantially altered. To investigate this, we present high-resolution, three-dimensional radiative hydrodynamic simulations of accreting giant planets. The accreted gas is found to fall with supersonic speed in the gap from the circumstellar disc's upper layers on to the surface of the circumplanetary disc and polar region of the protoplanet. There it shocks, creating an extended hot supercritical shock surface. This shock front is optically thick; therefore, it can conceal the planet's intrinsic luminosity beneath. The gas in the vertical influx has high entropy which when passing through the shock front decreases significantly while the gas becomes part of the disc and protoplanet. This shows that circumplanetary discs play a key role in regulating a planet's thermodynamic state. Our simulations furthermore indicate that around the shock surface extended regions of atomic - sometimes ionized - hydrogen develop. Therefore, circumplanetary disc shock surfaces could influence significantly the observational appearance of forming gas giants.

AGN Obscuration from Winds: From Dusty Infrared-Driven to Warm and X-Ray Photoionized

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorodnitsyn, A.; Kallman, T.

2012-01-01

We present calculations of AGN winds at approximate parsec scales, along with the associated obscuration. We take into account the pressure of infrared radiation on dust grains and the interaction of X-rays from a central black hole with hot and cold plasma. Infrared radiation (IR) is incorporated in radiation-hydrodynamic simulations adopting the flux-limited diffusion approximation. We find that in the range of X-ray luminosities L=0.05 - 0.6L(sub Edd) the Compton-thick part of the flow (aka torus) has an opening angle of approximately 72? -75? regardless of the luminosity. At L 0.1 the outflowing dusty wind provides the obscuration with IR pressure playing a major role. The global flow consists of two phases: the cold flow at inclinations (theta) greater than or approximately 70? and a hot, ionized wind of lower density at lower inclinations. The dynamical pressure of the hot wind is important in shaping the denser IR supported flow. At luminosities less than or equal to 0.1L(sub Edd) episodes of outflow are followed by extended periods when the wind switches to slow accretion.

Giant Lyman-alpha Nebulae in the Illustris Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gronke, Max; Bird, Simeon

2017-02-01

Several “giant” Lyα nebulae with an extent ≳300 kpc and observed Lyα luminosity of ≳1044 erg s-1 cm-2 arcsec-2 have recently been detected, and it has been speculated that their presence hints at a substantial cold gas reservoir in small cool clumps not resolved in modern hydrodynamical simulations. We use the Illustris simulation to predict the Lyα emission emerging from large halos (M > 1011.5 M⊙) at z ˜ 2 and thus test this model. We consider both active galactic nucleus (AGN) and star driven ionization, and compare the simulated surface brightness maps, profiles, and Lyα spectra to a model where most gas is clumped below the simulation resolution scale. We find that with Illustris, no additional clumping is necessary to explain the extents, luminosities, and surface brightness profiles of the “giant Lyα nebulae” observed. Furthermore, the maximal extents of the objects show a wide spread for a given luminosity and do not correlate significantly with any halo properties. We also show how the detected size depends strongly on the employed surface brightness cutoff, and predict that further examples of such objects will be found in the near future.

The origin of the diffuse galactic IR/submm emission: Revisited after IRAS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cox, P.; Mezger, P. G.

1987-01-01

Balloon observations are compared with Infrared Astronomy Satellite observations. There was good agreement for the longitudinal profiles. However, the dust emission observed by IRAS, contrary to the balloon observations which show dust emission only within the absolute value of b is equal to or less than 3 degrees, extends all the way to the galactic pole. The model fits were repeated using more recent parameters for the distribution of interstellar matter in the galactic disk and central region. The IR luminosities are derived for the revised galactic distance scale of solar radius - 8.5 Kpc. A total IR luminosity of 1.2 E10 solar luminosity is obtained, which is about one third of the estimated stellar luminosity of the Galaxy. The dust emission spectrum lambdaI(sub lambda) attains it maximum at 100 microns. A secondary maximum in the dust emission spectrum occurs at 10 microns, which contains 15% of the total IR luminosity of the Galaxy. The galactic dust emission spectrum was compared with the dust emission spectra of external IRAS galaxies. The warm dust luminosity relates to the present OB star formation rate, while flux densities observed at longer submm wavelengths are dominated by cold dust emission and thus can be used to estimate gas masses.

Far-infrared photometry of compact extragalactic objects - Detection of 3C 345

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harvey, P. M.; Wilking, B. A.; Joy, M.

1982-01-01

The first detection of a quasar between 10 and 1000 microns is reported. The observation permits (1) the determination of the intersection of the optical/infrared and millimeter continua; (2) more precise determination of the total luminosity; (3) the placing of limits on the contribution of any thermal dust emission to the total luminosity. The quasar is the first object ever to have been observed whose energy distribution peaks at wavelength of about 100 microns without a large contribution to the total luminosity from thermal dust emission. The observed flux density of 2.2 + or - 0.5 Jy at 100 microns and an upper limit of 0.5 + or - 0.6 Jy at 50 microns clearly define the overall energy distribution and show the quasar to be a powerful far-infrared source.

Multi-wavelength campaign on NGC 7469. II. Column densities and variability in the X-ray spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peretz, U.; Behar, E.; Kriss, G. A.; Kaastra, J.; Arav, N.; Bianchi, S.; Branduardi-Raymont, G.; Cappi, M.; Costantini, E.; De Marco, B.; Di Gesu, L.; Ebrero, J.; Kaspi, S.; Mehdipour, M.; Middei, R.; Paltani, S.; Petrucci, P. O.; Ponti, G.; Ursini, F.

2018-01-01

We have investigated the ionic column density variability of the ionized outflows associated with NGC 7469, to estimate their location and power. This could allow a better understanding of galactic feedback of AGNs to their host galaxies. Analysis of seven XMM-Newton grating observations from 2015 is reported. We used an individual-ion spectral fitting approach, and compared different epochs to accurately determine variability on timescales of years, months, and days. We find no significant column density variability in a ten-year period implying that the outflow is far from the ionizing source. The implied lower bound on the ionization equilibrium time, ten years, constrains the lower limit on the distance to be at least 12 pc, and up to 31 pc, much less but consistent with the 1 kpc wide starburst ring. The ionization distribution of column density is reconstructed from measured column densities, nicely matching results of two 2004 observations, with one large high ionization parameter (ξ) component at 2 < log ξ< 3.5, and one at 0.5 < log ξ< 1 in cgs units. The strong dependence of the expression for kinetic power, ∝ 1 /ξ, hampers tight constraints on the feedback mechanism of outflows with a large range in ionization parameter, which is often observed and indicates a non-conical outflow. The kinetic power of the outflow is estimated here to be within 0.4 and 60% of the Eddington luminosity, depending on the ion used to estimate ξ.

The ionizing effect of low-energy cosmic rays from a class II object on its protoplanetary disc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodgers-Lee, D.; Taylor, A. M.; Ray, T. P.; Downes, T. P.

2017-11-01

We investigate the ionizing effect of low-energy cosmic rays (CRs) from a young star on its protoplanetary disc (PPD). We consider specifically the effect of ∼3 GeV protons injected at the inner edge of the PPD. An increase in the ionization fraction as a result of these CRs could allow the magnetorotational instability to operate in otherwise magnetically dead regions of the disc. For the typical values assumed we find an ionization rate of ζCR ∼ 10-17 s-1 at 1 au. The transport equation is solved by treating the propagation of the CRs as diffusive. We find for increasing diffusion coefficients the CRs penetrate further in the PPD, while varying the mass density profile of the disc is found to have little effect. We investigate the effect of an energy spectrum of CRs. The influence of a disc wind is examined by including an advective term. For advective wind speeds between 1 and 100 km s-1 diffusion dominates at all radii considered here (out to 10 au) for reasonable diffusion coefficients. Overall, we find that low-energy CRs can significantly ionize the mid-plane of PPDs out to ∼1 au. By increasing the luminosity or energy of the CRs, within plausible limits, their radial influence could increase to ∼2 au at the mid-plane but it remains challenging to significantly ionize the mid-plane further out.

Evolution of the Quasar Luminosity Function: Implications for EoR-21cm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Girish; Choudhury, Tirthankar Roy; Puchwein, Ewald; Haehnelt, Martin G.

2018-05-01

We present predictions for the spatial distribution of 21 cm brightness temperature fluctuations from high-dynamic-range simulations for AGN-dominated reionization histories that have been tested against available Lyα and CMB data. We model AGN by extrapolating the observed Mbh-σ relation to high redshifts and assign them ionizing emissivities consistent with recent UV luminosity function measurements. AGN-dominated reionization histories increase the variance of the 21 cm emission by a factor of up to ten compared to similar reionization histories dominated by faint galaxies, to values close to 100 mK2 at scales accessible to experiments (k <~ 1 cMpc-1h). This is lower than the sensitivity reached by ongoing experiments by only a factor of about two or less. AGN dominated reionization should be easily detectable by LOFAR (and later HERA and SKA1) at their design sensitivity.

ULTRAVIOLET HALOS AROUND SPIRAL GALAXIES. I. MORPHOLOGY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hodges-Kluck, Edmund; Cafmeyer, Julian; Bregman, Joel N., E-mail: hodgeskl@umich.edu

2016-12-10

We examine ultraviolet halos around a sample of highly inclined galaxies within 25 Mpc to measure their morphology and luminosity. Despite contamination from galactic light scattered into the wings of the point-spread function, we find that ultraviolet (UV) halos occur around each galaxy in our sample. Around most galaxies the halos form a thick, diffuse disk-like structure, but starburst galaxies with galactic superwinds have qualitatively different halos that are more extensive and have filamentary structure. The spatial coincidence of the UV halos above star-forming regions, the lack of consistent association with outflows or extraplanar ionized gas, and the strong correlationmore » between the halo and galaxy UV luminosity suggest that the UV light is an extragalactic reflection nebula. UV halos may thus represent 10{sup 6}–10{sup 7} M {sub ⊙} of dust within 2–10 kpc of the disk, whose properties may change with height in starburst galaxies.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, Suvam; Naghma, Rahla; Kaur, Jaspreet

The total and ionization cross sections for electron scattering by benzene, halobenzenes, toluene, aniline, and phenol are reported over a wide energy domain. The multi-scattering centre spherical complex optical potential method has been employed to find the total elastic and inelastic cross sections. The total ionization cross section is estimated from total inelastic cross section using the complex scattering potential-ionization contribution method. In the present article, the first theoretical calculations for electron impact total and ionization cross section have been performed for most of the targets having numerous practical applications. A reasonable agreement is obtained compared to existing experimental observationsmore » for all the targets reported here, especially for the total cross section.« less

LeMMINGs - I. The eMERLIN legacy survey of nearby galaxies. 1.5-GHz parsec-scale radio structures and cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldi, R. D.; Williams, D. R. A.; McHardy, I. M.; Beswick, R. J.; Argo, M. K.; Dullo, B. T.; Knapen, J. H.; Brinks, E.; Muxlow, T. W. B.; Aalto, S.; Alberdi, A.; Bendo, G. J.; Corbel, S.; Evans, R.; Fenech, D. M.; Green, D. A.; Klöckner, H.-R.; Körding, E.; Kharb, P.; Maccarone, T. J.; Martí-Vidal, I.; Mundell, C. G.; Panessa, F.; Peck, A. B.; Pérez-Torres, M. A.; Saikia, D. J.; Saikia, P.; Shankar, F.; Spencer, R. E.; Stevens, I. R.; Uttley, P.; Westcott, J.

2018-05-01

We present the first data release of high-resolution (≤0.2 arcsec) 1.5-GHz radio images of 103 nearby galaxies from the Palomar sample, observed with the eMERLIN array, as part of the LeMMINGs survey. This sample includes galaxies which are active (low-ionization nuclear emission-line regions [LINER] and Seyfert) and quiescent (H II galaxies and absorption line galaxies, ALGs), which are reclassified based upon revised emission-line diagrams. We detect radio emission ≳0.2 mJy for 47/103 galaxies (22/34 for LINERS, 4/4 for Seyferts, 16/51 for H II galaxies, and 5/14 for ALGs) with radio sizes typically of ≲100 pc. We identify the radio core position within the radio structures for 41 sources. Half of the sample shows jetted morphologies. The remaining half shows single radio cores or complex morphologies. LINERs show radio structures more core-brightened than Seyferts. Radio luminosities of the sample range from 1032 to 1040 erg s-1: LINERs and H II galaxies show the highest and lowest radio powers, respectively, while ALGs and Seyferts have intermediate luminosities. We find that radio core luminosities correlate with black hole (BH) mass down to ˜107 M⊙, but a break emerges at lower masses. Using [O III] line luminosity as a proxy for the accretion luminosity, active nuclei and jetted H II galaxies follow an optical Fundamental Plane of BH activity, suggesting a common disc-jet relationship. In conclusion, LINER nuclei are the scaled-down version of FR I radio galaxies; Seyferts show less collimated jets; H II galaxies may host weak active BHs and/or nuclear star-forming cores; and recurrent BH activity may account for ALG properties.

Black Holes in Bulgeless Galaxies: An XMM-Newton Investigation of NGC 3367 AND NGC 4536

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McAlpine, W.; Satyapal, S.; Gliozzi, M.; Cheung, C. C.; Sambruna, R. M.; Eracleous, Michael

2012-01-01

The vast majority of optically identified active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the local Universe reside in host galaxies with prominent bulges, supporting the hypothesis that black hole formation and growth is fundamentally connected to the build-up of galaxy bulges. However, recent mid-infrared spectroscopic studies with Spitzer of a sample of optically "normal" late-type galaxies reveal remarkably the presence of high-ionization [NeV] lines in several sources, providing strong evidence for AGNs in these galaxies. We present follow-up X-ray observations recently obtained with XMM-Newton of two such sources, the late-type optically normal galaxies NGC 3367 and NGC 4536. Both sources are detected in our observations. Detailed spectral analysis reveals that for both galaxies, the 2-10 keV emission is dominated by a power law with an X-ray luminosity in the L(sub 2- 10 keV) approximates 10(exp 39) - 10(exp 40) ergs/s range, consistent with low luminosity AGNs. While there is a possibility that X-ray binaries account for some fraction of the observed X-ray luminosity, we argue that this fraction is negligible. These observations therefore add to the growing evidence that the fraction of late-type galaxies hosting AGNs is significantly underestimated using optical observations alone. A comparison of the midinfrared [NeV] luminosity and the X-ray luminosities suggests the presence of an additional highly absorbed X-ray source in both galaxies, and that the black hole masses are in the range of 10(exp 5) - 10(exp 7) solar M for NGC 3367 and 10(exp 4) - (exp 10) solar M for NGC 4536

Ultraviolet and X-ray Variability of the Seyfert 1.5 Galaxy Markarian 817

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winter, Lisa M.; Danforth, Charles; Vasudevan, Ranjan; Brandt, W. N.; Scott, Jennifer; Froning, Cynthia; Keeney, Brian; Shull, J. Michael; Penton, Steve; Mushotzky, Richard; Schneider, Donald P.; Arav, Nahum

2011-02-01

We present an investigation of the ultraviolet and X-ray spectra of the Seyfert 1.5 galaxy Markarian 817. The ultraviolet analysis includes two recent observations taken with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) in 2009 August and December, as well as archival spectra from the International Ultraviolet Explorer and the Hubble Space Telescope. Twelve Lyα absorption features are detected in the 1997 Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) and 2009 COS spectra—of these, four are associated with high-velocity clouds in the interstellar medium, four are at low significance, and the remaining four are intrinsic features, which vary between the GHRS and COS observations. The strongest intrinsic absorber in the 1997 spectrum has a systemic velocity of ~-4250 km s-1. The corresponding feature in the COS data is five times weaker than the GHRS absorber. The three additional weak (equivalent width from 13 to 54 mÅ) intrinsic Lyα absorbers are at systemic velocities of -4100 km s-1, -3550 km s-1, and -2600 km s-1. However, intrinsic absorption troughs from highly ionized C IV and N V are not detected in the COS observations. No ionized absorption signatures are detected in the ~14 ks XMM-Newton EPIC spectra. The factor of five change in the intrinsic Lyα absorber is most likely due to bulk motions in the absorber, since there is no drastic change in the UV luminosity of the source from the GHRS to the COS observations. In a study of the variability of Mrk 817, we find that the X-ray luminosity varies by a factor of ~40 over 20 years, while the UV continuum/emission lines vary by at most a factor of ~2.3 over 30 years. The variability of the X-ray luminosity is strongly correlated with the X-ray power-law index, but no correlation is found with the simultaneous optical/UV photometry.

Discovery of extreme [O III] λ5007 Å outflows in high-redshift red quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakamska, Nadia L.; Hamann, Fred; Pâris, Isabelle; Brandt, W. N.; Greene, Jenny E.; Strauss, Michael A.; Villforth, Carolin; Wylezalek, Dominika; Alexandroff, Rachael M.; Ross, Nicholas P.

2016-07-01

Black hole feedback is now a standard component of galaxy formation models. These models predict that the impact of black hole activity on its host galaxy likely peaked at z = 2-3, the epoch of strongest star formation activity and black hole accretion activity in the Universe. We used XSHOOTER on the Very Large Telescope to measure rest-frame optical spectra of four z ˜ 2.5 extremely red quasars with infrared luminosities ˜1047 erg s-1. We present the discovery of very broad (full width at half max = 2600-5000 km s-1), strongly blueshifted (by up to 1500 km s-1) [O III] λ5007 Å emission lines in these objects. In a large sample of type 2 and red quasars, [O III] kinematics are positively correlated with infrared luminosity, and the four objects in our sample are on the extreme end in both [O III] kinematics and infrared luminosity. We estimate that at least 3 per cent of the bolometric luminosity in these objects is being converted into the kinetic power of the observed wind. Photo-ionization estimates suggest that the [O III] emission might be extended on a few kpc scales, which would suggest that the extreme outflow is affecting the entire host galaxy of the quasar. These sources may be the signposts of the most extreme form of quasar feedback at the peak epoch of galaxy formation, and may represent an active `blow-out' phase of quasar evolution.

THE MOLECULAR WIND IN THE NEAREST SEYFERT GALAXY CIRCINUS REVEALED BY ALMA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zschaechner, Laura K.; Walter, Fabian; Farina, Emanuele P.

2016-12-01

We present ALMA observations of the inner 1′ (1.2 kpc) of the Circinus galaxy, the nearest Seyfert. We target CO (1–0) in the region associated with a well-known multiphase outflow driven by the central active galactic nucleus (AGN). While the geometry of Circinus and its outflow make disentangling the latter difficult, we see indications of outflowing molecular gas at velocities consistent with the ionized outflow. We constrain the mass of the outflowing molecular gas to be 1.5 × 10{sup 5}−5.1 × 10{sup 6} M {sub ⊙}, yielding a molecular outflow rate of 0.35–12.3 M {sub ⊙} yr{sup −1}. The values within this range aremore » comparable to the star formation (SF) rate in Circinus, indicating that the outflow indeed regulates SF to some degree. The molecular outflow in Circinus is considerably lower in mass and energetics than previously studied AGN-driven outflows, especially given its high ratio of AGN luminosity to bolometric luminosity. The molecular outflow in Circinus is, however, consistent with some trends put forth by Cicone et al., including a linear relation between kinetic power and AGN luminosity, as well as its momentum rate versus bolometric luminosity (although the latter places Circinus among the starburst galaxies in that sample). We detect additional molecular species including CN and C{sup 17}O.« less

LTC1877 High Efficiency Regulator Total Ionizing Dose Test Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oldham, Timothy; Pellish, Jonathan; Boutte, Alvin

2012-01-01

This report presents total ionizing dose evaluation data for the Linear Technology Corporation LTC1877 high efficiency monolithic synchronous step-down regulator. Data sheet parameters were tracked as a function of ionizing dose up to a total of 20 krad(SiO2). Control devices were also used.

The Luminous Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emission Features: Applications to High Redshift Galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shipley, Heath; Papovich, Casey

2015-08-01

We provide a new robust star-formation rate (SFR) calibration using the luminosity from polycyclic aromatic hydrogen (PAH) molecules. The PAH features emit strongly in the mid-infrared (mid-IR; 3-19μm), mitigating dust extinction, and they are very luminous, containing 5-10% of the total IR luminosity in galaxies. We derive the calibration of the PAH luminosity as a SFR indicator using a sample of 105 star-forming galaxies covering a range of total IR luminosity, LIR = L(8-1000μm) = 109 - 1012 L⊙ and redshift 0 < z < 0.6. The PAH luminosity correlates linearly with the SFR as measured by the dust-corrected Hα luminosity (using the sum of the Hα and rest-frame 24μm luminosity from Kennicutt et al. 2009), with tight scatter of ~0.15 dex, comparable to the scatter in the dust-corrected Hα SFRs and Paα SFRs. We show this relation is sensitive to galaxy metallicity, where the PAH luminosity of galaxies with Z < 0.7 Z⊙ departs from the linear SFR relationship but in a behaved manor. We derive for this a correction to galaxies below solar metallicity. As a case study for observations with JWST, we apply the PAH SFR calibration to a sample of lensed galaxies at 1 < z < 3 with Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) data, and we demonstrate the utility of PAHs to derive SFRs as accurate as those available from any other indicator. This new SFR indicator will be useful for probing the peak of the SFR density of the universe (1 < z < 3) and for studying the coevolution of star-formation and supermassive blackhole accretion contemporaneously in a galaxy.

Solar luminosity variations in solar cycle 21

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Willson, Richard C.; Hudson, H. S.

1988-01-01

Long-term variations in the solar total irradiance found in the ACRIM I experiment on the SMM satellite have revealed a downward trend during the declining phase of solar cycle 21 of the sunspot cycle, a flat period between mid-1095 and mid-1987, and an upturn in late 1987 which suggests a direct correlation of luminosity and solar active region population. If the upturn continues into the activity maximum of solar cycle 22, a relation between solar activity and luminosity of possible climatological significance could be ascertained. The best-fit relationship for the variation of total irradiance S with sunspot number Rz and 10-cm flux F(10) are S = 1366.82 + 7.71 x 10 to the -3rd Rz and S = 1366.27 + 8.98 x 10 to the -3rd F(10)(W/sq m). These findings could be used to approximate total irradiance variations over the periods for which these indices have been compiled.

Nature versus nurture: Luminous blue variable nebulae in and near massive stellar clusters at the galactic center

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lau, R. M.; Herter, T. L.; Adams, J. D.

Three luminous blue variables (LBVs) are located in and near the Quintuplet Cluster at the Galactic center: the Pistol Star, G0.120-0.048, and qF362. We present imaging at 19, 25, 31, and 37 μm of the region containing these three LBVs, obtained with SOFIA using FORCAST. We argue that Pistol and G0.120-0.048 are identical 'twins' that exhibit contrasting nebulae due to the external influence of their different environments. Our images reveal the asymmetric, compressed shell of hot dust surrounding the Pistol Star and provide the first detection of the thermal emission from the symmetric, hot dust envelope surrounding G0.120-0.048. However, nomore » detection of hot dust associated with qF362 is made. Dust and gas composing the Pistol nebula are primarily heated and ionized by the nearby Quintuplet Cluster stars. The northern region of the Pistol nebula is decelerated due to the interaction with the high-velocity (2000 km s{sup –1}) winds from adjacent Wolf-Rayet Carbon (WC) stars. From fits to the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the Pistol nebula with the DustEM code we determine that the Pistol nebula is composed of a distribution of very small, transiently heated grains (10 to ∼ 35 Å) having a total dust mass of 0.03 M {sub ☉}, and that it exhibits a gradient of decreasing grain size from south to north due to differential sputtering by the winds from the WC stars. The total IR luminosity of the Pistol nebula is 5.2 × 10{sup 5} L {sub ☉}. Dust in the G0.120-0.048 nebula is primarily heated by the central star; however, the nebular gas is ionized externally by the Arches Cluster. Unlike the Pistol nebula, the G0.120-0.048 nebula is freely expanding into the surrounding medium. A grain size distribution identical to that of the non-sputtered region of the Pistol nebula satisfies the constraints placed on the G0.120-0.048 nebula from DustEM model fits to its SED and implies a total dust mass of 0.021 M {sub ☉}. The total IR luminosity of the G0.120-0.048 nebula is ∼10{sup 5} L {sub ☉}. From Paschen-α and 6 cm observations we determine a total gas mass of 9.3 M {sub ☉} and 6.2 M {sub ☉} for the Pistol and G0.120-0.048 nebulae, respectively. Given the independent dust and gas mass estimates we find that the Pistol and G0.120-0.048 nebulae exhibit similar gas-to-dust mass ratios of 310{sub −52}{sup +77} and 293{sub −101}{sup +73}, respectively. Both nebulae share identical size scales (∼0.7 pc) which suggests that they have similar dynamical timescales of ∼10{sup 4} yr, assuming a shell expansion velocity of v {sub exp} = 60 km s{sup –1}.« less

Can Radio Emission From Luminous Obscured AGN Blow Kpc-scale Ionized Outflows?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goulding, Andy

2017-09-01

We propose joint VLA radio and Chandra X-ray to observe 4 AGN selected from the SDSS-BOSS and the Hyper Suprime-Cam surveys that present spectacular extended outflowing [O III] regions, reaching up to 50kpc in diameter. Our proposed observations allow us to study the mechanical and kinematical output of the AGN through radio and X-ray observations, measure the fraction of the AGN bolometric luminosity that is transferred to the outflow, and to determine the morphology and spectral index (by producing high-res continuum maps) of the radio emission that may be co-spatial with the extended ionized AGN outflow. In turn, our study will determine what role the AGN plays in producing extended outflows, and hence, provide an in-depth understanding of the physical drivers of AGN feedback.

Infrared emission in Seyfert 2 galaxies - Reprocessed radiation from a dusty torus?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Storchi-Bergmann, Thaisa; Mulchaey, John S.; Wilson, Andrew S.

1992-01-01

New and existing data for a sample of nine Seyfert 2 galaxies with known 'ionization cones' are combined in order to test whether collimation results from shadowing of radiation from a small isotropic nuclear source by a thick dusty torus. The number of ionizing photons emitted by the compact nucleus is calculated from the emission-line ratios measured for gas within the cones. On the assumption that this compact nuclear source radiates isotropically, the optical-UV power incident on the torus, which is expected to be reradiated in the IR, is determined. It is found that the observed IRAS luminosities are consistent with the torus model in eight of the nine objects with sufficient data to perform the calculation. It is concluded that the data are generally consistent with collimation and reradiation by a dusty torus.

The Hawaii Imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer (HIFI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bland, Jonathan; Cecil, Gerald; Tully, Brent

1990-01-01

At Mauna Kea Observatory, researchers conducted optical, imaging spectrophotometric studies of selected active galaxies using both the Canada-France-Hawaii 3.6m and University of Hawaii 2.2m telecopes (Tully, Bland and Cecil 1988). To maximize spatial resolution, researchers select galaxies independent of luminosity but known to possess interesting morphologies or high-velocity, extranuclear ionized gas (Walker 1968; Rubin and Ford 1968). They study both the large-scale patterns produced in IR-luminous, starburst systems (e.g., M82, NGC 253, NGC 6240) and those with compact, but spatially extended, circumnuclear, narrow line regions (e.g., M51, NGC 1068, NGC 4151). Current studies are restricted to the optical (SII), (NII) and (OIII) lines and the brightest Balmer recombination lines. These lines are, in principle, sufficient to constrain the dynamical structure and dominant excitation mechanism of the ionized component.

X-RAY OUTBURSTS OF ESO 243-49 HLX-1: COMPARISON WITH GALACTIC LOW-MASS X-RAY BINARY TRANSIENTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Zhen; Zhang, Wenda; Yu, Wenfei

2015-09-20

We studied the outburst properties of the hyper-luminous X-ray source ESO 243-49 HLX-1, using the full set of Swift monitoring observations. We quantified the increase in the waiting time, recurrence time, and e-folding rise timescale along the outburst sequence, and the corresponding decrease in outburst duration, total radiated energy, and e-folding decay timescale, which confirms previous findings. HLX-1 spends less and less time in outburst and more and more time in quiescence, but its peak luminosity remains approximately constant. We compared the HLX-1 outburst properties with those of bright Galactic low-mass X-ray binary transients (LMXBTs). Our spectral analysis strengthens themore » similarity between state transitions in HLX-1 and those in Galactic LMXBTs. We also found that HLX-1 follows the nearly linear correlations between the hard-to-soft state transition luminosity and the peak luminosity, and between the rate of change of X-ray luminosity during the rise phase and the peak luminosity, which indicates that the occurrence of the hard-to-soft state transition of HLX-1 is similar to those of Galactic LMXBTs during outbursts. We found that HLX-1 does not follow the correlations between total radiated energy and peak luminosity, and between total radiated energy and e-folding rise/decay timescales we had previously identified in Galactic LMXBTs. HLX-1 would follow those correlations if the distance were several hundreds of kiloparsecs. However, invoking a much closer distance for HLX-1 is not a viable solution to this problem, as it introduces other, more serious inconsistencies with the observations.« less

Using artificial neural networks to constrain the halo baryon fraction during reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sullivan, David; Iliev, Ilian T.; Dixon, Keri L.

2018-01-01

Radiative feedback from stars and galaxies has been proposed as a potential solution to many of the tensions with simplistic galaxy formation models based on Λcold dark matter, such as the faint end of the ultraviolet (UV) luminosity function. The total energy budget of radiation could exceed that of galactic winds and supernovae combined, which has driven the development of sophisticated algorithms that evolve both the radiation field and the hydrodynamical response of gas simultaneously, in a cosmological context. We probe self-feedback on galactic scales using the adaptive mesh refinement, radiative transfer, hydrodynamics, and N-body code RAMSES-RT. Unlike previous studies which assume a homogeneous UV background, we self-consistently evolve both the radiation field and gas to constrain the halo baryon fraction during cosmic reionization. We demonstrate that the characteristic halo mass with mean baryon fraction half the cosmic mean, Mc(z), shows very little variation as a function of mass-weighted ionization fraction. Furthermore, we find that the inclusion of metal cooling and the ability to resolve scales small enough for self-shielding to become efficient leads to a significant drop in Mc when compared to recent studies. Finally, we develop an artificial neural network that is capable of predicting the baryon fraction of haloes based on recent tidal interactions, gas temperature, and mass-weighted ionization fraction. Such a model can be applied to any reionization history, and trivially incorporated into semi-analytical models of galaxy formation.

Superwind evolution: the young starburst-driven wind galaxy NGC 2782

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bravo-Guerrero, Jimena; Stevens, Ian R.

2017-06-01

We present results from a 30-ks Chandra observation of the important starburst galaxy NGC 2782, covering the 0.3-10 keV energy band. We find evidence of a superwind of small extent, which is likely in an early stage of development. We find a total of 27 X-ray point sources within a region of radius 2D25 of the galaxy centre and that are likely associated with the galaxy. Of these, 13 are ultraluminous X-ray point sources (ULXs; LX ≥ 1039 erg s- 1) and a number have likely counterparts. The X-ray luminosities of the ULX candidates are 1.2-3.9 × 1039 erg s- 1. NGC 2782 seems to have an unusually large number of ULXs. Central diffuse X-ray emission extending to ˜3 kpc from the nuclear region has been detected. We also find an X-ray structure to the south of the nucleus, coincident with Hα filaments and with a 5-GHz radio source. We interpret this as a blow-out region of a forming superwind. This X-ray bubble has a total luminosity (0.3-10 keV) of 5 × 1039 erg s-1 (around 15 per cent of the total luminosity of the extended emission), and an inferred wind mass of 1.5 × 106 M⊙ . We also discuss the nature of the central X-ray source in NGC 2782, and conclude that it is likely a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus, with a total X-ray luminosity of LX = 6 × 1040 erg s-1, with strong Fe line emission at 6.4 keV.

Ionized absorbers, ionized emitters, and the X-ray spectrum of active galactic nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Netzer, Hagai

1993-01-01

Broad absorption features are common in the X-ray spectrum of low-luminosity AGNs. The features have been modeled by leaky neutral absorbers or by highly ionized gas that completely occult the continuum source. Such models are incomplete since they do not take into account all the physical processes in the gas. In particular, no previous model included the X-ray emission by the ionized absorbing gas and the reflection of the continuum source radiation. The present work discusses the emission, absorption, and reflection properties of photoionized gases with emphasis on conditions thought to prevail in AGNs. It shows that such gas is likely to produce intense X-ray line and continuum radiation and to reflect a sizable fraction of the nonstellar continuum at all energies. If such gas is indeed responsible for the observed X-ray absorption, then absorption edges are much weaker than commonly assumed, and some residual X-ray continuum is likely to be observed even if the line of sight is completely blocked. Moreover, X-ray emission features may show up in sources not showing X-ray absorption. This has immense consequences for medium-resolution X-ray missions, such as BBXRT and Astro-D, and for the planned high-resolution experiments on board XMM and AXAF.

A Global Photoionization Response to Prompt Emission and Outliers: Different Origin of Long Gamma-ray Bursts?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Xin, L. P.; Qiu, Y. L.; Xu, D. W.; Wei, J. Y.

2018-03-01

By using the line ratio C IV λ1549/C II λ1335 as a tracer of the ionization ratio of the interstellar medium (ISM) illuminated by a long gamma-ray burst (LGRB), we identify a global photoionization response of the ionization ratio to the photon luminosity of the prompt emission assessed by either L iso/E peak or {L}iso}/{E}peak}2. The ionization ratio increases with both L iso/E peak and L iso/E 2 peak for a majority of the LGRBs in our sample, although there are a few outliers. The identified dependence of C IV/C II on {L}iso}/{E}peak}2 suggests that the scatter of the widely accepted Amati relation is related to the ionization ratio in the ISM. The outliers tend to have relatively high C IV/C II values as well as relatively high C IV λ1549/Si IV λ1403 ratios, which suggests an existence of Wolf–Rayet stars in the environment of these LGRBs. We finally argue that the outliers and the LGRBs following the identified C IV/C II‑L iso/E peak ({L}iso}/{E}peak}2) correlation might come from different progenitors with different local environments.

The ROSAT Brightest Cluster Sample - III. Optical spectra of the central cluster galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, C. S.; Allen, S. W.; Ebeling, H.; Edge, A. C.; Fabian, A. C.

1999-07-01

We present new spectra of dominant galaxies in X-ray-selected clusters of galaxies, which combine with our previously published spectra to form a sample of 256 dominant galaxies in 215 clusters. 177 of the clusters are members of the ROSAT Brightest Cluster Sample (BCS; Ebeling et al.), and 17 have no previous measured redshift. This is the first paper in a series correlating the properties of brightest cluster galaxies and their host clusters in the radio, optical and X-ray wavebands. 27 per cent of the central dominant galaxies have emission-line spectra, all but five with line intensity ratios typical of cooling flow nebulae. A further 6 per cent show only [N ii]lambdalambda6548,6584 with Hα in absorption. We find no evidence for an increase in the frequency of line emission with X-ray luminosity. Purely X-ray-selected clusters at low redshift have a higher probability of containing line emission. The projected separation between the optical position of the dominant galaxy and its host cluster X-ray centroid is less for the line-emitting galaxies than for those without line emission, consistent with a closer association of the central galaxy and the gravitational centre in cooling flow clusters. The more Hα-luminous galaxies have larger emission-line regions and show a higher ratio of Balmer to forbidden line emission, although there is a continuous trend of ionization behaviour across four decades in Hα luminosity. Galaxies with the more luminous line emission [L(Hα)> 10^41ergs^-1] show a significantly bluer continuum, whereas lower luminosity and [N ii]-only line emitters have continua that differ little from those of non-line-emitting dominant galaxies. Values of the Balmer decrement in the more luminous systems commonly imply intrinsic reddening of E(B-V)~0.3 and, when this is corrected for, the excess blue light can be characterized by a population of massive young stars. Several of the galaxies require a large population of O stars, which also provide sufficient photoionization to produce the observed Hα luminosity. The large number of lower mass stars relative to the O-star population suggests that this anomalous population is caused by a series of starbursts in the central galaxy. The lower Hα-luminosity systems show a higher ionization state and few massive stars, requiring instead the introduction of a harder source of photoionization, such as turbulent mixing layers, or low-level nuclear activity. The line emission from the systems showing only [N ii] is very similar to low-level LINER activity commonly found in many normal elliptical galaxies.

Spectroscopic confirmation of an ultra-faint galaxy at the epoch of reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoag, Austin; Bradač, Maruša; Trenti, Michele; Treu, Tommaso; Schmidt, Kasper B.; Huang, Kuang-Han; Lemaux, Brian C.; He, Julie; Bernard, Stephanie R.; Abramson, Louis E.; Mason, Charlotte A.; Morishita, Takahiro; Pentericci, Laura; Schrabback, Tim

2017-04-01

Within one billion years of the Big Bang, intergalactic hydrogen was ionized by sources emitting ultraviolet and higher energy photons. This was the final phenomenon to globally affect all the baryons (visible matter) in the Universe. It is referred to as cosmic reionization and is an integral component of cosmology. It is broadly expected that intrinsically faint galaxies were the primary ionizing sources due to their abundance in this epoch1,2. However, at the highest redshifts (z > 7.5 lookback time 13.1 Gyr), all galaxies with spectroscopic confirmations to date are intrinsically bright and, therefore, not necessarily representative of the general population3. Here, we report the unequivocal spectroscopic detection of a low luminosity galaxy at z > 7.5. We detected the Lyman-α emission line at ˜10,504 Å in two separate observations with MOSFIRE4 on the Keck I Telescope and independently with the Hubble Space Telescope's slitless grism spectrograph, implying a source redshift of z = 7.640 ± 0.001. The galaxy is gravitationally magnified by the massive galaxy cluster MACS J1423.8+2404 (z = 0.545), with an estimated intrinsic luminosity of MAB = -19.6 ± 0.2 mag and a stellar mass of M⊙=3.0-0.8+1.5×108 solar masses. Both are an order of magnitude lower than the four other Lyman-α emitters currently known at z > 7.5, making it probably the most distant representative source of reionization found to date.

Reionization in sterile neutrino cosmologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bose, Sownak; Frenk, Carlos S.; Hou, Jun; Lacey, Cedric G.; Lovell, Mark R.

2016-12-01

We investigate the process of reionization in a model in which the dark matter is a warm elementary particle such as a sterile neutrino. We focus on models that are consistent with the dark matter decay interpretation of the recently detected line at 3.5 keV in the X-ray spectra of galaxies and clusters. In warm dark matter models, the primordial spectrum of density perturbations has a cut-off on the scale of dwarf galaxies. Structure formation therefore begins later than in the standard cold dark matter (CDM) model and very few objects form below the cut-off mass scale. To calculate the number of ionizing photons, we use the Durham semi-analytic model of galaxy formation, GALFORM. We find that even the most extreme 7 keV sterile neutrino we consider is able to reionize the Universe early enough to be compatible with the bounds on the epoch of reionization from Planck. This, perhaps surprising, result arises from the rapid build-up of high redshift galaxies in the sterile neutrino models which is also reflected in a faster evolution of their far-UV luminosity function between 10 > z > 7 than in CDM. The dominant sources of ionizing photons are systematically more massive in the sterile neutrino models than in CDM. As a consistency check on the models, we calculate the present-day luminosity function of satellites of Milky Way-like galaxies. When the satellites recently discovered in the Dark Energy Survey are taken into account, strong constraints are placed on viable sterile neutrino models.

FUSE Observations of the Dwarf Seyfert Nucleus of NGC 4395

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraemer, Steven B.

The Sd IV dwarf galaxy NGC 4395 is the nearest (d approx. 2.6 Mpc) and least luminous (L_bol < 1041 ergs s-1) example of a Seyfert 1 galaxy. This unique object possesses all of the classic Seyfert 1 properties in miniature, including broad and narrow emission lines, a non-stellar continuum, and highly variable X-ray emission, presumably powered by a small (105 M_sun) black hole. Furthermore, there is evidence for blue-shifted, intrinsic absorption lines in the UV (C IV lambda lambda 1548.2, 1550.8), while X-ray spectra show the presence of bound-free edges from O VII and O VIII and evidence for even more highly ionized gas. The UV absorption could arise within the X-ray absorbers or, alternatively, within the emission-line gas, which we have determined to have a high covering factor. The unique capabilities of FUSE provide the means with which to constrain the ionization state, column density, and covering factor of the absorbers and, hence, distinguish between these two possibilities. By extending our investigation of intrinsic absorption to the low luminosity extreme of the Seyfert population, we will obtain crucial insight into the effects of luminosity, global covering factor, and central black hole mass on the intrinsic absorbers. A second goal of this project is to constrain the spectral energy distribution of the non-stellar continuum radiation, which may be unique in this object as a consequence of its small black hole mass.

The Physical Nature of the Sharp Spectral Feature at 7 keV Detected in 1H0707-495

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandt, Niel

2005-01-01

XMM-Newton acquired data on the accepted target, 1H0707-495, on 2002 October 13 during revolution 0521. The observation was successful, with only about 5% data loss due to background flaring. We compared the data from this observation with earlier data taken on this Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 about two years before, performing interpretation studies in the context of the partial-covering model. Our second longer observation once again displays a sharp (< 200 eV) spectral drop above 7 keV. However, in comparison to the first observation, the edge depth and energy have changed significantly. In addition to changes in the edge parameters, the high-energy spectrum appears steeper. The changes in the high-energy spectrum can be adequately explained in terms of a partial-covering absorber out-flowing from the central region. The low-energy spectrum also shows significant long-term spectral variability, including (1) a substantial increase in the disk temperature, (2) detection of an approx. 0.9 keV emission feature, and (3) the presence of ionized absorption that was detected during the ASCA mission. The large increase in disk temperature, and the more modest rise in luminosity, can be understood if we consider a slim-disk model for 1H0707-495. In addition, the higher disk luminosity could be the driving force behind the outflow and the re-appearance of an ionized medium during the second XMM-Newton observation.

Photoionization of the diffuse interstellar medium and galactic halo by OB associtations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dove, James B.; Shull, J. Michael

1994-01-01

Assuming smoothly varying H I distributions in te Galactic disk, we have calculated the geometry of diffuse II regions due to OB associations in the Galactic plane. Near the solar circle, OB associations with a Lyman continuum (Lyc) photon luminosity Psi(sub Lyc) = 3.3 x 10(exp 7) cm(exp -2) s(exp -1), produce H II regions that are density bounded in the vertical direction (H II chimneys) allowing Lyc to escape the gaseous disk and penetrate into the Galactic halo. We provide analytic formulae for the Lyc escape fraction as functions of S(sub 0) O-star catalog of Garmany and a new Lyc stellar stellar Lyc stellar flux calibration, we find a production rate of Lyc photons by OB associations within 2.5 kpc of Psi(sub Lyc) = 3.3 x 10(exp 7) cm(exp -2) s(exp -1). Integrating the fraction of Lyc photons that escape the disk over our adopted luminosity function of OB associations, we estimate that approximately 7% of the ionizing photons, or Phi(sub Lyc) = 2.3 x 10(exp 6) cm(exp -2) s(exp -1), escape each side of the H I disk layer and penetrate the diffuse ionized medium ('Reynolds layer'). This flux is sufficient to explain the potoionization of this, although we have not constructed a model for the observed H-alpha emission and pulsar dispersion measures that is fully consistent with the absorption rate of Lyc in the H II layer. Since our quiescent model does not account for the effects of dynamic chimneys and superbubbles, which should enhance Lyc escape, we conclude the O stars are the probable source of ionizing radiation for the Reynolds layer. For a random distribution of OB associations throughout the disk, the Lyc flux is nearly uniform for heights Z is greater than approximately 0.8 kpc above the midplane.

The Swift Burst Alert Telescope Detected Seyfert 1 Galaxies: X-Ray Broadband Properties and Warm Absorbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winter, Lisa M.; Veilleux, Sylvain; McKernan, Barry; Kallman, T.

2012-01-01

We present results from an analysis of the broadband, 0.3-195 keV, X-ray spectra of 48 Seyfert 1-1.5 sources detected in the very hard X-rays with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT). This sample is selected in an all-sky survey conducted in the 14-195 keV band. Therefore, our sources are largely unbiased toward both obscuration and host galaxy properties. Our detailed and uniform model fits to Suzaku/BAT and XMM-Newton/BAT spectra include the neutral absorption, direct power-law, reflected emission, soft excess, warm absorption, and narrow Fe I K[alpha] emission properties for the entire sample. We significantly detect O VII and O VIII edges in 52% of our sample. The strength of these detections is strongly correlated with the neutral column density measured in the spectrum. Among the strongest detections, X-ray grating and UV observations, where available, indicate outflowing material. The ionized column densities of sources with O VII and O VIII detections are clustered in a narrow range with Nwarm [approx] 1021 cm-2, while sources without strong detections have column densities of ionized gas an order of magnitude lower. Therefore, we note that sources without strong detections likely have warm ionized outflows present but at low column densities that are not easily probed with current X-ray observations. Sources with strong complex absorption have a strong soft excess, which may or may not be due to difficulties in modeling the complex spectra of these sources. Still, the detection of a flat [Gamma] [approx] 1 and a strong soft excess may allow us to infer the presence of strong absorption in low signal-to-noise active galactic nucleus spectra. Additionally, we include a useful correction from the Swift BAT luminosity to bolometric luminosity, based on a comparison of our spectral fitting results with published spectral energy distribution fits from 33 of our sources.

The contribution of faint AGNs to the ionizing background at z 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grazian, A.; Giallongo, E.; Boutsia, K.; Cristiani, S.; Vanzella, E.; Scarlata, C.; Santini, P.; Pentericci, L.; Merlin, E.; Menci, N.; Fontanot, F.; Fontana, A.; Fiore, F.; Civano, F.; Castellano, M.; Brusa, M.; Bonchi, A.; Carini, R.; Cusano, F.; Faccini, M.; Garilli, B.; Marchetti, A.; Rossi, A.; Speziali, R.

2018-05-01

Context. Finding the sources responsible for the hydrogen reionization is one of the most pressing issues in observational cosmology. Bright quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) are known to ionize their surrounding neighborhood, but they are too few to ensure the required HI ionizing background. A significant contribution by faint active galactic nuclei (AGNs), however, could solve the problem, as recently advocated on the basis of a relatively large space density of faint active nuclei at z > 4. Aims: This work is part of a long-term project aimed at measuring the Lyman Continuum escape fraction for a large sample of AGNs at z 4 down to an absolute magnitude of M1450 -23. We have carried out an exploratory spectroscopic program to measure the HI ionizing emission of 16 faint AGNs spanning a broad U - I color interval, with I 21-23, and 3.6 < z < 4.2. These AGNs are three magnitudes fainter than the typical SDSS QSOs (M1450 ≲-26) which are known to ionize their surrounding IGM at z ≳ 4. Methods: We acquired deep spectra of these faint AGNs with spectrographs available at the VLT, LBT, and Magellan telescopes, that is, FORS2, MODS1-2, and LDSS3, respectively. The emission in the Lyman Continuum region, close to 900 Å rest frame, has been detected with a signal to noise ratio of 10-120 for all 16 AGNs. The flux ratio between the 900 Å rest-frame region and 930 Å provides a robust estimate of the escape fraction of HI ionizing photons. Results: We have found that the Lyman Continuum escape fraction is between 44 and 100% for all the observed faint AGNs, with a mean value of 74% at 3.6 < z < 4.2 and - 25.1 ≲ M1450 ≲-23.3, in agreement with the value found in the literature for much brighter QSOs (M1450 ≲-26) at the same redshifts. The Lyman Continuum escape fraction of our faint AGNs does not show any dependence on the absolute luminosities or on the observed U - I colors of the objects. Assuming that the Lyman Continuum escape fraction remains close to 75% down to M1450 - 18, we find that the AGN population can provide between 16 and 73% (depending on the adopted luminosity function) of the whole ionizing UV background at z 4, measured through the Lyman forest. This contribution increases to 25-100% if other determinations of the ionizing UV background are adopted from the recent literature. Conclusions: Extrapolating these results to z 5-7, there are possible indications that bright QSOs and faint AGNs can provide a significant contribution to the reionization of the Universe, if their space density is high at M1450 -23. Based on observations made at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) at Mt. Graham (Arizona, USA). Based on observations collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere under ESO programme 098.A-0862. This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5 meter Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile.

Giant Ly α Nebulae in the Illustris Simulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gronke, Max; Bird, Simeon, E-mail: maxbg@astro.uio.no

2017-02-01

Several “giant” Ly α nebulae with an extent ≳300 kpc and observed Ly α luminosity of ≳10{sup 44} erg s{sup −1} cm{sup −2} arcsec{sup −2} have recently been detected, and it has been speculated that their presence hints at a substantial cold gas reservoir in small cool clumps not resolved in modern hydrodynamical simulations. We use the Illustris simulation to predict the Ly α emission emerging from large halos ( M > 10{sup 11.5} M {sub ⊙}) at z ∼ 2 and thus test this model. We consider both active galactic nucleus (AGN) and star driven ionization, and compare themore » simulated surface brightness maps, profiles, and Ly α spectra to a model where most gas is clumped below the simulation resolution scale. We find that with Illustris, no additional clumping is necessary to explain the extents, luminosities, and surface brightness profiles of the “giant Ly α nebulae” observed. Furthermore, the maximal extents of the objects show a wide spread for a given luminosity and do not correlate significantly with any halo properties. We also show how the detected size depends strongly on the employed surface brightness cutoff, and predict that further examples of such objects will be found in the near future.« less

Active Galactic Nucleus Obscuration from Winds: From Dusty Infrared-Driven to Warm and X-Ray Photoionized

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorodnitsyn, Anton V.; Kallman, Timothy R.

2012-01-01

We present calculations of active galactic nucleus winds at approx.parsec scales along with the associated obscuration. We take into account the pressure of infrared radiation on dust grains and the interaction of X-rays from a central black hole with hot and cold plasma. Infrared radiation (IR) is incorporated in radiation-hydrodynamic simulations adopting the flux-limited diffusion approximation. We find that in the range of X-ray luminosities L = 0.05-0.6 L(sub Edd), the Compton-thick part of the flow (aka torus) has an opening angle of approximately 72deg - 75deg regardless of the luminosity. At L > or approx. 0.1, the outflowing dusty wind provides the obscuration with IR pressure playing a major role. The global flow consists of two phases: the cold flow at inclinations (theta) > or approx.70deg and a hot, ionized wind of lower density at lower inclinations. The dynamical pressure of the hot wind is important in shaping the denser IR-supported flow. At luminosities < or = 0.1 L(sub Edd) episodes of outflow are followed by extended periods when the wind switches to slow accretion. Key words: acceleration of particles . galaxies: active . hydrodynamics . methods: numerical Online-only material: color figures

Gage measures total radiation, including vacuum UV, from ionized high-temperature gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, A. D.

1969-01-01

Transient-heat transfer gage measures the total radiation intensity from vacuum ultraviolet and ionized high temperature gases. The gage includes a sensitive piezoelectric crystal that is completely isolated from any ionized flow and vacuum ultraviolet irradiation.

What powers Hyperluminous infrared galaxies at z˜1-2?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Symeonidis, M.; Page, M. J.

2018-06-01

We investigate what powers hyperluminous infrared galaxies (HyLIRGs; LIR, 8-1000μm > 1013 L⊙) at z˜1-2, by examining the behaviour of the infrared AGN luminosity function in relation to the infrared galaxy luminosity function. The former corresponds to emission from AGN-heated dust only, whereas the latter includes emission from dust heated by stars and AGN. Our results show that the two luminosity functions are substantially different below 1013 L⊙ but converge in the HyLIRG regime. We find that the fraction of AGN dominated sources increases with total infrared luminosity and at L_IR>10^{13.5} L_{⊙} AGN can account for the entire infrared emission. We conclude that the bright end of the 1 < z < 2 infrared galaxy luminosity function is shaped by AGN rather than star-forming galaxies.

Compendium of Current Total Ionizing Dose and Displacement Damage Results from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Topper, Alyson D.; Campola, Michael J.; Chen, Dakai; Casey, Megan C.; Yau, Ka-Yen; Cochran, Donna J.; Label, Kenneth A.; Ladbury, Raymond L.; Mondy, Timothy K.; O'Bryan, Martha V.;

Luminosity function of faint galaxies with ultraviolet continuum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stepanyan, D.A.

1985-05-01

The spatial density of faint galaxies with ultraviolet continuum in the Second Survey of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory is determined. The luminosity function of galaxies with ultraviolet continuum can be extended to objects fainter by 1-1.5 magnitudes. The spatial density of such galaxies in the interval of luminosities -16 /sup m/ .5 to -21 /sup m/ .5 is on the average 0.08 of the total density of field galaxies in the same interval of absolute magnitudes. The spatial density of low-luminosity galaxies with ultraviolet continuum is very high. In the interval from -12 /sup m/ .5 to -15 /sup m/more » .5 it is 0.23 Mpc/sup -3/.« less

An In-depth Chandra ACIS View Of The Circumnuclear Region Of NGC 4151: The Jet, The Biconical Outflow, And A Leaky Torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junfeng; Fabbiano, G.; Elvis, M.; Risaliti, G.; Karovska, M.; Zezas, A.; Mundell, C. G.

2011-05-01

We report on the imaging analysis of 200 ks Chandra ACIS-S observations of the nearby Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4151. Structured soft X-ray emission is observed to extend from 30 pc to 1.5 kpc. We find strong evidence for jet-gas cloud interaction in the inner 150 pc region, confirming our previous HRC results. Self-consistent photoionization models provide good descriptions of the spectra of the optical bi-cone, supporting the dominant role of nuclear photoionization. Presence of both low and high ionization spectral components and extended emission in the X-ray image perpendicular to the bi-cone indicates leakage of nuclear ionization. Using spatially resolved features, we estimate the kinematic power of the outflow in NGC 4151 to be 0.3% of its bolometric luminosity. This work is supported by NASA grant GO8-9101X and GO1-12009X.

A review of advances in pixel detectors for experiments with high rate and radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Sciveres, Maurice; Wermes, Norbert

2018-06-01

The large Hadron collider (LHC) experiments ATLAS and CMS have established hybrid pixel detectors as the instrument of choice for particle tracking and vertexing in high rate and radiation environments, as they operate close to the LHC interaction points. With the high luminosity-LHC upgrade now in sight, for which the tracking detectors will be completely replaced, new generations of pixel detectors are being devised. They have to address enormous challenges in terms of data throughput and radiation levels, ionizing and non-ionizing, that harm the sensing and readout parts of pixel detectors alike. Advances in microelectronics and microprocessing technologies now enable large scale detector designs with unprecedented performance in measurement precision (space and time), radiation hard sensors and readout chips, hybridization techniques, lightweight supports, and fully monolithic approaches to meet these challenges. This paper reviews the world-wide effort on these developments.

Quasar massive ionized outflows traced by CIV λ1549 and [OIII]λλ4959,5007

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marziani, Paola; Negrete, C. Alenka; Dultzin, Deborah; Martínez-Aldama, Mary L.; Del Olmo, Ascensión; D'Onofrio, Mauro; Stirpe, Giovanna M.

2017-09-01

The most luminous quasars (with bolometric luminosities are 1047 erg/s) show a high prevalence of CIV λ1549 and [OIII]λλ4959,5007 emission line profiles with strong blueshifts. Blueshifts are interpreted as due to Doppler effect and selective obscuration, and indicate outflows occurring over a wide range of spatial scales. We found evidence in favor of the nuclear origin of the outflows diagnosed by [OIII]λλ 4959,5007. The ionized gas mass, kinetic power, and mechanical thrust are extremely high, and suggest widespread feedback effects on the host galaxies of very luminous quasars, at cosmic epochs between 2 and 6 Gyr from the Big Bang. In this mini-review we summarize results obtained by our group and reported in several major papers in the last few years with an eye on challenging aspects of quantifying feedback effects in large samples of quasars.

Spectral synthesis in the ultraviolet. II - Stellar populations and star formation in blue compact galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fanelli, Michael N.; O'Connell, Robert W.; Thuan, Trinh X.

1988-01-01

An initial attempt to apply optimizing spectral synthesis techniques to the far-UV spectra of blue compact galaxies (BCGs) is presented. The far-UV absorption-line spectra of the galaxies are clearly composite, with the signatures of the main-sequence types between O3 and mid-A. Most of the low-ionization absorption lines have a stellar origin. The Si IV and C IV features in several objects have P Cygni profiles. In Haro I the strength of Si IV indicates a significant blue supergiant population. The metal-poor blue compact dwarf Mrk 209 displays weak absorption lines, evidence that the stellar component has the same low metallicity as observed in the ionized gas. Good fits to the data are obtained the technique of optimizing population synthesis. The solutions yield stellar luminosity functions which display large discontinuities, indicative of discrete star formation episodes or bursts. The amount of UV extinction is low.

Variability of the broad absorption lines in the QSO UM 232

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barlow, Thomas A.; Junkkarinen, Vesa T.; Burbidge, E. Margaret

1989-01-01

Low-resolution spectra of UM 232 taken in 1978, 1979, and 1988 at Lick Observatory are presented. Large changes in the Si IV lambda 1397, CIV lambda 1549, and Al III lambda 1857 broad absorption lines are apparent. The decrease in column density in all three ions and an observed brightening of the QSO suggests that these changes are due to an increase in the ionization level driven by an increase in the central source luminosity. This mechanism has been proposed by Smith and Penston to explain small changes in the absorption spectrum of the QSO 1246-057. The spectra of UM 232 show that the fractional decrease in optical depth is smaller at higher outflow velocies. The structure of the broad absorption-line region (BALR) is investigted by estimating an ionization parameter for each ion species as a function of velocity.

A Relation between the Mid-Infrared [Ne v] 14.3 Micrometers and [Ne III] 15.6 Micrometer Lines in Active Galactic Nuclei

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorjian, V.; Cleary, K.; Werner, M. W.; Lawrence, C. R.

2007-01-01

We present a strong correlation between the [Ne v] 14.3 mm and [Ne III] 15.6 mm emission lines arising from the narrow-line regions (NLRs) of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), spanning 4 orders of magnitude in luminosity. The data are compiled primarily from Spitzer Space Telescope observations of nearby Seyfert galaxies (median z p 0.01) and 3C radio sources (median z p 0.52). This correlation is consistent with earlier studies in the optical/UV bands showing that line ratios arising in the NLRs are remarkably constant across AGNs. We also show that the correlation allows only a very narrow range in ionization parameter for simple photoionization models. The observed correlation will place tight constraints on alternative models, which predict constant line ratios over a broader range in ionization parameter.

Thermal winds in stellar mass black hole and neutron star binary systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Done, Chris; Tomaru, Ryota; Takahashi, Tadayuki

2018-01-01

Black hole binaries show equatorial disc winds at high luminosities, which apparently disappear during the spectral transition to the low/hard state. This is also where the radio jet appears, motivating speculation that both wind and jet are driven by different configurations of the same magnetic field. However, these systems must also have thermal winds, as the outer disc is clearly irradiated. We develop a predictive model of the absorption features from thermal winds, based on pioneering work of Begelman, McKee & Shields. We couple this to a realistic model of the irradiating spectrum as a function of luminosity to predict the entire wind evolution during outbursts. We show that the column density of the thermal wind scales roughly with luminosity, and does not shut off at the spectral transition, though its visibility will be affected by the abrupt change in ionizing spectrum. We re-analyse the data from H1743-322, which most constrains the difference in wind across the spectral transition, and show that these are consistent with the thermal wind models. We include simple corrections for radiation pressure, which allows stronger winds to be launched from smaller radii. These winds become optically thick around Eddington, which may even explain the exceptional wind seen in one observation of GRO J1655-40. These data can instead be fit by magnetic wind models, but similar winds are not seen in this or other systems at similar luminosities. Hence, we conclude that the majority (perhaps all) of current data can be explained by thermal or thermal-radiative winds.

Gemini long-slit observations of luminous obscured quasars: Further evidence for an upper limit on the size of the narrow-line region

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hainline, Kevin N.; Hickox, Ryan C.; Greene, Jenny E.

2014-05-20

We examine the spatial extent of the narrow-line regions (NLRs) of a sample of 30 luminous obscured quasars at 0.4 < z < 0.7 observed with spatially resolved Gemini-N GMOS long-slit spectroscopy. Using the [O III] λ5007 emission feature, we estimate the size of the NLR using a cosmology-independent measurement: the radius where the surface brightness falls to 10{sup –15} erg s{sup –1} cm{sup –2} arcsec{sup –2}. We then explore the effects of atmospheric seeing on NLR size measurements and conclude that direct measurements of the NLR size from observed profiles are too large by 0.1-0.2 dex on average, asmore » compared to measurements made to best-fit Sérsic or Voigt profiles convolved with the seeing. These data, which span a full order of magnitude in IR luminosity (log (L {sub 8} {sub μm}/erg s{sup –1}) = 44.4-45.4), also provide strong evidence that there is a flattening of the relationship between NLR size and active galactic nucleus luminosity at a seeing-corrected size of ∼7 kpc. The objects in this sample have high luminosities which place them in a previously under-explored portion of the size-luminosity relationship. These results support the existence of a maximal size of the NLR around luminous quasars; beyond this size, there is either not enough gas or the gas is over-ionized and does not produce enough [O III] λ5007 emission.« less

X-ray Point Source Populations in Spiral and Elliptical Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colbert, E.; Heckman, T.; Weaver, K.; Strickland, D.

2002-01-01

The hard-X-ray luminosity of non-active galaxies has been known to be fairly well correlated with the total blue luminosity since the days of the Einstein satellite. However, the origin of this hard component was not well understood. Some possibilities that were considered included X-ray binaries, extended upscattered far-infrared light via the inverse-Compton process, extended hot 107 K gas (especially in ellipitical galaxies), or even an active nucleus. Chandra images of normal, elliptical and starburst galaxies now show that a significant amount of the total hard X-ray emission comes from individual point sources. We present here spatial and spectral analyses of the point sources in a small sample of Chandra obervations of starburst galaxies, and compare with Chandra point source analyses from comparison galaxies (elliptical, Seyfert and normal galaxies). We discuss possible relationships between the number and total hard luminosity of the X-ray point sources and various measures of the galaxy star formation rate, and discuss possible options for the numerous compact sources that are observed.

Two views of the Andromeda Galaxy H-alpha and far infrared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devereux, Nicholas A.; Price, Rob; Wells, Lisa A.; Duric, Neb

1994-01-01

A complete H-alpha image of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is presented allowing the first direct measurement of the total H-alpha luminosity which is (7.3 +/- 2.4) x 10(exp 6) solar luminosity. The H-alpha emission is associated with three morphologically distinct components; a large scale star-forming ring, approximately 1.65 deg in diameter, contributing 66% of the total H-alpha emission, a bright nucleus contributing 6% of the total H-alpha emission with the remaining 28% contributed by a previously unidentified component of extended and filamentary H-alpha emission interior to the star forming ring. The correspondence between the H-alpha image and the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) far-infrared high resolution image is striking when both are convolved to a common resolution of 105 arcsec. The close correspondence between the far-infrared and H-alpha images suggests a common origin for the two emissions. The star-forming ring contributes 70% of the far-infrared luminosity of M31. Evidence that the ring emission is energized by high mass stars includes the fact that peaks in the far-infrared emission coincide identically with H II regions in the H-alpha image. In addition, the far-infrared to H-alpha luminosity ratio within the star-forming ring is similar to what one would expect for H II regions powered by stars of spectral types ranging between O9 and B0. The origin of the filamentary H-alpha and far-infrared luminosity interior to the star-forming ring is less clear, but it is almost certainly not produced by high mass stars.

A New Relativistic Component of the Accretion Disk Wind in PDS 456

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reeves, J. N.; Braito, V.; Nardini, E.; Lobban, A. P.; Matzeu, G. A.; Costa, M. T.

2018-02-01

Past X-ray observations of the nearby luminous quasar PDS 456 (at z = 0.184) have revealed a wide angle accretion disk wind, with an outflow velocity of ∼‑0.25c. Here, we unveil a new, relativistic component of the wind through hard X-ray observations with NuSTAR and XMM-Newton, obtained in 2017 March when the quasar was in a low-flux state. This very fast wind component, with an outflow velocity of ‑0.46 ± 0.02c, is detected in the iron K band, in addition to the ‑0.25c wind zone. The relativistic component may arise from the innermost disk wind, launched from close to the black hole at a radius of ∼10 gravitational radii. The opacity of the fast wind also increases during a possible obscuration event lasting for 50 ks. We suggest that the very fast wind may only be apparent during the lowest X-ray flux states of PDS 456, becoming overly ionized as the luminosity increases. Overall, the total wind power may even approach the Eddington value.

The impact of diets with different magnesium contents on magnesium and calcium in serum and tissues of the rat.

PubMed

Zimmermann, P; Weiss, U; Classen, H G; Wendt, B; Epple, A; Zollner, H; Temmel, W; Weger, M; Porta, S

2000-07-14

The impact of three different magnesium diets (70, 1,000 and 9,000 ppm) on total, ionized and bound magnesium as well as ionized calcium in serum and total calcium and magnesium in femoral bone, skeletal muscle, heart and liver of male Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated. The percentage of ionized serum magnesium was unproportionally high in rats fed a low magnesium (70 ppm) diet. Femoral magnesium was correlated with ionized and total serum magnesium. In contrast, there was generally no correlation between total serum magnesium and the magnesium fractions in skeletal muscle, heart and liver. In rats fed the magnesium deficient diet, total cardiac concentration of magnesium was even significantly increased along with total calcium content, while there were no effects on total muscle and liver magnesium. Within the single groups, ionized serum calcium was never proportional to dietary magnesium, but in all three magnesium diet groups together, it was inversely correlated with dietary magnesium. Moreover, ionized serum calcium was inversely correlated with both ionized and total serum magnesium. In all 3 groups together, the concentrations of total calcium and magnesium in heart and skeletal muscle were correlated, within the single groups correlation existed only in the 1000 ppm group. Magnesium influx via calcium channels during low magnesium intake has been seen in non cardiac tissues [35,36], but nothing similar is known about non selective channels for divalent cations in the heart [33]. Thus, magnesium uptake by cardiac cells along with calcium seems to be possible, especially at low intracellular magnesium concentrations, but is still poorly investigated. We suggest that the calcium-antagonistic effect of magnesium is related to the turnover rate of magnesium rather than to its tissue concentrations.

Characterization of irradiated APDs for picosecond time measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Centis Vignali, M.; Dalal, R.; Gallinaro, M.; Harrop, B.; Jain, G.; Lu, C.; McClish, M.; McDonald, K. T.; Moll, M.; Newcomer, F. M.; Ugobono, S. Otero; White, S.

2018-01-01

For their operation at the CERN High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC), the ATLAS and CMS experiments are planning to implement dedicated systems to measure the time of arrival of minimum ionizing particles with an accuracy of about 30 ps. The timing detectors will be subjected to radiation levels corresponding up to a 1-MeV neutrons fluence (Φeq) of 1015 cm-2 for the goal integrated luminosity of HL-LHC of 3000 fb-1. In this paper, deep-diffused Avalanche Photo Diodes (APDs) produced by Radiation Monitoring Devices are examined as candidate timing detectors for HL-LHC applications. These APDs are operated at 1.8 kV, resulting in a gain of up to 500. The timing performance of the detectors is evaluated using a pulsed laser. The effects of radiation damage on current, signal amplitude, noise, and timing performance of the APDs are evaluated using detectors irradiated with neutrons up to Φeq = 1015 cm-2.

HST images of very compact blue galaxies at z approximately 0.2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koo, David C.; Bershady, Matthew A.; Wirth, Gregory D.; Stanford, S. Adam; Majewski, Steven R.

1994-01-01

We present the results of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide-Field Camera (WFC) imaging of seven very compact, very blue galaxies with B less than or equal to 21 and redshifts z approximately 0.1 to 0.35. Based on deconvolved images, we estimate typical half-light diameters of approximately 0.65 sec, corresponding to approximately 1.4 h(exp -1) kpc at redshifts z approximately 0.2. The average rest frame surface brightness within this diameter is mu(sub v) approximately 20.5 mag arcsec(exp -2), approximately 1 mag brighter than that of typical late-type blue galaxies. Ground-based spectra show strong, narrow emission lines indicating high ionization; their very blue colors suggest recent bursts of star-formation; their typical luminosities are approximately 4 times fainter than that of field galaxies. These characteristics suggest H II galaxies as likely local counterparts of our sample, though our most luminous targets appear to be unusually compact for their luminosities.

Warm Dark Matter and Cosmic Reionization

DOE PAGES

Villanueva-Domingo, Pablo; Gnedin, Nickolay Y.; Mena, Olga

2018-01-10

In models with dark matter made of particles with keV masses, such as a sterile neutrino, small-scale density perturbations are suppressed, delaying the period at which the lowest mass galaxies are formed and therefore shifting the reionization processes to later epochs. In this study, focusing on Warm Dark Matter (WDM) with masses close to its present lower bound, i.e., around the 3 keV region, we derive constraints from galaxy luminosity functions, the ionization history and the Gunn–Peterson effect. We show that even if star formation efficiency in the simulations is adjusted to match the observed UV galaxy luminosity functions in bothmore » CDM and WDM models, the full distribution of Gunn–Peterson optical depth retains the strong signature of delayed reionization in the WDM model. Furthermore, until the star formation and stellar feedback model used in modern galaxy formation simulations is constrained better, any conclusions on the nature of dark matter derived from reionization observables remain model-dependent.« less

Suzaku Observation of Two Ultraluminous X-ray Sources in NGC 1313

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mizuno, T.; Miyawaki, R.; Ebisawa, K.; Kubota, A.; Miyamoto, M.; Winter, L.; Ueda, Y.; Isobe, N.; Dewangan, G.; Mushotzky, R.F.;

Warm Dark Matter and Cosmic Reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villanueva-Domingo, Pablo; Gnedin, Nickolay Y.; Mena, Olga

2018-01-01

In models with dark matter made of particles with keV masses, such as a sterile neutrino, small-scale density perturbations are suppressed, delaying the period at which the lowest mass galaxies are formed and therefore shifting the reionization processes to later epochs. In this study, focusing on Warm Dark Matter (WDM) with masses close to its present lower bound, i.e., around the 3 keV region, we derive constraints from galaxy luminosity functions, the ionization history and the Gunn–Peterson effect. We show that even if star formation efficiency in the simulations is adjusted to match the observed UV galaxy luminosity functions in both CDM and WDM models, the full distribution of Gunn–Peterson optical depth retains the strong signature of delayed reionization in the WDM model. However, until the star formation and stellar feedback model used in modern galaxy formation simulations is constrained better, any conclusions on the nature of dark matter derived from reionization observables remain model-dependent.

Warm Dark Matter and Cosmic Reionization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Villanueva-Domingo, Pablo; Gnedin, Nickolay Y.; Mena, Olga

In models with dark matter made of particles with keV masses, such as a sterile neutrino, small-scale density perturbations are suppressed, delaying the period at which the lowest mass galaxies are formed and therefore shifting the reionization processes to later epochs. In this study, focusing on Warm Dark Matter (WDM) with masses close to its present lower bound, i.e., around the 3 keV region, we derive constraints from galaxy luminosity functions, the ionization history and the Gunn–Peterson effect. We show that even if star formation efficiency in the simulations is adjusted to match the observed UV galaxy luminosity functions in bothmore » CDM and WDM models, the full distribution of Gunn–Peterson optical depth retains the strong signature of delayed reionization in the WDM model. Furthermore, until the star formation and stellar feedback model used in modern galaxy formation simulations is constrained better, any conclusions on the nature of dark matter derived from reionization observables remain model-dependent.« less

The evolution of the intergalactic medium and the origin of the galaxy luminosity function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valls-Gabaud, David; Blanchard, Alain; Mamon, Gary

1993-01-01

The coupling of the Press and Schechter prescription with the CDM scenario and the Hoyle-Rees-Ostriker cooling criterion leads to a galaxy formation scenario in which galaxies are overproduced by a large factor. Although star formation might be suppressed in the smaller halos, a large amount of energy per galactic mass is needed to account for the present number density of galaxies. The evolution of the intergalactic medium (IGM) provides a simple criterion to prevent galaxy formation without requiring feedback, since halos with small virial temperatures are not able to retain the infalling hot gas of the IGM. If the ionizing background has decreased since z is approximately 1 - 2, then this criterion explains the slope of the luminosity function at the faint end. In addition, this scenario predicts two populations of dwarf galaxies, well differentiated in age, gas content, stellar populations, and clustering properties, which can be identified with dE and dIm galaxies.

The Luminosity Function of QSO Host Galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamilton, Timothy S.; Casertano, Stefano; Turnshek, David A.; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We present some results from our HST archival image study of 71 QSO host galaxies. The objects are selected to have z less than or equal to 0.46 and total absolute magnitude M(sub v) less than or equal to -23 in our adopted cosmology (H(sub 0) = 50 kilometers per second Mpc(sup-1), q(sub 0) = 0.5, lambda = 0)). The aim of this initial study is to investigate the composition of the sample with respect to host morphology and radio loudness, as well as derive the QSO host galaxy luminosity function. We have analyzed available WFPC2 images in R or I band (U in one case), using a uniform set of procedures. The host galaxies span a narrow range of luminosities and are exceptionally bright, much more so than normal galaxies, usually L greater than L*(sub v). The QSOs are almost equally divided among three subclasses: radio-loud QSOs with elliptical hosts, radio-quiet QSOs with elliptical hosts, and radio-quiet QSOs with spiral hosts. Radio-loud QSOs with spiral hosts are extremely rare. Using a weighting procedure, we derive the combined luminosity function of QSO host galaxies. We find that the luminosity function of QSO hosts differs in shape from that of normal galaxies but that they coincide at the highest luminosities. The ratio of the number of quasar hosts to the number of normal galaxies at a luminosity L*(sub v) is R = (Lv/11.48L*(sub v))(sup 2.46), where L*(sub v) corresponds to M*(sub v)= -22.35, and a QSO is defined to be an object with total nuclear plus host light M(sub v) less than or equal to -23. This ratio can be interpreted as the probability that a galaxy with luminosity L(sub V) will host a QSO at redshift z approximately equal to 0.26.

SILVERRUSH. IV. Lyα luminosity functions at z = 5.7 and 6.6 studied with ˜1300 Lyα emitters on the 14-21 deg2 sky

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konno, Akira; Ouchi, Masami; Shibuya, Takatoshi; Ono, Yoshiaki; Shimasaku, Kazuhiro; Taniguchi, Yoshiaki; Nagao, Tohru; Kobayashi, Masakazu A. R.; Kajisawa, Masaru; Kashikawa, Nobunari; Inoue, Akio K.; Oguri, Masamune; Furusawa, Hisanori; Goto, Tomotsugu; Harikane, Yuichi; Higuchi, Ryo; Komiyama, Yutaka; Kusakabe, Haruka; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Nakajima, Kimihiko; Wang, Shiang-Yu

2018-01-01

We present the Lyα luminosity functions (LFs) at z = 5.7 and 6.6 derived from a new large sample of 1266 Lyα emitters (LAEs) identified in total areas of 14 and 21 deg2, respectively, based on the early narrowband data of the Subaru/Hyper Suprime-Cam survey. Together with careful Monte Carlo simulations that account for the incompleteness of the LAE selection and the flux estimate systematics in the narrowband imaging, we have determined the Lyα LFs with unprecedentedly small statistical and systematic uncertainties in a wide Lyα luminosity range of 1042.8-43.8 erg s-1. We obtain best-fit Schechter parameters of L^{*}_{Lyα } = 1.6^{+2.2}_{-0.6} (1.7^{+0.3}_{-0.7}) × 10^{43}ergs^{-1}, φ ^{*}_{Lyα } = 0.85^{+1.87}_{-0.77} (0.47^{+1.44}_{-0.44}) × 10^{-4}Mpc^{-3}, and α = -2.6^{+0.6}_{-0.4} (-2.5^{+0.5}_{-0.5}) at z = 5.7 (6.6). We confirm that our best-estimate Lyα LFs are consistent with the majority of the previous studies, but find that our Lyα LFs do not agree with the high number densities of LAEs recently claimed by Matthee/Santos et al.'s studies that may overcorrect the incompleteness and the flux systematics. Our Lyα LFs at z = 5.7 and 6.6 show an indication that the faint-end slope is very steep (α ≃ -2.5), although it is also possible that the bright-end LF results are enhanced by systematic effects such as the contribution from AGNs, blended merging galaxies, and/or large ionized bubbles around bright LAEs. Comparing our Lyα LF measurements with four independent reionization models, we estimate the neutral hydrogen fraction of the intergalactic medium to be x_{H I} = 0.3 ± 0.2 at z = 6.6, which is consistent with the small Thomson scattering optical depth obtained by Planck 2016.

First Detections of the [NII] 122 Micrometer Line at High Redshift: Demonstrating the Utility of the Line for Studying Galaxies in the Early Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferkinhoff, Carl; Brisbin, Drew; Nikola, Thomas; Parshley, Stephen C.; Stacey, Gordon J.; Phillips, Thomas G.; Falgarone, Edith; Benford, Dominic J.; Staguhn, Johannes G.; Tucker, Carol E.

2011-01-01

We report the first detections of the [NIl] 122 {\\mu} m line from a high redshift galaxy. The line was strongly (> 6{\\sigma}) detected from SMMJ02399-0136, and HI413+ 117 (the Cloverleaf QSO) using the Redshift(z) and Early Universe Spectrometer (ZEUS) on the CSO. The lines from both sources are quite bright with line-to-FIR continuum luminosity ratios that are approx.7.0x10(exp -4) (Cloverleaf) and 2.1x10(exp -3) (SMMJ02399). With ratios 2-10 times larger than the average value for nearby galaxies, neither source exhibits the line-to-continuum deficits seen in nearby sources. The line strengths also indicate large ionized gas fractions, approx.8 to 17% of the molecular gas mass. The [OIII]/[NII] line ratio is very sensitive to the effective temperature of ionizing stars and the ionization parameter for emission arising in the narrow-line region (NLR) of an AGN. Using our previous detection of the [01II] 88 {\\mu}m line, the [OIII]/ [NIl] line ratio for SMMJ02399-0136 indicates the dominant source of the line emission is either stellar HII regions ionized by 09.5 stars, or the NLR of the AGN with ionization parameter 10g(U) = -3.3 to -4.0. A composite system, where 30 to 50% of the FIR lines arise in the NLR also matches the data. The Cloverleaf is best modeled by a superposition of approx.200 M82like starbursts accounting for all of the FIR emission and 43% of the [NIl] line. The remainder may come from the NLR. This work demonstrates the utility of the [NIl] and [OIII] lines in constraining properties of the ionized medium.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Micheva, Genoveva; Oey, M. S.; Jaskot, Anne E.

We present the remarkable discovery that the dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 2366 is an excellent analog of the Green Pea (GP) galaxies, which are characterized by extremely high ionization parameters. The similarities are driven predominantly by the giant H ii region Markarian 71 (Mrk 71). We compare the system with GPs in terms of morphology, excitation properties, specific star-formation rate, kinematics, absorption of low-ionization species, reddening, and chemical abundance, and find consistencies throughout. Since extreme GPs are associated with both candidate and confirmed Lyman continuum (LyC) emitters, Mrk 71/NGC 2366 is thus also a good candidate for LyC escape. Themore » spatially resolved data for this object show a superbubble blowout generated by mechanical feedback from one of its two super star clusters (SSCs), Knot B, while the extreme ionization properties are driven by the ≲1 Myr-old, enshrouded SSC Knot A, which has ∼10 times higher ionizing luminosity. Very massive stars (>100 M {sub ⊙}) may be present in this remarkable object. Ionization-parameter mapping indicates that the blowout region is optically thin in the LyC, and the general properties also suggest LyC escape in the line of sight. Mrk 71/NGC 2366 does differ from GPs in that it is one to two orders of magnitude less luminous. The presence of this faint GP analog and candidate LyC emitter (LCE) so close to us suggests that LCEs may be numerous and commonplace, and therefore could significantly contribute to the cosmic ionizing budget. Mrk 71/NGC 2366 offers an unprecedentedly detailed look at the viscera of a candidate LCE, and could clarify the mechanisms of LyC escape.« less

Confirmation of a Steep Luminosity Function for Ly alpha Emitters at z 5.7: a Major Component of Reionization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dressler, Alan; Henry, Alaina L.; Martin, Crystal L.; Sawicki, Marcin; McCarthy, Patrick; Villaneuva, Edward

2014-01-01

We report the first direct and robust measurement of the faint-end slope of the Ly-alpha emitter (LAE) luminosity function at z = 5.7. Candidate LAEs from a low-spectral-resolution blind search with IMACS on Magellan- Baade were targeted at higher resolution to distinguish high redshift LAEs from foreground galaxies. All but 2 of our 42 single-emission-line systems are fainter than F = 2.0×10(exp-17) ergs s(exp-1) cm(exp-2), making these the faintest emission-lines observed for a z = 5.7 sample with known completeness, an essential property for determining the faint end slope of the LAE luminosity function. We find 13 LAEs as compared to 29 foreground galaxies, in very good agreement with the modeled foreground counts predicted in Dressler et al. (2011a) that had been used to estimate a faint-end slope of alpha = -2.0 for the LAE luminosity function. A 32% LAE fraction, LAE/(LAE+foreground) within the flux interval F = 2-20 × 10(exp-18) ergs s(exp-1) cm(exp-2) constrains the faint end slope of the luminosity function to -1.95 greater than alpha greater than -2.35 (1 delta). We show how this steep LF should provide, to the limit of our observations, more than 20% of the flux necessary to maintain ionization at z = 5.7, with a factor-of-ten extrapolation in flux reaching more than 55%. We suggest that this bodes well for a comparable contribution by similar, low-mass star forming galaxies at higher-redshift - within the reionization epoch at z greater than approximately 7, only 250 Myr earlier - and that such systems provide a substantial, if not dominant, contribution to the late-stage reionization of the IGM.

Detecting a heavy neutrino electric dipole moment at the LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sher, Marc; Stevens, Justin R.

2018-02-01

The milliQan Collaboration has proposed to search for millicharged particles by looking for very weakly ionizing tracks in a detector installed in a cavern near the CMS experiment at the LHC. We note that another form of exotica can also yield weakly ionizing tracks. If a heavy neutrino has an electric dipole moment (EDM), then the milliQan experiment may be sensitive to it as well. In particular, writing the general dimension-5 operator for an EDM with a scale of a TeV and a one-loop factor, one finds a potential EDM as high as a few times 10-17 e-cm, and models exist where it is an order of magnitude higher. Redoing the Bethe calculation of ionization energy loss for an EDM, it is found that the milliQan detector is sensitive to EDMs as small as 10-17 e-cm. Using the production cross-section and analyzing the acceptance of the milliQan detector, we find the expected 95% exclusion and 3σ sensitivity over the range of neutrino masses from 5-1000 GeV for integrated luminosities of 300 and 3000 fb-1 at the LHC.

Recoil-ion momentum distributions for transfer ionization in fast proton-He collisions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schmidt, H.T.; Reinhed, P.; Schuch, R.

2005-07-15

We present high-luminosity experimental investigations of the transfer ionization (TI:p+He{yields}H{sup 0}+He{sup 2+}+e{sup -}) process in collisions between fast protons and neutral helium atoms in the earlier inaccessibly high-energy range 1.4-5.8 MeV. The protons were stored in the heavy-ion storage and cooler ring CRYRING, where they intersected a narrow supersonic helium gas jet. We discuss the longitudinal recoil-ion momentum distribution, as measured by means of cold-target recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy and find that this distribution splits into two completely separated peaks at the high end of our energy range. These separate contributions are discussed in terms of the earlier proposed Thomas TImore » (TTI) and kinematic TI mechansims. The cross section of the TTI process is found to follow a {sigma}{proportional_to}v{sup -b} dependence with b=10.78{+-}0.27 in accordance with the expected v{sup -11} asymptotic behavior. Further, we discuss the probability for shake-off accompanying electron transfer and the relation of this TI mechanism to photodouble ionization. Finally the influence of the initial-state electron velocity distribution on the TTI process is discussed.« less

The SAGA Survey. I. Satellite Galaxy Populations around Eight Milky Way Analogs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geha, Marla; Wechsler, Risa H.; Mao, Yao-Yuan; Tollerud, Erik J.; Weiner, Benjamin; Bernstein, Rebecca; Hoyle, Ben; Marchi, Sebastian; Marshall, Phil J.; Muñoz, Ricardo; Lu, Yu

2017-09-01

We present the survey strategy and early results of the “Satellites Around Galactic Analogs” (SAGA) Survey. The SAGA Survey’s goal is to measure the distribution of satellite galaxies around 100 systems analogous to the Milky Way down to the luminosity of the Leo I dwarf galaxy ({M}r< -12.3). We define a Milky Way analog based on K-band luminosity and local environment. Here, we present satellite luminosity functions for eight Milky-Way-analog galaxies between 20 and 40 Mpc. These systems have nearly complete spectroscopic coverage of candidate satellites within the projected host virial radius down to {r}o< 20.75 using low-redshift gri color criteria. We have discovered a total of 25 new satellite galaxies: 14 new satellite galaxies meet our formal criteria around our complete host systems, plus 11 additional satellites in either incompletely surveyed hosts or below our formal magnitude limit. Combined with 13 previously known satellites, there are a total of 27 satellites around 8 complete Milky-Way-analog hosts. We find a wide distribution in the number of satellites per host, from 1 to 9, in the luminosity range for which there are 5 Milky Way satellites. Standard abundance matching extrapolated from higher luminosities predicts less scatter between hosts and a steeper luminosity function slope than observed. We find that the majority of satellites (26 of 27) are star-forming. These early results indicate that the Milky Way has a different satellite population than typical in our sample, potentially changing the physical interpretation of measurements based only on the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies.

Model-dependence of neutrino emissivities and neutrino luminosities of neutron stars from the direct Urca processes and the modified Urca processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Peng; Fan, Xiaohua; Dong, Jianmin; Guo, Wenmei; Zuo, Wei

2017-05-01

The neutrino emissivities in β-stable neutron star matter from the direct Urca (DU) processes and the modified Urca (MU) processes have been investigated by adopting 26 Skyrme interactions. Several physical quantities related to the MU processes and the DU processes have been calculated and discussed. The model-dependence of the neutrino emissivities from the DU processes is found to stem mainly from the model-dependence of the effective mass, while the neutrino emissivities from the MU processes are determined by the competition between the effects of the symmetry energy and the effective mass. Besides, we have investigated the total neutrino luminosities of neutron stars, with the masses of 1.2 , 1.4 , 1.6 and 1.8M⊙, from the DU processes and the MU processes. The neutrino luminosity of a neutron star is found to be primarily determined by whether the electron DU process is allowed or not. As long as the electron DU process can occur, the total luminosity turns out to be 5 to 8 orders of magnitude larger as compared with the case that the DU process is forbidden, which indicates that the strongest model-dependence of the neutrino luminosity comes from that of the symmetry energy and the equation of state (EOS) of neutron star matter. In the case that the DU processes are allowed, the discrepancy of the calculated neutrino luminosity using various Skyrme interactions remains noticeable, which is essentially attributed to the model-dependence of the symmetry energy, the EOS of NS matter and the effective masses.

3D ADAPTIVE MESH REFINEMENT SIMULATIONS OF THE GAS CLOUD G2 BORN WITHIN THE DISKS OF YOUNG STARS IN THE GALACTIC CENTER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schartmann, M.; Ballone, A.; Burkert, A.

The dusty, ionized gas cloud G2 is currently passing the massive black hole in the Galactic Center at a distance of roughly 2400 Schwarzschild radii. We explore the possibility of a starting point of the cloud within the disks of young stars. We make use of the large amount of new observations in order to put constraints on G2's origin. Interpreting the observations as a diffuse cloud of gas, we employ three-dimensional hydrodynamical adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) simulations with the PLUTO code and do a detailed comparison with observational data. The simulations presented in this work update our previously obtainedmore » results in multiple ways: (1) high resolution three-dimensional hydrodynamical AMR simulations are used, (2) the cloud follows the updated orbit based on the Brackett-γ data, (3) a detailed comparison to the observed high-quality position–velocity (PV) diagrams and the evolution of the total Brackett-γ luminosity is done. We concentrate on two unsolved problems of the diffuse cloud scenario: the unphysical formation epoch only shortly before the first detection and the too steep Brackett-γ light curve obtained in simulations, whereas the observations indicate a constant Brackett-γ luminosity between 2004 and 2013. For a given atmosphere and cloud mass, we find a consistent model that can explain both, the observed Brackett-γ light curve and the PV diagrams of all epochs. Assuming initial pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere, this can be reached for a starting date earlier than roughly 1900, which is close to apo-center and well within the disks of young stars.« less

No evidence for a significant AGN contribution to cosmic hydrogen reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsa, Shaghayegh; Dunlop, James S.; McLure, Ross J.

2018-03-01

We reinvestigate a claimed sample of 22 X-ray detected active galactic nuclei (AGN) at redshifts z > 4, which has reignited the debate as to whether young galaxies or AGN reionized the Universe. These sources lie within the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey-South (GOODS-S)/Cosmic Assembly Near-Infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS) field, and we examine both the robustness of the claimed X-ray detections (within the Chandra 4Ms imaging) and perform an independent analysis of the photometric redshifts of the optical/infrared counterparts. We confirm the reality of only 15 of the 22 reported X-ray detections, and moreover find that only 12 of the 22 optical/infrared counterpart galaxies actually lie robustly at z > 4. Combining these results we find convincing evidence for only seven X-ray AGN at z > 4 in the GOODS-S field, of which only one lies at z > 5. We recalculate the evolving far-ultraviolet (1500 Å) luminosity density produced by AGN at high redshift, and find that it declines rapidly from z ≃ 4 to z ≃ 6, in agreement with several other recent studies of the evolving AGN luminosity function. The associated rapid decline in inferred hydrogen ionizing emissivity contributed by AGN falls an order-of-magnitude short of the level required to maintain hydrogen ionization at z ≃ 6. We conclude that all available evidence continues to favour a scenario in which young galaxies reionized the Universe, with AGN making, at most, a very minor contribution to cosmic hydrogen reionization.

The Faint End of the Quasar Luminosity Function at z ~ 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glikman, Eilat; Bogosavljević, Milan; Djorgovski, S. G.; Stern, Daniel; Dey, Arjun; Jannuzi, Buell T.; Mahabal, Ashish

2010-02-01

The evolution of the quasar luminosity function (QLF) is one of the basic cosmological measures providing insight into structure formation and mass assembly in the universe. We have conducted a spectroscopic survey to find faint quasars (-26.0 < M 1450 < -22.0) at redshifts z = 3.8-5.2 in order to measure the faint end of the QLF at these early times. Using available optical imaging data from portions of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey and the Deep Lens Survey, we have color-selected quasar candidates in a total area of 3.76 deg2. Thirty candidates have R <= 23 mag. We conducted spectroscopic follow-up for 28 of our candidates and found 23 QSOs, 21 of which are reported here for the first time, in the 3.74 < z < 5.06 redshift range. We estimate our survey completeness through detailed Monte Carlo simulations and derive the first measurement of the density of quasars in this magnitude and redshift interval. We find that the binned luminosity function (LF) is somewhat affected by the K-correction used to compute the rest-frame absolute magnitude at 1450 Å. Considering only our R <= 23 sample, the best-fit single power law (Φ vprop L β) gives a faint-end slope β = -1.6 ± 0.2. If we consider our larger, but highly incomplete sample going 1 mag fainter, we measure a steeper faint-end slope -2 < β < -2.5. In all cases, we consistently find faint-end slopes that are steeper than expected based on measurements at z ~ 3. We combine our sample with bright quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to derive parameters for a double-power-law LF. Our best fit finds a bright-end slope, α = -2.4 ± 0.2, and faint-end slope, β = -2.3 ± 0.2, without a well-constrained break luminosity. This is effectively a single power law, with β = -2.7 ± 0.1. We use these results to place limits on the amount of ultraviolet radiation produced by quasars and find that quasars are able to ionize the intergalactic medium at these redshifts. The data presented herein were obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation.

An ultraviolet study of B[e] stars: evidence for pulsations, luminous blue variable type variations and processes in envelopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krtičková, I.; Krtička, J.

2018-06-01

Stars that exhibit a B[e] phenomenon comprise a very diverse group of objects in a different evolutionary status. These objects show common spectral characteristics, including the presence of Balmer lines in emission, forbidden lines and strong infrared excess due to dust. Observations of emission lines indicate illumination by an ultraviolet ionizing source, which is key to understanding the elusive nature of these objects. We study the ultraviolet variability of many B[e] stars to specify the geometry of the circumstellar environment and its variability. We analyse massive hot B[e] stars from our Galaxy and from the Magellanic Clouds. We study the ultraviolet broad-band variability derived from the flux-calibrated data. We determine variations of individual lines and the correlation with the total flux variability. We detected variability of the spectral energy distribution and of the line profiles. The variability has several sources of origin, including light absorption by the disc, pulsations, luminous blue variable type variations, and eclipses in the case of binaries. The stellar radiation of most of B[e] stars is heavily obscured by circumstellar material. This suggests that the circumstellar material is present not only in the disc but also above its plane. The flux and line variability is consistent with a two-component model of a circumstellar environment composed of a dense disc and an ionized envelope. Observations of B[e] supergiants show that many of these stars have nearly the same luminosity, about 1.9 × 105 L⊙, and similar effective temperatures.

A NEW APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING THE MOST POWERFUL GRAVITATIONAL LENSING TELESCOPES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wong, Kenneth C.; Zabludoff, Ann I.; Ammons, S. Mark

2013-05-20

The best gravitational lenses for detecting distant galaxies are those with the largest mass concentrations and the most advantageous configurations of that mass along the line of sight. Our new method for finding such gravitational telescopes uses optical data to identify projected concentrations of luminous red galaxies (LRGs). LRGs are biased tracers of the underlying mass distribution, so lines of sight with the highest total luminosity in LRGs are likely to contain the largest total mass. We apply this selection technique to the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and identify the 200 fields with the highest total LRG luminosities projected withinmore » a 3.'5 radius over the redshift range 0.1 {<=} z {<=} 0.7. The redshift and angular distributions of LRGs in these fields trace the concentrations of non-LRG galaxies. These fields are diverse; 22.5% contain one known galaxy cluster and 56.0% contain multiple known clusters previously identified in the literature. Thus, our results confirm that these LRGs trace massive structures and that our selection technique identifies fields with large total masses. These fields contain two to three times higher total LRG luminosities than most known strong-lensing clusters and will be among the best gravitational lensing fields for the purpose of detecting the highest redshift galaxies.« less

Gamma-Ray Bursts and Cosmology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norris, Jay P.

2003-01-01

The unrivalled, extreme luminosities of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) make them the favored beacons for sampling the high redshift Universe. To employ GRBs to study the cosmic terrain -- e.g., star and galaxy formation history -- GRB luminosities must be calibrated, and the luminosity function versus redshift must be measured or inferred. Several nascent relationships between gamma-ray temporal or spectral indicators and luminosity or total energy have been reported. These measures promise to further our understanding of GRBs once the connections between the luminosity indicators and GRB jets and emission mechanisms are better elucidated. The current distribution of 33 redshifts determined from host galaxies and afterglows peaks near z $\\sim$ 1, whereas for the full BATSE sample of long bursts, the lag-luminosity relation predicts a broad peak z $\\sim$ 1--4 with a tail to z $\\sim$ 20, in rough agreement with theoretical models based on star formation considerations. For some GRB subclasses and apparently related phenomena -- short bursts, long-lag bursts, and X-ray flashes -- the present information on their redshift distributions is sparse or entirely lacking, and progress is expected in Swift era when prompt alerts become numerous.

Models of the hard X-ray spectrum of AM Herculis and implications for the accretion rate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swank, J. H.; Fabian, A. C.; Ross, R. R.

1983-01-01

Phenomenological fits to the hard X-ray spectrum of AM Herculis left unexplained the high equivalent width (0.8 + or - 0.1 keV) of Fe K alpha emission. A purely thermal origin implies a much steeper spectrum than was observed. With Monte Carlo calculations, scattering and fluorescent line production in a cold or partially ionized accretion column of hard X-rays emitted at the base were investigated. The strength of the iron emission and the flat spectral continuum can be explained by the effects of fluorescence and absorption within the accretion column and the surface of the white dwarf on a thermal X-ray spectrum. Thomson optical depths across the column in the range 0.2 to 0.7 are acceptable. The accretion rate and gravitational power can be deduced from the optical depth across the column, if the column size is known, and, together with the observed hard X-ray and polarized light luminosities, imply a lower limit for the luminosity in the UV to soft X-ray range, for which the observations give model-dependent values. Estimates of the column size differ by a factor of 40. Small spot sizes and low luminosities would be consistent with the soft component being the expected reprocessed bremsstrahlung and cyclotron radiation, although the constraint of matching the spectrum confines one to solutions with fluxes exceeding 20% the Eddington limits.

Storm in a Teacup: X-Ray View of an Obscured Quasar and Superbubble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lansbury, George B.; Jarvis, Miranda E.; Harrison, Chris M.; Alexander, David M.; Del Moro, Agnese; Edge, Alastair C.; Mullaney, James R.; Thomson, Alasdair P.

2018-03-01

We present the X-ray properties of the “Teacup AGN” (SDSS J1430+1339), a z = 0.085 type 2 quasar that is interacting dramatically with its host galaxy. Spectral modeling of the central quasar reveals a powerful, highly obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN) with a column density of N H = (4.2–6.5) × 1023 cm‑2 and an intrinsic luminosity of L 2–10 keV = (0.8–1.4) × 1044 erg s‑1. The current high bolometric luminosity inferred (L bol ≈1045–1046 erg s‑1) has ramifications for previous interpretations of the Teacup as a fading/dying quasar. High-resolution Chandra imaging data reveal a ≈10 kpc loop of X-ray emission, cospatial with the “eastern bubble” previously identified in luminous radio and ionized gas (e.g., [O III] line) emission. The X-ray emission from this structure is in good agreement with a shocked thermal gas, with T = (4–8) × 106 K, and there is evidence for an additional hot component with T ≳ 3 × 107 K. Although the Teacup is a radiatively dominated AGN, the estimated ratio between the bubble power and the X-ray luminosity is in remarkable agreement with observations of ellipticals, groups, and clusters of galaxies undergoing AGN feedback.

Outflow and Accretion Physics in Active Galactic Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGraw, Sean Michael

2016-09-01

This dissertation focuses on placing observational constraints on outflows and accretion disks in active galactic nuclei (AGN) for the purpose of better understanding the physics of super-massive black holes (SMBHs) and their evolution with the host galaxy over cosmic time. Quasar outflows and their importance in SMBH-host galaxy co-evolution can be further understood by analyzing broad absorption lines (BALs) in rest-frame UV spectra that trace a range of wind conditions. We quantify the properties of the flows by conducting BAL variability studies using multiple-epoch spectra acquired primarily from MDM Observatory and from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Iron low-ionization BALs (FeLoBALs) are a rare type of outflow that may represent a transient phase in galaxy evolution, and we analyze the variations in 12 FeLoBAL quasars with redshifts between 0.7 ≤ z ≤ 1.9 and rest frame timescales between ˜10 d to 7.6 yr. We investigate BAL variability in 71 quasar outflows that exhibit P V absorption, a tracer of high column density gas (i.e. NH ≥ 1022 cm -2), in order to quantify the energies and momenta of the flows. We also characterize the variability patterns of 26 quasars with mini-BALs, an interesting class of absorbers that may represent a distinct phase in the evolution of outflows. Low-luminosity AGN (LLAGN) are important objects to study since their prominence in the local Universe suggest a possible evolution from the quasar era, and their low radiative outputs likely indicate a distinct mode of accretion onto the SMBH. We probe the accretion conditions in the LLAGN NGC 4203 by estimating the SMBH mass, which is obtained by modeling the 2-dimensional velocity field of the nebular gas using spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope. We detect significant BAL and mini-BAL variability in a subset of quasars from each of our samples, with measured rest-frame variability time-scales from days to years and over multiple years on average. Variable wavelength intervals are associated with high-ionization species such as C IV and N V, low-ionization lines including Mg II and Al III, and ground and excited states from Fe II multiplets. The detected BAL and mini-BAL variations in a subset of sources provide evidence supporting scenarios involving either transverse motions of gas or ionization changes within the absorbers. We conclude that some outflows in our samples likely exist on the order of 0.01-1 pc from the SMBH, and the possibility remains that we are tracing outflowing gas on larger scales within limits ranging from ≤10 pc to ≤1 kpc from the central source. We estimate outflow kinetic luminosities between ˜10 6 and 1 times the bolometric luminosity of the quasar, indicating that the BAL outflows we probe likely possess a range of energies and only some absorber energies are likely sufficient for AGN feedback processes. We estimate the SMBH mass in the LLAGN in NGC 4203 to be ˜1.1x10 7 solar masses within a factor of ˜2. This mass estimate in conjunction with theoretical predictions is consistent with the existence of a two-component accretion flow in the nucleus of NGC 4203, consisting of a hot, advection-dominated torus at small radii connected with a thin, radiatively efficient disk at larger scales. These results provide a significant increase in the information available for quasar outflow properties and the conditions in low-luminosity accretion disks, and will inform future observational and theoretical studies that attempt to construct a more complete picture of AGN and their effects on the surrounding environments.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Juneau, Stéphanie; Bournaud, Frédéric; Daddi, Emanuele

Emission line diagnostic diagrams probing the ionization sources in galaxies, such as the Baldwin-Phillips-Terlevich (BPT) diagram, have been used extensively to distinguish active galactic nuclei (AGN) from purely star-forming galaxies. However, they remain poorly understood at higher redshifts. We shed light on this issue with an empirical approach based on a z ∼ 0 reference sample built from ∼300,000 Sloan Digital Sky Survey galaxies, from which we mimic selection effects due to typical emission line detection limits at higher redshift. We combine this low-redshift reference sample with a simple prescription for luminosity evolution of the global galaxy population to predictmore » the loci of high-redshift galaxies on the BPT and Mass-Excitation (MEx) diagnostic diagrams. The predicted bivariate distributions agree remarkably well with direct observations of galaxies out to z ∼ 1.5, including the observed stellar mass-metallicity (MZ) relation evolution. As a result, we infer that high-redshift star-forming galaxies are consistent with having normal interstellar medium (ISM) properties out to z ∼ 1.5, after accounting for selection effects and line luminosity evolution. Namely, their optical line ratios and gas-phase metallicities are comparable to that of low-redshift galaxies with equivalent emission-line luminosities. In contrast, AGN narrow-line regions may show a shift toward lower metallicities at higher redshift. While a physical evolution of the ISM conditions is not ruled out for purely star-forming galaxies and may be more important starting at z ≳ 2, we find that reliably quantifying this evolution is hindered by selections effects. The recipes provided here may serve as a basis for future studies toward this goal. Code to predict the loci of galaxies on the BPT and MEx diagnostic diagrams and the MZ relation as a function of emission line luminosity limits is made publicly available.« less

Winds as the origin of radio emission in z = 2.5 radio-quiet extremely red quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Hsiang-Chih; Zakamska, Nadia L.; Alexandroff, Rachael M.; Hamann, Fred; Greene, Jenny E.; Perrotta, Serena; Richards, Gordon T.

2018-06-01

Most active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are radio quiet, and the origin of their radio emission is not well understood. One hypothesis is that this radio emission is a byproduct of quasar-driven winds. In this paper, we present the radio properties of 108 extremely red quasars (ERQs) at z = 2-4. ERQs are among the most luminous quasars (Lbol ˜ 1047-48 erg s-1) in the Universe, with signatures of extreme (≫1000 km s-1) outflows in their [O III]λ5007 Å emission, making them the best subjects to seek the connection between radio and outflow activities. All ERQs but one are unresolved in the radio on ˜10 kpc scales, and the median radio luminosity of ERQs is νLν[6 GHz] = 1041.0 erg s-1, in the radio-quiet regime, but 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that of other quasar samples. The radio spectra are steep, with a mean spectral index <α> = -1.0. In addition, ERQs neatly follow the extrapolation of the low-redshift correlation between radio luminosity and the velocity dispersion of [O III]-emitting ionized gas. Uncollimated winds, with a power of one per cent of the bolometric luminosity, can account for all these observations. Such winds would interact with and shock the gas around the quasar and in the host galaxy, resulting in acceleration of relativistic particles and the consequent synchrotron emission observed in the radio. Our observations support the picture in which ERQs are signposts of extremely powerful episodes of quasar feedback, and quasar-driven winds as a contributor of the radio emission in the intermediate regime of radio luminosity νLν = 1039-1042 erg s-1.

Supernova remnants in M33: X-ray properties as observed by XMM-Newton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garofali, Kristen; Williams, Benjamin F.; Plucinsky, Paul P.; Gaetz, Terrance J.; Wold, Brian; Haberl, Frank; Long, Knox S.; Blair, William P.; Pannuti, Thomas G.; Winkler, P. Frank; Gross, Jacob

2017-11-01

We have carried out a study of the X-ray properties of the supernova remnant (SNR) population in M33 with XMM-Newton, comprising deep observations of eight fields in M33 covering all of the area within the D25 contours, and with a typical luminosity of 7.1 × 1034 erg s-1 (0.2-2.0 keV). Here, we report our work to characterize the X-ray properties of the previously identified SNRs in M33, as well as our search for new X-ray detected SNRs. With our deep observations and large field of view we have detected 105 SNRs at the 3σ level, of which 54 SNRs are newly detected in X-rays, and three are newly discovered SNRs. Combining XMM-Newton data with deep Chandra survey data allows detailed spectral fitting of 15 SNRs, for which we have measured temperatures, ionization time-scales and individual abundances. This large sample of SNRs allows us to construct an X-ray luminosity function, and compare its shape to luminosity functions from host galaxies of differing metallicities and star formation rates to look for environmental effects on SNR properties. We conclude that while metallicity may play a role in SNR population characteristics, differing star formation histories on short time-scales, and small-scale environmental effects appear to cause more significant differences between X-ray luminosity distributions. In addition, we analyse the X-ray detectability of SNRs, and find that in M33 SNRs with higher [S II]/H α ratios, as well as those with smaller galactocentric distances, are more detectable in X-rays.

1.4 GHz on the Fundamental Plane of black hole activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saikia, Payaswini; Körding, Elmar; Dibi, Salome

2018-06-01

The Fundamental Plane (FP) of black hole activity is an empirical relationship between the O III/X-ray luminosity depicting the accretion power, the radio luminosity as a probe of the instantaneous jet power and the mass of the black hole. For the first time, we use the 1.4 GHz FIRST radio luminosities on the optical FP, to investigate whether or not Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimetres (FIRST) fluxes can trace nuclear activity. We use an SDSS-FIRST cross-correlated sample of 10 149 active galaxies and analyse their positioning on the optical FP. We focus on various reasons that can cause the discrepancy between the observed FIRST radio fluxes and the theoretically expected core radio fluxes, and show that FIRST fluxes are heavily contaminated by non-nuclear, extended components and other environmental factors. We show that the subsample of `compact sources', which should have negligible lobe contribution, statistically follow the FP when corrected for relativistic beaming, while all the other sources lie above the plane. The sample of low-ionization nuclear emission-line regions (LINERs), which should have negligible lobe and beaming contribution, also follow the FP. A combined fit of the low-luminosity AGN and the X-ray binaries, with the LINERs, results in the relation log LR = 0.77 log L_{O III} + 0.69 log M. Assuming that the original FP relation is correct, we conclude that 1.4 GHz FIRST fluxes do not trace the pure `core' jet and instantaneous nuclear activity in the AGN, and one needs to be careful while using it on the FP of black hole activity.

Coronal Heating and the Increase of Coronal Luminosity with Magnetic Flux

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, R. L.; Falconer, D. A.; Porter, J. G.; Hathaway, D. H.; Six, N. Frank (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We present the observed scaling of coronal luminosity with magnetic flux in a set of quiet regions. Comparison of this with the observed scaling found for active regions suggests an underlying difference between coronal heating in active regions and quiet regions. From SOHO/EIT coronal images and SOHO/MDI magnetograms of four similar large quiet regions, we measure L(sub corona) and Phi(sub total) in random subregions ranging in area from about four supergranules [(70,000 km)(exp 2)] to about 100 supergranules [(0.5 R(sub sun))(exp 2)], where L(sub corona) is the luminosity of the corona in a subregion and Phi(sub total) is the flux content of the magnetic network in the subregion. This sampling of our quiet regions yields a correlation plot of Log L(sub corona) vs Log Phi(sub total) appropriate for comparison with the corresponding plot for active regions. For our quiet regions, the mean values of L(sub corona) and Phi(sub total) both increase linearly with area (simply because each set of subregions of the same area has very nearly the same mean coronal luminosity per unit area and mean magnetic flux per unit area), and in each constant-area set the values of L(sub corona) and Phi(sub total) 'scatter' about their means for that area. This results in the linear least-squares fit to the Log ((L (sub corona)), vs Log ((Phi (sub total)) plot having a slope somewhat less than one. If active regions mimicked our quiet regions in that all large sets of same-area active regions had the same mean coronal luminosity per unit area and same mean magnetic flux per unit area, then the least-squares fit to their Log((L (sub corona)) vs Log((Phi (sub total)) plot would also have a slope of less than one. Instead, the slope for active regions is 1.2. Given the observed factor of three scatter about the least-squares linear fit, this slope is consistent with Phi(sub total) on average increasing linearly with area (A) as in quiet regions, but L(sub corona) on average increasing as the volume (A(exp 1.5)) of the active region instead of as the area. This possibility is reasonable if the heating in active regions is a burning down of previously-stored coronal magnetic energy rather than a steady dissipation of energy flux from below as expected in quiet regions.

The AGN Luminosity Fraction in Galaxy Mergers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietrich, Jeremy; Weiner, Aaron; Ashby, Matthew; Martinez-Galarza, Juan Rafael; Smith, Howard Alan

2017-01-01

Galaxy mergers are key events in galaxy evolution, generally triggering massive starbursts and AGNs. However, in these chaotic systems, it is not yet known what fraction each of these two mechanisms contributes to the total luminosity. Here we measure and model spectral energy distributions (SEDs) using the Code for Investigating Galaxy Emission (CIGALE) in up to 33 broad bands from the UV to the far-IR for 23 IR-luminous galaxies to estimate the fraction of the bolometric IR luminosity that can be attributed to the AGN. The galaxies are split nearly evenly into two subsamples: late-stage mergers, found in the IRAS Revised Bright Galaxy Sample or Faint Source Catalog, and early-stage mergers found in the Spitzer Interacting Galaxy Sample. We find that the AGN contribution to the total IR luminosity varies greatly from system to system, from 0% up to ~90%, but is substantially greater in the later-stage and brighter mergers. This is consistent with what is known about galaxy evolution and the triggering of AGNs.The SAO REU program is funded in part by the National Science Foundation REU and Department of Defense ASSURE programs under NSF Grant no. 1262851, and by the Smithsonian Institution.

Quasar populations in a cosmological constant-dominated flat universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malhotra, Sangeeta; Turner, Edwin L.

1995-01-01

Most physical properties derived for quasars, as single entities or as a population, depend upon the cosmology assumed. In this paper, we calculate the quasar luminosity function and some related quantities for a flat universe dominated by a cosmological constant Lambda (Lambda = 0.9, Omega = 0.1) and compare them with those deduced for a flat universe with zero cosmological constant (Lambda = 0, Omega = 1). We use the ATT quasar survey data (Boyle et al. 1990) as input in both cases. The data are fitted well by a pure luminosity evolution model for both the cosmologies but with different evolutionary parameters. From the luminosity function, we predict (extrapolate) a greater number of quasars at faint apparent magnitudes (twice the number at B = 24, z is less than 2.2) for the Lambda-dominated universe. This population of faint quasars at high redshift would result in a higher incidence of gravitational lensing. The total luminosity of the quasar population and the total mass tied up in black hole remnants of quasars is not sensitive to the cosmology. However, for a Lambda cosmology, this mass is tied up in fewer but more massive black holes.

Electron-impact total ionization cross sections of DNA sugar-phosphate backbone and an additivity principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huo, Winifred M.; Dateo, Christopher E.

2005-01-01

The improved binary-encounter dipole (iBED) model [W.M. Huo, Phys. Rev. A64, 042719-1 (2001)l is used to study the total ionization cross sections of the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone by electron impact. Calculations using neutral fragments found that the total ionization cross sections of C3' - and C5', -deoxyribose-phospate, two conformers of the sugar-phosphate backbone, are close to each other. Furthermore, the sum of the ionization cross sections of the separate deoxyribose and phosphate fragments is in close agreement with the C3' - and C5" -deoxyribose-phospate cross sections, differing by less than 10%. The result implies that certain properties of the-DNA, like the total singly ionization cross section, are localized properties and a building-up or additivity principle may apply. This allows us to obtain accurate properties of larger molecular systems built up from the results of smaller subsystem fragments. Calculations are underway using a negatively charged sugar-phosphate backbone with a metal counter-ion.

Simulations of space charge neutralization in a magnetized electron cooler

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gerity, James; McIntyre, Peter M.; Bruhwiler, David Leslie

Magnetized electron cooling at relativistic energies and Ampere scale current is essential to achieve the proposed ion luminosities in a future electron-ion collider (EIC). Neutralization of the space charge in such a cooler can significantly increase the magnetized dynamic friction and, hence, the cooling rate. The Warp framework is being used to simulate magnetized electron beam dynamics during and after the build-up of neutralizing ions, via ionization of residual gas in the cooler. The design follows previous experiments at Fermilab as a verification case. We also discuss the relevance to EIC designs.

Fast-timing Capabilities of Silicon Sensors for the CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter at the High-Luminosity LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akchurin, Nural; CMS Collaboration

2017-11-01

We report on the signal timing capabilities of thin silicon sensors when traversed by multiple simultaneous minimum ionizing particles (MIP). Three different planar sensors, 133, 211, and 285 μm thick in depletion thickness, have been exposed to high energy muons and electrons at CERN. We describe signal shape and timing resolution measurements as well as the response of these devices as a function of the multiplicity of MIPs. We compare these measurements to simulations where possible. We achieve better than 20 ps timing resolution for signals larger than a few tens of MIPs.

Gravitational-Wave Luminosity of Binary Neutron Stars Mergers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zappa, Francesco; Bernuzzi, Sebastiano; Radice, David; Perego, Albino; Dietrich, Tim

2018-03-01

We study the gravitational-wave peak luminosity and radiated energy of quasicircular neutron star mergers using a large sample of numerical relativity simulations with different binary parameters and input physics. The peak luminosity for all the binaries can be described in terms of the mass ratio and of the leading-order post-Newtonian tidal parameter solely. The mergers resulting in a prompt collapse to black hole have the largest peak luminosities. However, the largest amount of energy per unit mass is radiated by mergers that produce a hypermassive neutron star or a massive neutron star remnant. We quantify the gravitational-wave luminosity of binary neutron star merger events, and set upper limits on the radiated energy and the remnant angular momentum from these events. We find that there is an empirical universal relation connecting the total gravitational radiation and the angular momentum of the remnant. Our results constrain the final spin of the remnant black hole and also indicate that stable neutron star remnant forms with super-Keplerian angular momentum.

Gravitational-Wave Luminosity of Binary Neutron Stars Mergers.

PubMed

Zappa, Francesco; Bernuzzi, Sebastiano; Radice, David; Perego, Albino; Dietrich, Tim

2018-03-16

We study the gravitational-wave peak luminosity and radiated energy of quasicircular neutron star mergers using a large sample of numerical relativity simulations with different binary parameters and input physics. The peak luminosity for all the binaries can be described in terms of the mass ratio and of the leading-order post-Newtonian tidal parameter solely. The mergers resulting in a prompt collapse to black hole have the largest peak luminosities. However, the largest amount of energy per unit mass is radiated by mergers that produce a hypermassive neutron star or a massive neutron star remnant. We quantify the gravitational-wave luminosity of binary neutron star merger events, and set upper limits on the radiated energy and the remnant angular momentum from these events. We find that there is an empirical universal relation connecting the total gravitational radiation and the angular momentum of the remnant. Our results constrain the final spin of the remnant black hole and also indicate that stable neutron star remnant forms with super-Keplerian angular momentum.

On the nature of the deeply embedded protostar OMC-2 FIR 4

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Furlan, E.; Megeath, S. T.; Fischer, W. J.

We use mid-infrared to submillimeter data from the Spitzer, Herschel, and Atacama Pathfinder Experiment telescopes to study the bright submillimeter source OMC-2 FIR 4. We find a point source at 8, 24, and 70 μm, and a compact, but extended source at 160, 350, and 870 μm. The peak of the emission from 8 to 70 μm, attributed to the protostar associated with FIR 4, is displaced relative to the peak of the extended emission; the latter represents the large molecular core the protostar is embedded within. We determine that the protostar has a bolometric luminosity of 37 L {submore » ☉}, although including more extended emission surrounding the point source raises this value to 86 L {sub ☉}. Radiative transfer models of the protostellar system fit the observed spectral energy distribution well and yield a total luminosity of most likely less than 100 L {sub ☉}. Our models suggest that the bolometric luminosity of the protostar could be as low as 12-14 L {sub ☉}, while the luminosity of the colder (∼20 K) extended core could be around 100 L {sub ☉}, with a mass of about 27 M {sub ☉}. Our derived luminosities for the protostar OMC-2 FIR 4 are in direct contradiction with previous claims of a total luminosity of 1000 L {sub ☉}. Furthermore, we find evidence from far-infrared molecular spectra and 3.6 cm emission that FIR 4 drives an outflow. The final stellar mass the protostar will ultimately achieve is uncertain due to its association with the large reservoir of mass found in the cold core.« less

Calculation of total electron excitation cross-sections and partial electron ionization cross-sections for the elements. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, T. J.

1973-01-01

Computer programs were used to calculate the total electron excitation cross-section for atoms and the partial ionization cross-section. The approximations to the scattering amplitude used are as follows: (1) Born, Bethe, and Modified Bethe for non-exchange excitation; (2) Ochkur for exchange excitation; and (3) Coulomb-Born of non-exchange ionization. The amplitudes are related to the differential cross-sections which are integrated to give the total excitation (or partial ionization) cross-section for the collision. The atomic wave functions used are Hartree-Fock-Slater functions for bound states and the coulomb wave function for the continuum. The programs are presented and the results are examined.

Compendium of Total Ionizing Dose and Displacement Damage for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Donna J.; Boutte, Alvin J.; Chen, Dakai; Pellish, Jonathan A.; Ladbury, Raymond L.; Casey, Megan C.; Campola, Michael J.; Wilcox, Edward P.; Obryan, Martha V.; LaBel, Kenneth A.;

Weak and Compact Radio Emission in Early High-Mass Star Forming Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosero, Viviana; P. Hofner, M. Claussen, S. Kurtz, R. Cesaroni, E. D. Araya, C. Carrasco-González, L. F. Rodríguez, K. M. Menten, F. Wyrowski, L. Loinard, S. P. Ellingsen

2018-01-01

High-mass protostars are difficult to detect: they have short evolutionary timescales, they tend to be located at large distances, and they are usually embedded within complicated cluster environments. In this work, we aimed to identify and analyze candidates at the earliest stages of high-mass star formation, where only low-level (< 1 mJy) radio emission is expected. We used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array to achieve one of the most sensitive (image RMS < 3 -- 10 μJy/beam) centimeter continuum surveys towards high-mass star forming regions to date, with observations at 1.3 and 6 cm and an angular resolution < 0.5". The sample is composed of cold molecular clumps with and without infrared sources (CMC--IRs and CMCs, respectively) and hot molecular cores (HMCs), covering a wide range of parameters such as bolometric luminosity and distance. We detected 70 radio continuum sources that are associated with dust clumps, most of which are weak and compact. We detected centimeter wavelength sources in 100% of our HMCs, which is a higher fraction than previously expected and suggests that radio continuum may be detectable at weak levels in all HMCs. The lack of radio detections for some objects in the sample (including most CMCs) contributes strong evidence that these are prestellar clumps, providing interesting constraints and ideal follow up candidates for studies of the earliest stages of high-mass stars. Our results show further evidence for an evolutionary sequence in the formation of high-mass stars, from starless cores (i.e., CMCs) to relatively more evolved ones (i.e., HMCs). Many of our detections have morphologies and other observational parameters that resemble collimated ionized jets, which is highly relevant for recent theoretical models based on core accretion that predict that the first stages of ionization from high-mass stars are in the form of jets. Additionally, we found that properties of ionized jets from low and high-mass stars are extremely well correlated; our data improves upon previous studies of this nature and provides further evidence of a common origin for jets of any luminosity.

X-Ray Scaling Relations of Early-type Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babyk, Iu. V.; McNamara, B. R.; Nulsen, P. E. J.; Hogan, M. T.; Vantyghem, A. N.; Russell, H. R.; Pulido, F. A.; Edge, A. C.

2018-04-01

X-ray luminosity, temperature, gas mass, total mass, and their scaling relations are derived for 94 early-type galaxies (ETGs) using archival Chandra X-ray Observatory observations. Consistent with earlier studies, the scaling relations, L X ∝ T 4.5±0.2, M ∝ T 2.4±0.2, and L X ∝ M 2.8±0.3, are significantly steeper than expected from self-similarity. This steepening indicates that their atmospheres are heated above the level expected from gravitational infall alone. Energetic feedback from nuclear black holes and supernova explosions are likely heating agents. The tight L X –T correlation for low-luminosity systems (i.e., below 1040 erg s‑1) are at variance with hydrodynamical simulations, which generally predict higher temperatures for low-luminosity galaxies. We also investigate the relationship between total mass and pressure, Y X = M g × T, finding M\\propto {Y}X0.45+/- 0.04. We explore the gas mass to total mass fraction in ETGs and find a range of 0.1%–1.0%. We find no correlation between the gas-to-total mass fraction with temperature or total mass. Higher stellar velocity dispersions and higher metallicities are found in hotter, brighter, and more massive atmospheres. X-ray core radii derived from β-model fitting are used to characterize the degree of core and cuspiness of hot atmospheres.

Chemical Abundances and Physical Parameters of H II Regions in the Magellanic Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes, R. E. C.

The chemical abundances and physical parameters of H II regions are important pa rameters to determine in order to understand how stars and galaxies evolve. The Magellanic Clouds offer us a unique oportunity to persue such studies in low metallicity galaxies. In this contribution we present the results of the photoionization modeling of 5 H II regions in each of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) sys tems. Optical data were collected from the literature, complemented by our own observa tions (Carlos Reyes et al. 1998), including UV spectra from the new IUE data ban k and infrared fluxes from the IRAS satellite. The chemical abundances of He, C, N, O, Ne, S, Ar and physical parameters like the densities, the ionized masses, the luminosities, the ionization temperatures , the filling factor and optical depth are determined. A comparison of the abundances of these HII regions with those of typical planetary nebulae and supergiants stars is also presented.

II Zw 40 - 30 Doradus on Steroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leitherer, Claus; Lee, Janice C.; Levesque, Emily M.

2017-11-01

We obtained HST COS G140L spectra of the enigmatic nearby blue compact dwarf galaxy II Zw 40. The galaxy hosts a nuclear super star cluster embedded in a radio-bright nebula, similar to those observed in the related blue compact dwarfs NGC 5253 and Henize 2-10. The ultraviolet spectrum of II Zw 40 is exceptional in terms of the strength of He II 1640, O III] 1666 and C III] 1909. We determined reddening, age, and the cluster mass from the ultraviolet data. The super nebula and the ionizing cluster exceed the ionizing luminosity and stellar mass of the local benchmark 30 Doradus by an order of magnitude. Comparison with stellar evolution models accounting for rotation reveals serious short-comings: these models do not account for the presence of Wolf-Rayet-like stars at young ages observed in II Zw 40. Photoionization modeling is used to probe the origin of the nebular lines and determine gas phase abundances. C/O is solar, in agreement with the result of the stellar-wind modeling.

Einstein X-ray observations of Herbig Ae/Be stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Damiani, F.; Micela, G.; Sciortino, S.; Harnden, F. R., Jr.

1994-01-01

We have investigated the X-ray emission from Herbig Ae/Be stars, using the full set of Einstein Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) observations. Of a total of 31 observed Herbig stars, 11 are confidently identified with X-ray sources, with four additonal dubious identifications. We have used maximum likelihood luminosity functions to study the distribution of X-ray luminosity, and we find that Be stars are significantly brighter in X-rays than Ae stars and that their X-ray luminosity is independent of projected rotational velocity v sin i. The X-ray emission is instead correlated with stellar bolometric luminosity and with effective temperature, and also with the kinetic luminosity of the stellar wind. These results seem to exclude a solar-like origin for the X-ray emission, a possibility suggested by the most recent models of Herbig stars' structure, and suggest an analogy with the X-ray emission of O (and early B) stars. We also observe correlations between X-ray luminosity and the emission at 2.2 microns (K band) and 25 microns, which strengthen the case for X-ray emission of Herbig stars originating in their circumstellar envelopes.

Potential for luminosity improvement for low-energy RHIC operation with long bunches

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fedotov, A.; Blaskiewicz, M.

Electron cooling was proposed to increase luminosity of the RHIC collider for heavy ion beams at low energies. Luminosity decreases as the square of bunch intensity due to the beam loss from the RF bucket as a result of the longitudinal intra beam scattering (IBS), as well as due to the transverse emittance growth because of the transverse IBS. Both transverse and longitudinal IBS can be counteracted with electron cooling. This would allow one to keep the initial peak luminosity close to constant throughout the store essentially without the beam loss. In addition, the phase-space density of the hadron beamsmore » can be further increased by providing stronger electron cooling. Unfortunately, the defining limitation for low energies in RHIC is expected to be the space charge. Here we explore an idea of additional improvement in luminosity, on top of the one coming from just IBS compensation and longer stores, which may be expected if one can operate with longer bunches at the space-charge limit in a collider. This approach together with electron cooling may result in about 10-fold improvement in total luminosity for low-energy RHIC program.« less

IRAS observations of chromospherically active dwarf stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsikoudi, Vassiliki

1989-01-01

Far-infrared observations of chromospherically active, spotted, and plage stars in the dF7-dk7 spectral range are examined. Most (75 percent) of the stars have detectable 12-micron fluxes, and 50 percent of them have 25-micron emission. The 12-micron luminosity, L(12), is found to be in the range of 1.5-13 x 10 to the 30th ergs/s and to comprise only 0.2-0.5 percent of the star's total luminosity, L(bol). The present work extends to earlier spectral types and higher stellar luminosities the L(12) vs L(bol) relationship noted previously for late-type active dwarfs (K5-M5).

Ultraluminous X-ray sources as neutrino pulsars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mushtukov, Alexander A.; Tsygankov, Sergey S.; Suleimanov, Valery F.; Poutanen, Juri

2018-05-01

The classical limit on the accretion luminosity of a neutron star is given by the Eddington luminosity. The advanced models of accretion on to magnetized neutron stars account for the appearance of magnetically confined accretion columns and allow the accretion luminosity to be higher than the Eddington value by a factor of tens. However, the recent discovery of pulsations from ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) in NGC 5907 demonstrates that the accretion luminosity can exceed the Eddington value up to by a factor of 500. We propose a model explaining observational properties of ULX-1 in NGC 5907 without any ad hoc assumptions. We show that the accretion column at extreme luminosity becomes advective. Enormous energy release within a small geometrical volume and advection result in very high temperatures at the bottom of accretion column, which demand to account for the energy losses due to neutrino emission which can be even more effective than the radiation energy losses. We show that the total luminosity at the mass accretion rates above 1021 g s-1 is dominated by the neutrino emission similarly to the case of core-collapse supernovae. We argue that the accretion rate measurements based on detected photon luminosity in case of bright ULXs powered by neutron stars can be largely underestimated due to intense neutrino emission. The recently discovered pulsating ULX-1 in galaxy NGC 5907 with photon luminosity of {˜ } 10^{41} {erg s^{-1}} is expected to be even brighter in neutrinos and is thus the first known Neutrino Pulsar.

Constraining SN feedback: a tug of war between reionization and the Milky Way satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Jun; Frenk, Carlos. S.; Lacey, Cedric G.; Bose, Sownak

2016-12-01

Theoretical models of galaxy formation based on the cold dark matter cosmogony typically require strong feedback from supernova (SN) explosions in order to reproduce the Milky Way satellite galaxy luminosity function and the faint end of the field galaxy luminosity function. However, too strong a SN feedback also leads to the universe reionizing too late, and the metallicities of Milky Way satellites being too low. The combination of these four observations therefore places tight constraints on SN feedback. We investigate these constraints using the semi-analytical galaxy formation model GALFORM. We find that these observations favour a SN feedback model in which the feedback strength evolves with redshift. We find that, for our best-fitting model, half of the ionizing photons are emitted by galaxies with rest-frame far-UV absolute magnitudes MAB(1500Å) < -17.5, which implies that already observed galaxy populations contribute about half of the photons responsible for reionization. The z = 0 descendants of these galaxies are mainly galaxies with stellar mass M* > 1010 M⊙ and preferentially inhabit haloes with mass Mhalo > 1013 M⊙.

Wind Variability in Intermediate Luminosity B Supergiants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massa, Derck

1996-01-01

This study used the unique spectroscopic diagnostics of intermediate luminosity B supergiants to determine the ubiquity and nature of wind variability. Specifically, (1) A detailed analysis of HD 64760 demonstrated massive ejections into its wind, provided the first clear demonstration of a 'photospheric connection' and ionization shifts in a stellar wind; (2) The international 'IUE MEGA campaign' obtained unprecedented temporal coverage of wind variability in rapidly rotating stars and demonstrated regularly repeating wind features originating in the photosphere; (3) A detailed analysis of wind variability in the rapidly rotating B1 Ib, gamma Ara demonstrated a two component wind with distinctly different mean states at different epochs; (4) A follow-on campaign to the MEGA project to study slowly rotating stars was organized and deemed a key project by ESA/NASA, and will obtain 30 days of IUE observations in May-June 1996; and (5) A global survey of archival IUE time series identified recurring spectroscopic signatures, identified with different physical phenomena. Items 4 and 5 above are still in progress and will be completed this summer in collaboration with Raman Prinja at University College, London.

Publications - GMC 14 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

DGGS GMC 14 Publication Details Title: Total organic carbon and flame ionization detectable carbon Unknown, 1979, Total organic carbon and flame ionization detectable carbon analyses cuttings from on-shore

Total Ionizing Dose and Displacement Damage Compendium of Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Donna J.; Chen, Dakai; Oldham, Timothy R.; Sanders, Anthony B.; Kim, Hak S.; Campola, Michael J.; Buchner, Stephen P.; LaBel, Kenneth A.; Marshall, Cheryl J.; Pellish, Jonathan A.;

A volume-limited ROSAT survey of extreme ultraviolet emission from all nondegenerate stars within 10 parsecs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wood, Brian E.; Brown, Alexander; Linsky, Jeffrey L.; Kellett, Barry J.; Bromage, Gordon E.; Hodgkin, Simon T.; Pye, John P.

1994-01-01

We report the results of a volume-limited ROSAT Wide Field Camera (WFC) survey of all nondegenerate stars within 10 pc. Of the 220 known star systems within 10 pc, we find that 41 are positive detections in at least one of the two WFC filter bandpasses (S1 and S2), while we consider another 14 to be marginal detections. We compute X-ray luminosities for the WFC detections using Einstein Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) data, and these IPC luminosities are discussed along with the WFC luminosities throughout the paper for purposes of comparison. Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) luminosity functions are computed for single stars of different spectral types using both S1 and S2 luminosities, and these luminosity functions are compared with X-ray luminosity functions derived by previous authors using IPC data. We also analyze the S1 and S2 luminosity functions of the binary stars within 10 pc. We find that most stars in binary systems do not emit EUV radiation at levels different from those of single stars, but there may be a few EUV-luminous multiple-star systems which emit excess EUV radiation due to some effect of binarity. In general, the ratio of X-ray luminosity to EUV luminosity increases with increasing coronal emission, suggesting that coronally active stars have higher coronal temperatures. We find that our S1, S2, and IPC luminosities are well correlated with rotational velocity, and we compare activity-rotation relations determined using these different luminosities. Late M stars are found to be significantly less luminous in the EUV than other late-type stars. The most natural explanation for this results is the concept of coronal saturation -- the idea that late-type stars can emit only a limited fraction of their total luminosity in X-ray and EUV radiation, which means stars with very low bolometric luminosities must have relatively low X-ray and EUV luminosities as well. The maximum level of coronal emission from stars with earlier spectral types is studied also. To understand the saturation levels for these stars, we have compiled a large number of IPC luminosities for stars with a wide variety of spectral types and luminosity classes. We show quantitatively that if the Sun were completely covered with X-ray-emitting coronal loops, it would be near the saturation limit implied by this compilation, supporting the idea that stars near upper limits in coronal activity are completely covered with active regions.

Modelling of Lyman-alpha emitting galaxies and ionized bubbles at the epoch of reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yajima, Hidenobu; Sugimura, Kazuyuki; Hasegawa, Kenji

2018-07-01

Understanding {Ly{α}} emitting galaxies (LAEs) can be a key to reveal cosmic reionization and galaxy formation in the early Universe. Based on halo merger trees and {Ly{α}} radiation transfer calculations, we model redshift evolution of LAEs and their observational properties at z ≥ 6. We consider ionized bubbles associated with individual LAEs and IGM (integer-galactic medium) transmission of {Ly{α}} photons. We find that {Ly{α}} luminosity tightly correlates with halo mass and stellar mass, while the relation with star formation rate has a large dispersion. Comparing our models with the observed luminosity function by Konno et al., we suggest that LAEs at z ˜ 7 have galactic wind of V_out ≳ 100 km s^{-1} and H I column density of N_HI ≳ 10^{20} cm^{-2}. Number density of bright LAEs rapidly decreases as redshift increases, due to both lower star formation rate and smaller H II bubbles. Our model predicts future wide deep surveys with next-generation telescopes, such as James Webb Space Telescope, European Extremely Large Telescope, and Thirty Metre Telescope, can detect LAEs at z ˜ 10 with a number density of n_LAE ˜ {a few } × 10^{-6} Mpc^{-3} for the flux sensitivity of 10^{-18} erg cm^{-2} s^{-1}. When giant H II bubbles are formed by clustering LAEs, the number density of observable LAEs can increase by a factor of few. By combining these surveys with future 21-cm observations, it could be possible to detect both LAEs with L_{Lyα }≳ 10^{42} erg s^{-1} and their associated giant H II bubbles with the size {≳ } 250 kpc at z ˜ 10.

Modelling of Lyman-alpha emitting galaxies and ionized bubbles at the epoch of reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yajima, Hidenobu; Sugimura, Kazuyuki; Hasegawa, Kenji

2018-04-01

Understanding {Ly{α }} emitting galaxies (LAEs) can be a key to reveal cosmic reionization and galaxy formation in the early Universe. Based on halo merger trees and {Ly{α }} radiation transfer calculations, we model redshift evolution of LAEs and their observational properties at z ≥ 6. We consider ionized bubbles associated with individual LAEs and IGM transmission of {Ly{α }} photons. We find that {Ly{α }} luminosity tightly correlates with halo mass and stellar mass, while the relation with star formation rate has a large dispersion. Comparing our models with the observed luminosity function by Konno et al., we suggest that LAEs at z ˜ 7 have galactic wind of V_out ≳ 100 km s^{-1} and HI column density of N_HI ≳ 10^{20} cm^{-2}. Number density of bright LAEs rapidly decreases as redshift increases, due to both lower star formation rate and smaller HII bubbles. Our model predicts future wide deep surveys with next generation telescopes, such as JWST, E-ELT and TMT, can detect LAEs at z ˜ 10 with a number density of n_LAE ˜ a few × 10^{-6} Mpc^{-3} for the flux sensitivity of 10^{-18} erg cm^{-2} s^{-1}. When giant HII bubbles are formed by clustering LAEs, the number density of observable LAEs can increase by a factor of few. By combining these surveys with future 21-cm observations, it could be possible to detect both LAEs with L_{Lyα }≳ 10^{42} erg s^{-1} and their associated giant HII bubbles with the size ≳ 250 kpc at z ˜ 10.

Gemini NIFS survey of feeding and feedback processes in nearby active galaxies - II. The sample and surface mass density profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riffel, R. A.; Storchi-Bergmann, T.; Riffel, R.; Davies, R.; Bianchin, M.; Diniz, M. R.; Schönell, A. J.; Burtscher, L.; Crenshaw, M.; Fischer, T. C.; Dahmer-Hahn, L. G.; Dametto, N. Z.; Rosario, D.

2018-02-01

We present and characterize a sample of 20 nearby Seyfert galaxies selected for having BAT 14-195 keV luminosities LX ≥ 1041.5 erg s-1, redshift z ≤ 0.015, being accessible for observations with the Gemini Near-Infrared Field Spectrograph (NIFS) and showing extended [O III]λ5007 emission. Our goal is to study Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) feeding and feedback processes from near-infrared integral-field spectra, which include both ionized (H II) and hot molecular (H2) emission. This sample is complemented by other nine Seyfert galaxies previously observed with NIFS. We show that the host galaxy properties (absolute magnitudes MB, MH, central stellar velocity dispersion and axial ratio) show a similar distribution to those of the 69 BAT AGN. For the 20 galaxies already observed, we present surface mass density (Σ) profiles for H II and H2 in their inner ˜500 pc, showing that H II emission presents a steeper radial gradient than H2. This can be attributed to the different excitation mechanisms: ionization by AGN radiation for H II and heating by X-rays for H2. The mean surface mass densities are in the range (0.2 ≤ ΣH II ≤ 35.9) M⊙ pc-2, and (0.2 ≤ ΣH2 ≤ 13.9)× 10-3 M⊙ pc-2, while the ratios between the H II and H2 masses range between ˜200 and 8000. The sample presented here will be used in future papers to map AGN gas excitation and kinematics, providing a census of the mass inflow and outflow rates and power as well as their relation with the AGN luminosity.

The Redshift Evolution of Rest-UV Spectroscopic Properties in Lyman-break Galaxies at z ∼ 2–4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Xinnan; Shapley, Alice E.; Reddy, Naveen A.; Jones, Tucker; Stark, Daniel P.; Steidel, Charles C.; Strom, Allison L.; Rudie, Gwen C.; Erb, Dawn K.; Ellis, Richard S.; Pettini, Max

2018-06-01

We present the first comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the rest-frame UV spectroscopic properties of star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 2–4. We match samples at different redshifts in UV luminosity and stellar mass, and perform systematic measurements of spectral features and stellar population modeling. By creating composite spectra grouped according to Lyα equivalent width (EW) and various galaxy properties, we study the evolutionary trends among Lyα, low- and high-ionization interstellar (LIS and HIS) absorption features, and integrated galaxy properties. We also examine the redshift evolution of Lyα and LIS absorption kinematics, and fine-structure emission EWs. The connections among the strengths of Lyα, LIS lines, and dust extinction are redshift independent, as is the decoupling of the Lyα and HIS line strengths, and the bulk outflow kinematics as traced by the LIS lines. Stronger Lyα emission is observed at higher redshift at fixed UV luminosity, stellar mass, SFR, and age. Much of this variation in the average Lyα strength with redshift, and the variation in Lyα strength at fixed redshift, can be explained in terms of variations in the neutral gas covering fraction and/or dust content in the ISM and CGM. However, based on the connection between Lyα and C III] emission strengths, we additionally find evidence for variations in the intrinsic production rate of Lyα photons at the highest Lyα EWs. The challenge now is to understand the observed evolution of the neutral gas covering fraction and dust extinction within a coherent model for galaxy formation, and make robust predictions for the escape of ionizing radiation at z > 6.

Ionized Absorbers in Active Galactic Nuclei and Very Steap Soft X-Ray Quasars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiore, Fabrizio; White, Nicholas (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Steep soft X-ray (0.1-2 keV) quasars share several unusual properties: narrow Balmer lines, strong Fe II emission, large and fast X-ray variability, and a rather steep 2-10 keV spectrum. These intriguing objects have been suggested to be the analogues of Galactic black hole candidates in the high, soft state. We present here results from ASCA observations for two of these quasars: NAB 0205 + 024 and PG 1244 + 026. Both objects show similar variations (factor of approximately 2 in 10 ks), despite a factor of approximately 10 difference in the 0.5-10 keV luminosity (7.3 x 10(exp 43) erg/s for PG 1244 + 026 and 6.4 x 10(exp 44) erg/s for NAB 0205 + 024, assuming isotropic emission, H(sub 0) = 50.0 and q(sub 0) = 0.0). The X-ray continuum of the two quasars flattens by 0.5-1 going from the 0.1-2 keV band towards higher energies, strengthening recent results on another half-dozen steep soft X-ray active galactic nuclei. PG 1244 + 026 shows a significant feature in the '1-keV' region, which can be described either as a broad emission line centered at 0.95 keV (quasar frame) or as edge or line absorption at 1.17 (1.22) keV. The line emission could be a result of reflection from a highly ionized accretion disc, in line with the view that steep soft X-ray quasars are emitting close to the Eddington luminosity. Photoelectric edge absorption or resonant line absorption could be produced by gas outflowing at a large velocity (0.3-0.6 c).

CHARACTERIZING SPIRAL ARM AND INTERARM STAR FORMATION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kreckel, K.; Schinnerer, E.; Meidt, S.

2016-08-20

Interarm star formation contributes significantly to a galaxy’s star formation budget and provides an opportunity to study stellar birthplaces unperturbed by spiral arm dynamics. Using optical integral field spectroscopy of the nearby galaxy NGC 628 with VLT/MUSE, we construct H α maps including detailed corrections for dust extinction and stellar absorption to identify 391 H ii regions at 35 pc resolution over 12 kpc{sup 2}. Using tracers sensitive to the underlying gravitational potential, we associate H ii regions with either arm (271) or interarm (120) environments. Using our full spectral coverage of each region, we find that most physical propertiesmore » (luminosity, size, metallicity, ionization parameter) of H ii regions are independent of environment. We calculate the fraction of H α luminosity due to the background of diffuse ionized gas (DIG) contaminating each H ii region, and find the DIG surface brightness to be higher within H ii regions than in the surroundings, and slightly higher within arm H ii regions. Use of the temperature-sensitive [S ii]/H α line ratio instead of the H α surface brightness to identify the boundaries of H ii regions does not change this result. Using the dust attenuation as a tracer of the gas, we find depletion times consistent with previous work (2 × 10{sup 9} yr) with no differences between the arm and interarm, but this is very sensitive to the DIG correction. Unlike molecular clouds, which can be dynamically affected by the galactic environment, we see fairly consistent properties of H ii regions in both arm and interarm environments. This suggests either a difference in star formation and feedback in arms or a decoupling of dense star-forming clumps from the more extended surrounding molecular gas.« less

STAR-FORMING ACTIVITY IN THE H ii REGIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE IRAS 17160–3707 COMPLEX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nandakumar, G.; Veena, V. S.; Vig, S.

2016-11-01

We present a multiwavelength investigation of star formation activity toward the southern H ii regions associated with IRAS 17160–3707, located at a distance of 6.2 kpc with a bolometric luminosity of 8.3 × 10{sup 5} L {sub ⊙}. The ionized gas distribution and dust clumps in the parental molecular cloud are examined in detail using measurements at infrared, submillimeter and radio wavelengths. The radio continuum images at 1280 and 610 MHz obtained using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope reveal the presence of multiple compact sources as well as nebulous emission. At submillimeter wavelengths, we identify seven dust clumps and estimate their physical properties suchmore » as temperature: 24–30 K, mass: 300–4800 M {sub ⊙} and luminosity: 9–317 × 10{sup 2} L {sub ⊙} using modified blackbody fits to the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) between 70 and 870 μ m. We find 24 young stellar objects (YSOs) in the mid-infrared, with a few of them coincident with the compact radio sources. The SEDs of the YSOs have been fitted by the Robitaille models and the results indicate that those having radio compact sources as counterparts host massive objects in early evolutionary stages with best fit age ≤0.2 Myr. We compare the relative evolutionary stages of clumps using various signposts such as masers, ionized gas, presence of YSOs and infrared nebulosity, and find six massive star-forming clumps and one quiescent clump. Of the former, five are in a relatively advanced stage and one in an earlier stage.« less

The Radio Light Curve of the Gamma-Ray Nova in V407 CYG: Thermal Emission from the Ionized Symbiotic Envelope, Devoured from Within by the Nova Blast

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chomiuk, Laura; Krauss, Miriam I.; Rupen, Michael P.; Nelson, Thomas; Roy, Nirupam; Sokoloski, Jennifer L.; Mukai, Koji; Munari, Ulisse; Mioduszewski, Amy; Weston, Jeninfer;

Characterizing Spiral Arm and Interarm Star Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kreckel, K.; Blanc, G. A.; Schinnerer, E.; Groves, B.; Adamo, A.; Hughes, A.; Meidt, S.

2016-08-01

Interarm star formation contributes significantly to a galaxy’s star formation budget and provides an opportunity to study stellar birthplaces unperturbed by spiral arm dynamics. Using optical integral field spectroscopy of the nearby galaxy NGC 628 with VLT/MUSE, we construct Hα maps including detailed corrections for dust extinction and stellar absorption to identify 391 H II regions at 35 pc resolution over 12 kpc2. Using tracers sensitive to the underlying gravitational potential, we associate H II regions with either arm (271) or interarm (120) environments. Using our full spectral coverage of each region, we find that most physical properties (luminosity, size, metallicity, ionization parameter) of H II regions are independent of environment. We calculate the fraction of Hα luminosity due to the background of diffuse ionized gas (DIG) contaminating each H II region, and find the DIG surface brightness to be higher within H II regions than in the surroundings, and slightly higher within arm H II regions. Use of the temperature-sensitive [S II]/Hα line ratio instead of the Hα surface brightness to identify the boundaries of H II regions does not change this result. Using the dust attenuation as a tracer of the gas, we find depletion times consistent with previous work (2 × 109 yr) with no differences between the arm and interarm, but this is very sensitive to the DIG correction. Unlike molecular clouds, which can be dynamically affected by the galactic environment, we see fairly consistent properties of H II regions in both arm and interarm environments. This suggests either a difference in star formation and feedback in arms or a decoupling of dense star-forming clumps from the more extended surrounding molecular gas.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Protoplanetary Disks around Herbig Ae/Be and T Tauri Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seok, Ji Yeon; Li, Aigen

2017-02-01

A distinct set of broad emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, and 12.7 μm, is often detected in protoplanetary disks (PPDs). These features are commonly attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We model these emission features in the infrared spectra of 69 PPDs around 14 T Tauri and 55 Herbig Ae/Be stars in terms of astronomical PAHs. For each PPD, we derive the size distribution and the charge state of the PAHs. We then examine the correlations of the PAH properties (I.e., sizes and ionization fractions) with the stellar properties (e.g., stellar effective temperature, luminosity, and mass). We find that the characteristic size of the PAHs tends to correlate with the stellar effective temperature ({T}{eff}) and interpret this as the preferential photodissociation of small PAHs in systems with higher {T}{eff} of which the stellar photons are more energetic. In addition, the PAH size shows a moderate correlation with the red-ward wavelength shift of the 7.7 μm PAH feature that is commonly observed in disks around cool stars. The ionization fraction of PAHs does not seem to correlate with any stellar parameters. This is because the charging of PAHs depends on not only the stellar properties (e.g., {T}{eff}, luminosity) but also their spatial distribution in the disks. The marginally negative correlation between PAH size and stellar age suggests that continuous replenishment of PAHs via the outgassing of cometary bodies and/or the collisional grinding of planetesimals and asteroids is required to maintain the abundance of small PAHs against complete destruction by photodissociation.

Lyα-emitting galaxies as a probe of reionization: large-scale bubble morphology and small-scale absorbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakiichi, Koki; Dijkstra, Mark; Ciardi, Benedetta; Graziani, Luca

2016-12-01

The visibility of Lyα-emitting galaxies during the Epoch of Reionization is controlled by both diffuse H I patches in large-scale bubble morphology and small-scale absorbers. To investigate their impacts on Lyα transfer, we apply a novel combination of analytic modelling and cosmological hydrodynamical, radiative transfer simulations to three reionization models: (I) the `bubble' model, where only diffuse H I outside ionized bubbles is present; (II) the `web' model, where H I exists only in overdense self-shielded gas; and (III) the hybrid `web-bubble' model. The three models can explain the observed Lyα luminosity function equally well, but with very different H I fractions. This confirms a degeneracy between the ionization topology of the intergalactic medium (IGM) and the H I fraction inferred from Lyα surveys. We highlight the importance of the clustering of small-scale absorbers around galaxies. A combined analysis of the Lyα luminosity function and the Lyα fraction can break this degeneracy and provide constraints on the reionization history and its topology. Constraints can be improved by analysing the full MUV-dependent redshift evolution of the Lyα fraction of Lyman break galaxies. We find that the IGM-transmission probability distribution function is unimodal for bubble models and bimodal in web models. Comparing our models to observations, we infer that the neutral fraction at z ˜ 7 is likely to be of the order of tens of per cent when interpreted with bubble or web-bubble models, with a conservative lower limit ˜1 per cent when interpreted with web models.

XMM TOO Observation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kong, Albert

2005-01-01

The primary research goal of this project is to perform follow-up observations of a recurrent ultraluminous supersoft X-ray source (SSS) in Ml0l. The source was first discovered by ROSAT and was confirmed as a SSS with a blackbody temperature of about l00eV by Chandra. During 2000 March, Chandra detected it at Lx=4e39 erg per second, and then in 2000 October, its luminosity dropped to around le39 erg per second. During 2004, Chandra is conducting a monitoring program for Ml0l. The SSS was near the detection limit during January, March, and May; the X-ray spectra were harder with a power-law shape, and the X-ray luminosity was about 3e37 erg/second, a factor of greater than 200 fainter than that in the previous high state. The source was found to be in outburst again during the July 5 observation, with an X-ray luminosity of about 7e39 erg/second. Data taken on July 6,7, and 8 show that the source was in a strong outburst with a peak bolometric luminosity of about 7e39 erg/second. In general, the X-ray spectra are best described with an absorbed blackbody model with temperatures of approximately 50-100eV. In addition, we found absorption edges at 0.33, 0.57, 0.66, and 0.88 keV in two of the high state spectra. These features may signal the presence of highly ionized gas in the vicinity of the accretor (e.g., warm absorber). In order to study an ultraluminous SSS in outburst in detail, we proposed a TOO XMM observation to observe the source. The observation was taken on July 23 and the source was fainter with a luminosity of 6e38 ergs, and a harder X-ray spectrum with a power-law tail seen up to 7 keV. This clearly indicates that the source was in the decline stage with spectral change. In addition to the XMM observation, we also arranged radio observation and a simultaneous CFHT observation. The X-ray results were published in ATel and ApJL. There were several more Chandra observations taken after 2004 July. The source was in a low luminosity state but it underwent another X-ray outburst in 2004 December. We are arranging more follow-up observations for this intriguing source.

Beacons in the dark: using the most distant galaxies to probe cosmic reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Barros, Stephane

2017-08-01

One of the major unresolved problems in modern cosmology is when and how the universe was ionized. The consensus scenario is that ultra-faint, low-mass galaxies contributed most to the UV background at high-redshift and that reionization was an inhomogeneous process, with ionized bubbles created first around galaxy overdensities. The very surprising discovery of Ly-alpha emission lines around a large fraction of the most luminous galaxies at z=7.4-8.7, when we expect the universe to be highly neutral, could thus be explained by the fact that they lie in large HII bubbles which were ionized thanks to yet undetected fainter neighbors. Theoretical models indeed predict a boost of up to 6x larger galaxy counts around the brightest sources compared to the general field, when probing down to luminosities as faint as 0.1L_UV of the central source. Here we propose a direct test of these models by searching for fainter neighbors around three bright z>7.4 galaxies emitting Ly-alpha, including two sources that lie only 9 Mpc from each other and could share the same ionized bubble, as well as the most distant confirmed Ly-alpha emitter EGSY-8p7 at z=8.68. Given the expected overdensities, we have the opportunity to detect 20 (and up to 50) new z 7-9 galaxies with only a modest investment of HST time. These observations are thus maximally efficient at providing a large number of precious high-redshift targets for early JWST spectroscopy to directly study the galaxies that are in the process of ionizing the universe. Our imaging will further enhance the legacy of the CANDELS/EGS field, and we will make the reduced data available to the community immediately for JWST follow-up.

IR Variability During a Shell Ejection of Eta Carinae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Nathan

2006-02-01

Every 5.5 years, η Carinae experiences a dramatic ``spectroscopic event'' when high-excitation lines in its UV, optical, and IR spectrum disappear, and its hard X-ray and radio continuum flux crash. This periodicity has been attributed to a very eccentric binary system with a shell ejection occurring at periastron. Mid-IR images and spectra with T-ReCS are needed to measure changes in the current bolometric luminosity and to trace dust formation episodes. This will provide a direct estimate of the mass ejected. Near-IR emission lines trace related changes in the post-event wind and ionization changes in the circumstellar environment needed to test specific models for the cause of η Car's variability as it recovers from its recent ``event''. High resolution near-IR spectra with GNIRS will continue the important work of HST/STIS, investigating changes in the direct and reflected spectrum of the stellar wind, and ionization changes in the nebula. The complex kinematic structure of η Car's ejecta also holds important clues to its mass ejection history, and is essential for interpreting other data. Phoenix can provide a unique kinematic map of the complex density and time-variable ionization structure of η Car's nebula, which is our best example of the pre-explosion environment of very massive stars.

Approaching reionization from two directions: high-redshift Lyman-alpha emitters and local analogs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagley, Micaela

2018-01-01

The dark ages that followed the recombination of the universe ended with the appearance of metal-free stars and the subsequent formation of numerous low-mass, metal-poor galaxies. The collective ionizing background from these newly-forming galaxies is thought to be responsible for the reionization of the diffuse hydrogen in the intergalactic medium between redshifts 10 and 6.5. The progression of the reionization history depends on the nature of these first sources -- their number densities, luminosities, clustering, and production rates of ionizing photons -- which is currently the subject of considerable observational and theoretical efforts.I will present results of a two-pronged approach to studying the Epoch of Reionization: a systematic search for Lyman-alpha emitting galaxies at redshifts greater than 6, and an analysis of high S/N spectra of a sample of local galaxies that are potential analogs to those responsible for the reionization. Selected for their large [OIII]/[OII] ratios and high H-alpha equivalent widths, the local galaxies have very low masses and are consistent with photoionization by stars with effective temperatures of 10^5 K. Both the emission lines and continua of the spectra are spatially extended, allowing for an analysis of galaxy properties such as gas temperature, elemental abundance, and ionizing power at different radii.

Recent Total Ionizing Dose and Displacement Damage Compendium of Candidate Electronics for NASA Space Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Donna J.; Boutte, Alvin J.; Campola, Michael J.; Carts, Martin A.; Casey, Megan C.; Chen, Dakai; LaBel, Kenneth A.; Ladbury, Raymond L.; Lauenstein, Jean-Marie; Marshall, Cheryl J.;

A Faint Flux-limited Ly α Emitter Sample at z ∼ 0.3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wold, Isak G. B.; Finkelstein, Steven L.; Barger, Amy J.

2017-10-20

We present a flux-limited sample of z ∼ 0.3 Ly α emitters (LAEs) from Galaxy Evolution Explorer ( GALEX ) grism spectroscopic data. The published GALEX z ∼ 0.3 LAE sample is pre-selected from continuum-bright objects and thus is biased against high equivalent width (EW) LAEs. We remove this continuum pre-selection and compute the EW distribution and the luminosity function of the Ly α emission line directly from our sample. We examine the evolution of these quantities from z ∼ 0.3 to 2.2 and find that the EW distribution shows little evidence for evolution over this redshift range. As shownmore » by previous studies, the Ly α luminosity density from star-forming (SF) galaxies declines rapidly with declining redshift. However, we find that the decline in Ly α luminosity density from z = 2.2 to z = 0.3 may simply mirror the decline seen in the H α luminosity density from z = 2.2 to z = 0.4, implying little change in the volumetric Ly α escape fraction. Finally, we show that the observed Ly α luminosity density from AGNs is comparable to the observed Ly α luminosity density from SF galaxies at z = 0.3. We suggest that this significant contribution from AGNs to the total observed Ly α luminosity density persists out to z ∼ 2.2.« less

X-RAY EMISSION FROM THE WOLF-RAYET BUBBLE S 308

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Toala, J. A.; Guerrero, M. A.; Chu, Y.-H.

The Wolf-Rayet (WR) bubble S 308 around the WR star HD 50896 is one of the only two WR bubbles known to possess X-ray emission. We present XMM-Newton observations of three fields of this WR bubble that, in conjunction with an existing observation of its northwest quadrant, map most of the nebula. The X-ray emission from S 308 displays a limb-brightened morphology, with a central cavity {approx}22' in size and a shell thickness of {approx}8'. This X-ray shell is confined by the optical shell of ionized material. The spectrum is dominated by the He-like triplets of N VI at 0.43more » keV and O VII at 0.57 keV, and declines toward high energies, with a faint tail up to 1 keV. This spectrum can be described by a two-temperature optically thin plasma emission model (T{sub 1} {approx} 1.1 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 6} K, T{sub 2} {approx} 13 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 6} K), with a total X-ray luminosity {approx}2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 33} erg s{sup -1} at the assumed distance of 1.5 kpc.« less

Mass to Luminosity Ratios of Some Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohn, Young-Jong; Chun, Mun-Suk

1990-12-01

Luminosity profiles and dynamical parameters of 12 globular clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud(SB(s)m) are obtained from the concentric aperture photoelectric photometry of 3 different aged clusters and the collected photometric data of 9 clusters. The total masses of the globular clusters are the calculated using the equation M = Mrt3(4¥Ø2-k2), which is derived from the theoretical rotation curve for the exponential disk(Chun 1987). These masses lie between 0.3 x 104 and 15.8 x 104 M . From the determined total mass and luminosity ratios are also derived. The M/L ratio of a cluster increases with the cluster age; about 0.03 for the youngest clusters(SWB ¥°) and about 0.24 for the oldest clusters(SUB ¥¶). There is a difference in M/L by a factor of 10 between the galactic globular clusters and the old globular clusters in the LCM.

The effects of surgery and anesthesia on blood magnesium and calcium concentrations in canine and feline patients.

PubMed

Brainard, Benjamin M; Campbell, Vicki L; Drobatz, Kenneth J; Perkowski, Sandra Z

2007-03-01

To demonstrate the effect of anesthesia and surgery on serum ionized magnesium and ionized calcium concentrations in clinical canine and feline patients. 37 client-owned dogs, ASA PS I-III and 10 client-owned cats, ASA PS I, all receiving anesthesia for elective or emergent surgery at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Plasma ionized and serum total magnesium, and plasma ionized calcium were measured prior to and after a group-standardized anesthetic protocol. Regardless of pre-operative medication (hydromorphone or butorphanol), anesthetic induction (thiopental or lidocaine/hydromorphone/diazepam (LHD) and propofol combination), or type of surgical procedure (peripheral surgery or laparotomy), post-operative plasma ionized calcium concentration decreased in all groups of dogs, while post-operative plasma ionized magnesium increased in all groups, although the changes were not always significant. The dogs who were induced with an LHD and propofol technique had a greater increase in ionized magnesium (0.36 +/- 0.07 to 0.42 +/- 0.07 mmol L(-1)) than the group in which anesthesia was induced with thiopental (0.41 +/- 0.07 to 0.42 +/- 0.07 mmol L(-1), p = 0.009). The cats showed similar changes in ionized magnesium and ionized calcium, and also had a significant increase in serum total magnesium (2.17 +/- 0.20 to 2.31 +/- 0.25 mg dL(-1), p = 0.009) CONCLUSIONS, CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A post-operative decrease in ionized calcium was demonstrated in healthy animals, as well as an increase in ionized or total magnesium after various anesthetic protocols and surgeries. These changes, while statistically significant, do not appear to be clinically significant, as values remained within reference ranges at all times.

Ionized hypercalcemia in dogs: a retrospective study of 109 cases (1998-2003).

PubMed

Messinger, J S; Windham, W R; Ward, C R

2009-01-01

Serum hypercalcemia in dogs has been reported in association with a variety of diseases. Serum-ionized calcium (iCa) concentration is a more accurate measure of hypercalcemia than total serum calcium or corrected serum calcium concentrations. The severity of hypercalcemia has been utilized to suggest the most likely differential diagnosis for the hypercalcemia. Diseases causing ionized hypercalcemia may be different than those that cause increases in total or corrected serum calcium concentrations. The severity of ionized hypercalcemia in specific diseases cannot be used to determine the most likely differential diagnosis for ionized hypercalcemia. One-hundred and nine client-owned dogs with a definitive cause for their ionized hypercalcemia evaluated between 1998 and 2003 were included in this study. Retrospective, medical records review. Neoplasia, specifically lymphosarcoma, followed by renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoadrenocorticism were the most common causes of ionized hypercalcemia. Dogs with lymphoma and anal sac adenocarcinoma have higher serum iCa concentrations than those with renal failure, hypoadrenocorticism, and other types of neoplasia. The magnitude of serum-ionized hypercalcemia did not predict specific disease states. Serum-ionized hypercalcemia was most commonly associated with neoplasia, specifically lymphosarcoma. Although dogs with lymphosarcoma and anal sac adenocarcinoma had higher serum iCa concentrations than dogs with other diseases, the magnitude of the serum iCa concentration could not be used to predict the cause of hypercalcemia. Total serum calcium and corrected calcium concentrations did not accurately reflect the calcium status of the dogs in this study.

Uv Spectroscopy of Low-Redshift Active Galaxies -- Cyc 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boggess, Albert

1994-01-01

FOS will be used to measure the ultraviolet spectrum of active galaxies. Complementary and simultaneous visual and infrared data will also be obtained. The profile of the emission lines will provide information on the broadening mechanism and dynamics of the emitting regions. Comparison of the profile and radial velocity of the emission lines produced by species of different ioni- zation potential will allow the study of the thermal and density stratification of the emitting regions. The degree of asymmetry of lines at different wave- lengths will allow the absorbing material be identified and located. The ratio of the UV to visible lines, such as those for O I and He II will be used to estimate the reddening along the line of sight. Ratio of emission line fluxes will be compared with models in order to derive the ionization mechanism, elec- tron temperature and density, and chemical composition of the emitting gas. The emission line properties of low luminosity will be compared with those of high luminosity objects in order to investigate the covering factor and evolutionary effects. The continumm spectrum from the UV to the IR will be used to establish the emission mechanism and the nature and luminosity of the energy source. The weak absorption lines will be used to establish the physical conditions and the chemical composition of the gas in: our Galaxy, intergalactic medium and the parent galaxy. Absorption produced by broad line clouds will give information on cloud motion and covering factor.

Cosmos Redshift 7 is an Active Black Hole

DOE PAGES

Smidt, Joseph Michael; Wiggins, Brandon Kerry; Johnson, Jarrett L.

2016-09-14

We present the first ab initio cosmological simulations of a CR7-like object which approximately reproduce the observed line widths and strengths. In our model, CR7 is powered by a massive (3:23 107 M ) black hole (BH) the accretion rate of which varies between ' 0.25 and ' 0.9 times the Eddington rate on timescales as short as 103 yr. Our model takes into account multi-dimensional effects, X-ray feedback, secondary ionizations and primordial chemistry. We estimate Ly- line widths by post-processing simulation output with Monte Carlo radiative transfer and calculate emissivity contributions from radiative recombination and collisional excitation. We findmore » the luminosities in the Lyman- and He II 1640 angstrom lines to be 5:0 10 44 and 2:4 10 43 erg s -1, respectively, in agreement with the observed values of > 8:3 10 43 and 2:0 10 43 erg s -1. We also find that the black hole heats the halo and renders it unable to produce stars as required to keep the halo metal free. These results demonstrate the viability of the BH hypothesis for CR7 in a cosmological context. Assuming the BH mass and accretion rate that we find, we estimate the synchrotron luminosity of CR7 to be P ' 10 40 - 10 41 erg s -1, which is sufficiently luminous to be observed in Jy observations and would discriminate this scenario from one where the luminosity is driven by Population III stars.« less

Electron-Impact Total Ionization Cross Sections of CH and C2H2

PubMed Central

Kim, Yong-Ki; Ali, M. Asgar; Rudd, M. Eugene

1997-01-01

Electron-impact total ionization cross sections for the CH radical and C2H2 (acetylene) have been calculated using the Binary-Encounter-Bethe (BEB) model. The BEB model combines the Mott cross section and the asymptotic form of the Bethe theory, and has been shown to generate reliable ionization cross sections for a large variety of molecules. The BEB cross sections for CH and C2H2 are in good agreement with the available experimental data from ionization thresholds to hundreds of eV in incident energies. PMID:27805116

Compendium of Current Total Ionizing Dose Results and Displacement Damage Results for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Donna J.; O'Bryan, Martha V.; Buchner, Stephen P.; Poivey, Christian; Ladbury, Ray L.; LaBel, Kenneth A.

2007-01-01

Sensitivity of a variety of candidate spacecraft electronics to total ionizing dose and displacement damage is studied. Devices tested include optoelectronics, digital, analog, linear bipolar devices, and hybrid devices.

A Synthesis Of Cosmic X-ray And Infrared Background

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yong; Helou, G.; Armus, L.; Stierwalt, S.

2012-01-01

We present a synthesis model of cosmic IR and X-ray background, with the goal to derive a complete census of cosmic evolution of star formation (SF) and black-hole (BH) growth by complementing advantages of X-ray and IR surveys to each other. By assuming that individual galaxies are experiencing both SF and BH accretion, our model decomposes the total IR LF into SF and BH components while taking into account the luminosity-dependent SED and its dispersion of the SF component, and the extinction-dependent SED of the BH component. The best-fit parameters are derived by fitting to the number counts and redshift distributions at X-ray including both hard and soft bands, and mid-IR to submm bands including IRAS, Spitzer, Herschel, SCUBA, Aztec and MAMBO. Based on the fit result, our models provide a series of predictions on galaxy evolution and black-hole growth. For evolution of infrared galaxies, the model predicts that the total infrared luminosity function is best described through evolution in both luminosity and density. For evolution of AGN populations, the model predicts that the evolution of X-ray LF also shows luminosity and density dependent, that the type-1/type-2 AGN fraction is a function of both luminosity and redshift, and that the Compton-thick AGN number density evolves strongly with redshift, contributing about 20% to the total cosmic BH growth. For BH growth in IR galaxies, the model predicts that the majority of BH growth at z>1 occurs in infrared luminous galaxies and the AGN fraction as a function of IR survey is a strong function of the survey depth, ranging from >50% at bright end to below 10% at faint end. We also evaluates various AGN selection techniques at X-ray and IR wavelengths and offer predictions for future missions at X-ray and IR.

Spectroscopic properties of luminous Ly α emitters at z ≈ 6-7 and comparison to the Lyman-break population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthee, Jorryt; Sobral, David; Darvish, Behnam; Santos, Sérgio; Mobasher, Bahram; Paulino-Afonso, Ana; Röttgering, Huub; Alegre, Lara

2017-11-01

We present spectroscopic follow-up of candidate luminous Ly α emitters (LAEs) at z = 5.7-6.6 in the SA22 field with VLT/X-SHOOTER. We confirm two new luminous LAEs at z = 5.676 (SR6) and z = 6.532 (VR7), and also present HST follow-up of both sources. These sources have luminosities LLy α ≈ 3 × 1043 erg s-1, very high rest-frame equivalent widths of EW0 ≳ 200 Å and narrow Ly α lines (200-340 km s-1). VR7 is the most UV-luminous LAE at z > 6.5, with M1500 = -22.5, even brighter in the UV than CR7. Besides Ly α, we do not detect any other rest-frame UV lines in the spectra of SR6 and VR7, and argue that rest-frame UV lines are easier to observe in bright galaxies with low Ly α equivalent widths. We confirm that Ly α line widths increase with Ly α luminosity at z = 5.7, while there are indications that Ly α lines of faint LAEs become broader at z = 6.6, potentially due to reionization. We find a large spread of up to 3 dex in UV luminosity for >L⋆ LAEs, but find that the Ly α luminosity of the brightest LAEs is strongly related to UV luminosity at z = 6.6. Under basic assumptions, we find that several LAEs at z ≈ 6-7 have Ly α escape fractions ≳ 100 per cent, indicating bursty star formation histories, alternative Ly α production mechanisms, or dust attenuating Ly α emission differently than UV emission. Finally, we present a method to compute ξion, the production efficiency of ionizing photons, and find that LAEs at z ≈ 6-7 have high values of log10(ξion/Hz erg-1) ≈ 25.51 ± 0.09 that may alleviate the need for high Lyman-Continuum escape fractions required for reionization.

First Detections of the [N II] 122 micron Line at High Redshift: Demonstrating the Utility of the Line for Studying Galaxies in the Early Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferkinhoff, Carl; Brisbin, Drew; Nikola, Thomas; Parshley, Stephen C.; Stacey, Gordon J.; Phillips, Thomas G.; Falgarone, Edith; Benford, Dominic J.; Staguhn, Johannes G.; Tucker, Carol E.

2011-01-01

We report the first detections of the [N II] 122 micron line from a high-redshift galaxy. The line was strongly (>6(sigma)) detected from SMMJ02399-0136, and H1413 + 117 (the Cloverleaf QSO) using the Redshift (zeta) and Early Universe Spectrometer on the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory. The lines from both sources are quite bright with line to far-infrared (FIR) continuum luminosity ratios that are approx.7.0 x 10(exp -4) (Cloverleaf) and 2.1 x 10(exo -3) (SMMJ02399). With ratios 2-10 times larger than the average value for nearby galaxies, neither source exhibits the line to continuum deficits seen in nearby sources. The line strengths also indicate large ionized gas fractions, approx.8%-17% of the molecUlar gas mass. The [O III]/[N II] line ratio is very sensitive to the effective temperature of ionizing stars and the ionization parameter for emission arising in the narrow-line region (NLR) of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Using Our previous detection of the [O III] 88 micron line, the [O III]/[N II]line ratio for SMMJ02399-0136 indicates that the dominant source of the line emission is either stellar H II regions ionized by O9.5 stars, or the NLR of the AGN with ionization parameter log(U) = -3.3 to -4.0. A composite system, where 30%-50% of the FIR lines arise in the NLR also matches the data. The Cloverleaf is best modeled by a superposition of approx.200 M82-like starbursts accounting for all of the FIR emission and 43% of the [N II]line. The remainder may come from the NLR. This war!< demonstrates the utility of the [N II] and [O III] lines in constraining properties of the ionized medium.

The structure and appearance of winds from supercritical accretion disks. II - Dynamical theory of supercritical winds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meier, D. L.

1982-01-01

A general analytic theory is presented of winds driven by super-Eddington luminosities. The relevant parameters are the mass of the central object, the radius at which the luminosity and matter are injected, the ratio of the free-fall time to the heating time at this radius, and the total luminosity injected at the radius. Several different regimes of dynamical wind structure are identified, and the analytic expressions are shown to agree with the numerical results in Meier (1979) in the appropriate case. It is noted that, in its general form, the theory is the optically thick (to electron scattering) counterpart to optically thin radiation pressure-driven stellar winds.

The ASCA PV phase observation of FO Aquarii

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukai, Koji; Ishida, Manabu; Osborne, Julian P.

1994-01-01

We report on a approximately 1-day Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) observation of the intermediate polar FO Aquarii. We find two distinctive spectral components, one unabsorbed and the other strongly absorbed; the observed 2-10 keV flux severely underestimates the total system luminosity, due to this strong absorption intrinsic to the binary. The absorbed component is dominant in terms of luminosity, and its light curve is simple. The unabsorbed component accounts for approximately 2% of the luminosity, and shows a much more complicated light curve. As the dominant component predominantly shows a sinusoidal modulation at the white dwarf spin period, it provides a strong evidence for a partial accretion disk in the system.

The MUSE Hubble Ultra Deep Field Survey. VI. The faint-end of the Lyα luminosity function at 2.91 < z < 6.64 and implications for reionisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drake, A. B.; Garel, T.; Wisotzki, L.; Leclercq, F.; Hashimoto, T.; Richard, J.; Bacon, R.; Blaizot, J.; Caruana, J.; Conseil, S.; Contini, T.; Guiderdoni, B.; Herenz, E. C.; Inami, H.; Lewis, J.; Mahler, G.; Marino, R. A.; Pello, R.; Schaye, J.; Verhamme, A.; Ventou, E.; Weilbacher, P. M.

2017-11-01

We present the deepest study to date of the Lyα luminosity function in a blank field using blind integral field spectroscopy from MUSE. We constructed a sample of 604 Lyα emitters (LAEs) across the redshift range 2.91 < z < 6.64 using automatic detection software in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. The deep data cubes allowed us to calculate accurate total Lyα fluxes capturing low surface-brightness extended Lyα emission now known to be a generic property of high-redshift star-forming galaxies. We simulated realistic extended LAEs to fully characterise the selection function of our samples, and performed flux-recovery experiments to test and correct for bias in our determination of total Lyα fluxes. We find that an accurate completeness correction accounting for extended emission reveals a very steep faint-end slope of the luminosity function, α, down to luminosities of log10L erg s-1< 41.5, applying both the 1 /Vmax and maximum likelihood estimators. Splitting the sample into three broad redshift bins, we see the faint-end slope increasing from -2.03-0.07+ 1.42 at z ≈ 3.44 to -2.86-∞+0.76 at z ≈ 5.48, however no strong evolution is seen between the 68% confidence regions in L∗-α parameter space. Using the Lyα line flux as a proxy for star formation activity, and integrating the observed luminosity functions, we find that LAEs' contribution to the cosmic star formation rate density rises with redshift until it is comparable to that from continuum-selected samples by z ≈ 6. This implies that LAEs may contribute more to the star-formation activity of the early Universe than previously thought, as any additional intergalactic medium (IGM) correction would act to further boost the Lyα luminosities. Finally, assuming fiducial values for the escape of Lyα and LyC radiation, and the clumpiness of the IGM, we integrated the maximum likelihood luminosity function at 5.00

Numerical study of the magnetized friction force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedotov, A. V.; Bruhwiler, D. L.; Sidorin, A. O.; Abell, D. T.; Ben-Zvi, I.; Busby, R.; Cary, J. R.; Litvinenko, V. N.

2006-07-01

Fundamental advances in experimental nuclear physics will require ion beams with orders of magnitude luminosity increase and temperature reduction. One of the most promising particle accelerator techniques for achieving these goals is electron cooling, where the ion beam repeatedly transfers thermal energy to a copropagating electron beam. The dynamical friction force on a fully ionized gold ion moving through magnetized and unmagnetized electron distributions has been simulated, using molecular dynamics techniques that resolve close binary collisions. We present a comprehensive examination of theoretical models in use by the electron cooling community. Differences in these models are clarified, enabling the accurate design of future electron cooling systems for relativistic ion accelerators.

A Comparison of Techniques for Determining Mass Outflow Rates in the Type 2 Quasar Markarian 34

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revalski, Mitchell; Crenshaw, D. Michael; Fischer, Travis C.; Kraemer, Steven B.; Schmitt, Henrique R.; Dashtamirova, Dzhuliya; Pope, Crystal L.

2018-06-01

We present spatially resolved measurements of the mass outflow rates and energetics for the Narrow Line Region (NLR) outflows in the type 2 quasar Markarian 34. Using data from the Hubble Space Telescope and Apache point observatory, together with Cloudy photoionization models, we calculate the radial mass distribution of ionized gas and map its kinematics. We compare the results of this technique to global outflow rates that characterize NLR outflows with a single outflow rate and energetic measurement. We find that NLR mass estimates based on emission line luminosities produce more consistent results than techniques employing filling factors.

A Compendium of Recent Optocoupler Radiation Test Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Label, K. A.; Kniffin, S. D.; Reed, R. A.; Kim, H. S.; Wert, J. L.; Oberg, D. L.; Normand, E.; Johnston, A. H.; Lum, G. K.; Koga, R.;

Compendium of Current Total Ionizing Dose and Displacement Damage Results from NASA GSFC and NEPP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Topper, Alyson D.; Campola, Michael J.; Chen, Dakai; Casey, Megan C.; Yau, Ka-Yen; Label, Kenneth A.; Cochran, Donna J.; O'Bryan, Martha V.

2017-01-01

Total ionizing dose and displacement damage testing was performed to characterize and determine the suitability of candidate electronics for NASA space utilization. Devices tested include opto-electronics, digital, analog, linear bipolar devices, and hybrid devices.

Total Ionizing Dose Test Report for the UC1823A Pulse Width Modulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Dakai; Forney, James

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the total ionizing dose susceptibility for the UC1823A pulse width modulator manufactured by Texas Instruments, Inc. The part is suspected to be vulnerable to enhanced low dose rate sensitivity (ELDRS).

Interpreting HST observations with simulations of reionization: the ionizing photon budget and the decline of Lyman-alpha emission in z>6 dropouts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Aloisio, Anson

2017-08-01

In recent years, HST surveys such as CANDELS, HUDF, BoRG/HIPPIES, ERS, and the Frontier Fields, have made possible the first robust measurements of the rest-frame UV luminosity function of z =6-10 galaxies, spanning much of the redshift range over which reionization likely occurred. These measurements provide an estimate of the galactic ionizing photon output, addressing the critical question of whether these galaxies could have reionized the Universe. In addition, follow-up spectroscopy has measured the fraction of these galaxies that show Lyman-alpha emission. Interestingly, a dramatic decrease in this fraction above z 6 has been observed, and this evolution has (controversially) been interpreted as evidence that much of reionization happened over z=6-8 (as intergalactic neutral gas leads to large damping wings that scatter the Lyman-alpha line). The clumpiness of the IGM and how it self shields to ionizing photons impacts whether the observed population of galaxies can reionize the Universe, as well as the interpretation of the evolving Lyman-alpha emitter fraction. We propose to run fully coupled radiative-hydrodynamics simulations that are the first to resolve the evaporation of small structures by passing ionization fronts and, hence, to accurately assess the level of clumpiness and self-shielding from the IGM. Our study will nail down the clumping factor used to assess whether the observed population of galaxies can drive reionization, and it will address whether neutral self-shielding clumps in recently reionized regions can scatter galaxies' Lyman-alpha lines.

The graviton luminosity of the sun and other stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gould, R. J.

1985-01-01

Graviton production in electron-electron (e-e) and electron-ion (e-z) scattering is evaluated in the Born approximation. The calculation is compared with that for photon production, that is, Coulomb quadrupole bremsstrahlung, and a number of results are taken over from that problem. Application is made to the sun, and it is found that for the solar plasma the main contribution to the graviton luminosity comes from the central core at r/R approximately 0.1. The total luminosity (Lg) in gravitons is about 7.9 x 10 to the 14th ergs/s, close to an earlier estimate by Weinberg (1965, 1972); about 33 percent of the total results from e-e collisions with the rest from e-z collisions (mainly e-p and e-alpha). Approximate corrections to Born formulas are evaluated, and this Lg includes the associated (approximately + or - 10 percent, respectively) modification. The quantum-mechanical aspects of the solar Lg problem are discussed, and it is shown why a previous classical calculation overestimated Lg by about an order of magnitude. Production of gravitons in binary collisions in other types of stars is discussed briefly. It is found that Lg varies very little along the main sequence. White dwarfs have a typical graviton luminosity LWD approximately 10 to the 19th ergs/s, while neutron stars have LNS approximately 10 to the 25th ergs/s; these estimates are very rough.

The Local Universe as Seen in the Far-Infrared and Far-Ultraviolet: A Global Point of View of the Local Recent Star Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buat, V.; Takeuchi, T. T.; Iglesias-Páramo, J.; Xu, C. K.; Burgarella, D.; Boselli, A.; Barlow, T.; Bianchi, L.; Donas, J.; Forster, K.; Friedman, P. G.; Heckman, T. M.; Lee, Y.-W.; Madore, B. F.; Martin, D. C.; Milliard, B.; Morissey, P.; Neff, S.; Rich, M.; Schiminovich, D.; Seibert, M.; Small, T.; Szalay, A. S.; Welsh, B.; Wyder, T.; Yi, S. K.

2007-12-01

We select far-infrared (FIR: 60 μm) and far-ultraviolet (FUV: 530 Å) samples of nearby galaxies in order to discuss the biases encountered by monochromatic surveys (FIR or FUV). Very different volumes are sampled by each selection, and much care is taken to apply volume corrections to all the analyses. The distributions of the bolometric luminosity of young stars are compared for both samples: they are found to be consistent with each other for galaxies of intermediate luminosities, but some differences are found for high (>5×1010 Lsolar) luminosities. The shallowness of the IRAS survey prevents us from securing a comparison at low luminosities (<2×109 Lsolar). The ratio of the total infrared (TIR) luminosity to the FUV luminosity is found to increase with the bolometric luminosity in a similar way for both samples up to 5×1010 Lsolar. Brighter galaxies are found to have a different behavior according to their selection: the LTIR/LFUV ratio of the FUV-selected galaxies brighter than 5×1010 Lsolar reaches a plateau, whereas LTIR/LFUV continues to increase with the luminosity of bright galaxies selected in FIR. The volume-averaged specific star formation rate (SFR per unit galaxy stellar mass, SSFR) is found to decrease toward massive galaxies within each selection. The mean values of the SSFR are found to be larger than those measured for optical and NIR-selected samples over the whole mass range for the FIR selection, and for masses larger than 1010 Msolar for the FUV selection. Luminous and massive galaxies selected in FIR appear as active as galaxies with similar characteristics detected at z~0.7.

Evidence for sub-Chandrasekhar-mass progenitors of Type Ia supernovae at the faint end of the width-luminosity relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blondin, Stéphane; Dessart, Luc; Hillier, D. John; Khokhlov, Alexei M.

2017-09-01

The faster light-curve evolution of low-luminosity Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) suggests that they could result from the explosion of white dwarf (WD) progenitors below the Chandrasekhar mass (MCh). Here we present 1D non-local thermodynamic equilibrium time-dependent radiative transfer simulations of pure central detonations of carbon-oxygen WDs with a mass (Mtot) between 0.88 and 1.15 M⊙ and a 56Ni yield between 0.08 and 0.84 M⊙. Their lower ejecta density compared to MCh models results in a more rapid increase of the luminosity at early times and an enhanced γ-ray escape fraction past maximum light. Consequently, their bolometric light curves display shorter rise times and larger post-maximum decline rates. Moreover, the higher M(56Ni)/Mtot ratio at a given 56Ni mass enhances the temperature and ionization level in the spectrum-formation region for the less luminous models, giving rise to bluer colours at maximum light and a faster post-maximum evolution of the B - V colour. For sub-MCh models fainter than MB ≈ -18.5 mag at peak, the greater bolometric decline and faster colour evolution lead to a larger B-band post-maximum decline rate, ΔM15(B). In particular, all of our previously published MCh models (standard and pulsational delayed detonations) are confined to ΔM15(B) < 1.4 mag, while the sub-MCh models with Mtot ≲ 1 M⊙ extend beyond this limit to ΔM15(B) ≈ 1.65 mag for a peak MB ≈ -17 mag, in better agreement with the observed width-luminosity relation (WLR). Regardless of the precise ignition mechanism, these simulations suggest that fast-declining SNe Ia at the faint end of the WLR could result from the explosion of WDs whose mass is significantly below the Chandrasekhar limit.

HST/COS Observations Of Lyman-α Emission From =0.03 Star Forming Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wofford, Aida; Leitherer, C.; Salzer, J.; COS Science Team

2012-01-01

Although HI Lyman-alpha (Lyα, 1216 Å) is expected to be the strongest recombination line in HII nebulae, it is resonantly scattered by neutral hydrogen and is easily destroyed by dust. And yet, some star-forming galaxies show Lyα in emission. As evidenced by high dispersion HST/GHRS+STIS FUV spectroscopy of a handful of local (z<0.03) galaxies, the velocity shift between the neutral gas and the ionized gas plays a key role in driving the observed Lyα escape. We present HST/COS/G130M 1150-1450 Å (observed-frame) spectroscopy of 20 new targets located at a mean redshift of =0.03. The targets were selected from the KISSR survey on the basis of their GALEX FUV continuum luminosity. The observations cover the central 1-2 kpc of each galaxy, a wide range in metallicity ([O/H]=-0.83 to 0.38), and at least two orders of magnitude in FUV continuum luminosity. Seven objects show Lyα emission in the form of a P-Cygni or double-peaked profile. For 6/7 of the latter objects we are able to show that the emission is accompanied of O I gas outflows with speeds of up to 200 km/s. Two objects have Lyα luminosities comparable to the GALEX Lyα luminosities of targets at =0.3, but we find no Lyα emitters with EW(Lyα)>20 Å, such as those discovered with GALEX at z=0.2-0.35. We compare the observed Lyα/Hα line intensity ratios with predictions from dust-free cases A and B recombination under normal HII region conditions. We find evidence of O I gas inflow in the most metal-poor objects. This work is supported by NASA grant N1317.

The cosmic X-ray background-IRAS galaxy correlation and the local X-ray volume emissivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyaji, Takamitsu; Lahav, Ofer; Jahoda, Keith; Boldt, Elihu

1994-01-01

We have cross-correlated the galaxies from the IRAS 2 Jy redshift survey sample and the 0.7 Jy projected sample with the all-sky cosmic X-ray background (CXB) map obtained from the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) 1 A-2 experiment. We have detected a significant correlation signal between surface density of IRAS galaxies and the X-ray background intensity, with W(sub xg) = (mean value of ((delta I)(delta N)))/(mean value of I)(mean value of N)) of several times 10(exp -3). While this correlation signal has a significant implication for the contribution of the local universe to the hard (E greater than 2 keV) X-ray background, its interpretation is model-dependent. We have developed a formulation to model the cross-correlation between CXB surface brightness and galaxy counts. This includes the effects of source clustering and the X-ray-far-infrared luminosity correlation. Using an X-ray flux-limited sample of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which has IRAS 60 micrometer measurements, we have estimated the contribution of the AGN component to the observed CXB-IRAS galaxy count correlations in order to see whether there is an excess component, i.e., contribution from low X-ray luminosity sources. We have applied both the analytical approach and Monte Carlo simulations for the estimations. Our estimate of the local X-ray volume emissivity in the 2-10 keV band is rho(sub x) approximately = (4.3 +/- 1.2) x 10(exp 38) h(sub 50) ergs/s/cu Mpc, consistent with the value expected from the luminosity function of AGNs alone. This sets a limit to the local volume emissivity from lower luminosity sources (e.g., star-forming galaxies, low-ionization nuclear emission-line regions (LINERs)) to rho(sub x) less than or approximately = 2 x 10(exp 38) h(sub 50) ergs/s/cu Mpc.

HUBBLE FRONTIER FIELDS FIRST COMPLETE CLUSTER DATA: FAINT GALAXIES AT z ∼ 5-10 FOR UV LUMINOSITY FUNCTIONS AND COSMIC REIONIZATION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ishigaki, Masafumi; Ouchi, Masami; Ono, Yoshiaki

2015-01-20

We present comprehensive analyses of faint dropout galaxies up to z ∼ 10 with the first full-depth data set of the A2744 lensing cluster and parallel fields observed by the Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF) program. We identify 54 dropouts at z ∼ 5-10 in the HFF fields and enlarge the size of the z ∼ 9 galaxy sample obtained to date. Although the number of highly magnified (μ ∼ 10) galaxies is small because of the tiny survey volume of strong lensing, our study reaches the galaxies' intrinsic luminosities comparable to the deepest-field HUDF studies. We derive UV luminosity functionsmore » with these faint dropouts, carefully evaluating by intensive simulations the combination of observational incompleteness and lensing effects in the image plane, including magnification, distortion, and multiplication of images, with the evaluation of mass model dependencies. Our results confirm that the faint-end slope, α, is as steep as –2 at z ∼ 6-8 and strengthen the evidence for the rapid decrease of UV luminosity densities, ρ{sub UV}, at z > 8 from the large z ∼ 9 sample. We examine whether the rapid ρ{sub UV} decrease trend can be reconciled with the large Thomson scattering optical depth, τ{sub e}, measured by cosmic microwave background experiments, allowing a large space of free parameters, such as an average ionizing photon escape fraction and a stellar-population-dependent conversion factor. No parameter set can reproduce both the rapid ρ{sub UV} decrease and the large τ {sub e}. It is possible that the ρ{sub UV} decrease moderates at z ≳ 11, that the free parameters significantly evolve toward high z, or that there exist additional sources of reionization such as X-ray binaries and faint active galactic nuclei.« less

Total cross sections for positrons scattered elastically from helium based on new measurements of total ionization cross sections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diana, L. M.; Chaplin, R. L.; Brooks, D. L.; Adams, J. T.; Reyna, L. K.

1990-01-01

An improved technique is presented for employing the 2.3m spectrometer to measure total ionization cross sections, Q sub ion, for positrons incident on He. The new ionization cross section agree with the values reported earlier. Estimates are also presented of total elastic scattering cross section, Q sub el, obtained by subtracting from total scattering cross sections, Q sub tot, reported in the literature, the Q sub ion and Q sub Ps (total positronium formation cross sections) and total excitation cross sections, Q sub ex, published by another researcher. The Q sub ion and Q sub el measured with the 3m high resolution time-of-flight spectrometer for 54.9eV positrons are in accord with the results from the 2.3m spectrometer. The ionization cross sections are in fair agreement with theory tending for the most part to be higher, especially at 76.3 and 88.5eV. The elastic cross section agree quite well with theory to the vicinity of 50eV, but at 60eV and above the experimental elastic cross sections climb to and remain at about 0.30 pi a sub o sq while the theoretical values steadily decrease.

A statistical analysis of the Einstein normal galaxy sample. III - Radio and X-ray properties of elliptical and S0 galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fabbiano, G.; Klein, U.; Trinchieri, G.; Wielebinski, R.

1987-01-01

Radioastronomy, optical and X-ray data were used to probe the cause of high X-ray luminosities of 28 radio-quiet elliptical galaxies (RQE) and S0 galaxies previously scanned by the Einstein Observatory. Comparisons were made with similar data on double-lobed 3CR galaxies. Radio luminosities were highly correlated with the X-ray luminosities, agreeing with models of radio nuclear sources in early-type galaxies as accreting compact objects. Additionally, 3CR galaxies seemed to be large-scale versions of normal RQE. The significance of interstellar medium/intracluster medium interactions for high correlations between the core and total radio power from X-ray emitting galaxies is discussed.

Measurement of the integrated Luminosities of cross-section scan data samples around the $${\\rm{\\psi }}$$(3770) mass region

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ahmed, S.

To investigate the nature of the (3770) resonance and to measure the cross section for e +e -→Dmore » $$\\bar{D}$$, a cross-section scan data sample, distributed among 41 center-of-mass energy points from 3.73 to 3.89 GeV, was taken with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider in the year 2010. By analyzing the large angle Bhabha scattering events, we measure the integrated luminosity of the data sample at each center-of-mass energy point. The total integrated luminosity of the data sample is 76.16±0.04±0.61 pb -1, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.« less

Very Luminous X-ray Point Sources in Starburst Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colbert, E.; Heckman, T.; Ptak, A.; Weaver, K. A.; Strickland, D.

Extranuclear X-ray point sources in external galaxies with luminosities above 1039.0 erg/s are quite common in elliptical, disk and dwarf galaxies, with an average of ~ 0.5 and dwarf galaxies, with an average of ~0.5 sources per galaxy. These objects may be a new class of object, perhaps accreting intermediate-mass black holes, or beamed stellar mass black hole binaries. Starburst galaxies tend to have a larger number of these intermediate-luminosity X-ray objects (IXOs), as well as a large number of lower-luminosity (1037 - 1039 erg/s) point sources. These point sources dominate the total hard X-ray emission in starburst galaxies. We present a review of both types of objects and discuss possible schemes for their formation.

Measurement of the integrated Luminosities of cross-section scan data samples around the $${\\rm{\\psi }}$$(3770) mass region

DOE PAGES

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ahmed, S.; ...

2018-05-01

To investigate the nature of the (3770) resonance and to measure the cross section for e +e -→Dmore » $$\\bar{D}$$, a cross-section scan data sample, distributed among 41 center-of-mass energy points from 3.73 to 3.89 GeV, was taken with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider in the year 2010. By analyzing the large angle Bhabha scattering events, we measure the integrated luminosity of the data sample at each center-of-mass energy point. The total integrated luminosity of the data sample is 76.16±0.04±0.61 pb -1, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.« less

The WISSH quasars project. III. X-ray properties of hyper-luminous quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martocchia, S.; Piconcelli, E.; Zappacosta, L.; Duras, F.; Vietri, G.; Vignali, C.; Bianchi, S.; Bischetti, M.; Bongiorno, A.; Brusa, M.; Lanzuisi, G.; Marconi, A.; Mathur, S.; Miniutti, G.; Nicastro, F.; Bruni, G.; Fiore, F.

2017-12-01

We performed a survey of the X-ray properties of 41 objects from the WISE/SDSS selected hyper-luminous (WISSH) quasars sample, which includes 86 broad-line quasars with bolometric luminosity LBol ≳ 2 × 1047 erg s-1 shining at z 2-4. We used both proprietary and archival Chandra and XMM-Newton observations. Twenty-one quasars have sufficient quality data to perform a spectroscopic analysis, while for the remaining sources, X-ray properties are derived through hardness-ratio analysis (apart for six sources that result to be undetected). The bulk ( 70%) of the detected WISSH quasars exhibit NH <5 × 1022 cm-2, in agreement with their optical Type 1 AGN classification. All but three quasars show unabsorbed 2-10 keV luminosities L2-10≥ 1045 erg s-1. Thanks to their extreme radiative output across the mid-IR-to-X-ray range, WISSH quasars therefore offer the opportunity to significantly extend and validate the existing relations involving L2-10. Specifically, we studied the X-ray luminosity as a function of (i) X-ray-to-optical (X/O) flux ratio; (ii) mid-IR luminosity (LMIR); (iii) LBol, and (iv) αOX versus 2500 Å luminosity. We find that the WISSH quasars show (i) unreported very low X/O ( <0.1) compared to typical AGN values; (ii) L2-10/LMIR ratios that are significantly smaller than those derived for AGN with lower luminosity; (iii) a large X-ray bolometric correction, kBol,X ≈ 100-1000; and (iv) steep -2≳αOX≳-1.7. These results lead to a scenario in which the X-ray emission of hyper-luminous quasars is relatively weaker compared to lower luminosity AGN. Models predict that such an X-ray weakness can be relevant for the acceleration of powerful high-ionization, emission-line-driven winds, which are commonly detected in the UV spectra of WISSH quasars and can, in turn, perturb the X-ray corona and weaken its emission. Accordingly, hyper-luminous quasars represent the ideal laboratory to study the link between the AGN energy output and wind acceleration. Additionally, WISSH quasars exhibit very large SMBH masses (log [MBH/M⊙]≳ 9.5). This enables a more robust modeling of the Γ-MBH relation by increasing the statistics at high masses. We derive a flatter Γ dependence than previously found over the broad range 5 ≲log (MBH/M⊙)≲ 11. Finally, we estimate that only 300 ks observations of X-IFU on board Athena will offer a detailed view of the properties of absorption features associated with powerful X-ray SMBH winds for a representative sample of WISSH quasars.

X-ray Point Source Populations in Spiral and Elliptical Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colbert, E.; Heckman, T.; Weaver, K.; Ptak, A.; Strickland, D.

2001-12-01

In the years of the Einstein and ASCA satellites, it was known that the total hard X-ray luminosity from non-AGN galaxies was fairly well correlated with the total blue luminosity. However, the origin of this hard component was not well understood. Some possibilities that were considered included X-ray binaries, extended upscattered far-infrared light via the inverse-Compton process, extended hot 107 K gas (especially in ellipitical galaxies), or even an active nucleus. Now, for the first time, we know from Chandra images that a significant amount of the total hard X-ray emission comes from individual X-ray point sources. We present here spatial and spectral analyses of Chandra data for X-ray point sources in a sample of ~40 galaxies, including both spiral galaxies (starbursts and non-starbursts) and elliptical galaxies. We shall discuss the relationship between the X-ray point source population and the properties of the host galaxies. We show that the slopes of the point-source X-ray luminosity functions are different for different host galaxy types and discuss possible reasons why. We also present detailed X-ray spectral analyses of several of the most luminous X-ray point sources (i.e., IXOs, a.k.a. ULXs), and discuss various scenarios for the origin of the X-ray point sources.

Constraining the number of compact remnants near Sgr A*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deegan, Patrick; Nayakshin, Sergei

2007-05-01

Due to dynamical friction stellar mass black holes and neutron stars are expected to form high-density cusps in the inner parsec of our Galaxy. These compact remnants, expected to number around 20000, may be accreting cold dense gas present there, and give rise to potentially observable X-ray emission. Here we build a simple but detailed time-dependent model of such emission. The possibility that these accretion flows are radiatively inefficient is taken into account and brings in some uncertainty in the conclusions. Despite this uncertainty, we find that at least several X-ray sources of this nature should be detectable with Chandra at any one time. Turning this issue around, we also ask a question of what current observational constraints might be telling us about the total number of compact remnants. In our `best guess' model, a cusp of ~40000 remnants overpredicts the number of discrete sources and the total X-ray luminosity of the inner parsec, and is hence ruled out. In the most radiatively inefficient scenario that we consider, the radiative efficiency is set to be as small as ɛ = 10-5. In this rather unlikely scenario, a cusp of ~40000 black holes would be allowed by the data, but several individual sources should still be visible. Future observations of the distribution and orbits of the cold ionized gas in the inner parsec of our Galaxy will put tighter constraints on the cusp of compact remnants.

Coronal Heating and the Magnetic Field in Solar Active Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falconer, D. A.; Tiwari, S. K.; Winebarger, A. R.; Moore, R. L.

2017-12-01

A strong dependence of active-region (AR) coronal heating on the magnetic field is demonstrated by the strong correlation of AR X-ray luminosity with AR total magnetic flux (Fisher et al 1998 ApJ). AR X-ray luminosity is also correlated with AR length of strong-shear neutral line in the photospheric magnetic field (Falconer 1997). These two whole-AR magnetic parameters are also correlated with each other. From 150 ARs observed within 30 heliocentric degrees from disk center by AIA and HMI on SDO, using AR luminosity measured from the hot component of the AIA 94 Å band (Warren et al 2012, ApJ) near the time of each of 3600 measured HMI vector magnetograms of these ARs and a wide selection of whole-AR magnetic parameters from each vector magnetogram after it was deprojected to disk center, we find: (1) The single magnetic parameter having the strongest correlation with AR 94-hot luminosity is the length of strong-field neutral line. (2) The two-parameter combination having the strongest still-stronger correlation with AR 94-hot luminosity is a combination of AR total magnetic flux and AR neutral-line length weighted by the vertical-field gradient across the neutral line. We interpret these results to be consistent with the results of both Fisher et al (1998) and Falconer (1997), and with the correlation of AR coronal loop heating with loop field strength recently found by Tiwari et al (2017, ApJ Letters). Our interpretation is that, in addition to depending strongly on coronal loop field strength, AR coronal heating has a strong secondary positive dependence on the rate of flux cancelation at neutral lines at coronal loop feet. This work was funded by the Living With a Star Science and Heliophysics Guest Investigators programs of NASA's Heliophysics Division.

Galactic star formation rates gauged by stellar end-products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persic, M.; Rephaeli, Y.

2007-02-01

Young galactic X-ray point sources (XPs) closely trace the ongoing star formation in galaxies. From measured XP number counts we extract the collective 2-10 keV luminosity of young XPs, L_x^yXP, which we use to gauge the current star formation rate (SFR) in galaxies. We find that, for a sample of local star-forming galaxies (i.e., normal spirals and mild starbursts), L_x^yXP correlates linearly with the SFR over three decades in luminosity. A separate, high-SFR sample of starburst ULIRGs can be used to check the calibration of the relation. Using their (presumably SF-related) total 2-10 keV luminosities we find that these sources satisfy the SFR-L_x^yXP relation, as defined by the weaker sample, and extend it to span ˜5 decades in luminosity. The SFR-L_x^yXP relation is also likely to hold for distant (z ˜ 1) Hubble Deep Field North galaxies, especially so if these high-SFR objects are similar to the (more nearby) ULIRGs. It is argued that the SFR-L_x^yXP relation provides the most adequate X-ray estimator of instantaneous SFR by the phenomena characterizing massive stars from their birth (FIR emission from placental dust clouds) through their death as compact remnants (emitting X-rays by accreting from a close donor). For local, low/intermediate-SFR galaxies, the simultaneous existence of a correlation of the instantaneous SFR with the total 2-10 keV luminosity, L_x, which traces the SFR integrated over the last ˜109 yr, suggests that during such epoch the SF in these galaxies has been proceeding at a relatively constant rate.

New Physics requirements and technological challenges to be confronted by calorimeters in particle physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavallari, Francesca

2015-09-01

The seminar presents an introduction to calorimetry in particle physics. Initially the purpose of electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeters in particle physics is shown. Then the paper focusses on electromagnetic calorimeters and it describes the microscopic phenomena that drive the formation of electromagnetic showers. Homogeneous and sampling calorimeters are presented and the energy resolution of both is analyzed. A few examples of past and present electromagnetic calorimeters at particle colliders are presented, with particular attention to the ones employed in the Atlas and CMS experiments at the LHC, their design constraints, challenges and adopted choices. Both these calorimeters were designed to operate for a minimum of ten years at the LHC, with an instantaneous luminosity of 1· 1034/cm2/s and for an integrated luminosity of 500/fb. From 2023 a new program will start: the high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), which is expected to provide an instantaneous luminosity of around 5· 1034/cm2/s and integrate a total luminosity of around 3000/fb in ten years of data taking. The evolution of the CMS and Atlas calorimeters is assessed and needed upgrades are presented.

Indirect contributions to electron-impact ionization of Li+ (1 s 2 s S31 ) ions: Role of intermediate double-K -vacancy states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, A.; Borovik, A.; Huber, K.; Schippers, S.; Fursa, D. V.; Bray, I.

2018-02-01

Fine details of the cross section for electron-impact ionization of metastable two-electron Li+(1 s 2 s S31) ions are scrutinized by both experiment and theory. Beyond direct knockoff ionization, indirect ionization mechanisms proceeding via formation of intermediate double-K-vacancy (hollow) states either in a Li+ ion or in a neutral lithium atom and subsequent emission of one or two electrons, respectively, can contribute to the net production of Li2 + ions. The partial cross sections for such contributions are less than 4% of the total single-ionization cross section. The characteristic steps, resonances, and interference phenomena in the indirect ionization contribution are measured with an experimental energy spread of less than 0.9 eV and with a statistical relative uncertainty of the order of 1.7%, requiring a level of statistical uncertainty in the total single-ionization cross section of better than 0.05%. The measurements are accompanied by convergent-close-coupling calculations performed on a fine energy grid. Theory and experiment are in remarkable agreement concerning the fine details of the ionization cross section. Comparison with previous R-matrix results is less favorable.

Outflowing OH+ in Markarian 231: The Ionization Rate of the Molecular Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Alfonso, E.; Fischer, J.; Bruderer, S.; Ashby, M. L. N.; Smith, H. A.; Veilleux, S.; Müller, H. S. P.; Stewart, K. P.; Sturm, E.

2018-04-01

The oxygen-bearing molecular ions OH+, H2O+, and H3O+ are key species that probe the ionization rate of (partially) molecular gas that is ionized by X-rays and cosmic-rays permeating the interstellar medium. We report Herschel far-infrared and submillimeter spectroscopic observations of OH+ in Mrk 231, showing both ground-state P-Cygni profiles, and excited line profiles with blueshifted absorption wings extending up to ≈1000 km s‑1. In addition, OH+ probes an excited component peaking at central velocities, likely arising from the torus probed by the OH centimeter-wave megamaser. Four lines of H2O+ are also detected at systemic velocities, but H3O+ is undetected. Based on our earlier OH studies, we estimate an abundance ratio of {OH}/{OH}}+∼ 5{--}10 for the outflowing components and ≈20 for the torus, and an OH+ abundance relative to H nuclei of ≳10‑7. We also find high OH+/H2O+ and OH+/H3O+ ratios; both are ≳4 in the torus and ≳10–20 in the outflowing gas components. Chemical models indicate that these high OH+ abundances relative to OH, H2O+, and H3O+ are characteristic of gas with a high ionization rate per unit density, \\zeta /{n}{{H}}∼ (1{--}5)× {10}-17 cm3 s‑1 and ∼(1–2) × 10‑16 cm3 s‑1 for the above components, respectively, an ionization rate of ζ ∼ (0.5–2) × 10‑12 s‑1, and a low molecular fraction, {f}{{{H}}2}∼ 0.25. X-rays appear to be unable to explain the inferred ionization rate, and thus we suggest that low-energy (10–400 MeV) cosmic-rays are primarily responsible for the ionization, with {\\dot{M}}CR}∼ 0.01 M ⊙ yr‑1 and {\\dot{E}}CR}∼ {10}44 erg s‑1 the latter corresponds to ∼1% of the luminosity of the active galactic nucleus and is similar to the energetics of the molecular outflow. We suggest that cosmic-rays accelerated in the forward shock associated with the molecular outflow are responsible for the ionization, as they diffuse through the outflowing molecular phase downstream.

Compendium of Current Total Ionizing Dose and Displacement Damage Results from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Selected NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Topper, Alyson D.; Campola, Michael J.; Chen, Dakai; Casey, Megan C.; Yau, Ka-Yen; Cochran, Donna J.; LaBel, Kenneth A.; Ladbury, Raymond L.; Lauenstein, Jean-Marie; Mondy, Timothy K.;

Current Total Ionizing Dose Results and Displacement Damage Results for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Donna J.; Kniffin, Scott D.; LaBel, Kenneth A.; OBryan, Martha V.; Reed, Robert A.; Ladbury, Ray L.; Howard, James W., Jr.; Poivey, Christian; Buchner, Stephen P.; Marshall, Cheryl J.

2004-01-01

We present data on the vulnerability of a variety of candidate spacecraft electronics to total ionizing dose and displacement damage. Devices tested include optoelectronics, digital, analog, linear bipolar devices, hybrid devices, Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACS), among others.

Total Ionizing Dose Results and Displacement Damage Results for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Donna J.; Kniffin, Scott D.; LaBel, Kenneth A.; OBryan, Martha V.; Reed, Robert A.; Ladbury, Ray L.; Howard, James W., Jr.; Poivey, Christian; Buchner, Stephen P.; Marshall, Cheryl J.

2003-01-01

We present data on the vulnerability of a variety of candidate spacecraft electronics to total ionizing dose and displacement damage. Devices tested include optoelectronics, digital, analog, linear bipolar devices, hybrid devices, Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), among others.

Total Ionizing Dose Effects in Bipolar and BiCMOS Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chavez, Rosa M.; Rax, Bernard G.; Scheick, Leif Z.; Johnston, Allan H.

2005-01-01

This paper describes total ionizing dose (TID) test results performed at JPL. Bipolar and BiCMOS device samples were tested exhibiting significant degradation and failures at different irradiation levels. Linear technology which is susceptible to low-dose dependency (ELDRS) exhibited greater damage for devices tested under zero bias condition.

Gamma-ray luminosity and photon index evolution of FSRQ blazars and contribution to the gamma-ray background

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singal, J.; Ko, A.; Petrosian, V., E-mail: jsingal@richmond.edu

We present the redshift evolutions and distributions of the gamma-ray luminosity and photon spectral index of flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) type blazars, using non-parametric methods to obtain the evolutions and distributions directly from the data. The sample we use for analysis consists of almost all FSRQs observed with a greater than approximately 7σ detection threshold in the first-year catalog of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope's Large Area Telescope, with redshifts as determined from optical spectroscopy by Shaw et al. We find that FSQRs undergo rapid gamma-ray luminosity evolution, but negligible photon index evolution, with redshift. With these evolutions accountedmore » for we determine the density evolution and luminosity function of FSRQs and calculate their total contribution to the extragalactic gamma-ray background radiation, resolved and unresolved, which is found to be 16(+10/–4)%, in agreement with previous studies.« less

The Herschel* PEP-HERMES Luminosity Function- I. Probing the Evolution of PACS Selected Galaxies to z approx. equal to 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gruppioni, Carlotta; Pozzi, F.; Rodighiero, G.; Delvecchio, I.; Berta, S.; Pozzetti, L.; Zamorani, G.; Andreani, P.; Cimatti, A.; Ilbert, O.;

No hot and luminous progenitor for Tycho's supernova

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woods, T. E.; Ghavamian, P.; Badenes, C.; Gilfanov, M.

2017-11-01

Type Ia supernovae have proven vital to our understanding of cosmology, both as standard candles and for their role in galactic chemical evolution; however, their origin remains uncertain. The canonical accretion model implies a hot and luminous progenitor that would ionize the surrounding gas out to a radius of 10-100 pc for 100,000 years after the explosion. Here, we report stringent upper limits on the temperature and luminosity of the progenitor of Tycho's supernova (SN 1572), determined using the remnant itself as a probe of its environment. Hot, luminous progenitors that would have produced a greater hydrogen ionization fraction than that measured at the radius of the present remnant ( 3 pc) can thus be excluded. This conclusively rules out steadily nuclear-burning white dwarfs (supersoft X-ray sources), as well as disk emission from a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf accreting approximately greater than 10-8 M⊙ yr-1 (recurrent novae; M⊙ is equal to one solar mass). The lack of a surrounding Strömgren sphere is consistent with the merger of a double white dwarf binary, although other more exotic scenarios may be possible.

The Progenitor of Tycho’s Supernova was Not Hot and Luminous

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghavamian, Parviz; Woods, T. E.; Gilfanov, M.; Badenes, C.; T. E. Woods, C. Badenes, M. Gilfanov

2018-01-01

Canonical accretion models of Type Ia supernovae predict that a hot and luminous progenitor will ionize the surrounding gas out to a radius of ∼10–100 pc for ∼100,000 years after the explosion. Tycho’s supernova of 1572 was a Type Ia explosion which produced a remnant that is currently interacting with neutral gas in the form of Balmer-dominated shocks. From analysis of these shocks and photoionization calculations, we have placed stringent upper limits on the temperature and luminosity of the progenitor of Tycho’s supernova. Hot, luminous progenitors that would have produced a greater hydrogen ionization fraction than that measured at the current SNR radius (∼3 parsecs) can thus be excluded. This rules out steadily nuclear-burning white dwarfs (i..e, supersoft X-ray sources), as well as disk emission from a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf accreting 1E-8 solar masses per year (recurrent novae). The lack of a Stromgren sphere around Tycho’s SNR is consistent with a double degenerate explosion, although other more exotic scenarios may be possible.

Neutral hydrogen in elliptical galaxies with nuclear radio sources and optical emission lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dressel, L. L.; Bania, T. M.; Oconnell, R. W.

1982-01-01

An H I detection survey of eleven elliptical galaxies with powerful nuclear radio sources was conducted, using the 305 m antenna of Arecibo Observatory, to test the hypothesis that large H I mass is conductive to the formation of nuclear radio sources in elliptical galaxies. The H I was detected in emission in UGC 09114 and was possibly detected in absorption in UGC 06671. Observations of the remaining galaxies were not sensitive enough to support or refute the hypothesis. Data was combined from other H I surveys and spectroscopic surveys to search for correlations of H I mass with other galactic properties and environmental conditions. Strong correlations of (O II) lambda 3727 emission with H I content and with nuclear radio power were found. The latter two properties may simply indicate, respectively, whether a significant amount of gas is available to be ionized and whether energy is provided by nuclear activity for ionization. No dependence of H I content on optical luminosity or on degree of isolation from other galaxies was found.

Understanding the Effects of Space Radiation on Living Organisms and its Implication for Astrobiology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarter, Jill C.; Rothschild, Lynn J.

2012-01-01

The planetary environment around a star will be assaulted with various amounts of radiation. including solar and ionizing radiation. The amount and type varies with the type of star, the distance from the star, time of day, and other variables. While some radiation is critical to life on Earth, especially from 400-750 nm (so-called visible and photosynthetically active radiation), the effects of ultraviolet and ionizing radiation can be hazardous and even deadly. This is because life is based on organic carbon, which is susceptible to radiation damage. Radiation regimes in our own solar system address specifically radiation in our solar system with a main sequence star. The possibility remains of planets around red dwarfs. Such stars are much smaller in mass than the Sun (between 0.5 and .08 M(sub Sun), and so their temperature and stellar luminosity are low and peaked in the red. Since red dwarfs comprise about 75% of all stars in the galaxy, the possibility of life on planets around red dwarfs has been examined.

Classical Accreting Pulsars with NICER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson-Hodge, Colleen A.

2014-01-01

Soft excesses are very common center dot Lx > 1038 erg/s - reprocessing by optically thick material at the inner edge of the accretion disk center dot Lx < 1036 erg/s - photoionized or collisionally heated diffuse gas or thermal emission from the NS surface center dot Lx 1037 erg/s - either or both types of emission center dot NICER observations of soft excesses in bright X-ray pulsars combined with reflection modeling will constrain the ionization state, metalicity and dynamics of the inner edge of the magnetically truncated accretion disk Reflection models of an accretion disk for a hard power law - Strong soft excess below 3 keV from hot X-ray heated disk - For weakly ionized case: strong recombination lines - Are we seeing changes in the disk ionization in 4U1626-26? 13 years of weekly monitoring with RXTE PCA center dot Revealed an unexpectedly large population of Be/X-ray binaries compared to the Milky Way center dot Plotted luminosities are typical of "normal" outbursts (once per orbit) center dot The SMC provides an excellent opportunity to study a homogenous population of HMXBs with low interstellar absorption for accretion disk studies. Monitoring with NICER will enable studies of accretion disk physics in X-ray pulsars center dot The SMC provides a potential homogeneous low-absorption population for this study center dot NICER monitoring and TOO observations will also provide measurements of spinfrequencies, QPOs, pulsed fluxes, and energy spectra.

Physical properties of the ionized gas and brightness distribution in NGC4736

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, I.; Dottori, H.; Cepa, J.; Vilchez, J.

1998-03-01

In this work we study the galaxy NGC4736, using narrow band interference filters imaging centered at the emission lines {Oii} {3727+3729}, Hβ, {Oiii} {5007}, Hα, {Sii} {6716+6730} and {Siii} {9070} and nearby continua. We have obtained sizes, positions, emission line absolute fluxes, and continua intensities for 90 Hii regions, mainly distributed in a ring-like structure of 3.2kpc in diameter. The Hα luminosities are in the range 37.3 <= log L_Hα <= 39.4 ergs(-1) . The Hii regions size distribution presents a characteristic diameter D_0 = 115pc and verifies the relation log (L_Hα ) ~D(3) . The temperature of the ionizing sources and the metallicity of the Hii regions are respectively in the ranges 3.410(4) <~T_⋆ <~ 4.010(4) K and 8.5 <~12 + log (O/H) <~9.3. The masses of the ionizing clusters are in the range 510(3) <~M_T/M_sun <~210(5) . The continua radial surface brightness distribution is better fitted by the superposition of a de Vaucouleurs', a thin and a thick exponential disk laws. The monochromatic colors show that outside the star forming ring the disk presents a younger stellar population than inside it. Tables 3 and 4 are only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html

A TWO-PHASE LOW-VELOCITY OUTFLOW IN THE SEYFERT 1 GALAXY Ark 564

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gupta, A.; Mathur, S.; Krongold, Y.

2013-05-10

The Seyfert 1 galaxy Ark 564 was observed with Chandra high-energy transmission gratings for 250 ks. We present the high-resolution X-ray spectrum that shows several associated absorption lines. The photoionization model requires two warm absorbers (WAs) with two different ionization states (log U = 0.39 {+-} 0.03 and log U = -0.99 {+-} 0.13), both with moderate outflow velocities ({approx}100 km s{sup -1}) and relatively low line of sight column densities (log N{sub H} = 20.94 and 20.11 cm{sup -2}). The high-ionization phase produces absorption lines of O VII, O VIII, Ne IX, Ne X, Mg XI, Fe XVII, andmore » Fe XVIII, while the low-ionization phase produces lines at lower energies (O VIand O VII). The pressure-temperature equilibrium curve for the Ark 564 absorber does not have the typical ''S'' shape, even if the metallicity is super-solar; as a result, the two WA phases do not appear to be in pressure balance. This suggests that the continuum incident on the absorbing gas is perhaps different from the observed continuum. We also estimated the mass outflow rate and the associated kinetic energy and find it to be at most 0.009% of the bolometric luminosity of Ark 564. Thus, it is highly unlikely that these outflows provide significant feedback required by the galaxy formation models.« less

LINER galaxy properties and the local environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coldwell, Georgina V.; Alonso, Sol; Duplancic, Fernanda; Mesa, Valeria

2018-05-01

We analyse the properties of a sample of 5560 low-ionization nuclear emission-line region (LINER) galaxies selected from SDSS-DR12 at low red shift, for a complete range of local density environments. The host LINER galaxies were studied and compared with a well-defined control sample of 5553 non-LINER galaxies matched in red shift, luminosity, morphology and local density. By studying the distributions of galaxy colours and the stellar age population, we find that LINERs are redder and older than the control sample over a wide range of densities. In addition, LINERs are older than the control sample, at a given galaxy colour, indicating that some external process could have accelerated the evolution of the stellar population. The analysis of the host properties shows that the control sample exhibits a strong relation between colours, ages and the local density, while more than 90 per cent of the LINERs are redder and older than the mean values, independently of the neighbourhood density. Furthermore, a detailed study in three local density ranges shows that, while control sample galaxies are redder and older as a function of stellar mass and density, LINER galaxies mismatch the known morphology-density relation of galaxies without low-ionization features. The results support the contribution of hot and old stars to the low-ionization emission although the contribution of nuclear activity is not discarded.

A New Look at Ionized Disk Winds in Seyfert-1 AGN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bostrom, Allison; Miller, Jon M.

2016-04-01

We present an analysis of deep, high signal-to-noise Chandra/HETG observations of four Seyfert-1 galaxies with known warm absorbers (outflowing winds), including NGC 4151, MCG-6-30-15, NGC 3783, and NGC 3516. Focusing on the 4-10 keV Fe K-band, we fit the spectra using grids of models characterized by photoion- ized absorption. Even in this limited band, the sensitive, time-averaged spectra all require 2-3 zones within the outflow. In an improvement over most previous studies, re-emission from the winds was self-consistently included in our models. The broadening of these emission components, when attributed to Keplerian rotation, yields new launching radius estimations that are largely consistent with the broad-line region. If this is correct, the hot outflow may supply the pressure needed to confine clumps within the broad-line region. NGC 4151 and NGC 3516 each appear to have a high-velocity component with speeds comparable to 0.01c. The winds in each of the four objects have kinetic luminosities greater than 0.5% of the host galaxy bolometric luminosity for a filling factor of unity, indicating that they may be significant agents of AGN feedback.

A luminous quasar at a redshift of z = 7.085.

PubMed

Mortlock, Daniel J; Warren, Stephen J; Venemans, Bram P; Patel, Mitesh; Hewett, Paul C; McMahon, Richard G; Simpson, Chris; Theuns, Tom; Gonzáles-Solares, Eduardo A; Adamson, Andy; Dye, Simon; Hambly, Nigel C; Hirst, Paul; Irwin, Mike J; Kuiper, Ernst; Lawrence, Andy; Röttgering, Huub J A

2011-06-29

The intergalactic medium was not completely reionized until approximately a billion years after the Big Bang, as revealed by observations of quasars with redshifts of less than 6.5. It has been difficult to probe to higher redshifts, however, because quasars have historically been identified in optical surveys, which are insensitive to sources at redshifts exceeding 6.5. Here we report observations of a quasar (ULAS J112001.48+064124.3) at a redshift of 7.085, which is 0.77 billion years after the Big Bang. ULAS J1120+0641 has a luminosity of 6.3 × 10(13)L(⊙) and hosts a black hole with a mass of 2 × 10(9)M(⊙) (where L(⊙) and M(⊙) are the luminosity and mass of the Sun). The measured radius of the ionized near zone around ULAS J1120+0641 is 1.9 megaparsecs, a factor of three smaller than is typical for quasars at redshifts between 6.0 and 6.4. The near-zone transmission profile is consistent with a Lyα damping wing, suggesting that the neutral fraction of the intergalactic medium in front of ULAS J1120+0641 exceeded 0.1.

X-raying the most luminous quasars at cosmic noon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piconcelli, E.; Martocchia, S.; Zappacosta, L.

2017-10-01

The WISE/SDSS hyper-luminous (log L_Bol > 47) quasar (WISSH) survey is performing a multi-band systematic exploration of the most luminous AGN shining at the golden epoch of AGN activity (i.e. z ˜ 2-4). This gives the opportunity of overcoming the luminosity bias in the exploration of the accretion phenomenon and the impact of AGN radiative output on the host. In this talk, I present the results of our study of the X-ray spectra of 40 WISSH quasars. I report on the correlations between the X-ray and Optical, UV and MIR properties, and the behavior of the X-ray bolometric correction at the brightest end of the luminosity function. I discuss the relative X-ray weakness of these very powerful quasars compared to less luminous AGN. This X-ray weakness can be a key ingredient for accelerating powerful ionized outflows (ubiquitously revealed in the UV/optical spectra of WISSH quasars) and, furthermore, radiation-driven winds can be effective in destroying the X-ray corona and quenching the X-ray emission. The potential offered by Athena in studying this extreme class of AGN is also discussed.

Association of Radon Background and Total Background Ionizing Radiation with Alzheimer's Disease Deaths in U.S. States.

PubMed

Lehrer, Steven; Rheinstein, Peter H; Rosenzweig, Kenneth E

2017-01-01

Exposure of the brain to ionizing radiation might promote the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Analysis of AD death rates versus radon background radiation and total background radiation in U.S. states. Total background, radon background, cosmic and terrestrial background radiation measurements are from Assessment of Variations in Radiation Exposure in the United States and Report No. 160 - Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of the United States. 2013 AD death rates by U.S. state are from the Alzheimer's Association. Radon background ionizing radiation was significantly correlated with AD death rate in 50 states and the District of Columbia (r = 0.467, p = 0.001). Total background ionizing radiation was also significantly correlated with AD death rate in 50 states and the District of Columbia (r = 0.452, p = 0.001). Multivariate linear regression weighted by state population demonstrated that AD death rate was significantly correlated with radon background (β= 0.169, p < 0.001), age (β= 0.231, p < 0.001), hypertension (β= 0.155, p < 0.001), and diabetes (β= 0.353, p < 0.001). Our findings, like other studies, suggest that ionizing radiation is a risk factor for AD. Intranasal inhalation of radon gas could subject the rhinencephalon and hippocampus to damaging radiation that initiates AD. The damage would accumulate over time, causing age to be a powerful risk factor.

Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae with Late-time H α Emission: Three Events From the Intermediate Palomar Transient Factory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Lin; Lunnan, R.; Perley, D. A.

We present observations of two new hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSN-I), iPTF15esb and iPTF16bad, showing late-time Hα emission with line luminosities ofmore » $$(1\\mbox{-}3)\\times {10}^{41}$$ erg s -1 and velocity widths of (4000-6000) km s -. Including the previously published iPTF13ehe, this makes up a total of three such events to date. iPTF13ehe is one of the most luminous and the slowest evolving SLSNe-I, whereas the other two are less luminous and fast decliners. We interpret this as a result of the ejecta running into a neutral H-shell located at a radius of ~10 16 cm. This implies that violent mass loss must have occurred several decades before the supernova explosion. Such a short time interval suggests that eruptive mass loss could be common shortly before core collapse, and more importantly helium is unlikely to be completely stripped off the progenitor and could be present in the ejecta. It is a mystery why helium features are not detected, even though nonthermal energy sources, capable of ionizing He, may exist as suggested by the O ii absorption series in the early-time spectra. Our late-time spectra (+240 days) appear to have intrinsically lower [O i] 6300 Å luminosities than that of SN2015bn and SN2007bi, which is possibly an indication of less oxygen (<10 M ⊙). The blueshifted Hα emission relative to the hosts for all three events may be in tension with the binary model proposed for iPTF13ehe. Lastly, iPTF15esb has a peculiar light curve (LC) with three peaks separated from one another by ~22 days. The LC undulation is stronger in bluer bands. One possible explanation is ejecta-circumstellar medium interaction.« less

Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae with Late-time Hα Emission: Three Events From the Intermediate Palomar Transient Factory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Lin; Lunnan, R.; Perley, D. A.; Gal-Yam, A.; Yaron, O.; Roy, R.; Quimby, R.; Sollerman, J.; Fremling, C.; Leloudas, G.; Cenko, S. B.; Vreeswijk, P.; Graham, M. L.; Howell, D. A.; De Cia, A.; Ofek, E. O.; Nugent, P.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Hosseinzadeh, G.; Masci, F.; McCully, C.; Rebbapragada, U. D.; Woźniak, P.

2017-10-01

We present observations of two new hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSN-I), iPTF15esb and iPTF16bad, showing late-time Hα emission with line luminosities of (1{--}3)× {10}41 erg s-1 and velocity widths of (4000-6000) km s-1. Including the previously published iPTF13ehe, this makes up a total of three such events to date. iPTF13ehe is one of the most luminous and the slowest evolving SLSNe-I, whereas the other two are less luminous and fast decliners. We interpret this as a result of the ejecta running into a neutral H-shell located at a radius of ˜1016 cm. This implies that violent mass loss must have occurred several decades before the supernova explosion. Such a short time interval suggests that eruptive mass loss could be common shortly before core collapse, and more importantly helium is unlikely to be completely stripped off the progenitor and could be present in the ejecta. It is a mystery why helium features are not detected, even though nonthermal energy sources, capable of ionizing He, may exist as suggested by the O II absorption series in the early-time spectra. Our late-time spectra (+240 days) appear to have intrinsically lower [O I] 6300 Å luminosities than that of SN2015bn and SN2007bi, which is possibly an indication of less oxygen (<10 M ⊙). The blueshifted Hα emission relative to the hosts for all three events may be in tension with the binary model proposed for iPTF13ehe. Finally, iPTF15esb has a peculiar light curve (LC) with three peaks separated from one another by ˜22 days. The LC undulation is stronger in bluer bands. One possible explanation is ejecta-circumstellar medium interaction.

Detection of Broad Hα Emission Lines in the Late-time Spectra of a Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernova

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Lin; Quimby, R.; Ofek, E.; Gal-Yam, A.; Mazzali, P.; Perley, D.; Vreeswijk, P. M.; Leloudas, G.; De Cia, A.; Masci, F.; Cenko, S. B.; Cao, Y.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Nugent, P. E.; Rebbapragada, Umaa D.; Woźniak, P. R.; Yaron, O.

2015-12-01

iPTF13ehe is a hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN) at z = 0.3434, with a slow-evolving light curve and spectral features similar to SN2007bi. It rises in 83-148 days to reach a peak bolometric luminosity of ˜1.3 × 1044 erg s-1, then decays slowly at 0.015 mag day-1. The measured ejecta velocity is ˜ 13,000 km s-1. The inferred explosion characteristics, such as the ejecta mass (70-220 M⊙), and the total radiative and kinetic energy (Erad ˜ 1051 erg, Ekin ˜ 2 × 1053 erg), are typical of slow-evolving H-poor SLSN events. However, the late-time spectrum taken at +251 days (rest, post-peak) reveals a Balmer Hα emission feature with broad and narrow components, which has never been detected before among other H-poor SLSNe. The broad component has a velocity width of ˜4500 km s-1 and a ˜300 km s-1 blueward shift relative to the narrow component. We interpret this broad Hα emission with a luminosity of ˜2 × 1041 erg s-1 as resulting from the interaction between the supernova ejecta and a discrete H-rich shell, located at a distance of ˜4 × 1016 cm from the explosion site. This interaction causes the rest-frame r-band LC to brighten at late times. The fact that the late-time spectra are not completely absorbed by the shock-ionized H-shell implies that its Thomson scattering optical depth is likely ≤1, thus setting upper limits on the shell mass ≤30 M⊙. Of the existing models, a Pulsational Pair Instability supernova model can naturally explain the observed 30 M⊙ H-shell, ejected from a progenitor star with an initial mass of (95-150) M⊙ about 40 years ago. We estimate that at least ˜15% of all SLSNe-I may have late-time Balmer emission lines.

Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae with Late-time H α Emission: Three Events From the Intermediate Palomar Transient Factory

DOE PAGES

Yan, Lin; Lunnan, R.; Perley, D. A.; ...

2017-10-05

We present observations of two new hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSN-I), iPTF15esb and iPTF16bad, showing late-time Hα emission with line luminosities ofmore » $$(1\\mbox{-}3)\\times {10}^{41}$$ erg s -1 and velocity widths of (4000-6000) km s -. Including the previously published iPTF13ehe, this makes up a total of three such events to date. iPTF13ehe is one of the most luminous and the slowest evolving SLSNe-I, whereas the other two are less luminous and fast decliners. We interpret this as a result of the ejecta running into a neutral H-shell located at a radius of ~10 16 cm. This implies that violent mass loss must have occurred several decades before the supernova explosion. Such a short time interval suggests that eruptive mass loss could be common shortly before core collapse, and more importantly helium is unlikely to be completely stripped off the progenitor and could be present in the ejecta. It is a mystery why helium features are not detected, even though nonthermal energy sources, capable of ionizing He, may exist as suggested by the O ii absorption series in the early-time spectra. Our late-time spectra (+240 days) appear to have intrinsically lower [O i] 6300 Å luminosities than that of SN2015bn and SN2007bi, which is possibly an indication of less oxygen (<10 M ⊙). The blueshifted Hα emission relative to the hosts for all three events may be in tension with the binary model proposed for iPTF13ehe. Lastly, iPTF15esb has a peculiar light curve (LC) with three peaks separated from one another by ~22 days. The LC undulation is stronger in bluer bands. One possible explanation is ejecta-circumstellar medium interaction.« less

NGC628 with SITELLE : I. Imaging Spectroscopy of 4285 HII region candidates.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rousseau-Nepton, L.; Robert, C.; Martin, R. P.; Drissen, L.; Martin, T.

2018-02-01

This is the first paper of a series dedicated to nebular physics and the chemical evolution of nearby galaxies by investigating large samples of HII regions with the CFHT imaging spectrograph SITELLE. We present a technique adapted to imaging spectroscopy to identify and extract parameters from 4285 HII region candidates found in the disc of NGC 628. Using both the spatial and spectral capabilities of SITELLE, our technique enables the extraction of the position, dust extinction, velocity, Hα profile, diffuse ionized gas (DIG) background, luminosity, size, morphological type, and the emission line fluxes for individual spaxels and the integrated spectrum for each region. We have produced a well-sampled HII region luminosity function and studied its variation with galactocentric radius and level of the DIG background. We found a slope α of -1.12 ±0.03 with no evidence of a break at high luminosity. Based on the width of the region profile, bright regions are rather compact, while faint regions are seen over a wide range of sizes. The radius function reveals a slope of -1.81 ±0.02. BPT diagrams of the individual spaxels and integrated line ratios confirm that most detections are HII regions. Also, maps of the line ratios show complex variations of the ionisation conditions within HII regions. All this information is compiled in a new catalogue for HII regions. The objective of this database is to provide a complete sample which will be used to study the whole parameter space covered by the physical conditions in active star-forming regions.

The [O III] Profiles of Infrared-selected Active Galactic Nuclei: More Powerful Outflows in the Obscured Population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DiPompeo, M. A.; Hickox, R. C.; Carroll, C. M.; Runnoe, J. C.; Mullaney, J. R.; Fischer, T. C.

2018-03-01

We explore the kinematics of ionized gas via the [O III] λ5007 emission lines in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) selected on the basis of their mid-infrared (IR) emission, and split into obscured and unobscured populations based on their optical‑IR colors. After correcting for differences in redshift distributions, we provide composite spectra of spectroscopically and photometrically defined obscured/Type 2 and unobscured/Type 1 AGNs from 3500 to 7000 Å. The IR-selected obscured sources contain a mixture of narrow-lined Type 2 AGNs and intermediate sources that have broad Hα emission and significantly narrower Hβ. Using both [O III] luminosities and AGN luminosities derived from optical‑IR spectral energy distribution fitting, we find evidence for enhanced large-scale obscuration in the obscured sources. In matched bins of luminosity we find that the obscured population typically has broader, more blueshifted [O III] emission than in the unobscured sample, suggestive of more powerful AGN-driven outflows. This trend is not seen in spectroscopically classified samples, and is unlikely to be entirely explained by orientation effects. In addition, outflow velocities increase from small to moderate AGN E(B ‑ V) values, before flattening out (as traced by FWHM) and even decreasing (as traced by blueshift). While difficult to fully interpret in a single physical model, due to both the averaging over populations and the spatially averaged spectra, these results agree with previous findings that simple geometric unification models are insufficient for the IR-selected AGN population, and may fit into an evolutionary model for obscured and unobscured AGNs.

Spatially resolved spectra of the 'teacup' active galactic nucleus: tracing the history of a dying quasar

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gagne, J. P.; Crenshaw, D. M.; Fischer, T. C.

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Galaxy Zoo project has revealed a number of spectacular galaxies possessing extended emission-line regions (EELRs), the most famous being Hanny's Voorwerp galaxy. We present another EELR object discovered in the SDSS endeavor: the Teacup active galactic nucleus (AGN). Nicknamed for its EELR, which has a 'handle'-like structure protruding 15 kpc into the northeast quadrant of the galaxy. We analyze the physical conditions of this galaxy with long-slit, ground-based spectroscopy from the Lowell, Lick, and KPNO observatories. With the Lowell 1.8 m Perkin's telescope we took multiple observations at different offset positions, allowing us tomore » recover spatially resolved spectra across the galaxy. Line diagnostics indicate the ionized gas is photoionized primarily by the AGN. Additionally we are able to derive the hydrogen density from the [S II] λ6716/λ6731 ratio. We generated two-component photoionization models for each spatially resolved Lowell spectrum. These models allow us to calculate the AGN bolometric luminosity seen by the gas at different radii from the nuclear center of the Teacup. Our results show a drop in bolometric luminosity by more than two orders of magnitude from the EELR to the nucleus, suggesting that the AGN has decreased in luminosity by this amount in a continuous fashion over 46,000 yr, supporting the case for a dying AGN in this galaxy independent of any IR based evidence. We demonstrate that spatially resolved photoionization modeling could be applied to EELRs to investigate long timescale variability.« less

AKARI IRC 2.5-5 μm spectroscopy of infrared galaxies over a wide luminosity range

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ichikawa, Kohei; Ueda, Yoshihiro; Imanishi, Masatoshi

2014-10-20

We present the result of a systematic infrared 2.5-5 μm spectroscopic study of 22 nearby infrared galaxies over a wide infrared luminosity range (10{sup 10} L {sub ☉} < L {sub IR} < 10{sup 13} L {sub ☉}) obtained from the AKARI Infrared Camera (IRC). The unique band of the AKARI IRC spectroscopy enables us to access both the 3.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission feature from star-forming activity and the continuum of torus-dust emission heated by an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Applying our AGN diagnostics to the AKARI spectra, we discover 14 buried AGNs. The large fraction ofmore » buried AGNs suggests that AGN activity behind the dust is almost ubiquitous in ultra-/luminous infrared galaxies (U/LIRGs). We also find that both the fraction and energy contribution of buried AGNs increase with infrared luminosity from 10{sup 10} L {sub ☉} to 10{sup 13} L {sub ☉}, including normal infrared galaxies with L {sub IR} < 10{sup 11} L {sub ☉}. The energy contribution from AGNs in the total infrared luminosity is only ∼7% in LIRGs and ∼20% in ULIRGs, suggesting that the majority of the infrared luminosity originates from starburst activity. Using the PAH emission, we investigate the luminosity relation between star formation and AGNs. We find that these infrared galaxies exhibit higher star formation rates than optically selected Seyfert galaxies with the same AGN luminosities, implying that infrared galaxies could be an early evolutionary phase of AGN.« less

X-ray radiative transfer in protoplanetary disks. The role of dust and X-ray background fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rab, Ch.; Güdel, M.; Woitke, P.; Kamp, I.; Thi, W.-F.; Min, M.; Aresu, G.; Meijerink, R.

2018-01-01

Context. The X-ray luminosities of T Tauri stars are about two to four orders of magnitude higher than the luminosity of the contemporary Sun. As these stars are born in clusters, their disks are not only irradiated by their parent star but also by an X-ray background field produced by the cluster members. Aims: We aim to quantify the impact of X-ray background fields produced by young embedded clusters on the chemical structure of disks. Further, we want to investigate the importance of the dust for X-ray radiative transfer in disks. Methods: We present a new X-ray radiative transfer module for the radiation thermo-chemical disk code PRODIMO (PROtoplanetary DIsk MOdel), which includes X-ray scattering and absorption by both the gas and dust component. The X-ray dust opacities can be calculated for various dust compositions and dust-size distributions. For the X-ray radiative transfer we consider irradiation by the star and by X-ray background fields. To study the impact of X-rays on the chemical structure of disks we use the well established disk ionization tracers N2H+ and HCO+. Results: For evolved dust populations (e.g. grain growth), X-ray opacities are mostly dominated by the gas; only for photon energies E ≳ 5-10 keV do dust opacities become relevant. Consequently the local disk X-ray radiation field is only affected in dense regions close to the disk midplane. X-ray background fields can dominate the local X-ray disk ionization rate for disk radii r ≳ 20 au. However, the N2H+ and HCO+ column densities are only significantly affected in cases of low cosmic-ray ionization rates (≲10-19 s-1), or if the background flux is at least a factor of ten higher than the flux level of ≈10-5 erg cm-2 s-1 expected for clusters typical for the solar vicinity. Conclusions: Observable signatures of X-ray background fields in low-mass star-formation regions, like Taurus, are only expected for cluster members experiencing a strong X-ray background field (e.g. due to their location within the cluster). For the majority of the cluster members, the X-ray background field has relatively little impact on the disk chemical structure.

Characterization of exoplanets from their formation. III. The statistics of planetary luminosities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mordasini, C.; Marleau, G.-D.; Mollière, P.

2017-12-01

Context. This paper continues a series in which we predict the main observable characteristics of exoplanets based on their formation. In Paper I we described our global planet formation and evolution model that is based on the core accretion paradigm. In Paper II we studied the planetary mass-radius relationship with population syntheses. Aims: In this paper we present an extensive study of the statistics of planetary luminosities during both formation and evolution. Our results can be compared with individual directly imaged extrasolar (proto)planets and with statistical results from surveys. Methods: We calculated three populations of synthetic planets assuming different efficiencies of the accretional heating by gas and planetesimals during formation. We describe the temporal evolution of the planetary mass-luminosity relation. We investigate the relative importance of the shock and internal luminosity during formation, and predict a statistical version of the post-formation mass vs. entropy "tuning fork" diagram. Because the calculations now include deuterium burning we also update the planetary mass-radius relationship in time. Results: We find significant overlap between the high post-formation luminosities of planets forming with hot and cold gas accretion because of the core-mass effect. Variations in the individual formation histories of planets can still lead to a factor 5 to 20 spread in the post-formation luminosity at a given mass. However, if the gas accretional heating and planetesimal accretion rate during the runaway phase is unknown, the post-formation luminosity may exhibit a spread of as much as 2-3 orders of magnitude at a fixed mass. As a key result we predict a flat log-luminosity distribution for giant planets, and a steep increase towards lower luminosities due to the higher occurrence rate of low-mass (M ≲ 10-40 M⊕) planets. Future surveys may detect this upturn. Conclusions: Our results indicate that during formation an estimation of the planetary mass may be possible for cold gas accretion if the planetary gas accretion rate can be estimated. If it is unknown whether the planet still accretes gas, the spread in total luminosity (internal + accretional) at a given mass may be as large as two orders of magnitude, therefore inhibiting the mass estimation. Due to the core-mass effect even planets which underwent cold accretion can have large post-formation entropies and luminosities, such that alternative formation scenarios such as gravitational instabilities do not need to be invoked. Once the number of self-luminous exoplanets with known ages and luminosities increases, the resulting luminosity distributions may be compared with our predictions.

Measuring Star-Formation Rates of AGNs and QSOs using a new calibration from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papovich, Casey

Understanding the coevolution of star-formation and supermassive black hole accretion is one of the key questions in galaxy formation theory. This relation is important for understanding why at present the mass in galaxy bulges (on scales of kpc) correlates so tightly with the mass of galaxy central supermassive blackholes (on scales of AU). Feedback from supermassive black hole accretion may also be responsible for heating or expelling cold gas from galaxies, shutting off the fuel for star-formation and additional black hole growth. Did bulges proceed the formation of black holes, or vice versa, or are they contemporaneous? Therefore, understanding the exact rates of star-formation and supermassive black hole growth, and how they evolve with time and galaxy mass has deep implications for how galaxies form. It has previously been nearly impossible to study simultaneously both star-formation and accretion onto supermassive black holes in galaxies because the emission from black hole accretion contaminates nearly all diagnostics of star-formation. The "standard" diagnostics for the star-formation rate (the emission from hydrogen, UV emission, midIR emission, far-IR emission, etc) are not suitable for measuring star-formation rates in galaxies with actively accreting supermassive blackholes. In this proposal, the researchers request NASA/ADP funding for an archival study using spectroscopy with the Spitzer Space Telescope to measure simultaneously the star-formation rate (SFR) and bolometric emission from accreting supermassive blackholes to understand the complex relation between both processes. The key to this study is that they will develop a new calibrator for SFRs in galaxies with active supermassive black holes based on the molecular emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which emit strongly in the mid-IR (3 - 20 micron) and are very strong in spectra from the Spitzer Space Telescope. The PAH molecules exist near photo-dissociation regions, and they re-emit a large fraction of the ionization radiation from ongoing star formation. Preliminary work using archival spectra from Spitzer show that the PAH luminosity scales linearly with the SFR with smaller scatter than "gold standard" SFR tracers, such as the (dust corrected) hydrogen emission. The PAH emission becomes important because they are destroyed by the hard UV radiation in the vicinity of accreting supermassive blackholes. Therefore, this makes the PAH emission extremely powerful: it has the unique ability to measure SFRs in galaxies with active supermassive black holes, where every other SFR indicator is contaminated by emission from the supermassive black hole. This objectives for this proposal are to (1) provide a robust recalibration of the SFR from the mid-IR PAH emission features using a large sample of star-forming galaxies in the Spitzer archive; (2) demonstrate the utility of the PAHs to derive valid SFRs from JWST observations, using archival Spitzer spectroscopy for distant galaxies strongly lensed gravitationally; finally, using a large sample of galaxies with Spitzer spectroscopy spanning a large range of total luminosity and AGN activity (from pure starbursts to quasars) to (3) measure the distribution function of the luminosity of star-formation, AGN, and test how these vary with total luminosity and redshift. Theoretical models make strong predictions for this distribution function. Comparing the data to these predictions allows us to test these models directly.

Effects of ionizing radiation on charge-coupled imagers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Killiany, J. M.; Baker, W. D.; Saks, N. S.; Barbe, D. F.

1975-01-01

The effects of ionizing radiation on three different charge coupled imagers have been investigated. Device performance was evaluated as a function of total gamma ray dose. The principal failure mechanisms have been identified for each particular device structure. The clock and bias voltages required for high total dose operation of the devices are presented.

Recent Total Ionizing Dose Results and Displacement Damage Results for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Donna J.; Buchner, Stephen P.; Irwin, Tim L.; LaBel, Kenneth A.; Marshall, Cheryl J.; Reed, Robert A.; Sanders, Anthony B.; Hawkins, Donald K.; Flanigan, Ryan J.; Cox, Stephen R.

2005-01-01

We present data on the vulnerability of a variety of candidate spacecraft electronics to total ionizing dose and displacement damage. Devices tested include optoelectronics, digital, analog, linear bipolar devices, hybrid devices, Analog-to- Digital Converters (ADCs), and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), among others. T

Compendium of Single Event Effects, Total Ionizing Dose, and Displacement Damage for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaBel, Kenneth A.; O'Bryan, Martha V.; Chen, Dakai; Campola, Michael J.; Casey, Megan C.; Pellish, Jonathan A.; Lauenstein, Jean-Marie; Wilcox, Edward P.; Topper, Alyson D.; Ladbury, Raymond L.;

Early evolution of the extraordinary Nova Delphini 2013 (V339 Del)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skopal, A.; Drechsel, H.; Tarasova, T.; Kato, T.; Fujii, M.; Teyssier, F.; Garde, O.; Guarro, J.; Edlin, J.; Buil, C.; Antao, D.; Terry, J.-N.; Lemoult, T.; Charbonnel, S.; Bohlsen, T.; Favaro, A.; Graham, K.

2014-09-01

Aims: We determine the temporal evolution of the luminosity (LWD), radius (RWD) and effective temperature (Teff) of the white dwarf (WD) pseudophotosphere of V339 Del from its discovery to around day 40. Another main objective was studying the ionization structure of the ejecta. Methods: These aims were achieved by modelling the optical/near-IR spectral energy distribution (SED) using low-resolution spectroscopy (3500-9200 Å), UBVRCIC and JHKLM photometry. Important insights in the physical conditions of the ejecta were gained from an analysis of the evolution of the Hα and Raman-scattered 6825 Å O vi line using medium-resolution spectroscopy (R ~ 10 000). Results: During the fireball stage (Aug. 14.8-19.9, 2013), Teff was in the range of 6000-12 000 K, RWD was expanding non-uniformly in time from ~66 to ~300 (d/ 3 kpc) R⊙, and LWD was super-Eddington, but not constant. Its maximum of ~9 × 1038 (d/ 3 kpc)2 erg s-1 occurred around Aug. 16.0, at the maximum of Teff, half a day before the visual maximum. After the fireball stage, a large emission measure of 1.0-2.0 × 1062 (d/ 3 kpc)2 cm-3 constrained the lower limit of LWD to be well above the super-Eddington value. The mass of the ionized region was a few × 10-4 M⊙, and the mass-loss rate was decreasing from ~5.7 (Aug. 22) to ~0.71 × 10-4 M⊙ yr-1 (Sept. 20). The evolution of the Hα line and mainly the transient emergence of the Raman-scattered O vi 1032 Å line suggested a biconical ionization structure of the ejecta with a disk-like H i region persisting around the WD until its total ionization, around day 40. On Sept. 20 (day 35), the model SED indicated a dust emission component in the spectrum. The dust was located beyond the H i zone, where it was shielded from the hard, ≳105 K, radiation of the burning WD at that time. Conclusions: Our extensive spectroscopic observations of the classical nova V339 Del allowed us to map its evolution from the very early phase after its explosion. It is evident that the nova was not evolving according to the current theoretical prediction. The unusual non-spherically symmetric ejecta of nova V339 Del and its extreme physical conditions and evolution during and after the fireball stage represent interesting new challenges for the theoretical modelling of the nova phenomenon. Based on data collected by amateur astronomers.

Total angular momenta of high-lying odd levels of U I at ∼ 4 eV using resonance ionization laser polarization spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rath, Asawari D.; Kundu, S.; Ray, A. K.

2018-02-01

Laser induced photoionization of atoms shows significant dependence on the choice of polarizations of lasers. In multi-step, multi-photon excitation and subsequent ionization of atoms different polarization combinations of the exciting lasers lead to distinctly different ion yields. This fact is exploited in this work to determine total angular momenta of odd-parity energy levels of U I lying at ∼ 4 eV from its ground level using resonance ionization laser polarization spectroscopy in time of flight mass spectrometer. These levels are populated by two-step resonant excitation using two pulsed dye lasers with preset polarizations of choice followed by nonresonant ionization by third laser. The dependence of ionization yield on specific polarizations of the first two lasers is studied experimentally for each level under consideration. This dependence when compared to simulations makes possible unambiguous assignment of J angular momenta to these levels.

Detection of H I, OH, CO, and optical imaging of the distant galaxy IRAS 12112 + 0305

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mirabel, I. F.; Kazes, I.; Sanders, D. B.

1988-01-01

The detection of H I absorption and OH and CO emission from the galaxy IRAS 12112 + 0305, which is receding from the sun at about 7 percent of the speed of light is reported. This galaxy, which appears to be an ongoing merger, radiates about 2 x 10 to the 12th solar luminosities in the infrared. The H I, OH, and CO spectra are indicative of large turbulent motions. From the millimeter wave CO observations, a total mass of molecular gas of 4 x 10 to the 10th solar masses is inferred. The OH emission in the 1667 MHz line is the most luminous extragalactic OH maser reported so far, with an isotropic luminosity of 1800 solar luminosities.

Bias Properties of Extragalactic Distance Indicators. VIII. H0 from Distance-limited Luminosity Class and Morphological Type-Specific Luminosity Functions for SB, SBC, and SC Galaxies Calibrated Using Cepheids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandage, Allan

1999-12-01

Relative, reduced to absolute, magnitude distributions are obtained for Sb, Sbc, and Sc galaxies in the flux-limited Revised Shapley-Ames Catalog (RSA2) for each van den Bergh luminosity class (L), within each Hubble type (T). The method to isolate bias-free subsets of the total sample is via Spaenhauer diagrams, as in previous papers of this series. The distance-limited type and class-specific luminosity functions are normalized to numbers of galaxies per unit volume (105 Mpc3), rather than being left as relative functions, as in Paper V. The functions are calculated using kinematic absolute magnitudes, based on an arbitrary trial value of H0=50. Gaussian fits to the individual normalized functions are listed for each T and L subclass. As in Paper V, the data can be freed from the T and L dependencies by applying a correction of 0.23T+0.5L to the individual absolute magnitudes. Here, T=3 for Sb, 4 for Sbc, and 5 for Sc galaxies, and the L values range from 1 to 6 as the luminosity class changes from I to III-IV. The total luminosity function, obtained by combining the volume-normalized Sb, Sbc, and Sc individual luminosity functions, each corrected for the T and L dependencies, has an rms dispersion of 0.67 mag, similar to much of the Tully-Fisher parameter space. Absolute calibration of the trial kinematic absolute magnitudes is made using 27 galaxies with known T and L that also have Cepheid distances. This permits the systematic correction to the H0=50 kinematic absolute magnitudes of 0.22+/-0.12 mag, givingH0=55+/-3(internal) km s-1 Mpc-1 . The Cepheid distances are based on the Madore/Freedman Cepheid period-luminosity (PL) zero point that requires (m-M)0=18.50 for the LMC. Using the modern LMC modulus of (m-M)0=18.58 requires a 4% decrease in H0, giving a final value of H0=53+/-7 (external) by this method. These values of H0, based here on the method of luminosity functions, are in good agreement with (1) H0=55+/-5 by Theureau and coworkers from their bias-corrected Tully-Fisher method of ``normalized distances'' for field galaxies; (2) H0=56+/-4 from the method through the Virgo Cluster, as corrected to the global kinematic frame (Tammann and coworkers); and (3) H0=58+/-5 from Cepheid-calibrated Type Ia supernovae (Saha and coworkers). Our value here also disagrees with the final value from the NASA ``Key Project'' group value of H0=70+/-7. Analysis of the total flux-limited sample of Sb, Sbc, and Sc galaxies in the RSA2 by the present method, but uncorrected for selection bias, would give an incorrect value of H0=71 using the same Cepheid calibration. The effect of the bias is pernicious at the 30% level; either it must be corrected by the methods in the papers of this series, or the data must be restricted to the distance-limited subset of any sample, as is done here.

Theoretical and observational determinations of the ionization coefficient of meteors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, William

1997-07-01

We examine the problem of the determination of the ionization coefficient beta from both the theoretical and observational points of view. In the past, theoretical evaluations of beta in terms of the relevant scattering cross-sections have used the Massey-Sida formula, which we show to give results which are plainly incorrect. We derive an integral equation for beta and compare the results of its application to copper and iron with laboratory simulations. Agreement for the variation of the ionization coefficient with velocity is good. The ionization coefficient has been determined observationally by Verniani & Hawkins from a comparison of radar and visual observations, employing the luminous efficiency tau also obtained observationally by Verniani. However, this determination of tau would appear to be invalidated by fragmentation. There is good evidence that the radiation of cometary meteors is dominated by that of iron in the visual range, and we have accordingly re-analysed the data of Verniani & Hawkins using the luminous efficiency of iron obtained in simulation experiments. However, it is not possible to choose an iron concentration which gives agreement between the determination of the ionization coefficient by this means and its determination from the theoretical equation in terms of either scattering coefficients or simulation methods. The observational ionization coefficients are much lower than predicted by the present theory and we provisionally explain this as a consequence of transfer of charge from the meteoric ion to a molecule of the air. It is now possible for the meteoric atom to be re-ionized, but it is also possible at sufficiently high initial line densities for significant dissociative recombination of the electrons and nitrogen or oxygen to take place. This recombination will not take place in meteor trains simulated in an ionization chamber. We thus conclude that the present theory is limited to faint radio meteors at lower velocities (v<~35 km s^-1), for which no significant secondary ionization or recombination will take place. The theoretical results may be approximated by the analytic form beta~=9.4x10^-6 (v-10)^2v^0.8, where the velocity v is in km s^-1. For visual meteors in the range of about 30 to 60 km s^-1, we propose as a reasonable approximation the result we have obtained from the Verniani-Hawkins observational data using simulation results for the luminosity: beta=4.91x10^-6v^2.25. At present, however, we are unable to propose estimates of beta for slow bright meteors or fast radio meteors.

A detailed analysis of the high-resolution X-ray spectra of NGC 3516: variability of the ionized absorbers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huerta, E. M.; Krongold, Y.; Jimenez-Bailon, E.

2014-09-20

The 1.5 Seyfert galaxy NGC 3516 presents a strong time variability in X-rays. We re-analyzed the nine observations performed in 2006 October by XMM-Newton and Chandra in the 0.3 to 10 keV energy band. An acceptable model was found for the XMM-Newton data fitting the EPIC-PN and RGS spectra simultaneously; later, this model was successfully applied to the contemporary Chandra high-resolution data. The model consists of a continuum emission component (power law + blackbody) absorbed by four ionized components (warm absorbers), and 10 narrow emission lines. Three absorbing components are warm, producing features only in the soft X-ray band. Themore » fourth ionization component produces Fe XXV and Fe XXVI in the hard-energy band. We study the time response of the absorbing components to the well-detected changes in the X-ray luminosity of this source and find that the two components with the lower ionization state show clear opacity changes consistent with gas close to photoionization equilibrium. These changes are supported by the models and by differences in the spectral features among the nine observations. On the other hand, the two components with higher ionization state do not seem to respond to continuum variations. The response time of the ionized absorbers allows us to constrain their electron density and location. We find that one component (with intermediate ionization) must be located within the obscuring torus at a distance 2.7 × 10{sup 17} cm from the central engine. This outflowing component likely originated in the accretion disk. The three remaining components are at distances larger than 10{sup 16}-10{sup 17} cm. Two of the absorbing components in the soft X-rays have similar outflow velocities and locations. These components may be in pressure equilibrium, forming a multi-phase medium, if the gas has metallicity larger than the solar one (≳ 5 Z {sub ☉}). We also search for variations in the covering factor of the ionized absorbers (although partial covering is not required in our models). We find no correlation between the change in covering factor and the flux of the source. This, in connection with the observed variability of the ionized absorbers, suggests that the changes in flux are not produced by this material. If the variations are indeed produced by obscuring clumps of gas, these must be located much closer in to the central source.« less

Dissociative-ionization cross sections for 12-keV-electron impact on CO{sub 2}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhatt, Pragya; Singh, Raj; Yadav, Namita

The dissociative ionization of a CO{sub 2} molecule is studied at an electron energy of 12 keV using the multiple ion coincidence imaging technique. The absolute partial ionization cross sections and the precursor-specific absolute partial ionization cross sections of resulting fragment ions are obtained and reported. It is found that {approx}75% of single ionization, 22% of double ionization, and {approx}2% of triple ionization of the parent molecule contribute to the total fragment ion yield; quadruple ionization of CO{sub 2} is found to make a negligibly small contribution. Furthermore, the absolute partial ionization cross sections for ion-pair and ion-triple formation aremore » measured for nine dissociative ionization channels of up to a quadruply ionized CO{sub 2} molecule. In addition, the branching ratios for single-ion, ion-pair, and ion-triple formation are also determined.« less

Measurement of the Total Cross Section of Uranium-Uranium Collisions at √{sNN} = 192 . 8 GeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baltz, A. J.; Fischer, W.; Blaskiewicz, M.; Gassner, D.; Drees, K. A.; Luo, Y.; Minty, M.; Thieberger, P.; Wilinski, M.; Pshenichnov, I. A.

2014-03-01

The total cross section of Uranium-Uranium at √{sNN} = 192 . 8 GeV has been measured to be 515 +/-13stat +/-22sys barn, which agrees with the calculated theoretical value of 487.3 barn within experimental error. That this total cross section is more than an order of magnitude larger than the geometric ion-ion cross section is primarily due to Bound-Free Pair Production (BFPP) and Electro-Magnetic Dissociation (EMD). Nearly all beam losses were due to geometric, BFPP and EMD collisions. This allowed the determination of the total cross section from the measured beam loss rates and luminosity. The beam loss rate is calculated from a time-dependent measurement of the total beam intensity. The luminosity is measured via the detection of neutron pairs in time-coincidence in the Zero Degree Calorimeters. Apart from a general interest in verifying the calculations experimentally, an accurate prediction of the losses created in the heavy ion collisions is of practical interest for the LHC, where collision products have the potential to quench cryogenically cooled magnets.

Fundamental mechanisms of laser damage of dielectric crystals by ultrashort pulse: ionization dynamics for the Keldysh model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruzdev, Vitaly

2014-12-01

Laser-induced ionization is a major process that initiates and drives the initial stages of laser-induced damage (LID) of high-quality transparent solids. The ionization and its contribution to LID are characterized in terms of the time-dependent ionization rate and conduction-band electron density. Considering femtosecond pulses of various durations (from 35 to 706 fs) and variable peak irradiances (from 0.01 to 60 TW/cm2), we use a single-rate equation to simulate time variations of conduction-band electron density and rates of the photoionization and impact ionization. The photoionization rate is evaluated with the Keldysh equation. At low irradiance, the electron density and total ionization rate demonstrate power scaling characteristic of multiphoton ionization. With the increase of irradiance, there is observed a saturation of the photoionization rate due to photoionization suppression by the Keldysh-type singularity during the increase in the number of simultaneously absorbed photons by 1. A striking result is that the saturation is followed by a stepwise transition from the ionization regime which is completely dominated by the photoionization to a regime totally dominated by the impact ionization. The transition results in the increase of the electron density by a few orders of magnitude induced by a variation of peak laser irradiance by about 15% to 20%. The physical effects that are involved are discussed.

The Chandra HRC View of the Subarcsecond Structures in the Nuclear Region of NGC 1068

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junfeng; Fabbiano, Giuseppina; Karovska, Margarita; Elvis, Martin; Risaliti, Guido

2012-09-01

We have obtained a high spatial resolution X-ray image of the nucleus of NGC 1068 using the High Resolution Camera (HRC-I) on board the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which provides an unprecedented view of the innermost 1 arcsec radius region of this galaxy. The HRC image resolves the narrow-line region into X-ray emission clumps matching bright emission-line clouds in the HST [OIII] λ5007 images and allows comparison with subarcsecond-scale radio jet for the first time. Two distinct X-ray knots are revealed at 1.3-1.4 arcsec northeast and southwest of the nucleus. Based on the combined X-ray, [O III], and radio continuum morphology, we identify the locations of intense radio jet-cloud interaction. The [O III] to soft X-ray ratios show that some of these clouds are strongly affected by shock heating, whereas in other locations the jet simply thrusts through with no signs of strong interaction. This is further strengthened by the presence of a kT ~ 1 keV collisionally ionized component in the ACIS spectrum of a shock-heated cloud HST-G. We estimate that the kinematic luminosity of the jet-driven shocks is 6 × 1038 erg s-1, a negligible fraction (10-4) of the estimated total jet power.

Finding the Edge of the Galactic Wind's Influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werk, Jessica; Prochaska, J. Xavier; Tumlinson, Jason; Tripp, Todd; Thom, Christopher; Ford, Amanda Brady

2011-08-01

Brand new results from the HST Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the low-z IGM combined with low-resolution optical spectroscopy of galaxy absorbers indicate that there is a correlation between the total star formation rates of L* galaxies and the strength of the OVI absorption in their halos out to 150 kpc. That diffuse, highly-ionized metals surrounding L* galaxies are a sensitive function of recent star formation suggests we may be seeing the effects of feedback in action in the far reaches of a galaxy's halo. Here, we propose to examine this correlation over a broader range of parameters, for galaxies with luminosities ranging from 0.01 L* to L*, having data- rich QSO sightlines passing through their halos at impact parameters up to 300 kpc. Using a combination of GMOS-S imaging and multi-slit spectroscopy, we will determine the star formation rates and metallicities of galaxies from the recently-published LCO/WFCCD redshift survey. We will use existing UV spectral data for the 14 QSO sightlines to analyze the OVI absorption in the circumgalactic medium of the surveyed galaxies. Our goal is to measure the radius at which OVI absorption no longer correlates with galaxy SFR. This observational estimate for the extent to which galactic winds propagate will provide robust constraints on the simulations that model their effects.

PRECISE MEASUREMENT OF THE REIONIZATION OPTICAL DEPTH FROM THE GLOBAL 21 cm SIGNAL ACCOUNTING FOR COSMIC HEATING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fialkov, Anastasia; Loeb, Abraham, E-mail: anastasia.fialkov@cfa.harvard.edu, E-mail: aloeb@cfa.harvard.edu

2016-04-10

As a result of our limited data on reionization, the total optical depth for electron scattering, τ, limits precision measurements of cosmological parameters from the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). It was recently shown that the predicted 21 cm signal of neutral hydrogen contains enough information to reconstruct τ with sub-percent accuracy, assuming that the neutral gas was much hotter than the CMB throughout the entire epoch of reionization (EoR). Here we relax this assumption and use the global 21 cm signal alone to extract τ for realistic X-ray heating scenarios. We test our model-independent approach using mock data for amore » wide range of ionization and heating histories and show that an accurate measurement of the reionization optical depth at a sub-percent level is possible in most of the considered scenarios even when heating is not saturated during the EoR, assuming that the foregrounds are mitigated. However, we find that in cases where heating sources had hard X-ray spectra and their luminosity was close to or lower than what is predicted based on low-redshift observations, the global 21 cm signal alone is not a good tracer of the reionization history.« less

Search for metastable heavy charged particles with large ionization energy loss in p p collisions at s = 13 TeV using the ATLAS experiment

DOE PAGES

Aaboud, M.; Aad, G.; Abbott, B.; ...

2016-06-28

This study presents a search for massive charged long-lived particles produced in pp collisions at √s = 13TeV at the LHC using the ATLAS experiment. The data set used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.2 fb –1. Many extensions of the Standard Model predict the existence of massive charged long-lived particles, such as R-hadrons. These massive particles are expected to be produced with a velocity significantly below the speed of light, and therefore to have a specific ionization higher than any Standard Model particle of unit charge at high momenta. The Pixel subsystem of the ATLAS detector is usedmore » to measure the ionization energy loss of reconstructed charged particles and to search for such highly ionizing particles. The search presented here has much greater sensitivity than a similar search performed using the ATLAS detector in the √s = 8TeV data set, thanks to the increase in expected signal cross section due to the higher center-of-mass energy of collisions, to an upgraded detector with a new silicon layer close to the interaction point, and to analysis improvements. No significant deviation from Standard Model background expectations is observed, and lifetime-dependent upper limits on R-hadron production cross sections and masses are set. Gluino R-hadrons with lifetimes above 0.4 ns and decaying to qq¯ plus a 100 GeV neutralino are excluded at the 95% confidence level, with lower mass limit ranging between 740 and 1590 GeV. In the case of stable R-hadrons the lower mass limit at the 95% confidence level is 1570 GeV.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Devereux, Nick, E-mail: devereux@erau.edu

Dual epoch spectroscopy of the lenticular galaxy, NGC 4203, obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope has revealed that the double-peaked component of the broad H{alpha} emission line is time variable, increasing by a factor of 2.2 in brightness between 1999 and 2010. Modeling the gas distribution responsible for the double-peaked profiles indicates that a ring is a more appropriate description than a disk and most likely represents the contrail of a red supergiant star that is being tidally disrupted at a distance of {approx}1500 AU from the central black hole. There is also a bright core of broad H{alpha} linemore » emission that is not time variable and identified with a large-scale inflow from an outer radius of {approx}1 pc. If the gas number density is {>=}10{sup 6} cm{sup -3}, as suggested by the absence of similarly broad [O I] and [O III] emission lines, then the steady state inflow rate is {approx} 2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -2} M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1}, which exceeds the inflow requirement to explain the X-ray luminosity in terms of radiatively inefficient accretion by a factor of {approx}6. The central active galactic nucleus (AGN) is unable to sustain ionization of the broad-line region; the discrepancy is particularly acute in 2010 when the broad H{alpha} emission line is dominated by the contrail of the infalling supergiant star. However, ram pressure shock ionization produced by the interaction of the infalling supergiant with the ambient interstellar medium may help alleviate the ionizing deficit by generating a mechanical source of ionization supplementing the photoionization provided by the AGN.« less

Can the Lyman Continuum Leaked Out of H II Regions Explain Diffuse Ionized Gas?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seon, Kwang-Il

2009-09-01

We present an attempt to explain the diffuse Hα emission of a face-on galaxy M 51 with the "standard" photoionization model, in which the Lyman continuum (Lyc) escaping from H II regions propagates large distances into the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM). The diffuse Hα emission of M 51 is analyzed using thin slab models and exponential disk models in the context of the "on-the-spot" approximation. The scale height of the ionized gas needed to explain the diffuse Hα emission with the scenario is found to be of the order of ~1-2 kpc, consistent with those of our Galaxy and edge-on galaxies. The model also provides a vertical profile, when the galaxy is viewed edge-on, consisting of two-exponential components. However, it is found that an incredibly low absorption coefficient of κ0 ≈ 0.4-0.8 kpc-1 at the galactic plane, or, equivalently, an effective cross section as low as σeff ~ 10-5 of the photoionization cross section at 912 Å is required to allow the stellar Lyc photons to travel through the H I disk. Such a low absorption coefficient is out of accord with the properties of the ISM. Furthermore, we found that even the model that has the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) phase only and no H I gas phase shows highly concentrated Hα emissions around H II regions, and can account for only lsim26% of the Hα luminosity of the DIG. This result places a strong constraint on the ionizing source of the DIG. We also report that the Hα intensity distribution functions not only of the DIG, but also of H II regions in M 51, appear to be lognormal.

PHOTOMETRY OF THE STINGRAY NEBULA (V839 ARA) FROM 1889 TO 2015 ACROSS THE IONIZATION OF ITS PLANETARY NEBULA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schaefer, Bradley E.; Edwards, Zachary I.

Up until around 1980, the Stingray was an ordinary B1 post-AGB star, but then it suddenly sprouted bright emission lines like in a planetary nebula (PN), and soon after this the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) discovered a small PN around the star, so apparently we have caught a star in the act of ionizing a PN. We report here on a well-sampled light curve from 1889 to 2015, with unique coverage of the prior century plus the entire duration of the PN formation plus three decades of its aftermath. Surprisingly, the star anticipated the 1980s ionization event by declining frommore » B = 10.30 in 1889 to B = 10.76 in 1980. Starting in 1980, the central star faded fast, at a rate of 0.20 mag year{sup −1}, reaching B = 14.64 in 1996. This fast fading is apparently caused by the central star shrinking in size. From 1994 to 2015, the V-band light curve is almost entirely from the flux of two bright [O iii] emission lines from the unresolved nebula, and it shows a consistent decline at a rate of 0.090 mag year{sup −1}. This steady fading (also seen in the radio and infrared) has a timescale equal to that expected for ordinary recombination within the nebula, immediately after a short-duration ionizing event in the 1980s. We are providing the first direct measure of the rapidly changing luminosity of the central star on both sides of a presumed thermal pulse in 1980, with this providing a strong and critical set of constraints, and these are found to sharply disagree with theoretical models of PN evolution.« less

High-resolution Observations of the Massive Protostar in IRAS 18566+0408

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofner, P.; Cesaroni, R.; Kurtz, S.; Rosero, V.; Anderson, C.; Furuya, R. S.; Araya, E. D.; Molinari, S.

2017-07-01

We report 3 mm continuum, CH3CN(5-4) and 13CS(2-1) line observations with CARMA (Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy), in conjunction with 6 and 1.3 cm continuum VLA data, and 12 and 25 μm broadband data from the Subaru Telescope toward the massive proto-star IRAS 18566+0408. The VLA data resolve the ionized jet into four components aligned in the E-W direction. Radio components A, C, and D have flat centimeter SEDs indicative of optically thin emission from ionized gas, and component B has a spectral index α = 1.0, and a decreasing size with frequency \\propto {ν }-0.5. Emission from the CARMA 3 mm continuum and from the 13CS(2-1) and CH3CN(5-4) spectral lines is compact (I.e., < 6700 {au}) and peaks near the position of the VLA centimeter source, component B. Analysis of these lines indicates hot and dense molecular gas, which is typical for HMCs. Our Subaru telescope observations detect a single compact source, coincident with radio component B, demonstrating that most of the energy in IRAS 18566+0408 originates from a region of size < 2400 {au}. We also present UKIRT near-infrared archival data for IRAS 18566+0408, which show extended K-band emission along the jet direction. We detect an E-W velocity shift of about 10 km s-1 over the HMC in the CH3CN lines possibly tracing the interface of the ionized jet with the surrounding core gas. Our data demonstrate the presence of an ionized jet at the base of the molecular outflow and support the hypothesis that massive protostars with O-type luminosity form with a mechanism similar to lower mass stars.

A Gemini view of the galaxy cluster RXC J1504-0248: insights on the nature of the central gaseous filaments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soja, A. C.; Sodré, L.; Monteiro-Oliveira, R.; Cypriano, E. S.; Lima Neto, G. B.

2018-07-01

We revisit the galaxy cluster RXC J1504-0248, a remarkable example of a structure with a strong cool core in a near redshift (z = 0.216). We performed a combined analysis using photometric and spectroscopic data obtained at Gemini South Telescope. We estimated the cluster mass through gravitational lensing, obtaining M200 = 5.3 ± 0.4 × 1014 h_{70}^{-1} M⊙ within R200 = 1.56 ± 0.04 h^{-1}_{70} Mpc, in agreement with a virial mass estimate. This cluster presents a prominent filamentary structure associated with its brightest cluster galaxy, located mainly along its major axis and aligned with the X-ray emission. A combined study of three emission line diagnostic diagrams has shown that the filament emission falls in the so-called transition region of these diagrams. Consequently, several ionizing sources should be playing a meaningful role. We have argued that old stars, often invoked to explain low-ionization nuclear emission-line region emission, should not be the major source of ionization. We have noticed that most of the filamentary emission has line ratios consistent with the shock excitation limits obtained from shock models. We also found that line fluxes are related to gas velocities (here estimated from line widths) by power laws with slopes in the range expected from shock models. These models also show, however, that only ˜10 per cent of H α luminosity can be explained by shocks. We conclude that shocks probably associated with the cooling of the intracluster gas in a filamentary structure may indeed be contributing to the filament nebular emission, but cannot be the major source of ionizing photons.

AGN-enhanced outflows of low-ionization gas in star-forming galaxies at 1.7 < z < 4.6*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talia, M.; Brusa, M.; Cimatti, A.; Lemaux, B. C.; Amorin, R.; Bardelli, S.; Cassarà, L. P.; Cucciati, O.; Garilli, B.; Grazian, A.; Guaita, L.; Hathi, N. P.; Koekemoer, A.; Le Fèvre, O.; Maccagni, D.; Nakajima, K.; Pentericci, L.; Pforr, J.; Schaerer, D.; Vanzella, E.; Vergani, D.; Zamorani, G.; Zucca, E.

2017-11-01

Fast and energetic winds are invoked by galaxy formation models as essential processes in the evolution of galaxies. These outflows can be powered either by star formation (SF) and/or active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity, but the relative dominance of the two mechanisms is still under debate. We use spectroscopic stacking analysis to study the properties of the low-ionization phase of the outflow in a sample of 1330 star-forming galaxies (SFGs) and 79 X-ray-detected (1042 < LX < 1045 erg s-1) Type 2 AGN at 1.7 < z < 4.6 selected from a compilation of deep optical spectroscopic surveys, mostly zCOSMOS-Deep and VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey (VUDS). We measure mean velocity offsets of ˜- 150 km s-1 in the SFGs, while in the AGN sample the velocity is much higher (˜- 950 km s-1), suggesting that the AGN is boosting the outflow up to velocities that could not be reached only with the SF contribution. The sample of X-ray AGN has on average a lower SF rate than non-AGN SFGs of similar mass: this, combined with the enhanced outflow velocity in AGN hosts, is consistent with AGN feedback in action. We further divide our sample of AGN into two X-ray luminosity bins: we measure the same velocity offsets in both stacked spectra, at odds with results reported for the highly ionized phase in local AGN, suggesting that the two phases of the outflow may be mixed only up to relatively low velocities, while the highest velocities can be reached only by the highly ionized phase.

The MUSE view of QSO PG 1307+085: an elliptical galaxy on the MBH-σ* relation interacting with its group environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husemann, B.; Bennert, V. N.; Scharwächter, J.; Woo, J.-H.; Choudhury, O. S.

2016-01-01

We report deep optical integral-field spectroscopy with the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope of the luminous radio-quiet quasi-stellar object (QSO) PG 1307+085 obtained during commissioning. Given the high sensitivity and spatial resolution delivered by MUSE, we are able to resolve the compact (re ˜ 1.3 arcsec) elliptical host galaxy. After spectroscopic deblending of the QSO and host galaxy emission, we infer a stellar velocity dispersion of σ* = 155 ± 19 km s-1. This places PG 1307+085 on the local MBH-σ* relation within its intrinsic scatter but offset towards a higher black hole mass with respect to the mean relation. The MUSE observations reveal a large extended narrow-line region (ENLR) around PG 1307+085 reaching out to ˜30 kpc. In addition, we detect a faint ionized gas bridge towards the most massive galaxy of the galaxy group at 50 kpc distance. The ionized gas kinematics does not show any evidence for gas outflows on kpc scales despite the high QSO luminosity of Lbol > 1046 erg s-1. Based on the ionized gas distribution, kinematics and metallicity we discuss the origin of the ENLR with respect to its group environments including minor mergers, ram-pressure stripping or gas accretion as the likely scenarios. We conclude that PG 1307+085 is a normal elliptical host in terms of the scaling relations, but that the gas is likely affected by the environment through gravity or ambient pressure. It is possible that the interaction with the environment, seen in the ionized gas, might be responsible for driving sufficient gas to the black hole.

Constraining the contribution of active galactic nuclei to reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Sultan; Davé, Romeel; Mitra, Sourav; Finlator, Kristian; Ciardi, Benedetta; Santos, Mario G.

2018-01-01

Recent results have suggested that active galactic nuclei (AGN) could provide enough photons to reionize the Universe. We assess the viability of this scenario using a semi-numerical framework for modelling reionization, to which we add a quasar contribution by constructing a Quasar Halo Occupancy Distribution (QHOD) based on Giallongo et al. observations. Assuming a constant QHOD, we find that an AGN-only model cannot simultaneously match observations of the optical depth τe, neutral fraction and ionizing emissivity. Such a model predicts τe too low by ∼2σ relative to Planck constraints, and reionizes the Universe at z ≲ 5. Arbitrarily increasing the AGN emissivity to match these results yields a strong mismatch with the observed ionizing emissivity at z ∼ 5. If we instead assume a redshift-independent AGN luminosity function yielding an emissivity evolution like that assumed in Madau & Haardt model, then we can match τe albeit with late reionization; however, such evolution is inconsistent with observations at z ∼ 4-6 and poorly motivated physically. These results arise because AGN are more biased towards massive haloes than typical reionizing galaxies, resulting in stronger clustering and later formation times. AGN-dominated models produce larger ionizing bubbles that are reflected in ∼×2 more 21 cm power on all scales. A model with equal part galaxies and AGN contribution is still (barely) consistent with observations, but could be distinguished using next-generation 21 cm experiments such as Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array and SKA-low. We conclude that, even with recent claims of more faint AGN than previously thought, AGN are highly unlikely to dominate the ionizing photon budget for reionization.

Ionized Gas Outflows in Infrared-bright Dust-obscured Galaxies Selected with WISE and SDSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toba, Yoshiki; Bae, Hyun-Jin; Nagao, Tohru; Woo, Jong-Hak; Wang, Wei-Hao; Wagner, Alexander Y.; Sun, Ai-Lei; Chang, Yu-Yen

2017-12-01

We present the ionized gas properties of infrared (IR)-bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) that show an extreme optical/IR color, {(i-[22])}{AB}> 7.0, selected with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). For 36 IR-bright DOGs that show [O III]λ5007 emission in the SDSS spectra, we performed a detailed spectral analysis to investigate their ionized gas properties. In particular, we measured the velocity offset (the velocity with respect to the systemic velocity measured from the stellar absorption lines) and the velocity dispersion of the [O III] line. We found that the derived velocity offset and dispersion of most IR-bright DOGs are larger than those of Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2s) at z< 0.3, meaning that the IR-bright DOGs show relatively strong outflows compared to Sy2s. This can be explained by the difference in IR luminosity contributed from active galactic nuclei, {L}{IR} (AGN), because we found that (i) {L}{IR} (AGN) correlates with the velocity offset and dispersion of [O III] and (ii) our IR-bright DOG sample has larger {L}{IR} (AGN) than Sy2s. Nevertheless, the fact that about 75% IR-bright DOGs have a large (>300 km s-1) velocity dispersion, which is a larger fraction compared to other AGN populations, suggests that IR-bright DOGs are good laboratories to investigate AGN feedback. The velocity offset and dispersion of [O III] and [Ne III]λ3869 are larger than those of [O II]λ3727, which indicates that the highly ionized gas tends to show stronger outflows.

A TALE OF TWO NARROW-LINE REGIONS: IONIZATION, KINEMATICS, AND SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR A LOCAL PAIR OF MERGING OBSCURED ACTIVE GALAXIES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hainline, Kevin N.; Hickox, Ryan C.; Chen, Chien-Ting

2016-05-20

We explore the gas ionization and kinematics, as well as the optical-IR spectral energy distributions for UGC 11185, a nearby pair of merging galaxies hosting obscured active galactic nuclei (AGNs), also known as SDSS J181611.72+423941.6 and J181609.37+423923.0 (J1816NE and J1816SW, z ≈ 0.04). Due to the wide separation between these interacting galaxies (∼23 kpc), observations of these objects provide a rare glimpse of the concurrent growth of supermassive black holes at an early merger stage. We use BPT line diagnostics to show that the full extent of the narrow-line emission in both galaxies is photoionized by an AGN, and confirmmore » the existence of a 10 kpc-scale ionization cone in J1816NE, while in J1816SW the AGN narrow-line region is much more compact (1–2 kpc) and relatively undisturbed. Our observations also reveal the presence of ionized gas that nearly spans the entire distance between the galaxies, which is likely in a merger-induced tidal stream. In addition, we carry out a spectral analysis of the X-ray emission using data from XMM-Newton . These galaxies represent a useful pair to explore how the [O iii] luminosity of an AGN is dependent on the size of the region used to explore the extended emission. Given the growing evidence for AGN “flickering” over short timescales, we speculate that the appearances and impacts of these AGNs may change multiple times over the course of the galaxy merger, which is especially important given that these objects are likely the progenitors of the types of systems commonly classified as “dual AGNs.”.« less

A Deep Chandra ACIS Study of NGC 4151. III. The Line Emission and Spectral Analysis of the Ionization Cone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junfeng; Fabbiano, Giuseppina; Elvis, Martin; Risaliti, Guido; Karovska, Margarita; Zezas, Andreas; Mundell, Carole G.; Dumas, Gaelle; Schinnerer, Eva

2011-11-01

This paper is the third in a series in which we present deep Chandra ACIS-S imaging spectroscopy of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4151, devoted to study its complex circumnuclear X-ray emission. Emission features in the soft X-ray spectrum of the bright extended emission (L 0.3-2 keV ~ 1040 erg s-1) at r > 130 pc (2'') are consistent with blended brighter O VII, O VIII, and Ne IX lines seen in the Chandra HETGS and XMM-Newton RGS spectra below 2 keV. We construct emission line images of these features and find good morphological correlations with the narrow-line region clouds mapped in [O III] λ5007. Self-consistent photoionization models provide good descriptions of the spectra of the large-scale emission, as well as resolved structures, supporting the dominant role of nuclear photoionization, although displacement of optical and X-ray features implies a more complex medium. Collisionally ionized emission is estimated to be lsim12% of the extended emission. Presence of both low- and high-ionization spectral components and extended emission in the X-ray image perpendicular to the bicone indicates leakage of nuclear ionization, likely filtered through warm absorbers, instead of being blocked by a continuous obscuring torus. The ratios of [O III]/soft X-ray flux are approximately constant (~15) for the 1.5 kpc radius spanned by these measurements, indicating similar relative contributions from the low- and high-ionization gas phases at different radial distances from the nucleus. If the [O III] and X-ray emission arise from a single photoionized medium, this further implies an outflow with a wind-like density profile. Using spatially resolved X-ray features, we estimate that the mass outflow rate in NGC 4151 is ~2 M ⊙ yr-1 at 130 pc and the kinematic power of the ionized outflow is 1.7 × 1041 erg s-1, approximately 0.3% of the bolometric luminosity of the active nucleus in NGC 4151.

Recurrent Outbursts Revealed in 3XMM J031820.8-663034

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Hai-Hui; Weng, Shan-Shan; Wang, Jun-Xian

2018-06-01

3XMM J031820.8-663034, first detected by ROSAT in NGC 1313, is one of a few known transient ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs). In this paper, we present decades of X-ray data of this source from ROSAT, XMM-Newton, Chandra, and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. We find that its X-ray emission experienced four outbursts since 1992, with a typical recurrent time ∼1800 days, an outburst duration ∼240–300 days, and a nearly constant peak X-ray luminosity ∼1.5 × 1039 erg s‑1. The upper limit of X-ray luminosity at the quiescent state is ∼5.6 × 1036 erg s‑1, and the total energy radiated during one outburst is ∼1046 erg. The spectra at the high luminosity states can be described with an absorbed disk blackbody, and the disk temperature increases with the X-ray luminosity. We compare its outburst properties with other known transient ULXs including ESO 243-49 HLX-1. As its peak luminosity only marginally puts it in the category of ULXs, we also compare it with normal transient black hole binaries. Our results suggest that the source is powered by an accreting massive stellar-mass black hole, and the outbursts are triggered by the thermal-viscous instability.

Testing the Paradigm that Ultra-Luminous X-Ray Sources as a Class Represent Accreting Intermediate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berghea, C. T.; Weaver, K. A.; Colbert, E. J. M.; Roberts, T. P.

2008-01-01

To test the idea that ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) in external galaxies represent a class of accreting Intermediate-Mass Black Holes (IMBHs), we have undertaken a program to identify ULXs and a lower luminosity X-ray comparison sample with the highest quality data in the Chandra archive. We establish a general property of ULXs that the most X-ray luminous objects possess the fattest X-ray spectra (in the Chandra band pass). No prior sample studies have established the general hardening of ULX spectra with luminosity. This hardening occurs at the highest luminosities (absorbed luminosity > or equals 5x10(exp 39) ergs/s) and is in line with recent models arguing that ULXs are actually stellar-mass black holes. From spectral modeling, we show that the evidence originally taken to mean that ULXs are IMBHs - i.e., the "simple IMBH model" - is nowhere near as compelling when a large sample of ULXs is looked at properly. During the last couple of years, XMM-Newton spectroscopy of ULXs has to some large extent begun to negate the simple IMBH model based on fewer objects. We confirm and expand these results, which validates the XMM-Newton work in a broader sense with independent X-ray data. We find (1) that cool disk components are present with roughly equal probability and total flux fraction for any given ULX, regardless of luminosity, and (2) that cool disk components extend below the standard ULX luminosity cutoff of 10(exp 39) ergs/s, down to our sample limit of 10(exp 38:3) ergs/s. The fact that cool disk components are not correlated with luminosity damages the argument that cool disks indicate IMBHs in ULXs, for which a strong statistical support was never made.

HCN Survey of Normal Spiral, Infrared-luminous, and Ultraluminous Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Yu; Solomon, Philip M.

2004-05-01

We report systematic HCN J=1-0 (and CO) observations of a sample of 53 infrared (IR) and/or CO-bright and/or luminous galaxies, including seven ultraluminous infrared galaxies, nearly 20 luminous infrared galaxies, and more than a dozen of the nearest normal spiral galaxies. This is the largest and most sensitive HCN survey of galaxies to date. All galaxies observed so far follow the tight correlation between the IR luminosity LIR and the HCN luminosity LHCN initially proposed by Solomon, Downes, & Radford, which is detailed in a companion paper. We also address here the issue of HCN excitation. There is no particularly strong correlation between LHCN and the 12 μm luminosity; in fact, of all the four IRAS bands, the 12 μm luminosity has the weakest correlation with the HCN luminosity. There is also no evidence of stronger HCN emission or a higher ratio of HCN and CO luminosities LHCN/LCO for galaxies with excess 12 μm emission. This result implies that mid-IR radiative pumping, or populating, of the J=1 level of HCN by a mid-IR vibrational transition is not important compared with the collisional excitation by dense molecular hydrogen. Furthermore, large velocity gradient calculations justify the use of HCN J=1-0 emission as a tracer of high-density molecular gas (>~3×104/τcm-3) and give an estimate of the mass of dense molecular gas from HCN observations. Therefore, LHCN may be used as a measure of the total mass of dense molecular gas, and the luminosity ratio LHCN/LCO may indicate the fraction of molecular gas that is dense.

Testing the Paradigm that Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources as a Class Represent Accreting Intermediate-Mass Black Holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berghea, C. T.; Weaver, K. A.; Colbert, E. J. M.; Roberts, T. P.

2008-11-01

To test the idea that ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) in external galaxies represent a class of accreting intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs), we have undertaken a program to identify ULXs and a lower luminosity X-ray comparison sample with the highest quality data in the Chandra archive. We establish as a general property of ULXs that the most X-ray-luminous objects possess the flattest X-ray spectra (in the Chandra bandpass). No prior sample studies have established the general hardening of ULX spectra with luminosity. This hardening occurs at the highest luminosities (absorbed luminosity >=5 × 1039 erg s-1) and is in line with recent models arguing that ULXs are actually stellar mass black holes. From spectral modeling, we show that the evidence originally taken to mean that ULXs are IMBHs—i.e., the "simple IMBH model"—is nowhere near as compelling when a large sample of ULXs is looked at properly. During the last couple of years, XMM-Newton spectroscopy of ULXs has to a large extent begun to negate the simple IMBH model based on fewer objects. We confirm and expand these results, which validates the XMM-Newton work in a broader sense with independent X-ray data. We find that (1) cool-disk components are present with roughly equal probability and total flux fraction for any given ULX, regardless of luminosity, and (2) cool-disk components extend below the standard ULX luminosity cutoff of 1039 erg s-1, down to our sample limit of 1038.3 erg s-1. The fact that cool-disk components are not correlated with luminosity damages the argument that cool disks indicate IMBHs in ULXs, for which strong statistical support was never found.

A Faint Flux-limited Lyα Emitter Sample at z ˜ 0.3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wold, Isak G. B.; Finkelstein, Steven L.; Barger, Amy J.; Cowie, Lennox L.; Rosenwasser, Benjamin

2017-10-01

We present a flux-limited sample of z ˜ 0.3 Lyα emitters (LAEs) from Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) grism spectroscopic data. The published GALEX z ˜ 0.3 LAE sample is pre-selected from continuum-bright objects and thus is biased against high equivalent width (EW) LAEs. We remove this continuum pre-selection and compute the EW distribution and the luminosity function of the Lyα emission line directly from our sample. We examine the evolution of these quantities from z ˜ 0.3 to 2.2 and find that the EW distribution shows little evidence for evolution over this redshift range. As shown by previous studies, the Lyα luminosity density from star-forming (SF) galaxies declines rapidly with declining redshift. However, we find that the decline in Lyα luminosity density from z = 2.2 to z = 0.3 may simply mirror the decline seen in the Hα luminosity density from z = 2.2 to z = 0.4, implying little change in the volumetric Lyα escape fraction. Finally, we show that the observed Lyα luminosity density from AGNs is comparable to the observed Lyα luminosity density from SF galaxies at z = 0.3. We suggest that this significant contribution from AGNs to the total observed Lyα luminosity density persists out to z ˜ 2.2. Some of the data presented herein were obtained at the W.M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W.M. Keck Foundation.

X-Ray Properties of K-Selected Galaxies at 0.5 Less than z Less than 2.0: Investigating Trends with Stellar Mass, Redshift and Spectral Type

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Therese M.; Kriek, Mariska; vanDokkum, Peter G.; Brammer, Gabriel; Franx, Marijn; Greene, Jenny E.; Labbe, Ivo; Whitaker, Katherine E.

2014-01-01

We examine how the total X-ray luminosity correlates with stellar mass, stellar population, and redshift for a K-band limited sample of approximately 3500 galaxies at 0.5 < z < 2.0 from the NEWFIRM Medium Band Survey in the COSMOS field. The galaxy sample is divided into 32 different galaxy types, based on similarities between the spectral energy distributions. For each galaxy type, we further divide the sample into bins of redshift and stellar mass, and perform an X-ray stacking analysis using the Chandra COSMOS data. We find that full band X-ray luminosity is primarily increasing with stellar mass, and at similar mass and spectral type is higher at larger redshifts. When comparing at the same stellar mass, we find that the X-ray luminosity is slightly higher for younger galaxies (i.e., weaker 4000 angstrom breaks), but the scatter in this relation is large. We compare the observed X-ray luminosities to those expected from low- and high-mass X-ray binaries (XRBs). For blue galaxies, XRBs can almost fully account for the observed emission, while for older galaxies with larger 4000 angstrom breaks, active galactic nuclei (AGN) or hot gas dominate the measured X-ray flux. After correcting for XRBs, the X-ray luminosity is still slightly higher in younger galaxies, although this correlation is not significant. AGN appear to be a larger component of galaxy X-ray luminosity at earlier times, as the hardness ratio increases with redshift. Together with the slight increase in X-ray luminosity this may indicate more obscured AGNs or higher accretion rates at earlier times.

Quantum-mechanical predictions of DNA and RNA ionization by energetic proton beams.

PubMed

Galassi, M E; Champion, C; Weck, P F; Rivarola, R D; Fojón, O; Hanssen, J

2012-04-07

Among the numerous constituents of eukaryotic cells, the DNA macromolecule is considered as the most important critical target for radiation-induced damages. However, up to now ion-induced collisions on DNA components remain scarcely approached and theoretical support is still lacking for describing the main ionizing processes. In this context, we here report a theoretical description of the proton-induced ionization of the DNA and RNA bases as well as the sugar-phosphate backbone. Two different quantum-mechanical models are proposed: the first one based on a continuum distorted wave-eikonal initial state treatment and the second perturbative one developed within the first Born approximation with correct boundary conditions (CB1). Besides, the molecular structure information of the biological targets studied here was determined by ab initio calculations with the Gaussian 09 software at the restricted Hartree-Fock level of theory with geometry optimization. Doubly, singly differential and total ionization cross sections also provided by the two models were compared for a large range of incident and ejection energies and a very good agreement was observed for all the configurations investigated. Finally, in comparison with the rare experiment, we have noted a large underestimation of the total ionization cross sections of uracil impacted by 80 keV protons,whereas a very good agreement was shown with the recently reported ionization cross sections for protons on adenine, at both the differential and the total scale.

Quantum-mechanical predictions of DNA and RNA ionization by energetic proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galassi, M. E.; Champion, C.; Weck, P. F.; Rivarola, R. D.; Fojón, O.; Hanssen, J.

2012-04-01

Among the numerous constituents of eukaryotic cells, the DNA macromolecule is considered as the most important critical target for radiation-induced damages. However, up to now ion-induced collisions on DNA components remain scarcely approached and theoretical support is still lacking for describing the main ionizing processes. In this context, we here report a theoretical description of the proton-induced ionization of the DNA and RNA bases as well as the sugar-phosphate backbone. Two different quantum-mechanical models are proposed: the first one based on a continuum distorted wave-eikonal initial state treatment and the second perturbative one developed within the first Born approximation with correct boundary conditions (CB1). Besides, the molecular structure information of the biological targets studied here was determined by ab initio calculations with the Gaussian 09 software at the restricted Hartree-Fock level of theory with geometry optimization. Doubly, singly differential and total ionization cross sections also provided by the two models were compared for a large range of incident and ejection energies and a very good agreement was observed for all the configurations investigated. Finally, in comparison with the rare experiment, we have noted a large underestimation of the total ionization cross sections of uracil impacted by 80 keV protons, whereas a very good agreement was shown with the recently reported ionization cross sections for protons on adenine, at both the differential and the total scale.

Electron impact ionization of the gas-phase sorbitol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyshova, Irina; Markush, Pavlo; Zavilopulo, Anatoly; Shpenik, Otto

2015-03-01

Ionization and dissociative ionization of the sorbitol molecule by electron impact have been studied using two different experimental methods. In the mass range of m/ z = 10-190, the mass spectra of sorbitol were recorded at the ionizing electron energies of 70 and 30 eV. The ion yield curves for the fragment ions have been analyzed and the appearance energies of these ions have been determined. The relative total ionization cross section of the sorbitol molecule was measured using monoenergetic electron beam. Possible fragmentation pathways for the sorbitol molecule were proposed.

The Survival of the Core Fundamental Plane against Galactic Mergers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holley-Bockelmann, Kelly; Richstone, Douglas

1999-05-01

The basic dimensional properties of the centers of elliptical galaxies, such as length scale, luminosity, and velocity dispersion, lie on a fundamental plane similar to that of elliptical galaxies as a whole. The orientation of this plane, and the distribution of core parameters within it, point to a strong correlation of core density with either core or total luminosity, and indicate that low-luminosity ellipticals are much denser than high-luminosity galaxies (Hubble Space Telescope data suggest that this relationship may be as steep as ρc~L-2). In addition, low-luminosity ellipticals have a much smaller length scale than their high-luminosity counterparts. Since we think that small galaxies are occasionally accreted by big ones, the high density of these galaxies and their likely durability against the time-varying tidal field of the bigger ones suggests that they will survive substantially intact in the cores of larger galaxies and would be easily visible. Their presence would destroy the observed correlation. Motivated by this apparent inconsistency between an observed fact and a simple physical argument, we have developed an effective simulation method and applied it to the problem of the accretion of very dense secondary companions by tenuous primaries. We have studied the accretion of objects of varying luminosity ratios, with sizes and densities drawn from the fundamental plane under the assumption that the mass distribution in the central parts of the galaxies follows the light. The results indicate that in mergers with mass ratios greater than 10, chosen with an appropriate central density dependence on luminosity, the smaller object is only stripped down to the highest density encountered in the primary during the accretion process. Thus, the form of the core fundamental plane suggests that the mass distribution in galaxy centers is different from the light distribution, or that an understanding of secondary survival requires more than the dynamics of visible stars.

Operation Sun Beam, Shot Small Boy. Project Officer's report - Project 7. 10. Spectral analysis with high-time resolution of the thermal-radiation pulse

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mahoney, J.J.; Harris, L.H.; Hennecke, H.J.

1985-09-01

The primary objective of this project was to investigate the spectral irradiance and luminosity versus time for the first thermal pulse at Shot Small Boy. This was accomplished by use of spectral filters with narrow band passes, phototubes, and magnetic tape recorders with high time resolution at two locations. The measured elapsed time to the first thermal maximum was from 50 to 110 microseconds, depending on wavelength. A graph of radiant thermal power versus time was obtained for the thermal pulse. The delineation of the first thermal pulse, especially the rise portion, is considered to be more definite than hasmore » been obtained previously. The resolution time of the instrumentation was approximately 50 microseconds. Secondary objectives were to measure the total luminosity versus time and also to measure the atmospheric attenuation. These objectives were accomplished by making measurements at two distances, 2.5 and 3.5 miles, from ground zero. In the case of the total luminosity measurements, a system of filters with a spectral transmittance approximating the sensitivity response of the average human eye was used. The results are tabulated in the report.« less

CO observations of nearby galaxies and the efficiency of star formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Judith S.

1987-01-01

The CO distributions and total molecular content of 160 galaxies were observed using the 14 meter millimeter telescope of the FCRAO. For the luminous, relatively face-on Sc galaxies, the azimuthally averaged CO distributions are centrally peaked, while for the Sb and Sa galaxies the Co distributions often exhibit central CO holes up to 5 kpc across. None of the Sc galaxies have CO distributions which resemble the Milky Way. A general correlation was found between total CO and IR luminosities in galaxies. The scatter in this relation is highly correlated with dust temperature. No strong correlation of IR luminosities was found with HI masses, and it was thereby concluded that the infrared emission is more directly tied to the molecular content of galaxies. It is suggested that galaxies which have high Star Formation Effiencies (SFEs) produce more stars per unit molecular mass, thereby increasing the average temperature of the dust in the star forming regions. Irregular galaxies and galaxies previously identified as mergers have the highest observed star formation efficiencies. For the mergers, evidence was found that the IR/CO luminosity ratio increases with the merger age estimated by Joseph and Wright (1985).

The Tully-Fisher relation of the IRAS minisurvey galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Driel, W.; Van Den Broek, A. C.; Baan, W. A.

1995-01-01

We investigated the possible influence on the Tully-Fisher relation of active massive star formation in IRAS galaxies, in order to estimate the contribution of star formation to their near-infrared luminosity. We observed 60 galaxies from the infrared complete so-called IRAS Minisurvey sample in the 21 cm H1 line at Arecibo, determined the near-infrared (H-band) Tully-Fisher relation for the 36 objects in the sample we judged to be usable for this purpose, and compared this relation with that of optically selected normal galaxies. The results show no significant enhancement of the near-infrared luminosities of the IRAS Minisurvey galaxies compared to those of the optically selected normal glaxies. From these results we inferred that in the minisurvey galaxies the average contribution of the active massive star formation to the total near-infrared luminosity is less and that exponential decay times for the starbursts occurring in the Minisurvey galaxies are of the order of 10 Myr. The Tully-Fisher relation shows one exceptional galaxy (IRAS 03565+2139) with an about 25 times higher luminosity than average for its rotational velocity.

Luminosity measurements for the R scan experiment at BESIII

DOE PAGES

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ahmed, S.; ...

2017-02-08

By analyzing the large-angle Bhabha scattering events e +e - → (γ)e +e - and diphoton events e +e - → (γ)γγ for the data sets collected at center-of-mass (c.m.) energies between 2.2324 and 4.5900 GeV (131 energy points in total) with the upgraded Beijing Spectrometer (BESIII) at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider (BEPCII), the integrated luminosities have been measured at the different c.m. energies, individually. Finally, the results are important inputs for the R value and J/ψ resonance parameter measurements.

The Inner Structure of OH Megamaser Galaxies: The Genesis of the Unified Scheme of Active Galactic Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Axon, David

OH megamaser galaxies (OHMG) represent a key post-merger phase in the evolution of the Ultra-Luminous Infrared Galaxies (ULIRGs) population, in which an edge-on circum-nuclear gas disk (proto-torus) has already formed. Detailed interferometric mapping of maser sources implies that they originate in dense edge-on rotating molecular gas within a few tens of parsecs of the AGN. In addition, the OH lines are often broad (Doppler widths ~ 1000 km/s), implying large dynamical masses in the central few parsecs. In many systems the OH lines also show high velocity asymmetric tails suggesting large-scale outflows that could be clearing away enshrouding dense molecular material. Taken together this evidence points to a picture in which an OHMG hosts a nascent QSO surrounded by a flattened distribution of dense molecular gas that is in the process of being cleared away along the rotation axis of the maser disk. A great advantage of studying OHMG systems over the general ULIRG population is that the circum-nuclear disks are effectively "fixed" at an edge on orientation, thereby breaking the degeneracy between the number of clumps and inclination in state of the art clumpy torus models. We have been awarded HST time in cycle 17 to conduct a comprehensive study of structure of the circum-nuclear gas, and its relationship to the radio structure and that of the maser disk, of large sample (80) of OHMG. This work is supported by ground-based spectropolarimetry, integral field spectroscopy and new radio continuum observations, Our overall objective is to probe the final stages of evolution immediately before the full- emergence of an enshrouded AGN as the circum-nuclear dust is dispersed by starburst and AGN-induced outflows. The specific scientific goals of this ADP proposal are to retrieve and analyze the Spitzer thermal-IR 5-70 micron imaging and IRS spectra of the subset of 72 of our targets for which Spitzer observations are available in the archive. We aim to establish the relationship between host and circum-nuclear ionized gas and dust structures in different OHMG spectroscopic types (AGN, Starburst, Composite) and model the AGN and starburst contributions to the mid-IR SED. Combining these with our other data we will address a number of important questions: is the mid-IR SED consistent with an edge-on circum-nuclear dust structure, as expected from the maser observations? What is the relative orientation of the Maser molecular structure and the ionized gas? Is there a connection between AGN heating of the circum-nuclear dust and wind or radiation driven outflows from the nucleus? How does the bolometric luminosity of the AGN relate to the OH line luminosity, FWHM and line shape? In turn these will relate the ionizing luminosity to the covering factor of the torus and the enclosed dynamical mass. When complete, this study should provide new insights on the relationships between the fundamental physical parameters of the AGN, including black hole mass, accretion and mass outflow rates, and the large scale properties of the host galaxy.

Herschel observations of the Galactic H II region RCW 79

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hong-Li; Figueira, Miguel; Zavagno, Annie; Hill, Tracey; Schneider, Nicola; Men'shchikov, Alexander; Russeil, Delphine; Motte, Frédérique; Tigé, Jérémy; Deharveng, Lise; Anderson, Loren D.; Li, Jin-Zeng; Wu, Yuefang; Yuan, Jing-Hua; Huang, Maohai

2017-06-01

Context. Triggered star formation around H II regions could be an important process. The Galactic H II region RCW 79 is a prototypical object for triggered high-mass star formation. Aims: We aim to obtain a census of the young stellar population observed at the edges of the H II region and to determine the properties of the young sources in order to characterize the star formation processes that take place at the edges of this ionized region. Methods: We take advantage of Herschel data from the surveys HOBYS, "Evolution of Interstellar Dust", and Hi-Gal to extract compact sources. We use the algorithm getsources. We complement the Herschel data with archival 2MASS, Spitzer, and WISE data to determine the physical parameters of the sources (e.g., envelope mass, dust temperature, and luminosity) by fitting the spectral energy distribution. Results: We created the dust temperature and column density maps along with the column density probability distribution function (PDF) for the entire RCW 79 region. We obtained a sample of 50 compact sources in this region, 96% of which are situated in the ionization-compressed layer of cold and dense gas that is characterized by the column density PDF with a double-peaked lognormal distribution. The 50 sources have sizes of 0.1-0.4 pc with a typical value of 0.2 pc, temperatures of 11-26 K, envelope masses of 6-760 M⊙, densities of 0.1-44 × 105 cm-3, and luminosities of 19-12 712 L⊙. The sources are classified into 16 class 0, 19 intermediate, and 15 class I objects. Their distribution follows the evolutionary tracks in the diagram of bolometric luminosity versus envelope mass (Lbol-Menv) well. A mass threshold of 140 M⊙, determined from the Lbol-Menv diagram, yields 12 candidate massive dense cores that may form high-mass stars. The core formation efficiency (CFE) for the 8 massive condensations shows an increasing trend of the CFE with density. This suggests that the denser the condensation, the higher the fraction of its mass transformation into dense cores, as previously observed in other high-mass star-forming regions. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.Final reduced data and maps used in the paper (FITS format) are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/602/A95

Successive changes of hematologic characteristics and plasma chemistry values of juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).

PubMed

Kakizoe, Yuka; Sakaoka, Ken; Kakizoe, Futoshi; Yoshii, Makoto; Nakamura, Hitoshi; Kanou, Yoshihiko; Uchida, Itaru

2007-03-01

Hematologic characteristics and plasma chemistry values of juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the ages of 1 mo to 3 yr were obtained to establish baseline values. Five clinically normal loggerhead turtles were selected from the same clutch and raised in an indoor artificial nesting beach. Blood samples were successively collected and examined for various blood characteristics for a maximum total of 15 times. Hematologic characteristics, including packed cell volume, white blood cell counts, and white blood cell differentials; and plasma chemistry values, including total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma-glutamic transpeptidase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, triglyceride, total cholesterol, ionized sodium, ionized potassium and ionized chlorine, were measured. These results were used to establish a hematology and blood chemistry baseline for captive juvenile loggerhead turtles and will aid in their medical management.

Evolution of the dusty infrared luminosity function from z = 0 to z = 2.3 using observations from Spitzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnelli, B.; Elbaz, D.; Chary, R. R.; Dickinson, M.; Le Borgne, D.; Frayer, D. T.; Willmer, C. N. A.

2011-04-01

Aims: We derive the evolution of the infrared luminosity function (LF) over the last 4/5ths of cosmic time using deep 24 and 70 μm imaging of the GOODS North and South fields. Methods: We use an extraction technique based on prior source positions at shorter wavelengths to build the 24 and 70 μm source catalogs. The majority (93%) of the sources have a spectroscopic (39%) or a photometric redshift (54%) and, in our redshift range of interest (i.e., 1.3 < z < 2.3) s20% of the sources have a spectroscopic redshift. To extend our study to lower 70 μm luminosities we perform a stacking analysis and we characterize the observed L24/(1 + z) vs. L70/(1 + z) correlation. Using spectral energy distribution (SED) templates which best fit this correlation, we derive the infrared luminosity of individual sources from their 24 and 70 μm luminosities. We then compute the infrared LF at zs1.55 ± 0.25 and zs2.05 ± 0.25. Results: We observe the break in the infrared LF up to zs2.3. The redshift evolution of the infrared LF from z = 1.3 to z = 2.3 is consistent with a luminosity evolution proportional to (1 + z)1.0 ± 0.9 combined with a density evolution proportional to (1 + z)-1.1 ± 1.5. At zs2, luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs: 1011L⊙ < LIR < 1012 L⊙) are still the main contributors to the total comoving infrared luminosity density of the Universe. At zs2, LIRGs and ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs: 1012L⊙ < LIR) account for s49% and s17% respectively of the total comoving infrared luminosity density of the Universe. Combined with previous results using the same strategy for galaxies at z < 1.3 and assuming a constant conversion between the infrared luminosity and star-formation rate (SFR) of a galaxy, we study the evolution of the SFR density of the Universe from z = 0 to z = 2.3. We find that the SFR density of the Universe strongly increased with redshift from z = 0 to z = 1.3, but is nearly constant at higher redshift out to z = 2.3. As part of the online material accompanying this article, we present source catalogs at 24 μm and 70 μm for both the GOODS-North and -South fields. Appendices are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.orgFull Tables B1-B4 are only available in electronic form at CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/528/A35

Physical nature of the [S II]-bright shell nebulae N70 and N185

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Ning-Xiao; Jiang, Bing; Chen, Yang

2014-09-01

N70 and N185 are two large (≥100 pc in diameter) shell nebulae in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Their high [S II]/Hα ratios rival those of supernova remnants (SNRs), but they are not confirmed as SNRs. To study their physical nature, we have obtained XMM-Newton X-ray observations and high-dispersion long-slit echelle spectroscopic observations of these two nebulae. The X-ray spectra of both nebulae can be well interpreted with an optically thin thermal (∼0.2 keV) plasma with the average LMC abundance in a collisional ionization equilibrium. N70 encompasses the OB association LH114. Although N70 has a modest expansion velocity and essentiallymore » thermal radio emission, its diffuse X-ray luminosity (∼6.1 × 10{sup 35} erg s{sup –1}) is higher than that from a quiescent superbubble with N70's density, size, and expansion velocity; thus, N70 is most likely a superbubble that is recently energized by an interior SNR. N185 does not contain any known OB association, and its X-ray luminosity is an order of magnitude lower than expected if it is a quiescent superbubble. N185 has nonthermal radio emission and has high-velocity material expanding at nearly 200 km s{sup –1}, similar to many known SNRs in the LMC. Its X-ray luminosity (∼1.9 × 10{sup 35} erg s{sup –1}) is also consistent with that of an evolved SNR. We therefore suggest that N185 is energized by a recent supernova.« less

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KNOTS OF STAR FORMATION IN INTERACTING VERSUS SPIRAL GALAXIES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Beverly J.; Olmsted, Susan; Jones, Keith

2016-03-15

Interacting galaxies are known to have higher global rates of star formation on average than normal galaxies, relative to their stellar masses. Using UV and IR photometry combined with new and published Hα images, we have compared the star formation rates (SFRs) of ∼700 star forming complexes in 46 nearby interacting galaxy pairs with those of regions in 39 normal spiral galaxies. The interacting galaxies have proportionally more regions with high SFRs than the spirals. The most extreme regions in the interacting systems lie at the intersections of spiral/tidal structures, where gas is expected to pile up and trigger starmore » formation. Published Hubble Space Telescope images show unusually large and luminous star clusters in the highest luminosity regions. The SFRs of the clumps correlate with measures of the dust attenuation, consistent with the idea that regions with more interstellar gas have more star formation. For the clumps with the highest SFRs, the apparent dust attenuation is consistent with the Calzetti starburst dust attenuation law. This suggests that the high luminosity regions are dominated by a central group of young stars surrounded by a shell of clumpy interstellar gas. In contrast, the lower luminosity clumps are bright in the UV relative to Hα, suggesting either a high differential attenuation between the ionized gas and the stars, or a post-starburst population bright in the UV but faded in Hα. The fraction of the global light of the galaxies in the clumps is higher on average for the interacting galaxies than for the spirals. Thus either star formation in interacting galaxies is “clumpier” on average, or the star forming regions in interacting galaxies are more luminous, dustier, or younger on average.« less

The Brightest Galaxies at Cosmic Dawn: Securing the Largest Samples of z=9-11 galaxies for JWST by leveraging the HST archive with Spitzer/IRAC.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouwens, Rychard; Trenti, Michele; Calvi, Valentina; Bernard, Stephanie; Labbe, Ivo; Oesch, Pascal; Coe, Dan; Holwerda, Benne; Bradley, Larry; Mason, Charlotte; Schmidt, Kasper; Illingworth, Garth

2015-10-01

Hubble's WFC3 has been a game changer for studying early galaxy formation in the first 700 Myr after the Big Bang. Reliable samples of sources up to z~10, which can be discovered only from space, are now constraining the evolution of the galaxy luminosity function into the epoch of reionization. Despite these efforts, the size of the highest redshift galaxy samples (z >9 and especially z > 10) is still very small, particularly at high luminosities (L > L*). To deliver transformational results, much larger numbers of bright z > 9 galaxies are needed both to map out the bright end of the luminosity/mass function and for spectroscopic follow-up (with JWST and otherwise). One especially efficient way of expanding current samples is (1) to leverage the huge amounts of pure-parallel data available with HST to identify large numbers of candidate z ~ 9 - 11 galaxies and (2) to follow up each candidate with shallow Spitzer/IRAC observations to distinguish the bona- fide z ~ 9 - 11 galaxies from z ~ 2 old, dusty galaxies. For this program we are requesting shallow Spitzer/IRAC follow-up of 20 candidate z ~ 9 - 11 galaxies we have identified from 130 WFC3/IR pointings obtained from more than 4 separate HST programs with no existing IRAC coverage. Based on our previous CANDELS/GOODS searches, we expect to confirm 5 to 10 sources as L > L* galaxies at z >= 9. Our results will be used to constrain the bright end of the LF at z >= 9, to provide targets for Keck spectroscopy to constrain the ionization state of the z > 8 universe, and to furnish JWST with bright targets for spectroscopic follow-up studies.

First Results from the Lyman Alpha Galaxies in the Epoch of Reionization (LAGER) Survey: Cosmological Reionization at z ˜ 7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zhen-Ya; Wang, Junxian; Rhoads, James; Infante, Leopoldo; Malhotra, Sangeeta; Hu, Weida; Walker, Alistair R.; Jiang, Linhua; Jiang, Chunyan; Hibon, Pascale; Gonzalez, Alicia; Kong, Xu; Zheng, XianZhong; Galaz, Gaspar; Barrientos, L. Felipe

2017-06-01

We present the first results from the ongoing Lyman Alpha Galaxies in the Epoch of Reionization (LAGER) project, which is the largest narrowband survey for z ˜ 7 galaxies to date. Using a specially built narrowband filter NB964 for the superb large-area Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the NOAO/CTIO 4 m Blanco telescope, LAGER has collected 34 hr NB964 narrowband imaging data in the 3 deg2 COSMOS field. We have identified 23 Lyα Emitter candidates at z = 6.9 in the central 2-deg2 region, where DECam and public COSMOS multi-band images exist. The resulting luminosity function (LF) can be described as a Schechter function modified by a significant excess at the bright end (four galaxies with L Lyα ˜ 1043.4±0.2 erg s-1). The number density at L Lyα ˜ 1043.4±0.2 erg s-1 is little changed from z = 6.6, while at fainter L Lyα it is substantially reduced. Overall, we see a fourfold reduction in Lyα luminosity density from z = 5.7 to z = 6.9. Combined with a more modest evolution of the continuum UV luminosity density, this suggests a factor of ˜3 suppression of Lyα by radiative transfer through the z ˜ 7 intergalactic medium (IGM). It indicates an IGM neutral fraction of x H I ˜ 0.4-0.6 (assuming Lyα velocity offsets of 100-200 km s-1). The changing shape of the Lyα LF between z ≲ 6.6 and z = 6.9 supports the hypothesis of ionized bubbles in a patchy reionization at z ˜ 7.

Accretion Properties of a Sample of Hard X-Ray (<60 keV) Selected Seyfert 1 Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Mao, Y. F.; Wei, J. Y.

2009-02-01

We examine the accretion properties in a sample of 42 hard (3-60 keV) X-ray selected nearby broad-line active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The energy range in the sample is harder than that usually used in similar previous studies. These AGNs are mainly complied from the RXTE All Sky Survey, and complemented by the released INTEGRAL AGN catalog. The black hole masses, bolometric luminosities of AGN, and Eddington ratios are derived from their optical spectra in terms of the broad Hβ emission line. The tight correlation between the hard X-ray (3-20 keV) and bolometric/line luminosity is well identified in our sample. Also identified is a strong inverse Baldwin relationship of the Hβ emission line. In addition, all of these hard X-ray AGNs are biased toward luminous objects with a high Eddington ratio (mostly between 0.01 and 0.1) and a low column density (<1022 cm-2), which is most likely due to the selection effect of the surveys. The hard X-ray luminosity is consequently found to be strongly correlated with the black hole mass. We believe the sample completeness will be improved in the next few years by the ongoing Swift and the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory missions, and by the next advanced missions, such as NuSTAR, Simbol-X, and NeXT. Finally, the correlation between RFe (= optical Fe II/Hβ) and disk temperature as assessed by T vprop (L/L Edd)M -1 BH leads us to suggest that the strength of the Fe II emission is mainly determined by the shape of the ionizing spectrum.

Coronal O VI emission observed with UVCS/SOHO during solar flares: Comparison with soft X-ray observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancuso, S.; Giordano, S.; Raymond, J. C.

2016-06-01

In this work, we derive the O VI 1032 Å luminosity profiles of 58 flares, during their impulsive phase, based on off-limb measurements by the Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) aboard the SOlar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The O VI luminosities from the transition region plasma (here defined as the region with temperatures 5.0 ≤ log T (K) ≤ 6.0) were inferred from the analysis of the resonantly scattered radiation of the O VI coronal ions. The temperature of maximum ionization for O VI is log Tmax (K) = 5.47. By comparison with simultaneous soft X-ray measurements, we investigate the likely source (chromospheric evaporation, footpoint emission, or heated prominence ejecta) for the transition region emission observed during the impulsive phase. In our study, we find evidence of the main characteristics predicted by the evaporation scenario. Specifically, most O VI flares precede the X-ray peaks typically by several minutes with a mean of 3.2 ± 0.1 min, and clear correlations are found between the soft X-ray and transition region luminosities following power laws with indices ~ 0.7 ± 0.3. Overall, the results are consistent with transition region emission originating from chromospheric evaporation; the thermal X-ray emission peaks after the emission from the evaporation flow as the loops fill with hot plasma. Finally, we were able to infer flow speeds in the range ~20-100 km s-1 for one-third of the events, 14 of which showed speeds between 60 and 80 km s-1. These values are compatible with those found through direct spectroscopic observations at transition region temperatures by the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on board Hinode.

Metallicity gradients in local field star-forming galaxies: insights on inflows, outflows, and the coevolution of gas, stars and metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, I.-Ting; Kudritzki, Rolf-Peter; Kewley, Lisa J.; Zahid, H. Jabran; Dopita, Michael A.; Bresolin, Fabio; Rupke, David S. N.

2015-04-01

We present metallicity gradients in 49 local field star-forming galaxies. We derive gas-phase oxygen abundances using two widely adopted metallicity calibrations based on the [O III]/Hβ, [N II]/Hα, and [N II]/[O II] line ratios. The two derived metallicity gradients are usually in good agreement within ± 0.14 dex R_{25}^{-1} (R25 is the B-band iso-photoal radius), but the metallicity gradients can differ significantly when the ionization parameters change systematically with radius. We investigate the metallicity gradients as a function of stellar mass (8 < log (M*/M⊙) < 11) and absolute B-band luminosity (-16 > MB > -22). When the metallicity gradients are expressed in dex kpc-1, we show that galaxies with lower mass and luminosity, on average, have steeper metallicity gradients. When the metallicity gradients are expressed in dex R_{25}^{-1}, we find no correlation between the metallicity gradients, and stellar mass and luminosity. We provide a local benchmark metallicity gradient of field star-forming galaxies useful for comparison with studies at high redshifts. We investigate the origin of the local benchmark gradient using simple chemical evolution models and observed gas and stellar surface density profiles in nearby field spiral galaxies. Our models suggest that the local benchmark gradient is a direct result of the coevolution of gas and stellar disc under virtually closed-box chemical evolution when the stellar-to-gas mass ratio becomes high (≫0.3). These models imply low current mass accretion rates ( ≲ 0.3 × SFR), and low-mass outflow rates ( ≲ 3 × SFR) in local field star-forming galaxies.

Single and double multiphoton ionization of Li and Be atoms by strong laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Telnov, Dmitry; Heslar, John; Chu, Shih-I.

2011-05-01

The time-dependent density functional theory with self-interaction correction and proper asymptotic long-range potential is extended for nonperturbative treatment of multiphoton single and double ionization of Li and Be atoms by strong 800 nm laser fields. We make use of the time-dependent Krieger-Li-Iafrate (TDKLI) exchange-correlation potential with the integer discontinuity which improves the description of the double ionization process. However, we have found that the discontinuity of the TDKLI potential is not sufficient to reproduce the characteristic feature of double ionization. This may happen because the discontinuity of the TDKLI potential is related to the spin particle numbers only and not to the total particle number. Introducing a discontinuity with respect to the total particle number to the exchange-correlation potential, we were able to obtain the knee structure in the intensity dependence of the double ionization probability of Be. This work was partially supported by DOE and NSF and by NSC-Taiwan.

A 0.18 micrometer CMOS Thermopile Readout ASIC Immune to 50 MRAD Total Ionizing Dose (SI) and Single Event Latchup to 174MeV-cm(exp 2)/mg

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quilligan, Gerard T.; Aslam, Shahid; Lakew, Brook; DuMonthier, Jeffery J.; Katz, Richard B.; Kleyner, Igor

2014-01-01

Radiation hardened by design (RHBD) techniques allow commercial CMOS circuits to operate in high total ionizing dose and particle fluence environments. Our radiation hard multi-channel digitizer (MCD) ASIC (Figure 1) is a versatile analog system on a chip (SoC) fabricated in 180nm CMOS. It provides 18 chopper stabilized amplifier channels, a 16- bit sigma-delta analog-digital converter (SDADC) and an on-chip controller. The MCD was evaluated at Goddard Space Flight Center and Texas A&M University's radiation effects facilities and found to be immune to single event latchup (SEL) and total ionizing dose (TID) at 174 MeV-cm(exp 2)/mg and 50 Mrad (Si) respectively.

Total Electron-Impact Ionization Cross-Sections of CFx and NFx (x = 1 - 3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huo, Winifred M.; Tarnovsky, Vladimir; Becker, Kurt H.; Kwak, Dochan (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The discrepancy between experimental and theoretical total electron-impact ionization cross sections for a group of fluorides, CFx, and NFx, (x = 1 - 3), is attributed to the inadequacies in previous theoretical models. Cross-sections calculated using a recently developed siBED (simulation Binary-Encounter-Dipole) model that takes into account the shielding of the long-range dipole potential between the scattering electron and target are in agreement with experimentation. The present study also carefully reanalyzed the previously reported experimental data to account for the possibility of incomplete collection of fragment ions and the presence of ion-pair formation channels. For NF3, our experimental and theoretical cross-sections compare well with the total ionization cross-sections recently reported by Haaland et al. in the region below dication formation.

A New Determination of the Luminosity Function of the Galactic Halo.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawson, Peter Charles

The luminosity function of the galactic halo is determined by subtracting from the observed numbers of proper motion stars in the LHS Catalogue the expected numbers of main-sequence, degenerate, and giant stars of the disk population. Selection effects are accounted for by Monte Carlo simulations based upon realistic colour-luminosity relations and kinematic models. The catalogue is shown to be highly complete, and a calibration of the magnitude estimates therein is presented. It is found that, locally, the ratio of disk to halo material is close to 950, and that the mass density in main sequence and subgiant halo stars with 3 < M(,v) < 14 is about 2 x 10('-5) M(,o) pc('-3). With due allowance for white dwarfs and binaries, and taking into account the possibility of a moderate rate of halo rotation, it is argued that the total density does not much exceed 5 x 10('-5) M(,o) pc('-3), in which case the total mass interior to the sun is of the order of 5 x 10('8) M(,o) for a density distribution which projects to a de Vaucouleurs r(' 1/4) law. It is demonstrated that if the Wielen luminosity function is a faithful representation of the stellar distribution in the solar neighbourhood, then the observed numbers of large proper motion stars are inconsistent with the presence of an intermediate popula- tion at the level, and with the kinematics advocated recently by Gilmore and Reid. The initial mass function (IMF) of the halo is considered, and weak evidence is presented that its slope is at least not shallower than that of the disk population IMF. A crude estimate of the halo's age, based on a comparison of the main sequence turnoff in the reduced proper motion diagram with theoretical models is obtained; a tentative lower limit is 15 Gyr with a best estimate of between 15 and 18 Gyr. Finally, the luminosity function obtained here is compared with those determined in other investigations.

Electron induced inelastic and ionization cross section for plasma modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Pankaj; Mahato, Dibyendu; Kaur, Jaspreet; Antony, Bobby

2016-09-01

The present paper reports electron impact total inelastic and ionization cross section for silicon, germanium, and tin tetrahalides at energies varying from ionization threshold of the target to 5000 eV. These cross section data over a wide energy domain are very essential to understand the physico-chemical processes involved in various environments such as plasma modeling, semiconductor etching, atmospheric sciences, biological sciences, and radiation physics. However, the cross section data on the above mentioned molecules are scarce. In the present article, we report the computation of total inelastic cross section using spherical complex optical potential formalism and the estimation of ionization cross section through a semi-empirical method. The present ionization cross section result obtained for SiCl4 shows excellent agreement with previous measurements, while other molecules have not yet been investigated experimentally. Present results show more consistent behaviour than previous theoretical estimates. Besides cross sections, we have also studied the correlation of maximum ionization cross section with the square root of the ratio of polarizability to ionization potential for the molecules with known polarizabilities. A linear relation is observed between these quantities. This correlation is used to obtain approximate polarizability volumes for SiBr4, SiI4, GeCl4, GeBr4, and GeI4 molecules.

Combined observations of meteors by image-orthicon television camera and multi-station radar. [to compare ionization with luminosity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, A. F.; Forti, G.; Mccrosky, R. E.; Posen, A.; Southworth, R. B.; Williams, J. T.

1973-01-01

Observations from multiple sites of a radar network and by television of 29 individual meteors from February 1969 through June 1970 are reported. Only 12 of the meteors did not appear to fragment over all the observed portion of their trajectories. From these 12, the relation for the radar magnitude to the panchromatic absolute magnitude was found in terms of velocity of the meteor. A very tentative fit to the data on the duration of long enduring echoes versus visual absolute magnitude is made. The exponential decay characteristics of the later parts of several of the light curves are pointed out as possible evidence of mutual coalescence of droplets into which the meteoroid has completely broken.

High Resolution Three-Color Imaging of Spirals With Nuclear Star-Forming Rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazzuca, Lisa; Obenschain, Arthur (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Nuclear rings in barred spirals offer an opportunity to study starburst properties in order to develop an understanding of the evolution of star formation in galaxies. To achieve this understanding, a large scale imaging survey in the H alpha line and in the B and I broad bands has been performed. Analysis of all galaxies that reveal nuclear rings in the H alpha line will be compared to numerical models so that the relative ages between the starforming clumps can be estimated. The luminosity function of the starforming regions will be related to the measured properties of the associated star-cluster and the required ionizing flux. Also B - I color index images will be performed to indicate the location of the dust lanes.

HEAO-A2 observations of the X-ray spectra of the Centaurus and A1060 clusters of galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, R.; Mushotzky, R.

1979-01-01

The X-ray spectral observations of two low luminosity clusters of galaxies, Centaurus and A1060, are presented. An emission feature of the Centaurus cluster at 7.9 keV is detected at about one third of the strength of the 6.7 keV line. This higher energy line represents K sub beta emission from highly ionized iron. An isothermal model with an Fe emission line is discussed and it is shown that the model cannot fit the data of the Centaurus or the A1060 clusters. The implications of the two component nature of the continuum on the Fe abundance and the X-ray surface brightness distribution are discussed.

X-ray Spectroscopy of a TDE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kochanek, Christopher

2017-09-01

Tidal disruption events (TDE), where supermassive black holes destroy stars to produce accretion flares, are of great current observational and theoretical interest. Here we propose a four epoch HRC/LETG X-ray spectroscopic ``movie'' of a TDE spread over the first 40 days of an X-ray bright TDE, including any discovered by our ASAS-SN survey, supported and extended by higher cadence Swift XRT/UVOT observations over the first 100 days. For this next X-ray bright TDE, we will measure the evolution of the X-ray emission (luminosity/temperature) from the hot accretion disk, the emission reprocessed by the debris into UV/optical, and use X-ray absorption (or emission) features to look at the abundances and the evolution of the kinematics and ionization parameter.

Hot gas in the cold dark matter scenario: X-ray clusters from a high-resolution numerical simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, Hyesung; Cen, Renyue; Ostriker, Jeremiah P.; Ryu, Dongsu

1994-01-01

A new, three-dimensional, shock-capturing hydrodynamic code is utilized to determine the distribution of hot gas in a standard cold dark matter (CDM) model of the universe. Periodic boundary conditions are assumed: a box with size 85 h(exp -1) Mpc having cell size 0.31 h(exp -1) Mpc is followed in a simulation with 270(exp 3) = 10(exp 7.3) cells. Adopting standard parameters determined from COBE and light-element nucleosynthesis, sigma(sub 8) = 1.05, omega(sub b) = 0.06, and assuming h = 0.5, we find the X-ray-emitting clusters and compute the luminosity function at several wavelengths, the temperature distribution, and estimated sizes, as well as the evolution of these quantities with redshift. We find that most of the total X-ray emissivity in our box originates in a relatively small number of identifiable clusters which occupy approximately 10(exp -3) of the box volume. This standard CDM model, normalized to COBE, produces approximately 5 times too much emission from clusters having L(sub x) is greater than 10(exp 43) ergs/s, a not-unexpected result. If all other parameters were unchanged, we would expect adequate agreement for sigma(sub 8) = 0.6. This provides a new and independent argument for lower small-scale power than standard CDM at the 8 h(exp -1) Mpc scale. The background radiation field at 1 keV due to clusters in this model is approximately one-third of the observed background, which, after correction for numerical effects, again indicates approximately 5 times too much emission and the appropriateness of sigma(sub 8) = 0.6. If we have used the observed ratio of gas to total mass in clusters, rather than basing the mean density on light-element nucleosynthesis, then the computed luminosity of each cluster would have increased still further, by a factor of approximately 10. The number density of clusters increases to z approximately 1, but the luminosity per typical cluster decreases, with the result that evolution in the number density of bright clusters is moderate in this redshift range, showing a broad peak near z = 0.7, and then a rapid decline above redshift z = 3. Detailed computations of the luminosity functions in the range L(sub x) = 10(exp 40) - 10(exp 44) ergs/s in various energy bands are presented for both cluster central regions and total luminosities to be used in comparison with ROSAT and other observational data sets. The quantitative results found disagree significantly with those found by other investigators using semianalytic techniques. We find little dependence of core radius on cluster luminosity and a dependence of temperature on luminosity given by log kT(sub x) = A + B log L(sub x), which is slightly steeper (B = 0.38) than is indicated by observations. Computed temperatures are somewhat higher than observed, as expected, in that COBE-normalized CDM has too much power on the relevant scales. A modest average temperature gradient is found, with temperatures dropping to 90% of central values at 0.4 h(exp -1) Mpc and 70% of central values at 0.9 h(exp -1) Mpc. Examining the ratio of gas to total mass in the clusters normalized to Omega(sub B) h(exp 2) = 0.015, and comparing with observations, we conclude, in agreement with White (1991), that the cluster observations argue for an open universe.

Calibrating Star Formation in WISE Using Total Infrared Luminosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cluver, M. E.; Jarrett, T. H.; Dale, D. A.; Smith, J.-D. T.; August, Tamlyn; Brown, M. J. I.

2017-11-01

We present accurate resolved WISE photometry of galaxies in the combined SINGS and KINGFISH sample. The luminosities in the W3 12 μm and W4 23 μm bands are calibrated to star formation rates (SFRs) derived using the total infrared luminosity, avoiding UV/optical uncertainties due to dust extinction corrections. The W3 relation has a 1σ scatter of 0.15 dex that is over nearly 5 orders of magnitude in SFR and 12 μm luminosity, and a range in host stellar mass from dwarfs (107 {M}⊙ ) to ˜ 3× {M}{\\star } (1011.5 {M}⊙ ) galaxies. In the absence of deep silicate absorption features and powerful active galactic nuclei, we expect this to be a reliable SFR indicator chiefly due to the broad nature of the W3 band. By contrast, the W4 SFR relation shows more scatter (1σ =0.18 dex). Both relations show reasonable agreement with radio-continuum-derived SFRs and excellent accordance with so-called “hybrid” Hα + 24 μm and FUV+24 μm indicators. Moreover, the WISE SFR relations appear to be insensitive to the metallicity range in the sample. We also compare our results with IRAS-selected luminous infrared galaxies, showing that the WISE relations maintain concordance, but systematically deviate for the most extreme galaxies. Given the all-sky coverage of WISE and the performance of the W3 band as an SFR indicator, the {L}12μ {{m}} SFR relation could be of great use to studies of nearby galaxies and forthcoming large-area surveys at optical and radio wavelengths.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mineo, S.; Rappaport, S.; Levine, A.

We present a comprehensive study of the total X-ray emission from the colliding galaxy pair NGC 2207/IC 2163, based on Chandra, Spitzer, and GALEX data. We detect 28 ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs), 7 of which were not detected previously because of X-ray variability. Twelve sources show significant long-term variability, with no correlated spectral changes. Seven sources are transient candidates. One ULX coincides with an extremely blue star cluster (B – V = –0.7). We confirm that the global relation between the number and luminosity of ULXs and the integrated star-formation rate (SFR) of the host galaxy also holds on local scales. We investigatemore » the effects of dust extinction and age on the X-ray binary (XRB) population on subgalactic scales. The distributions of N {sub X} and L {sub X} are peaked at L {sub IR}/L {sub NUV} ∼ 1, which may be associated with an age of ∼10 Myr for the underlying stellar population. We find that approximately one-third of the XRBs are located in close proximity to young star complexes. The luminosity function of the XRBs is consistent with that typical for high-mass XRBs and appears unaffected by variability. We disentangle and compare the X-ray diffuse spectrum with that of the bright XRBs. The hot interstellar medium dominates the diffuse X-ray emission at E ≲ 1 keV and has a temperature kT=0.28{sub −0.04}{sup +0.05} keV and intrinsic 0.5-2 keV luminosity of 7.9×10{sup 40} erg s{sup −1}, a factor of ∼2.3 higher than the average thermal luminosity produced per unit SFR in local star-forming galaxies. The total X-ray output of NGC 2207/IC 2163 is 1.5×10{sup 41} erg s{sup −1}, and the corresponding total integrated SFR is 23.7 M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1}.« less

Ionized magnesium in plasma and erythrocytes for the assessment of low magnesium status in alcohol dependent patients.

PubMed

Ordak, Michal; Maj-Zurawska, Magdalena; Matsumoto, Halina; Bujalska-Zadrozny, Magdalena; Kieres-Salomonski, Ilona; Nasierowski, Tadeusz; Muszynska, Elzbieta; Wojnar, Marcin

2017-09-01

Studies on the homeostasis of magnesium in alcohol-dependent patients have often been characterized by low hypomagnesemia detection rates. This may be due to the fact that the content of magnesium in blood serum constitutes only 1% of the average magnesium level within the human body. However, the concentration of ionized magnesium is more physiologically important and makes up 67% of the total magnesium within a human organism. There are no data concerning the determination of the ionized fraction of magnesium in patients addicted to alcohol and its influence on mental health status. This study included 100 alcohol-dependent patients and 50 healthy subjects. The free magnesium fraction was determined using the potentiometric method by means of using ion-selective electrodes. The total magnesium level was determined by using a biochemical Indiko Plus analyzer. In this study, different psychometric scales were applied. Our results confirm the usefulness of ionized magnesium concentrations in erythrocytes and plasma as a diagnostic parameter of low magnesium status in alcohol-dependent patients. The lower the concentration of ionized magnesium, the worse the quality of life an alcohol-dependent person might experience. In the case of total magnesium, no such correlation was determined. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Is there a relationship between AGN and star formation in IR-bright AGNs?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Y. Sophia; Wilkes, Belinda J.; Bergeron, Jacqueline; Kuraszkiewicz, Joanna; Omont, Alain; Atanas, Adam; Teplitz, Harry I.

2018-05-01

We report the relationship between the luminosities of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and the rates of star formation (SF) for a sample of 323 far-infrared (FIR)-detected AGNs. This sample has a redshift range of 0.2 100 μm. Significant bivariate LX-LIR correlations are found, which remain significant in the combined sample when using residual partial correlation analysis to account for the inherent redshift dependence. No redshift or mass dependence is found for the ratio between SFR and black hole accretion rate (BHAR), which has a mean and scatter of log (SFR/BHAR) =3.1 ± 0.5, agreeing with the local mass ratio between supermassive black hole and host galaxies. The large scatter in this ratio and the strong AGN-SF correlation found in these IR-bright AGNs are consistent with the scenario of an AGN-SF dependence on a common gas supply, regardless of the evolutionary model.

Discovery of a Kiloparsec Extended Hard X-Ray Continuum and Fe-Kα from the Compton Thick AGN ESO 428-G014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabbiano, G.; Elvis, M.; Paggi, A.; Karovska, M.; Maksym, W. P.; Raymond, J.; Risaliti, G.; Wang, Junfeng

2017-06-01

We report the discovery of kiloparsec-scale diffuse emission in both the hard continuum (3-6 keV) and in the Fe-Kα line in the Compton thick (CT) Seyfert galaxy ESO 428-G014. This extended hard component contains at least ˜24% of the observed 3-8 keV emission, and follows the direction of the extended optical line emission (ionization cone) and radio jet. The extended hard component has ˜0.5% of the intrinsic 2-10 keV luminosity within the bi-cones. A uniform scattering medium of density 1 {{cm}}-3 would produce this luminosity in a 1 kpc path length in the bi-cones. Alternatively, higher column density molecular clouds in the disk of ESO 428-G014 may be responsible for these components. The continuum may also be enhanced by the acceleration of charged particles in the radio jet. The steeper spectrum (Γ ˜ 1.7 ± 0.4) of the hard continuum outside of the central 1.″5 radius nuclear region suggests a contribution of scattered/fluorescent intrinsic Seyfert emission. Ultrafast nuclear outflows cannot explain the extended Fe-Kα emission. This discovery suggests that we may need to revise the picture at the base of our interpretation of CT AGN spectra.

Chandra and XMM Observations of the ADC Source 0921-630

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kallman, T. R.; Angelini, L.; Boroson, B.; Cottam, J.; White, Nicholas E. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

We analyze observations of the low mass X-ray binary 2S0921-63 obtained with the gratings and CCDs on Chandra and XMM. This object is a high inclination system showing evidence for an accretion disk corona (ADC). Such a corona has the potential to constrain the properties of the heated accretion disk in this system, and other LMXBs by extension. We find evidence for line emission which is generally consistent with that found by previous experiments, although we are able to detect more lines. For the first time in this source, we find that the iron K line has multiple components. We set limits on the line widths and velocity offsets, and we fit the spectra to photoionization models and discuss the implications for accretion disk corona models. For the first time in any ADC source we use these fits, together with density constraints based on the O VII line ratio, in order to constrain the flux in the medium-ionization region of the ADC. Under various assumptions about the source luminosity this constrains the location of the emitting region. These estimates, together with estimates for the emission measure, favor a scenario in which the intrinsic luminosity of the source is comparable to what we observe.

Polycrystalline scintillators for large area detectors in HEP experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dosovitskiy, G.; Fedorov, A.; Karpyuk, P.; Kuznetsova, D.; Mikhlin, A.; Kozlov, D.; Dosovitskiy, A.; Korjik, M.

2017-06-01

After significant increase of the accelerator luminosity throughout the High Luminosity phase of LHC, charged hadrons and neutrons with fluences higher than 1014 p/cm2 per year in the largest pseudo-rapidity regions of the detectors will cause increased radiation damage of materials. Increasing activation of the experimental equipment will make periodical maintenance and replacement of detector components difficult. Therefore, the selected materials for new detectors should be tolerant to radiation damage. Y3Al5O12:Ce (YAG:Ce) crystal was found to be one of the most radiation hard scintillation materials. However, production of YAG:Ce in a single crystalline form is costly, because crystal growth is performed at temperature near 1900°C with a very low rate of transformation of a raw material into a crystal. We propose translucent YAG:Ce ceramics as an alternative cheaper solution. Ceramic samples were sintered up to density ~98% of the theoretical value and were translucent. The samples have demonstrated light yield of 2200 phot./MeV under 662 keV γ-quanta, which gives the expected response to minimum ionizing particle around 3000 phot. for 2 mm thick plate. Scintillation light yield, registered under surface layer excitation with α-particles, was 50-70% higher than for the reference single crystal YAG:Ce.

Optical spectroscopy of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi - from the outburst of 2006 to quiescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Anindita; Anupama, G. C.; Kamath, U. S.; Das, Ramkrishna; Selvakumar, G.; Mondal, Soumen

2018-03-01

Optical spectra of the 2006 outburst of RS Ophiuchi beginning one day after discovery to over a year after the outburst are presented here. The spectral evolution is found to be similar to that in previous outbursts. The early-phase spectra are dominated by hydrogen and helium (I and II) lines. Coronal and nebular lines appear in the later phases. Emission line widths are found to narrow with time, which is interpreted as a shock expanding into the red giant wind. Using the photoionization code CLOUDY, spectra at nine epochs spanning 14 months after the outburst peak, thus covering a broad range of ionization and excitation levels in the ejecta, are modelled. The best-fitting model parameters indicate the presence of a hot white dwarf source with a roughly constant luminosity of 1.26 × 1037 erg s-1. During the first three months, the abundances (by number) of He, N, O, Ne, Ar, Fe, Ca, S and Ni are found to be above solar abundances; the abundances of these elements decreased in the later phase. Also presented are spectra obtained during quiescence. A photoionization model of the quiescent spectrum indicates the presence of a low-luminosity accretion disc. The helium abundance is found to be subsolar at quiescence.

An ultraluminous quasar with a twelve-billion-solar-mass black hole at redshift 6.30.

PubMed

Wu, Xue-Bing; Wang, Feige; Fan, Xiaohui; Yi, Weimin; Zuo, Wenwen; Bian, Fuyan; Jiang, Linhua; McGreer, Ian D; Wang, Ran; Yang, Jinyi; Yang, Qian; Thompson, David; Beletsky, Yuri

2015-02-26

So far, roughly 40 quasars with redshifts greater than z = 6 have been discovered. Each quasar contains a black hole with a mass of about one billion solar masses (10(9) M Sun symbol). The existence of such black holes when the Universe was less than one billion years old presents substantial challenges to theories of the formation and growth of black holes and the coevolution of black holes and galaxies. Here we report the discovery of an ultraluminous quasar, SDSS J010013.02+280225.8, at redshift z = 6.30. It has an optical and near-infrared luminosity a few times greater than those of previously known z > 6 quasars. On the basis of the deep absorption trough on the blue side of the Lyman-α emission line in the spectrum, we estimate the proper size of the ionized proximity zone associated with the quasar to be about 26 million light years, larger than found with other z > 6.1 quasars with lower luminosities. We estimate (on the basis of a near-infrared spectrum) that the black hole has a mass of ∼1.2 × 10(10) M Sun symbol, which is consistent with the 1.3 × 10(10) M Sun symbol derived by assuming an Eddington-limited accretion rate.

The State of the Warm and Cold Gas in the Extreme Starburst at the Core of the Phoenix Galaxy Cluster (SPT-CLJ2344-4243)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Michael; Swinbank, Mark; Edge, Alastair C.; Wilner, David J.; Veilleux, Sylvain; Benson, Bradford A.; Hogan, Michael T.; Marrone, Daniel P.; McNamara, Brian R.; Wei, Lisa H.; Bayliss, Matthew B.; Bautz, Marshall W.

2014-03-01

We present new optical integral field spectroscopy (Gemini South) and submillimeter spectroscopy (Submillimeter Array) of the central galaxy in the Phoenix cluster (SPT-CLJ2344-4243). This cluster was previously reported to have a massive starburst (~800 M ⊙ yr-1) in the central, brightest cluster galaxy, most likely fueled by the rapidly cooling intracluster medium. These new data reveal a complex emission-line nebula, extending for >30 kpc from the central galaxy, detected at [O II]λλ3726, 3729, [O III]λλ4959, 5007, Hβ, Hγ, Hδ, [Ne III]λ3869, and He II λ4686. The total Hα luminosity, assuming Hα/Hβ = 2.85, is L Hα = 7.6 ± 0.4 ×1043 erg s-1, making this the most luminous emission-line nebula detected in the center of a cool core cluster. Overall, the relative fluxes of the low-ionization lines (e.g., [O II], Hβ) to the UV continuum are consistent with photoionization by young stars. In both the center of the galaxy and in a newly discovered highly ionized plume to the north of the galaxy, the ionization ratios are consistent with both shocks and active galactic nucleus (AGN) photoionization. We speculate that this extended plume may be a galactic wind, driven and partially photoionized by both the starburst and central AGN. Throughout the cluster we measure elevated high-ionization line ratios (e.g., He II/Hβ, [O III]/Hβ), coupled with an overall high-velocity width (FWHM gsim 500 km s-1), suggesting that shocks are likely important throughout the interstellar medium of the central galaxy. These shocks are most likely driven by a combination of stellar winds from massive young stars, core-collapse supernovae, and the central AGN. In addition to the warm, ionized gas, we detect a substantial amount of cold, molecular gas via the CO(3-2) transition, coincident in position with the galaxy center. We infer a molecular gas mass of M_{H_2} = 2.2 ± 0.6 × 1010 M ⊙, which implies that the starburst will consume its fuel in ~30 Myr if it is not replenished. The L IR/M_{H_2} that we measure for this cluster is consistent with the starburst limit of 500 L ⊙/M ⊙, above which radiation pressure is able to disperse the cold reservoir. The combination of the high level of turbulence in the warm phase and the high L IR/M_{H_2} ratio suggests that this violent starburst may be in the process of quenching itself. We propose that phases of rapid star formation may be common in the cores of galaxy clusters, but so short-lived that their signatures are quickly erased and appear only in a subsample of the most strongly cooling clusters.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McDonald, Michael; Bautz, Marshall W.; Swinbank, Mark

We present new optical integral field spectroscopy (Gemini South) and submillimeter spectroscopy (Submillimeter Array) of the central galaxy in the Phoenix cluster (SPT-CLJ2344-4243). This cluster was previously reported to have a massive starburst (∼800 M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1}) in the central, brightest cluster galaxy, most likely fueled by the rapidly cooling intracluster medium. These new data reveal a complex emission-line nebula, extending for >30 kpc from the central galaxy, detected at [O II]λλ3726, 3729, [O III]λλ4959, 5007, Hβ, Hγ, Hδ, [Ne III]λ3869, and He II λ4686. The total Hα luminosity, assuming Hα/Hβ = 2.85, is L {sub Hα} =more » 7.6 ± 0.4 ×10{sup 43} erg s{sup –1}, making this the most luminous emission-line nebula detected in the center of a cool core cluster. Overall, the relative fluxes of the low-ionization lines (e.g., [O II], Hβ) to the UV continuum are consistent with photoionization by young stars. In both the center of the galaxy and in a newly discovered highly ionized plume to the north of the galaxy, the ionization ratios are consistent with both shocks and active galactic nucleus (AGN) photoionization. We speculate that this extended plume may be a galactic wind, driven and partially photoionized by both the starburst and central AGN. Throughout the cluster we measure elevated high-ionization line ratios (e.g., He II/Hβ, [O III]/Hβ), coupled with an overall high-velocity width (FWHM ≳ 500 km s{sup –1}), suggesting that shocks are likely important throughout the interstellar medium of the central galaxy. These shocks are most likely driven by a combination of stellar winds from massive young stars, core-collapse supernovae, and the central AGN. In addition to the warm, ionized gas, we detect a substantial amount of cold, molecular gas via the CO(3-2) transition, coincident in position with the galaxy center. We infer a molecular gas mass of M{sub H{sub 2}} = 2.2 ± 0.6 × 10{sup 10} M {sub ☉}, which implies that the starburst will consume its fuel in ∼30 Myr if it is not replenished. The L {sub IR}/M{sub H{sub 2}} that we measure for this cluster is consistent with the starburst limit of 500 L {sub ☉}/M {sub ☉}, above which radiation pressure is able to disperse the cold reservoir. The combination of the high level of turbulence in the warm phase and the high L {sub IR}/M{sub H{sub 2}} ratio suggests that this violent starburst may be in the process of quenching itself. We propose that phases of rapid star formation may be common in the cores of galaxy clusters, but so short-lived that their signatures are quickly erased and appear only in a subsample of the most strongly cooling clusters.« less

Iron and molecular opacities and the evolution of Population I stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stothers, Richard B.; Chin, Chao-Wen

1993-01-01

Effects of recent opacity revisions on the evolution of Population I stars are explored over the range 1.5-60 solar masses. Opacity parameters considered include the angular momentum coupling scheme for iron, the relative iron abundance, the total metal abundance, and diatomic and triatomic molecular sources. Only the total metal abundance exerts an important control over the evolutionary tracks. Blue loops on the H-R diagram during core helium burning can be very sensitive to opacity, but only insofar as the simple formation or suppression of a blue loop is concerned. The blue loops are most robust for stellar masses around 10 solar masses. We confirm, from a comparison of stellar models with observational data, that the total metal abundance is close to solar and that convective core overshooting is likely to be very slight. The new models predict the existence of an iron convection zone in the envelope and a great widening of the main-sequence band in the H-R diagram at luminosities brighter than 100,000 solar luminosities.

Current Status and Future Challenges in Risk-Based Radiation Engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellish, Jonathan A.

2017-01-01

This presentation covers the basis and challenges for radiation effects in electronic systems. The three main types of radiation effects in electronics are: 1) total ionizing dose (TID), 2) total non-ionizing dose (TNID) / displacement damage dose (DDD), and 3) single-event effect (SEE). Some content on relevant examples of effects, current concerns, and possible environmental model-driven solutions are also included.

IR Variability of Eta Carinae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Nathan

2007-02-01

Every 5.5 years, η Carinae experiences a dramatic ``spectroscopic event'' when high-excitation lines in its UV, optical, and IR spectrum disappear, and its hard X-ray and radio continuum flux crash. This periodicity has been attributed to an eccentric binary system with a shell ejection occurring at periastron. In addition, η Car shows long term changes as it is still recovering from its giant 19th century outburst. Both types of variability are directly linked to the current mass-loss rate and dust formation in its wind. Mid-IR images and spectra with T-ReCS provide a direct measure of changes in the current bolometric luminosity and trace dust formation episodes. This will provide a direct measurement of the mass ejected. Near-IR emission lines trace related changes in the post-event wind and ionization changes in the circumstellar environment needed to test specific models for the cause of η Car's variability as it recovers from its recent ``event''. High resolution near-IR spectra with GNIRS will continue the important work of HST/STIS, investigating changes in the direct and reflected spectrum of the stellar wind, and ionization changes in the nebula.

Stellar winds in binary X-ray systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macgregor, K. B.; Vitello, P. A. J.

1982-01-01

It is thought that accretion from a strong stellar wind by a compact object may be responsible for the X-ray emission from binary systems containing a massive early-type primary. To investigate the effect of X-ray heating and ionization on the mass transfer process in systems of this type, an idealized model is constructed for the flow of a radiation-driven wind in the presence of an X-ray source of specified luminosity, L sub x. It is noted that for low values of L sub x, X-ray photoionization gives rise to additional ions having spectral lines with wavelengths situated near the peak of the primary continuum flux distribution. As a consequence, the radiation force acting on the gas increases in relation to its value in the absence of X-rays, and the wind is accelerated to higher velocities. As L sub x is increased, the degree of ionization of the wind increases, and the magnitude of the radiation force is diminished in comparison with the case in which L sub x = 0. This reduction leads at first to a decrease in the wind velocity and ultimately (for L sub x sufficiently large) to the termination of radiatively driven mass loss.

Properties and Evolution of the Highly Ionized Gas in MR 2251-178

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaspi, S.; Netzer, H.; Chelouche, D.; George, I.; Turner, T.; Nandra, K.

2004-06-01

We present the first XMM-Newton observations of the radio-quiet quasar MR 2251-178. We model the X-ray spectrum with two power laws, one at high energies with a slope of Γ=1.6 and the other to model the soft excess with a slope of Γ=2.9, both absorbed by at least two warm absorbers (WAs). The high-resolution grating spectrum shows emission lines from N VI, O VII, O VIII, Ne IX, and Ne X, as well as absorption lines from the low ionization ions O III, O IV, and O V. A study of the spectral variations in MR 2251-178 over a period of 8.5 years yields that all X-ray observations can be fitted with the above model. Luminosity variations over timescales of years seem to correlate with the soft excess variations but not with the WA properties' variations. The overall picture is that of a stratified WA that enters and disappears from the line-of-sight on timescales of several months. We also present the first FUSE spectrum of MR 2251-178. The general characteristics of the UV and X-ray absorbers seem to be consistent.

The II Zw 40 Supernebula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leitherer, C.; Byler, N.; Lee, J. C.; Levesque, E. M.

2017-11-01

We obtained HST COS G140L spectroscopy of the enigmatic nearby blue compact dwarf galaxy II Zw 40. The galaxy hosts a nuclear super star cluster with a luminosity 10 times that of 30 Doradus, the most powerful giant HII region in the Local Group. The super star cluster has been suggested to be the ionizing source of a ”supernebula” detected via its free-free radiation in the radio. The physical conditions, however, are much more complex, as demonstrated by the detection of the nebular He II and the mid-infrared line of [O IV] 25.9. These lines are unlikely to be related to hot stars and require a different powering source. II Zw 40 shares many similarities with the related blue compact dwarfs NGC 5253 and Henize 2-10. However, II Zw 40’s UV spectrum is unique in terms of the exceptional strength of He II 1640, O III 1663 and CIII 1909. We determined reddening, age, and the stellar initial mass function and perform a comparison with the local benchmark 30 Doradus. Photoionization modeling is used to determine the origin of the nebular lines as due to stellar ionization, shocks, or powering by a black hole.

Chandra and XMM-Newton Study of the Supernova Remnant Kes 73 Hosting the Magnetar 1E 1841-045

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Harsha S.; Safi-Harb, Samar; Slane, Patrick O.; Gotthelf, E. V.

2014-01-01

We present a Chandra and XMM-Newton study of the supernova remnant (SNR) Kes 73 hosting the anomalous X-ray pulsar 1E 1841-045. The Chandra image reveals clumpy structures across the remnant with enhanced emission along the western rim. The X-ray emission fills the radio shell and spatially correlates with the infrared image. The global X-ray spectrum is described by a two-component thermal model with a column density N H = 2.6^{+0.4}_{-0.3}\\times1022 cm-2 and a total luminosity of LX = 3.3^{+0.7}_{-0.5}\\times1037 erg s-1 (0.5-10 keV, at an assumed distance of 8.5 kpc). The soft component is characterized by a temperature kTs = 0.5^{+0.1}_{-0.2} keV, a high ionization timescale, and enhanced Si and S abundances, suggesting emission that is dominated by shocked ejecta. The hard component has a temperature kTh = 1.6^{+0.8}_{-0.7} keV, a relatively low ionization timescale, and mostly solar abundances suggesting emission that is dominated by interstellar/circumstellar shocked material. A spatially resolved spectroscopy study reveals no significant variations in the spectral properties. We infer an SNR age ranging between 750 yr and 2100 yr, an explosion energy of 3.0^{+2.8}_{-1.8}\\times1050 erg and a shock velocity of (1.2 ± 0.3)×103 km s-1 (under the Sedov phase assumption). We also discuss the possible scenario for Kes 73 expanding into the late red-supergiant wind phase of its massive progenitor. Comparing the inferred metal abundances to core-collapse nucleosynthesis model yields, we estimate a progenitor mass gsim20 M ⊙, adding a candidate to the growing list of highly magnetized neutron stars proposed to be associated with very massive progenitors.

Optical excess of dim isolated neutron stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertan, Ü.; Çalışkan, Ş.; Alpar, M. A.

2017-09-01

The optical excess in the spectra of dim isolated neutron stars (XDINs) is a significant fraction of their rotational energy loss rate. This is strikingly different from the situation in isolated radio pulsars. We investigate this problem in the framework of the fallback disc model. The optical spectra can be powered by magnetic stresses on the innermost disc matter, as the energy dissipated is emitted as blackbody radiation mainly from the inner rim of the disc. In the fallback disc model, XDINs are the sources evolving in the propeller phase with similar torque mechanisms. In this model, the ratio of the total magnetic work that heats up the inner disc matter is expected to be similar for different XDINs. Optical luminosities that are calculated consistently with the optical spectra and the theoretical constraints on the inner disc radii give very similar ratios of the optical luminosity to the rotational energy loss rate for all these sources. These ratios indicate that a significant fraction of the magnetic torque heats up the disc matter while the remaining fraction expels disc matter from the system. For XDINs, the contribution of heating by X-ray irradiation to the optical luminosity is negligible in comparison with the magnetic heating. The correlation we expect between the optical luminosities and the rotational energy loss rates of XDINs can be a property of the systems with low X-ray luminosities, in particular those in the propeller phase.

Continuum radiation from active galactic nuclei: A statistical study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isobe, T.; Feigelson, E. D.; Singh, K. P.; Kembhavi, A.

1986-01-01

The physics of the continuum spectrum of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) was examined using a large data set and rigorous statistical methods. A data base was constructed for 469 objects which include radio selected quasars, optically selected quasars, X-ray selected AGNs, BL Lac objects, and optically unidentified compact radio sources. Each object has measurements of its radio, optical, X-ray core continuum luminosity, though many of them are upper limits. Since many radio sources have extended components, the core component were carefully selected out from the total radio luminosity. With survival analysis statistical methods, which can treat upper limits correctly, these data can yield better statistical results than those previously obtained. A variety of statistical tests are performed, such as the comparison of the luminosity functions in different subsamples, and linear regressions of luminosities in different bands. Interpretation of the results leads to the following tentative conclusions: the main emission mechanism of optically selected quasars and X-ray selected AGNs is thermal, while that of BL Lac objects is synchrotron; radio selected quasars may have two different emission mechanisms in the X-ray band; BL Lac objects appear to be special cases of the radio selected quasars; some compact radio sources show the possibility of synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) in the optical band; and the spectral index between the optical and the X-ray bands depends on the optical luminosity.

Mechanisms of Radiation Induced Effects in Carbon Nanotubes

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

the defect types created for both ionizing and non-ionizing particles under exposure to high total ionization and displacement damage doses. Carbon...and displacement damage doses. Additionally, the radiation effects on CNT carrier transport parameters (mobility, lifetime, conductivity) have been...thermal oxidation. 2. Radiation Testing of SWCNTs 2.1 Displacement Damage Dose Effects as a Function of SWCNT Electronic-Type Displacement damage does

Spectra from pair-equilibrium plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zdziarski, A. A.

1984-01-01

A numerical model of relativistic nonmagnetized plasma with uniform temperature and electron density distributions is considered, and spectra from plasma in pair equilibrium are studied. A range of dimensionless temperature (T) greater than about 0.2 is considered. The spectra from low pair density plasmas in pair equilibrium vary from un-Comptonized bremsstrahlung spectra at Thomson cross section tau(N) much less than one to Comptonized bremsstrahlung spectra with tau(N) over one. For high pair density plasmas the spectra are flat for T greater than about one, and have broad intensity peaks at energy roughly equal to 3T for T less than one. In the latter region the total luminosity is approximately twice the annihilation luminosity. All spectra are flat in the X-ray region, in contradiction to observed AGN spectra. For dimensionless luminosity greater than about 100, the cooling time becomes shorter than the Thomson time.

Extended CO (J = 7-6) emission from Orion molecular cloud 1 - Hot ambient gas, two hot-outflow sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid-Burgk, J.; Densing, R.; Krugel, E.; Nett, H.; Roser, H. P.; Schafer, F.; Schwaab, G.; van der Wal, P.; Wattenbach, R.

1989-05-01

Observations of a 6 x 8-arcmin region at the core of Orion molecular cloud 1 are reported. Data obtained in the 806-GHz line of CO using the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory on September 15 and 17, 1986 are presented graphically and analyzed in detail. The results indicate a region of density 10,000/cu cm or greater and temperature of about 50 K extending several arcmin from the core; the total luminosities due to CO (J = 7-6) and to dust are estimated as 10 and 100,000 solar luminosities, respectively. Particular attention is given to the dust-embedded IR cluster BN-KL (with high-velocity outflow suggesting small optical depths) and a second more prominent feature about 2 arcmin to the south (with outflow of about 1 solar mass of material at 500-1000 K, radiating about 0.25 solar luminosity in CO 7-6).

Communication: Electron ionization of DNA bases.

PubMed

Rahman, M A; Krishnakumar, E

2016-04-28

No reliable experimental data exist for the partial and total electron ionization cross sections for DNA bases, which are very crucial for modeling radiation damage in genetic material of living cell. We have measured a complete set of absolute partial electron ionization cross sections up to 500 eV for DNA bases for the first time by using the relative flow technique. These partial cross sections are summed to obtain total ion cross sections for all the four bases and are compared with the existing theoretical calculations and the only set of measured absolute cross sections. Our measurements clearly resolve the existing discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental results, thereby providing for the first time reliable numbers for partial and total ion cross sections for these molecules. The results on fragmentation analysis of adenine supports the theory of its formation in space.

Infrared emission of young HII regions: a Herschel/Hi-GAL study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cesaroni, R.; Pestalozzi, M.; Beltrán, M. T.; Hoare, M. G.; Molinari, S.; Olmi, L.; Smith, M. D.; Stringfellow, G. S.; Testi, L.; Thompson, M. A.

2015-07-01

Context. Investigating the relationship between radio and infrared emission of Hii regions may help shed light on the nature of the ionizing stars and the formation mechanism of early-type stars in general. Aims: We have taken advantage of recent unbiased surveys of the Galactic plane such as Herschel/Hi-GAL and VLA/CORNISH to study a bona fide sample of young Hii regions located in the Galactic longitude range 10°-65° by comparing the mid- and far-IR continuum emission to the radio free-free emission at 5 GHz. Methods: We have identified the Hi-GAL counterparts of 230 CORNISH Hii regions and reconstructed the spectral energy distributions of 204 of these by complementing the Hi-GAL fluxes with ancillary data at longer and shorter wavelengths. Using literature data, we obtained a kinematical distance estimate for 200 Hii regions with Hi-GAL counterparts and determined their luminosities by integrating the emission of the corresponding spectral energy distributions. We have also estimated the mass of the associated molecular clumps from the (sub)millimeter flux densities. Results: Our main finding is that for ~1/3 of the Hii regions the Lyman continuum luminosity appears to be greater than the value expected for a zero-age main-sequence star with the same bolometric luminosity. This result indicates that a considerable fraction of young, embedded early-type stars presents a "Lyman excess" possibly due to UV photons emitted from shocked material infalling onto the star itself and/or a circumstellar disk. Finally, by comparing the bolometric and Lyman continuum luminosities with the mass of the associated clump, we derive a star formation efficiency of 5%. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that accretion may still be present during the early stages of the evolution of Hii regions, with important effects on the production of ionizing photons and thus on the circumstellar environment. More reliable numerical models describing the accretion process onto massive stars are required to shed light on the origin of the observed Lyman excess. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA. PACS has been developed by a consortium of institutes led by MPE (Germany) and including UVIE (Austria); KUL, CSL, IMEC (Belgium); CEA, OAM P (France); MPIA (Germany); IAPS, OAP/OAT, OAA/CAISMI, LENS, SISSA (Italy); IAC (Spain). This development has been supported by the funding agencies BMVIT (Austria), ESA-PRODEX (Belgium), CEA/CNES (France), DLR (Germany), ASI (Italy), and CICYT/MCYT (Spain). SPIRE has been developed by a consortium of institutes led by Cardiff Univ. (UK) and including Univ. Lethbridge (Canada); NAOC (China); CEA , LAM (France); IAPS, Univ. Padua (Italy); IAC (Spain); Stockholm Observatory (Sweden); Imperial College London, RAL, UCL-MSSL, UKATC, Univ. Sussex (UK); Caltech, JPL, NHSC, Univ. Colorado (USA). This development has been supported by national funding agencies: CSA (Canada); NA OC (China); CEA, CNES, CNRS (France); ASI (Italy); MCINN (Spain); Stockholm Observatory (Sweden); STFC (UK); and NASA (USA).Appendix A is available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

HICOSMO - cosmology with a complete sample of galaxy clusters - I. Data analysis, sample selection and luminosity-mass scaling relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schellenberger, G.; Reiprich, T. H.

2017-08-01

The X-ray regime, where the most massive visible component of galaxy clusters, the intracluster medium, is visible, offers directly measured quantities, like the luminosity, and derived quantities, like the total mass, to characterize these objects. The aim of this project is to analyse a complete sample of galaxy clusters in detail and constrain cosmological parameters, like the matter density, Ωm, or the amplitude of initial density fluctuations, σ8. The purely X-ray flux-limited sample (HIFLUGCS) consists of the 64 X-ray brightest galaxy clusters, which are excellent targets to study the systematic effects, that can bias results. We analysed in total 196 Chandra observations of the 64 HIFLUGCS clusters, with a total exposure time of 7.7 Ms. Here, we present our data analysis procedure (including an automated substructure detection and an energy band optimization for surface brightness profile analysis) that gives individually determined, robust total mass estimates. These masses are tested against dynamical and Planck Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) derived masses of the same clusters, where good overall agreement is found with the dynamical masses. The Planck SZ masses seem to show a mass-dependent bias to our hydrostatic masses; possible biases in this mass-mass comparison are discussed including the Planck selection function. Furthermore, we show the results for the (0.1-2.4) keV luminosity versus mass scaling relation. The overall slope of the sample (1.34) is in agreement with expectations and values from literature. Splitting the sample into galaxy groups and clusters reveals, even after a selection bias correction, that galaxy groups exhibit a significantly steeper slope (1.88) compared to clusters (1.06).

A concordant scenario to explain FU Orionis from deep centimeter and millimeter interferometric observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hauyu Baobab; Vorobyov, Eduard I.; Dong, Ruobing; Dunham, Michael M.; Takami, Michihiro; Galván-Madrid, Roberto; Hashimoto, Jun; Kóspál, Ágnes; Henning, Thomas; Tamura, Motohide; Rodríguez, Luis F.; Hirano, Naomi; Hasegawa, Yasuhiro; Fukagawa, Misato; Carrasco-Gonzalez, Carlos; Tazzari, Marco

2017-06-01

Aims: The aim of this work is to constrain properties of the disk around the archetype FU Orionis object, FU Ori, with as good as 25 au resolution. Methods: We resolved FU Ori at 29-37 GHz using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) in the A-array configuration, which provided the highest possible angular resolution to date at this frequency band ( 0.07 arcsec). We also performed complementary JVLA 8-10 GHz observations, Submillimeter Array (SMA) 224 GHz and 272 GHz observations, and compared these with archival Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) 346 GHz observations to obtain the spectral energy distributions (SEDs). Results: Our 8-10 GHz observations do not find evidence for the presence of thermal radio jets, and constrain the radio jet/wind flux to at least 90 times lower than the expected value from the previously reported bolometric luminosity-radio luminosity correlation. The emission at frequencies higher than 29 GHz may be dominated by the two spatially unresolved sources, which are located immediately around FU Ori and its companion FU Ori S, respectively. Their deconvolved radii at 33 GHz are only a few au, which is two orders of magnitude smaller in linear scale than the gaseous disk revealed by the previous Subaru-HiCIAO 1.6 μm coronagraphic polarization imaging observations. We are struck by the fact that these two spatially compact sources contribute to over 50% of the observed fluxes at 224 GHz, 272 GHz, and 346 GHz. The 8-346 GHz SEDs of FU Ori and FU Ori S cannot be fit by constant spectral indices (over frequency), although we cannot rule out that it is due to the time variability of their (sub)millimeter fluxes. Conclusions: The more sophisticated models for SEDs considering the details of the observed spectral indices in the millimeter bands suggest that the >29 GHz emission is contributed by a combination of free-free emission from ionized gas and thermal emission from optically thick and optically thin dust components. We hypothesize that dust in the innermost parts of the disks (≲0.1 au) has been sublimated, and thus the disks are no longer well shielded against the ionizing photons. The estimated overall gas and dust mass based on SED modeling, can be as high as a fraction of a solar mass, which is adequate for developing disk gravitational instability. Our present explanation for the observational data is that the massive inflow of gas and dust due to disk gravitational instability or interaction with a companion/intruder, was piled up at the few-au scale due to the development of a deadzone with negligible ionization. The piled up material subsequently triggered the thermal instability and the magnetorotational instability when the ionization fraction in the inner sub-au scale region exceeded a threshold value, leading to the high protostellar accretion rate.

Effects of the Carrier-Envelope Phase in the Multiphoton Ionization Regime

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakajima, Takashi; Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8581; Watanabe, Shuntaro

2006-06-02

We theoretically investigate the effects of the carrier-envelope phase of few-cycle laser pulses in the multiphoton ionization regime. For atoms with low ionization potential, total ionization yield barely exhibits phase dependence, as expected. However, population of some bound states clearly shows phase dependence. This implies that the measurement of the carrier-envelope phase would be possible through the photoemission between bound states without energy-and-angle-resolved photoelectron detection. The considered scheme could be particularly useful to measure the carrier-envelope phase for a light source without an amplifier, such as a laser oscillator, which cannot provide sufficient pulse energy to induce tunneling ionization.

The total rate of mass return to the interstellar medium from red giants and planetary nebulae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knapp, G. R.; Rauch, K. P.; Wilcots, E. M.

1990-01-01

High luminosity post main sequence stars are observed to be losing mass in large amounts into the interstellar medium. The various methods used to estimate individual and total mass loss rates are summarized. Current estimates give MT 0.3 - 0.6 solar mass per year for the whole Galaxy.

XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL view of the hard state of EXO 1745-248 during its 2015 outburst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matranga, M.; Papitto, A.; Di Salvo, T.; Bozzo, E.; Torres, D. F.; Iaria, R.; Burderi, L.; Rea, N.; de Martino, D.; Sanchez-Fernandez, C.; Gambino, A. F.; Ferrigno, C.; Stella, L.

2017-07-01

Context. Transient low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) often show outbursts that typically last a few weeks and are characterized by a high X-ray luminosity (Lx ≈ 1036-1038 erg s-1), while most of the time they are found in X-ray quiescence (LX ≈ 1031-1033 erg s-1). The source EXO 1745-248 is one of them. Aims: The broad-band coverage and sensitivity of the instrument on board XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL offers the opportunity of characterizing the hard X-ray spectrum during the outburst of EXO 1745-248. Methods: We report on quasi-simultaneous XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL observations of the X-ray transient EXO 1745-248 located in the globular cluster Terzan 5, performed ten days after the beginning of the outburst (on 2015 March 16) of the source between March and June 2015. The source was caught in a hard state, emitting a 0.8-100 keV luminosity of ≃ 1037 erg s-1. Results: The spectral continuum was dominated by thermal Comptonization of seed photons with temperature kTin ≃ 1.3 keV, by a cloud with a moderate optical depth τ ≃ 2, and with an electron temperature of kTe ≃ 40 keV. A weaker soft thermal component at temperature kTth ≃ 0.6-0.7 keV and compatible with a fraction of the neutron star radius was also detected. A rich emission line spectrum was observed by the EPIC-pn on board XMM-Newton; features at energies compatible with K-α transitions of ionized sulfur, argon, calcium, and iron were detected, with a broadness compatible with either thermal Compton broadening or Doppler broadening in the inner parts of an accretion disk truncated at 20 ± 6 gravitational radii from the neutron star. Strikingly, at least one narrow emission line ascribed to neutral or mildly ionized iron is needed to model the prominent emission complex detected between 5.5 and 7.5 keV. The different ionization state and broadness suggest an origin in a region located farther from the neutron star than where the other emission lines are produced. Seven consecutive type I bursts were detected during the XMM-Newton observation, none of which showed hints of photospheric radius expansion. A thorough search for coherent pulsations from the EPIC-pn light curve did not result in any significant detection. Upper limits ranging from a few to 15% on the signal amplitude were set, depending on the unknown spin and orbital parameters of the system.

Anti-correlation between X-ray luminosity and pulsed fraction in the Small Magellanic Cloud pulsar SXP 1323

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jun; Zezas, Andreas; Coe, Malcolm J.; Drake, Jeremy J.; Hong, JaeSub; Laycock, Silas G. T.; Wik, Daniel R.

2018-05-01

We report the evidence for the anti-correlation between pulsed fraction (PF) and luminosity of the X-ray pulsar SXP 1323, found for the first time in a luminosity range 1035-1037 erg s-1 from observations spanning 15 years. The phenomenon of a decrease in X-ray PF when the source flux increases has been observed in our pipeline analysis of other X-ray pulsars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). It is expected that the luminosity under a certain value decreases as the PF decreases due to the propeller effect. Above the propeller region, an anti-correlation between the PF and flux might occur either as a result of an increase in the un-pulsed component of the total emission or a decrease of the pulsed component. Additional modes of accretion may also be possible, such as spherical accretion and a change in emission geometry. At higher mass accretion rates, the accretion disk could also extend closer to the neutron star (NS) surface, where a reduced inner radius leads to hotter inner disk emission. These modes of plasma accretion may affect the change in the beam configuration to fan-beam dominant emission.

Electron impact scattering study of hypohalous acids HOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Hitesh; Bhutadia, Harshad; Prajapati, Dinesh; Desai, Hardik; Vinodkumar, Minaxi; Vinodkumar, P. C.

2018-05-01

In this article we aim to report total cross sections (TCS) QT, total elastic cross sections (Qel), total inelastic cross sections (Qinel) i.e. (total ionizations cross sections (Qion)+total electronic excitation cross sections (Qexc)) from threshold of the target to 5000 eV energy range. We have used a well-defined theoretical methodology Spherical Complex Optical Potential (SCOP) to compute QT, Qel and Qinel and Complex Scattering Potential - ionization contribution (CSP - ic) method to report the (Qion). The cross-sectional data reported here for the Hypohalous Acids is for the first time and the present data can become a guideline for the experimentalist to study these targets.

Heavily reddened type 1 quasars at z > 2 - I. Evidence for significant obscured black hole growth at the highest quasar luminosities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerji, Manda; Alaghband-Zadeh, S.; Hewett, Paul C.; McMahon, Richard G.

2015-03-01

We present a new population of z > 2 dust-reddened, type 1 quasars with 0.5 ≲ E(B - V) ≲ 1.5, selected using near-infrared (NIR) imaging data from the UKIDSS-LAS (Large Area Survey), ESO-VHS (European Southern Obseratory-VISTA Hemisphere Survey) and WISE surveys. NIR spectra obtained using the Very Large Telescope for 24 new objects bring our total sample of spectroscopically confirmed hyperluminous (>1013 L⊙), high-redshift dusty quasars to 38. There is no evidence for reddened quasars having significantly different Hα equivalent widths relative to unobscured quasars. The average black hole masses (˜109-1010 M⊙) and bolometric luminosities (˜1047 erg s-1) are comparable to the most luminous unobscured quasars at the same redshift, but with a tail extending to very high luminosities of ˜1048 erg s-1. 66 per cent of the reddened quasars are detected at >3σ at 22 μm by WISE. The average 6-μm rest-frame luminosity is log10(L6 μm/ erg s-1) = 47.1 ± 0.4, making the objects among the mid-infrared brightest active galactic nuclei (AGN) currently known. The extinction-corrected space density estimate now extends over three magnitudes (-30 < Mi < -27) and demonstrates that the reddened quasar luminosity function is significantly flatter than that of the unobscured quasar population at z = 2-3. At the brightest magnitudes, Mi ≲ -29, the space density of our dust-reddened population exceeds that of unobscured quasars. A model where the probability that a quasar becomes dust reddened increases at high luminosity is consistent with the observations and such a dependence could be explained by an increase in luminosity and extinction during AGN-fuelling phases. The properties of our obscured type 1 quasars are distinct from the heavily obscured, Compton-thick AGN that have been identified at much fainter luminosities and we conclude that they likely correspond to a brief evolutionary phase in massive galaxy formation.

The red and blue galaxy populations in the GOODS field: evidence for an excess of red dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salimbeni, S.; Giallongo, E.; Menci, N.; Castellano, M.; Fontana, A.; Grazian, A.; Pentericci, L.; Trevese, D.; Cristiani, S.; Nonino, M.; Vanzella, E.

2008-01-01

Aims: We study the evolution of the galaxy population up to z˜ 3 as a function of its colour properties. In particular, luminosity functions and luminosity densities were derived as a function of redshift for the blue/late and red/early populations. Methods: We use data from the GOODS-MUSIC catalogue, which have typical magnitude limits z850≤ 26 and K_s≤ 23.5 for most of the sample. About 8% of the galaxies have spectroscopic redshifts; the remaining have well calibrated photometric redshifts derived from the extremely wide multi-wavelength coverage in 14 bands (from the U band to the Spitzer 8~ μm band). We have derived a catalogue of galaxies complete in the rest-frame B-band, which has been divided into two subsamples according to their rest-frame U-V colour (or derived specific star formation rate) properties. Results: We confirm a bimodality in the U-V colour and specific star formation rate of the galaxy sample up to z˜ 3. This bimodality is used to compute the luminosity functions of the blue/late and red/early subsamples. The luminosity functions of the blue/late and total samples are well represented by steep Schechter functions evolving in luminosity with increasing redshifts. The volume density of the luminosity functions of the red/early populations decreases with increasing redshift. The shape of the red/early luminosity functions shows an excess of faint red dwarfs with respect to the extrapolation of a flat Schechter function and can be represented by the sum of two Schechter functions. Our model for galaxy formation in the hierarchical clustering scenario, which also includes external feedback due to a diffuse UV background, shows a general broad agreement with the luminosity functions of both populations, the larger discrepancies being present at the faint end for the red population. Hints on the nature of the red dwarf population are given on the basis of their stellar mass and spatial distributions.

Extragalactic High-energy Transients: Event Rate Densities and Luminosity Functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Hui; Zhang, Bing; Li, Zhuo

2015-10-01

Several types of extragalactic high-energy transients have been discovered, which include high-luminosity and low-luminosity long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), short-duration GRBs, supernova shock breakouts (SBOs), and tidal disruption events (TDEs) without or with an associated relativistic jet. In this paper, we apply a unified method to systematically study the redshift-dependent event rate densities and the global luminosity functions (GLFs; ignoring redshift evolution) of these transients. We introduce some empirical formulae for the redshift-dependent event rate densities for different types of transients and derive the local specific event rate density, which also represents its GLF. Long GRBs (LGRBs) have a large enough sample to reveal features in the GLF, which is best charaterized as a triple power law (PL). All the other transients are consistent with having a single-power-law (SPL) LF. The total event rate density depends on the minimum luminosity, and we obtain the following values in units of Gpc-3 yr-1: {0.8}-0.1+0.1 for high-luminosity LGRBs above 1050 erg s-1 {164}-65+98 for low-luminosity LGRBs above 5 × 1046 erg s-1 {1.3}-0.3+0.4, {1.2}-0.3+0.4, and {3.3}-0.8+1.0 above 1050 erg s-1 for short GRBs with three different merger delay models (Gaussian, lognormal, and PL); {1.9}-1.2+2.4× {10}4 above 1044 erg s-1 for SBOs, {4.8}-2.1+3.2× {10}2 for normal TDEs above 1044 erg s-1 and {0.03}-0.02+0.04 above 1048 erg s-1 for TDE jets as discovered by Swift. Intriguingly, the GLFs of different kinds of transients, which cover over 12 orders of magnitude, are consistent with an SPL with an index of -1.6.

Herschel Extreme Lensing Line Observations: [CII] Variations in Galaxies at Redshifts z=1-3*

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malhotra, Sangeeta; Rhoads, James E.; Finkelstein, K.; Yang, Huan; Carilli, Chris; Combes, Francoise; Dassas, Karine; Finkelstein, Steven; Frye, Brenda; Gerin, Maryvonne;

Slicing COSMOS with SC4K: the evolution of typical Ly α emitters and the Ly α escape fraction from z ˜ 2 to 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobral, David; Santos, Sérgio; Matthee, Jorryt; Paulino-Afonso, Ana; Ribeiro, Bruno; Calhau, João; Khostovan, Ali A.

2018-06-01

We present and explore deep narrow- and medium-band data obtained with the Subaru and the Isaac Newton Telescopes in the ˜2 deg2 COSMOS field. We use these data as an extremely wide, low-resolution (R ˜ 20-80) Integral Field Unit survey to slice through the COSMOS field and obtain a large sample of ˜4000 Ly α emitters (LAEs) from z ˜ 2 to 6 in 16 redshift slices (SC4K). We present new Ly α luminosity functions (LFs) covering a comoving volume of ˜108 Mpc3. SC4K extensively complements ultradeep surveys, jointly covering over 4 dex in Ly α luminosity and revealing a global (2.5 < z < 6) synergy LF with α =-1.93^{+0.12}_{-0.12}, log _{10}Φ ^*_{Lyα }={-3.45^{+0.22}_{-0.29}} Mpc-3, and log _{10}L^*_{Lyα }={42.93^{+0.15}_{-0.11}} erg s-1. The Schechter component of the Ly α LF reveals a factor ˜5 rise in L^*_Lyα and a ˜7 × decline in Φ ^*_{Lyα } from z ˜ 2 to 6. The data reveal an extra power-law (or Schechter) component above LLy α ≈ 1043.3 erg s-1 at z ˜ 2.2-3.5 and we show that it is partially driven by X-ray and radio active galactic nucleus (AGN), as their Ly α LF resembles the excess. The power-law component vanishes and/or is below our detection limits above z > 3.5, likely linked with the evolution of the AGN population. The Ly α luminosity density rises by a factor ˜2 from z ˜ 2 to 3 but is then found to be roughly constant (1.1^{+0.2}_{-0.2}× 10^{40} erg s-1 Mpc-3) to z ˜ 6, despite the ˜0.7 dex drop in ultraviolet (UV) luminosity density. The Ly α/UV luminosity density ratio rises from 4 ± 1 per cent to 30 ± 6 per cent from z ˜ 2.2 to 6. Our results imply a rise of a factor of ≈2 in the global ionization efficiency (ξion) and a factor ≈4 ± 1 in the Ly α escape fraction from z ˜ 2 to 6, hinting for evolution in both the typical burstiness/stellar populations and even more so in the typical interstellar medium conditions allowing Ly α photons to escape.

Disentangling AGN and Star Formation in Soft X-Rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaMassa, Stephanie M.; Heckman, T. M.; Ptak, A.

2012-01-01

We have explored the interplay of star formation and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity in soft X-rays (0.5-2 keV) in two samples of Seyfert 2 galaxies (Sy2s). Using a combination of low-resolution CCD spectra from Chandra and XMM-Newton, we modeled the soft emission of 34 Sy2s using power-law and thermal models. For the 11 sources with high signal-to-noise Chandra imaging of the diffuse host galaxy emission, we estimate the luminosity due to star formation by removing the AGN, fitting the residual emission. The AGN and star formation contributions to the soft X-ray luminosity (i.e., L(sub x,AGN) and L(sub x,SF)) for the remaining 24 Sy2s were estimated from the power-law and thermal luminosities derived from spectral fitting. These luminosities were scaled based on a template derived from XSINGS analysis of normal star-forming galaxies. To account for errors in the luminosities derived from spectral fitting and the spread in the scaling factor, we estimated L(sub x,AGN) and L(sub x,SF))from Monte Carlo simulations. These simulated luminosities agree with L(sub x,AGN) and L(sub x,SF) derived from Chandra imaging analysis within a 3sigma confidence level. Using the infrared [Ne ii]12.8 micron and [O iv]26 micron lines as a proxy of star formation and AGN activity, respectively, we independently disentangle the contributions of these two processes to the total soft X-ray emission. This decomposition generally agrees with L(sub x,SF) and L(sub x,AGN) at the 3 sigma level. In the absence of resolvable nuclear emission, our decomposition method provides a reasonable estimate of emission due to star formation in galaxies hosting type 2 AGNs.

Super-Eddington stellar winds: unifying radiative-enthalpy versus flux-driven models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owocki, Stanley P.; Townsend, Richard H. D.; Quataert, Eliot

2017-12-01

We derive semi-analytic solutions for optically thick, super-Eddington stellar winds, induced by an assumed steady energy addition Δ {\\dot{E}} concentrated around a near-surface heating radius R in a massive star of central luminosity L*. We show that obtaining steady wind solutions requires both that the resulting total luminosity L_o = L_\\ast + Δ {\\dot{E}} exceed the Eddington luminosity, Γo ≡ Lo/LEdd > 1, and that the induced mass-loss rate be such that the 'photon-tiring' parameter, m ≡ {\\dot{M}} GM/R L_o ≤ 1-1/Γ _o, ensuring the luminosity is sufficient to overcome the gravitational potential GM/R. Our analysis unifies previous super-Eddington wind models that either: (1) assumed a direct radiative flux-driving without accounting for the advection of radiative enthalpy that can become important in such an optically thick flow; or (2) assumed that such super-Eddington outflows are adiabatic, neglecting the effects of the diffusive radiative flux. We show that these distinct models become applicable in the asymptotic limits of small versus large values of mΓo, respectively. By solving the coupled differential equations for radiative diffusion and wind momentum, we obtain general solutions that effectively bridge the behaviours of these limiting models. Two key scaling results are for the terminal wind speed to escape speed, which is found to vary as v_∞^2/v_esc^2 = Γ _o/(1+m Γ _o) -1, and for the final observed luminosity Lobs, which for all allowed steady-solutions with m < 1 - 1/Γo exceeds the Eddington luminosity, Lobs > LEdd. Our super-Eddington wind solutions have potential applicability for modelling phases of eruptive mass-loss from massive stars, classical novae, and the remnants of stellar mergers.

Advanced p-MOSFET Ionizing-Radiation Dosimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buehler, Martin G.; Blaes, Brent R.

1994-01-01

Circuit measures total dose of ionizing radiation in terms of shift in threshold gate voltage of doped-channel metal oxide/semiconductor field-effect transistor (p-MOSFET). Drain current set at temperature-independent point to increase accuracy in determination of radiation dose.

Evolution of the observed Lyα luminosity function from z = 6.5 to z = 7.7: evidence for the epoch of reionization?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clément, B.; Cuby, J.-G.; Courbin, F.; Fontana, A.; Freudling, W.; Fynbo, J.; Gallego, J.; Hibon, P.; Kneib, J.-P.; Le Fèvre, O.; Lidman, C.; McMahon, R.; Milvang-Jensen, B.; Moller, P.; Moorwood, A.; Nilsson, K. K.; Pentericci, L.; Venemans, B.; Villar, V.; Willis, J.

2012-02-01

Aims: Lyα emitters (LAEs) can be detected out to very high redshifts during the epoch of reionization. The evolution of the LAE luminosity function with redshift is a direct probe of the Lyα transmission of the intergalactic medium (IGM), and therefore of the IGM neutral-hydrogen fraction. Measuring the Lyα luminosity function (LF) of Lyα emitters at redshift z = 7.7 therefore allows us to constrain the ionizing state of the Universe at this redshift. Methods: We observed three 7'.5 × 7'.5 fields with the HAWK-I instrument at the VLT with a narrow band filter centred at 1.06 μm and targeting Lyα emitters at redshift z ~ 7.7. The fields were chosen for the availability of multiwavelength data. One field is a galaxy cluster, the Bullet Cluster, which allowed us to use gravitational amplification to probe luminosities that are fainter than in the field. The two other fields are subareas of the GOODS Chandra Deep Field South and CFHTLS-D4 deep field. We selected z = 7.7 LAE candidates from a variety of colour criteria, in particular from the absence of detection in the optical bands. Results: We do not find any LAE candidates at z = 7.7 in ~2.4 × 104 Mpc3 down to a narrow band AB magnitude of ~26, which allows us to infer robust constraints on the Lyα LAE luminosity function at this redshift. Conclusions: The predicted mean number of objects at z = 6.5, derived from somewhat different luminosity functions of Hu et al. (2010, ApJ, 725, 394), Ouchi et al. (2010, ApJ, 723, 869), and Kashikawa et al. (2011, ApJ, 734, 119) are 2.5, 13.7, and 11.6, respectively. Depending on which of these luminosity functions we refer to, we exclude a scenario with no evolution from z = 6.5 to z = 7.7 at 85% confidence without requiring a strong change in the IGM Lyα transmission, or at 99% confidence with a significant quenching of the IGM Lyα transmission, possibly from a strong increase in the high neutral-hydrogen fraction between these two redshifts. Based on observations collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO), Chile, Prog-Id 181.A-0485, 181.A-0717, 60.A-9284, 084.A-0749. Based on observations obtained at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) which is operated by the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada, the Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France (CNRS), and the University of Hawaii. This work is based in part on observations obtained with MegaPrime/MegaCam, a joint project of CFHT and CEA/DAPNIA and in part on data products produced at TERAPIX and the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre as part of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey, a collaborative project of NRC and CNRS. This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5 m Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile.

The Spectral Energy Distributions and Infrared Luminosities of z ≈ 2 Dust-obscured Galaxies from Herschel and Spitzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melbourne, J.; Soifer, B. T.; Desai, Vandana; Pope, Alexandra; Armus, Lee; Dey, Arjun; Bussmann, R. S.; Jannuzi, B. T.; Alberts, Stacey

2012-05-01

Dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) are a subset of high-redshift (z ≈ 2) optically-faint ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs, e.g., L IR > 1012 L ⊙). We present new far-infrared photometry, at 250, 350, and 500 μm (observed-frame), from the Herschel Space Telescope for a large sample of 113 DOGs with spectroscopically measured redshifts. Approximately 60% of the sample are detected in the far-IR. The Herschel photometry allows the first robust determinations of the total infrared luminosities of a large sample of DOGs, confirming their high IR luminosities, which range from 1011.6 L ⊙ 1013 L ⊙. The rest-frame near-IR (1-3 μm) spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the Herschel-detected DOGs are predictors of their SEDs at longer wavelengths. DOGs with "power-law" SEDs in the rest-frame near-IR show observed-frame 250/24 μm flux density ratios similar to the QSO-like local ULIRG, Mrk 231. DOGs with a stellar "bump" in their rest-frame near-IR show observed-frame 250/24 μm flux density ratios similar to local star-bursting ULIRGs like NGC 6240. None show 250/24 μm flux density ratios similar to extreme local ULIRG, Arp 220; though three show 350/24 μm flux density ratios similar to Arp 220. For the Herschel-detected DOGs, accurate estimates (within ~25%) of total IR luminosity can be predicted from their rest-frame mid-IR data alone (e.g., from Spitzer observed-frame 24 μm luminosities). Herschel-detected DOGs tend to have a high ratio of infrared luminosity to rest-frame 8 μm luminosity (the IR8 = L IR(8-1000 μm)/νL ν(8 μm) parameter of Elbaz et al.). Instead of lying on the z = 1-2 "infrared main sequence" of star-forming galaxies (like typical LIRGs and ULIRGs at those epochs) the DOGs, especially large fractions of the bump sources, tend to lie in the starburst sequence. While, Herschel-detected DOGs are similar to scaled up versions of local ULIRGs in terms of 250/24 μm flux density ratio, and IR8, they tend to have cooler far-IR dust temperatures (20-40 K for DOGs versus 40-50 K for local ULIRGs) as measured by the rest-frame 80/115 μm flux density ratios (e.g., observed-frame 250/350 μm ratios at z = 2). DOGs that are not detected by Herschel appear to have lower observed-frame 250/24 μm ratios than the detected sample, either because of warmer dust temperatures, lower IR luminosities, or both. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.

THE SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS AND INFRARED LUMINOSITIES OF z Almost-Equal-To 2 DUST-OBSCURED GALAXIES FROM Herschel AND Spitzer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Melbourne, J.; Soifer, B. T.; Desai, Vandana

Dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) are a subset of high-redshift (z Almost-Equal-To 2) optically-faint ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs, e.g., L{sub IR} > 10{sup 12} L{sub Sun} ). We present new far-infrared photometry, at 250, 350, and 500 {mu}m (observed-frame), from the Herschel Space Telescope for a large sample of 113 DOGs with spectroscopically measured redshifts. Approximately 60% of the sample are detected in the far-IR. The Herschel photometry allows the first robust determinations of the total infrared luminosities of a large sample of DOGs, confirming their high IR luminosities, which range from 10{sup 11.6} L{sub Sun} 10{sup 13} L{sub Sun }. Themore » rest-frame near-IR (1-3 {mu}m) spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of the Herschel-detected DOGs are predictors of their SEDs at longer wavelengths. DOGs with 'power-law' SEDs in the rest-frame near-IR show observed-frame 250/24 {mu}m flux density ratios similar to the QSO-like local ULIRG, Mrk 231. DOGs with a stellar 'bump' in their rest-frame near-IR show observed-frame 250/24 {mu}m flux density ratios similar to local star-bursting ULIRGs like NGC 6240. None show 250/24 {mu}m flux density ratios similar to extreme local ULIRG, Arp 220; though three show 350/24 {mu}m flux density ratios similar to Arp 220. For the Herschel-detected DOGs, accurate estimates (within {approx}25%) of total IR luminosity can be predicted from their rest-frame mid-IR data alone (e.g., from Spitzer observed-frame 24 {mu}m luminosities). Herschel-detected DOGs tend to have a high ratio of infrared luminosity to rest-frame 8 {mu}m luminosity (the IR8 = L{sub IR}(8-1000 {mu}m)/{nu}L{sub {nu}}(8 {mu}m) parameter of Elbaz et al.). Instead of lying on the z = 1-2 'infrared main sequence' of star-forming galaxies (like typical LIRGs and ULIRGs at those epochs) the DOGs, especially large fractions of the bump sources, tend to lie in the starburst sequence. While, Herschel-detected DOGs are similar to scaled up versions of local ULIRGs in terms of 250/24 {mu}m flux density ratio, and IR8, they tend to have cooler far-IR dust temperatures (20-40 K for DOGs versus 40-50 K for local ULIRGs) as measured by the rest-frame 80/115 {mu}m flux density ratios (e.g., observed-frame 250/350 {mu}m ratios at z = 2). DOGs that are not detected by Herschel appear to have lower observed-frame 250/24 {mu}m ratios than the detected sample, either because of warmer dust temperatures, lower IR luminosities, or both.« less

The composite nature of Dust-Obscured Galaxies (DOGs) at z ˜ 2-3 in the COSMOS field - I. A far-infrared view

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riguccini, L.; Le Floc'h, E.; Mullaney, J. R.; Menéndez-Delmestre, K.; Aussel, H.; Berta, S.; Calanog, J.; Capak, P.; Cooray, A.; Ilbert, O.; Kartaltepe, J.; Koekemoer, A.; Lutz, D.; Magnelli, B.; McCracken, H.; Oliver, S.; Roseboom, I.; Salvato, M.; Sanders, D.; Scoville, N.; Taniguchi, Y.; Treister, E.

2015-09-01

Dust-Obscured Galaxies (DOGs) are bright 24 μm-selected sources with extreme obscuration at optical wavelengths. They are typically characterized by a rising power-law continuum of hot dust (TD ˜ 200-1000 K) in the near-IR indicating that their mid-IR luminosity is dominated by an active galactic nucleus (AGN). DOGs with a fainter 24 μm flux display a stellar bump in the near-IR and their mid-IR luminosity appears to be mainly powered by dusty star formation. Alternatively, it may be that the mid-IR emission arising from AGN activity is dominant but the torus is sufficiently opaque to make the near-IR emission from the AGN negligible with respect to the emission from the host component. In an effort to characterize the astrophysical nature of the processes responsible for the IR emission in DOGs, this paper exploits Herschel data (PACS + SPIRE) on a sample of 95 DOGs within the COSMOS field. We derive a wealth of far-IR properties (e.g. total IR luminosities; mid-to-far-IR colours; dust temperatures and masses) based on spectral energy distribution fitting. Of particular interest are the 24 μm-bright DOGs (F24 μm > 1 mJy). They present bluer far-IR/mid-IR colours than the rest of the sample, unveiling the potential presence of an AGN. The AGN contribution to the total 8-1000 μm flux increases as a function of the rest-frame 8 μm-luminosity irrespective of the redshift. This confirms that faint DOGs (L8 μm < 1012 L⊙) are dominated by star formation while brighter DOGs show a larger contribution from an AGN.

AGN are cooler than you think: the intrinsic far-IR emission from QSOs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Symeonidis, M.; Giblin, B. M.; Page, M. J.; Pearson, C.; Bendo, G.; Seymour, N.; Oliver, S. J.

2016-06-01

We present an intrinsic AGN spectral energy distribution (SED) extending from the optical to the submm, derived with a sample of unobscured, optically luminous (νLν,5100 > 1043.5 erg s-1) QSOs at z < 0.18 from the Palomar Green survey. The intrinsic AGN SED was computed by removing the contribution from stars using the 11.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) feature in the QSOs' mid-IR spectra; the 1σ uncertainty on the SED ranges between 12 and 45 per cent as a function of wavelength and is a combination of PAH flux measurement errors and the uncertainties related to the conversion between PAH luminosity and star-forming luminosity. Longwards of 20 μm, the shape of the intrinsic AGN SED is independent of the AGN power indicating that our template should be applicable to all systems hosting luminous AGN (νLν, 5100 or L_X(2-10 keV) ≳ 1043.5 erg s-1). We note that for our sample of luminous QSOs, the average AGN emission is at least as high as, and mostly higher than, the total stellar powered emission at all wavelengths from the optical to the submm. This implies that in many galaxies hosting powerful AGN, there is no `safe' broad-band photometric observation (at λ < 1000 μm) which can be used in calculating star formation rates without subtracting the AGN contribution. Roughly, the AGN contribution may be ignored only if the intrinsic AGN luminosity at 5100 AA is at least a factor of 4 smaller than the total infrared luminosity (LIR, 8-1000 μm) of the galaxy. Finally, we examine the implication of our work in statistical studies of star formation in AGN host galaxies.

Communication: Electron ionization of DNA bases

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rahman, M. A.; Krishnakumar, E., E-mail: ekkumar@tifr.res.in

2016-04-28

No reliable experimental data exist for the partial and total electron ionization cross sections for DNA bases, which are very crucial for modeling radiation damage in genetic material of living cell. We have measured a complete set of absolute partial electron ionization cross sections up to 500 eV for DNA bases for the first time by using the relative flow technique. These partial cross sections are summed to obtain total ion cross sections for all the four bases and are compared with the existing theoretical calculations and the only set of measured absolute cross sections. Our measurements clearly resolve themore » existing discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental results, thereby providing for the first time reliable numbers for partial and total ion cross sections for these molecules. The results on fragmentation analysis of adenine supports the theory of its formation in space.« less

Atmospheric mass-loss of extrasolar planets orbiting magnetically active host stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lalitha, Sairam; Schmitt, J. H. M. M.; Dash, Spandan

2018-06-01

Magnetic stellar activity of exoplanet hosts can lead to the production of large amounts of high-energy emission, which irradiates extrasolar planets, located in the immediate vicinity of such stars. This radiation is absorbed in the planets' upper atmospheres, which consequently heat up and evaporate, possibly leading to an irradiation-induced mass-loss. We present a study of the high-energy emission in the four magnetically active planet-bearing host stars, Kepler-63, Kepler-210, WASP-19, and HAT-P-11, based on new XMM-Newton observations. We find that the X-ray luminosities of these stars are rather high with orders of magnitude above the level of the active Sun. The total XUV irradiation of these planets is expected to be stronger than that of well-studied hot Jupiters. Using the estimated XUV luminosities as the energy input to the planetary atmospheres, we obtain upper limits for the total mass- loss in these hot Jupiters.

An X-ray halo around Cassiopeia A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, G. C.; Fabian, A. C.; Seward, F. D.

The large-scale X-ray emission of Cas A is characterized, and mechanisms are proposed to explain it. The Einstein HRI image of Murray et al. (1979) is binned into 16-arcsec pixels, a point-spread function based on the 2.04-keV monochromatic Zr source is applied, and the data are modeled as a series of circularly symmetric rings of emission. A significant excess extending to a radius of 6 arcmin (roughly the size of the optical H II region) is found to have a total 0.5-3-keV luminosity of about 5 x 10 to the 34th erg/s, or about 2 percent of the total luminosity of Cas A, which is assumed to lie at a distance of 3 kpc. Thermal bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, and dust scattering of the main-shell emission are examined and found to be plausible emission mechanisms; further observations are required to identify the one active in Cas A.

An extended galactic population of low-luminosity x-ray sources (CVs?) and the diffuse x-ray background

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maoz, Eyal; Grindlay, Jonathan E.

1995-01-01

The incompatibility of the properties of the X-ray background (XRB) with active galactic nuclei (AGNs) contributing approximately greater than 60% at energies of a few keV has often been interpreted as being due to a substantial contribution of a new population of yet unrecognized X-ray sources. The existence of such population has been recently suggested also by an analysis of very deep ROSAT observations which revealed a considerable excess of faint X-ray sources over that expected from QSO evolution models, and that the average spectrum of the resolved sources becomes harder with decreasing flux limit. These sources could be extragalactic in origin, but if they make a substantial contribution to the XRB then they must exhibit much weaker clustering than galaxies or QSOs in order to be consistent with the stringent constraints on source clustering imposed by autocorrelation analyses of the unresolved XRB. We investigate the possibility that the indicated new population of X-ray sources is Galactic in origin. Examining spherical halo and thick disk distributions, we derive the allowed properties of such populations which would resolve the discrepancy found in the number counts of faint sources and be consistent with observational constraints on the total background intensity, the XRB anisotropy, the number of unidentified bright sources, the Galaxy's total X-ray luminosity, and with the results of fluctuation analyses of the unresolved XRB. We find that a flattened Galactic halo (or a thick disk) distribution with a scale height of a few kpc is consistent with all the above requirements. The typical X-ray luminosity of the sources is approximately equal to 10(exp 30-31)ergs/s in the 0.5-2 keV band, the number density of sources in the solar vicinity is approximately 10(exp -4.5)pc(exp -3), their total number in the Galaxy is approximately 10(exp 8.5), and their total contribution to the Galaxy's X-ray luminosity is approximately 10(exp 39) ergs/s. We discuss the possible nature of these soures, including their being subdwarfs, low mass x-ray binaries (LMXBs), massive black holes, and old neutron stars. We argue that the inferred X-ray and optical luminosities of these sources, the slope of their energy spectrum, and the derived local number density and spatial distribution are all consistent with their being intrinsically faint cataclysmic variables with low accretion rates. We suggest a few possibilities for the origin of such population, including an origin from disrupted globular clusters or dark clusters. We make predictions and suggest tests that could either confirm or rule out our proposal in the near future.

Wind Variability of B Supergiants. No. 1; The Rapid Rotator HD 64760 (B0.5 Ib)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massa, Derck; Prinja, Raman K.; Fullerton, Alexander W.

1995-01-01

We present the results of a 6 day time series of observations of the rapidly rotating B0.5 Ib star HD 64760. We point out several reasons why such intermediate luminosity B supergiants are ideal targets for wind variability studies and then present our results that show the following: continuous wind activity throughout the 6 day run with the wind never in steady state for more than a few hr; wind variability very near nu = 0 km sec(exp -1) in the resonance lines from the lower ionization stages (Al III and C II); a distinct correlation between variability in the Si III ; lambda(lambda)1300 triplets, the strong C III (lambda)1247 singlet, and the onset of extremely strong wind activity, suggesting a connection between photospheric and wind activity; long temporal coherence in the behavior of the strong absorption events; evidence for large-scale spatial coherence, implied by a whole scale, simultaneous weakening in the wind absorption over a wide range in velocities; and ionization variability in the wind accompanying the largest changes in the absorption strengths of the wind lines. In addition, modeling of the wind lines provides the following information about the state the wind in HD 64760. The number of structures on the portion of a constant velocity surface occulting the stellar disk at a particular time must be quite small, while the number on the entire constant velocity surface throughout the wind must be large. The escape probability at low velocity is overestimated by a normal beta approx. 1 velocity law, perhaps due to the presence of low-velocity shocks deep in the wind or a shallow velocity gradient at low velocity. Estimates of the ionization structure in the wind indicate that the ionization ratios are not those expected from thermal equilibrium wind models or from an extrapolation of previous O star results. The large observed q(N V)/q(Si IV) ratio is almost certainly due to distributed X-rays, but the level of ionization predicted by distributed X-ray wind models is inconsistent with the predicted mass-loss rate. Thus, it is impossible to reconcile the observed ionization ratios and the predicted mass-loss rate within the framework of the available models.

The Ionization Fraction in the Obscuring ``Torus'' of an Active Galactic Nucleus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, A. S.; Roy, A. L.; Ulvestad, J. S.; Colbert, E. J. M.; Weaver, K. A.; Braatz, J. A.; Henkel, C.; Matsuoka, M.; Xue, S.; Iyomoto, N.; Okada, K.

1998-10-01

The LINER galaxy NGC 2639 contains a water vapor megamaser, suggesting the presence of a nuclear accretion disk or torus viewed close to edge-on. This galaxy is thus a good candidate for revealing absorption by the torus of any compact nuclear continuum emission. In this paper, we report VLBA radio maps at three frequencies and an ASCA X-ray spectrum obtained to search for free-free and photoelectric absorptions, respectively. The radio observations reveal a compact (<0.2 pc) nuclear source with a spectrum that turns over sharply near 5 GHz. This turnover may reflect either synchrotron self-absorption or free-free absorption. The galaxy is detected by ASCA with an observed luminosity of 1.4 × 1041 ergs s-1 in the 0.6-10 keV band. The X-ray spectrum shows emission in excess of a power-law model at energies greater than 4 keV; we interpret this excess as compact, nuclear, hard X-ray emission with the lower energies photoelectrically absorbed by an equivalent hydrogen column of ~= 5 × 1023 cm-2. If we assume that the turnover in the radio spectrum is caused by free-free absorption and that both the free-free and photoelectric absorptions are produced by the same gaseous component, the ratio n2edl/nHdl may be determined. If the masing molecular gas is responsible for both absorptions, the required ionization fraction is >~1.3 × 10-5, which is comparable to the theoretical upper limit derived by Neufeld, Maloney, and Conger for X-ray heated molecular gas. The two values may be reconciled if the molecular gas is very dense: nH2>~109 cm-3. The measured ionization fraction is also consistent with the idea that both absorptions occur in a hot (~6000 K), weakly ionized (ionization fraction a few times 10-2) atomic region that may coexist with the warm molecular gas. If this is the case, the absorbing gas is ~1 pc from the nucleus. We rule out the possibility that both absorptions occur in a fully ionized gas near 104 K. If our line of sight passes through more than one phase, the atomic gas probably dominates the free-free absorption, while the molecular gas may dominate the photoelectric absorption.

Radiation Tolerant Electronics and Digital Processing for the Phase-1 Read-out Upgrade of the ATLAS Liquid Argon Calorimeters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Milic, A.

The ATLAS Liquid Argon calorimeters are designed and built to study proton-proton collisions produced at the LHC at centre-of-mass energies up to 14 TeV. Liquid argon (LAr) sampling calorimeters are employed for all electromagnetic calorimetry in the pseudorapidity region |η|<3.2, and for hadronic calorimetry in the region from |η|=1.5 to |η|=4.9. Although the nominal LHC experimental programme is still in progress, an upgrade of the read-out electronics is being launched to cope with luminosities of up to 3x10{sup 34} cm{sup -2}s{sup -1}, which are beyond the original design by a factor of 3. An improved spatial granularity of the triggermore » primitives is therefore proposed in order to improve the identification performance for trigger signatures, like electrons, photons, tau leptons, jets, total and missing energy, at high background rejection rates. For the upgrade Phase-1 in 2018, new LAr Trigger Digitizer Boards (LTDB) are being designed to receive higher granularity signals, digitize them on detector and send them via fast optical links to a new LAr digital processing system (LDPS). The LDPS applies a digital filtering and identifies significant energy depositions in each trigger channel. The refined trigger primitives are then transmitted to the first level trigger system to extract improved trigger signatures. The read-out of the trigger signals will process 34000 so-called Super Cells at every LHC bunch-crossing at a frequency of 40 MHz. The new LTDB on-detector electronics is designed to be radiation tolerant in order to be operated for the remaining live-time of the ATLAS detector up to a total luminosity of 3000 fb{sup -1}. For the analog-to-digital conversion (12-bit ADC at 40 MSPS), the data serialization and the fast optical link (5.44 Gb/s) custom components have been developed. They have been qualified for the expected radiation environment of a total ionization dose of 1.3 kGy and a hadron fluence of 6 x 10{sup 13} h/cm{sup 2} with energies above 20 MeV. For the digital components like the ADC, cross-sections for single event effects have been determined. This talk will present R and D results from tests of the radiation tolerant components, the fast data processing electronics and prototypes of the LTDB and LDPS boards. First experience from a Demonstrator setup will be reported, in which about 1/10 of the full Super Cell readout will be equipped with prototype versions of the LTDB and LDPS boards. The Demonstrator will be operated in parallel to the regular ATLAS trigger read-out during the upcoming LHC run. (authors)« less

Ionization Potentials for Isoelectronic Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agmon, Noam

1988-01-01

Presents a quantitative treatment of ionization potentials of isoelectronic atoms. By looking at the single-electron view of calculating the total energy of an atom, trends in the screening and effective quantum number parameters are examined. Approaches the question of determining electron affinities. (CW)

HST-WFPC2 Observations of the Star Clusters in the Giant H II Regions of M33

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Myung Gyoon; Park, Hong Soo; Kim, Sang Chul; Waller, William H.; Parker, Joel Wm.; Malumuth, Eliot M.; Hodge, Paul W.

We present a photometric study of the stars in ionizing star clusters embedded in several giant H II regions of M33 (CC93, IC 142, NGC 595, MA2, NGC 604 and NGC 588). Our photometry is based on the HST-WFPC2 images of these clusters. Color-magnitude diagrams and color-color diagrams of these clusters are obtained and are used for estimating the reddenings and ages of the clusters. The luminosity functions (LFs) and initial mass functions (IMFs) of the massive stars in these clusters are also derived. The slopes of the IMFs range from Γ = -0.5 to -2.1. Interestingly, it is found that the IMFs get steeper with increasing galactocentric distance and with decreasing [O/H] abundance.

Quasi-stellar objects in the intergalactic medium: Source for the cosmic X-ray background

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sherman, R.D.

1980-06-15

QSOs are regarded as sources of both electromagnetic radiation and ejected matter that heat and ionize a dense intergalactic medium (IGM). Using current estimates of QSO luminosity, number density, evolution, and spectral index, we study three viable models: the diffuse cosmic X-ray background is (1) due entirely to thermal Bremsstrahlung of the IGM, (2) completely supplied by QSO X-radiation, (3) or a combination of both. The upper limits on an IGM fractional density with respect to closure are ..cap omega..=0.26, 0.24, and 0.21 for pure collisional, photo/collisional mixture, and pure photoionization, respectively. These calculations give emission spectra, Compton distortion ofmore » the cosmic microwave background, and optical depths to distant OSOs for comparison with relevant data.« less

The nature of the driving mechanism in the pulsating hybrid PG 1159 star Abell 43

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quirion, P.-O.; Fontaine, G.; Brassard, P.

2005-10-01

We extend our previous pulsational stability analyses of PG 1159 stars by modeling the hybrid PG 1159 type star Abell 43. We show that the standard κ-mechanism due to the ionization of C and O in the envelope of this H-rich PG 1159 star is perfectly able to drive g-mode pulsations. Thus, contrary to a recent suggestion, there is no need to invoke any new or exotic mechanism to explain the pulsational instabilities observed in this particular star. Our expected instability band for l=1 modes extends in period from ~2604 s to ~5529 s, which is consistent with the available photometric observations of Abell 43. We also suggest that efforts to detect luminosity variations in its sibling NGC 7094 be pursued.

INDIRECT EVIDENCE FOR ESCAPING IONIZING PHOTONS IN LOCAL LYMAN BREAK GALAXY ANALOGS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alexandroff, Rachael M.; Heckman, Timothy M.; Borthakur, Sanchayeeta

2015-09-10

A population of early star-forming galaxies is the leading candidate for the re-ionization of the universe. It is still unclear, however, what conditions and physical processes would enable a significant fraction of the ionizing (Lyman continuum) photons to escape from these gas-rich galaxies. In this paper we present the results of the analysis of Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph far-UV (FUV) spectroscopy plus ancillary multi-waveband data of a sample of 22 low-redshift galaxies that are good analogs to typical star-forming galaxies at high redshift. We measure three parameters that provide indirect evidence of the escape of ionizing radiation (leakiness):more » (1) the residual intensity in the cores of saturated interstellar low-ionization absorption lines, which indicates incomplete covering by that gas in the galaxy; (2) the relative amount of blueshifted Lyα line emission, which can indicate the existence of holes in the neutral hydrogen on the front-side of the galaxy outflow, and (3) the relative weakness of the [S ii] optical emission lines that trace matter-bounded H ii regions. We show that our residual intensity measures are only negligibly affected by infilling from resonance emission lines. We find all three diagnostics agree well with one another. We use these diagnostics to rank-order our sample in terms of likely leakiness, noting that a direct measure of escaping Lyman continuum has recently been made for one of the leakiest members of our sample. We then examine the correlations between our ranking and other proposed diagnostics of leakiness. We find a good correlation with the equivalent width of the Lyα emission line, but no significant correlations with either the flux ratio of the [O iii]/[O ii] emission lines or the ratio of star-formation rates derived from the (dust-corrected) FUV and Hα luminosities. Turning to galaxy properties, we find the strongest correlations with leakiness are with the compactness of the star-forming region (Star formation rate/area) and the speed of the galactic outflow. This suggests that extreme feedback—a high intensity of ionizing radiation and strong pressure from both radiation and a hot galactic wind—combines to create significant holes in the neutral gas. These results not only shed new light on the physical mechanisms that can allow ionizing radiation to escape from intensely star-forming galaxies, they also provide indirect observational indicators that can be used at high redshift where direct measurements of escaping Lyman continuum radiation are impossible.« less

On the X-ray spectra of luminous, inhomogeneous accretion flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merloni, A.; Malzac, J.; Fabian, A. C.; Ross, R. R.

2006-08-01

We discuss the expected X-ray spectral and variability properties of black hole accretion discs at high luminosity, under the hypothesis that radiation-pressure-dominated discs are subject to violent clumping instabilities and, as a result, have a highly inhomogeneous two-phase structure. After deriving the full accretion disc solutions explicitly in terms of the parameters of the model, we study their radiative properties both with a simple two-zone model, treatable analytically, and with radiative transfer simulations which account simultaneously for energy balance and Comptonization in the hot phase, together with reflection, reprocessing, ionization and thermal balance in the cold phase. We show that, if not only the density, but also the heating rate within these flows is inhomogeneous, then complex reflection-dominated spectra can be obtained for a high enough covering fraction of the cold phase. In general, large reflection components in the observed X-ray spectra should be associated with strong soft excesses, resulting from the combined emission of ionized atomic emission lines. The variability properties of such systems are such that, even when contributing to a large fraction of the hard X-ray spectrum, the reflection component is less variable than the power-law-like emission originating from the hot Comptonizing phase, in agreement with what is observed in many Narrow Line Seyfert 1 galaxies and bright Seyfert 1. Our model falls within the family of those trying to explain the complex X-ray spectra of bright AGN with ionized reflection, but presents an alternative, specific, physically motivated, geometrical set-up for the complex multiphase structure of the inner regions of near-Eddington accretion flows.

The COS revolution of AGN outflow science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arav, Nahum

2016-10-01

HST/COS has opened a new discovery space for quasar outflow science. Specifically, it provides high quality FUV spectra covering the diagnostic-rich 500A-1050A rest-frame of medium redshift objects. We have published three refereed papers based on the analysis of such data that were supported by our concluded COS archive program, in which we reported: a) a new population of very high ionization outflows, b) robust cases of two-ionization-phase outflows, which are the missing link between UV AGN outflows and x-ray warm absorbers, and most importantly c) spectral diagnostics that allowed us to determine the distance of the outflows from the central source. The latter is a cardinal issue in the field as many researchers believe that most outflows are situated close to the accretion disk ( 0.01 pc) while the few reliable measurements show distances of 10-10,000 pc. Therefore, every empirical distance measurement is of importance. Our archive based publication also demonstrates that quasar outflows have sufficient energy to match theoretical predictions for AGN feedback influencing galaxy evolution.We propose to continue this successful archive program. Thus far we've analyzed about 300 COS G130M and G160M orbits of AGN observations. There are roughly 900 additional orbits that satisfy our criteria and will be available within a year. Based on our published survey, we expect that these 900 orbits will yield about 20-30 additional very-high ionization outflows and 4-6 cases of distance and kinetic luminosity determinations, all in cosmologically important luminous-quasars.

What Can Galaxies Tell Us About The Epoch of Reionization?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Charlotte; GLASS, BoRG

2018-01-01

The reionization of neutral hydrogen in the intergalactic medium (IGM) in the universe's first billion years (z>6) was likely driven by the first stars and galaxies, and its history encodes information about their properties. But the timeline of reionization is not well-measured and it is still unclear whether galaxies alone can produce the required ionizing photons. I will describe two key ways in which galaxies at our current observational frontiers can constrain reionization.One tool is the UV luminosity function (LF), which traces the evolution of star-forming galaxies and their ionizing photons. I will describe a Bayesian technique to account for gravitational lensing magnification bias in galaxy surveys to produce accurate LFs. I will then describe a simple, but powerful, model for LF evolution and its implications for reionization and z>10 galaxy surveys with JWST. Secondly, Lyman alpha (Lya) emission from galaxies is a potential probe of the IGM ionization state as Lya photons are strongly attenuated by neutral hydrogen, but requires disentangling physics on pc to Gpc scales. I will introduce a new forward-modeling Bayesian framework which combines cosmological IGM simulations with models of interstellar medium conditions to infer the IGM neutral fraction from observations of Lya emission. I will present our new measurement of the neutral fraction at z~7 and place it in the context of other constraints of the reionization history. I will describe ongoing efforts to build larger samples of Lya emitting galaxies for more accurate measurements with the HST survey GLASS, and will describe future prospects with JWST.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Parkin, E. R.; Sim, S. A., E-mail: parkin@mso.anu.edu.au, E-mail: s.sim@qub.ac.uk

In an early-type, massive star binary system, X-ray bright shocks result from the powerful collision of stellar winds driven by radiation pressure on spectral line transitions. We examine the influence of the X-rays from the wind-wind collision shocks on the radiative driving of the stellar winds using steady-state models that include a parameterized line force with X-ray ionization dependence. Our primary result is that X-ray radiation from the shocks inhibits wind acceleration and can lead to a lower pre-shock velocity, and a correspondingly lower shocked plasma temperature, yet the intrinsic X-ray luminosity of the shocks, L{sub X}, remains largely unaltered,more » with the exception of a modest increase at small binary separations. Due to the feedback loop between the ionizing X-rays from the shocks and the wind driving, we term this scenario as self-regulated shocks. This effect is found to greatly increase the range of binary separations at which a wind-photosphere collision is likely to occur in systems where the momenta of the two winds are significantly different. Furthermore, the excessive levels of X-ray ionization close to the shocks completely suppress the line force, and we suggest that this may render radiative braking less effective. Comparisons of model results against observations reveal reasonable agreement in terms of log (L{sub X}/L{sub bol}). The inclusion of self-regulated shocks improves the match for kT values in roughly equal wind momenta systems, but there is a systematic offset for systems with unequal wind momenta (if considered to be a wind-photosphere collision).« less

The Ionized Nuclear Environment in NGC 985 as seen by Chandra and BeppoSAX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krongold, Y.; Nicastro, F.; Elvis, M.; Brickhouse, N. S.; Mathur, S.; Zezas, A.

2005-02-01

We investigate the ionized environment of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 985 with a new Chandra HETGS observation and an archival BeppoSAX observation. Both spectra exhibit strong residuals to a single-power-law model, indicating the presence of an ionized absorber and a soft excess. A detailed model over the Chandra data shows that the 0.6-8 keV intrinsic continuum can be well represented by a power law (Γ~1.6) plus a blackbody component (kT=0.1 keV). Two absorption components are clearly required to fit the absorption features observed in the Chandra spectrum. The components have a difference of 29 in ionization parameter and 3 in column density. The presence of the low-ionization component is evidenced by an Fe M-shell unresolved transition array produced by charge states VII-XIII. The high-ionization phase is required by the presence of broad absorption features arising from several blends of Fe L-shell transitions (Fe XVII-XXII). A third highly ionized component might also be present, but the data do not allow us to constrain its properties. Although poorly constrained, the outflow velocities of the components (581+/-206 km s-1 for the high-ionization phase and 197+/-184 km s-1 for the low-ionization one) are consistent with each other and with the outflow velocities of the absorption components observed in the UV. In addition, the low-ionization component produces significant amounts of O VI, N V, and C IV, which suggests that a single outflow produces the UV and X-ray features. The broadband (0.1-100 keV) continuum in the BeppoSAX data can be parameterized by a power law (Γ~1.4), a blackbody (kT=0.1 keV), and a high-energy cutoff (Ec~70 keV). An X-ray luminosity variation by a factor of 2.3 is observed between the BeppoSAX and Chandra observations (separated by almost 3 yr). Variability in the opacity of the absorbers is detected in response to the continuum variation, but while the colder component is consistent with a simple picture of photoionization equilibrium, the ionization state of the hotter component seems to increase, while the continuum flux drops. The most striking result in our analysis is that during both the Chandra and the BeppoSAX observations, the two absorbing components appear to have the same pressure. Thus, we suggest that the absorption arises from a multiphase wind. Such a scenario can explain the change in the opacity of both absorption components during the observations, but it requires that a third, hotter component be pressure-confining the two phases. Hence, our analysis points to a three-phase medium similar to the wind found in NGC 3783, and it further suggests that such a wind might be a common characteristic in active galactic nuclei. The pressure-confining scenario requires fragmentation of the confined phases into a large number of clouds.