ABSTRACT
In recent years, several nova explosions have been detected by Fermi/LAT at E > 100 MeV, mainly early after the explosion and for a short period of time. The first evidence of particle ...acceleration in novae was found in the 2006 eruption of RS Oph to explain the faster than expected deceleration of the blast wave. As a consequence, emission of high-energy gamma-rays mainly from neutral pion decay and inverse Compton scattering is expected. We aim to understand the early shock evolution, when acceleration of particles can take place, in nova explosions. To achieve this goal, we perform a multiwavelength study of the 2014 outburst of V745 Sco, a symbiotic recurrent nova similar to RS Oph. The analysis of early Swift/XRT observations, simultaneous to the tentative Fermi detection, is combined with Chandra and NuStar data, to get a global picture of the nova ejecta and the red giant wind evolution. Early radio and IR data are also compiled, providing information about the forward shock velocity and its magnetic field. The comparison with the plasma properties of RS Oph shows striking similarities, such as the skipping of the adiabatic phase occurring in supernova remnants, a hint of particle acceleration. The multiwavelength study of V745 Sco provides new insights into the evolution of the hot plasma in novae and its interaction with the circumstellar material, a powerful tool to understand the nature of the high-energy gamma-ray emission from symbiotic recurrent novae.
This bibliographic review provides an overview of techniques used to detect marine litter using remote sensing. The review classified studies in terms of platform (satellite, aircrafts, drones), ...sensors (passive or active), spectral (visible, infrared, microwaves), spatial resolution (<1 to >30 m), type and size (macroplastics, microplastics), or classification methodology (sighting, photointerpretation, supervised). Most studies applied satellite information to address marine litter using multi- and hyper- spectral optical sensors. The correspondence analysis on analyzed variables exhibited that aircrafts with high spatial resolution (<3 m) with optical sensors (λ = 400 to 2500 nm) seem to be the most optimum combination to target marine litter, while satellites carrying Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors (λ = 3.1 to 5.6 cm) may detect sea-slicks associated to surfactants that might contain high concentration of microplastics. Gaps indicate that future goals in marine litter detection should be addressed with platforms including optical and SAR sensors.
•Combinations of platform, sensors, spectral resolution are addressing marine litter.•Optical sensors onboard aircrafts target marine litter at precise spatial resolution.•Sea-slicks might be inferred by SAR sensors.•Marine litter detection requires optical and SAR sensors for future advances.
Context. Classical novae (CNe) represent the major class of supersoft X-ray sources (SSSs) in the central region of our neighbouring galaxy M 31. Aims. We performed a dedicated monitoring of the M 31 ...central region, which aimed to detect SSS counterparts of CNe, with XMM-Newton and Chandra between Nov. and Mar. of the years 2009/10, 2010/11, and 2011/12. Methods. We systematically searched our data for X-ray counterparts of CNe and determined their X-ray light curves and also their spectral properties in the case of XMM-Newton data. Additionally, we determined luminosity upper limits for all previously known X-ray emitting novae, which are not detected anymore, and for all CNe in our field of view with recent optical outbursts. Results. In total, we detected 24 novae in X-rays. Seven of these sources were known from previous observations, including the M 31 nova with the longest SSS phase, M31N 1996-08b, which was found to fade below our X-ray detection limit 13.8 yr after outburst. Of the new discoveries, several novae exhibit significant variability in their short-term X-ray light curves with one object showing a suspected period of about 1.3 h. We studied the SSS state of the most recent outburst of a recurrent nova, which had previously shown the shortest time ever observed between two outbursts (~5 yr). The total number of M 31 novae with X-ray counterpart was increased to 79, and we subjected this extended catalogue to detailed statistical studies. Four previously indicated correlations between optical and X-ray parameters could be confirmed and improved. Furthermore, we found indications that the multi-dimensional parameter space of nova properties might be dominated by a single physical parameter, and we provide interpretations and suggest implications. We studied various outliers from the established correlations and discuss evidence of a different X-ray behaviour of novae in the M 31 bulge and disk. Conclusions. Exploration of the multi-wavelength parameter space of optical and X-ray measurements is shown to be a powerful tool for examining properties of extragalactic nova populations. While there are hints that the different stellar populations of M 31 (bulge vs. disk) produce dissimilar nova outbursts, there is also growing evidence that the overall behaviour of an average nova might be understood in surprisingly simple terms.
The different background components in a low-Earth orbit have been modeled in the 10 keV to 100 GeV energy range. The model is based on data from previous instruments and it considers both primary ...and secondary particles, charged particles, neutrons and photons. The necessary corrections to consider the geomagnetic cutoff are applied to calculate the flux at different inclinations and altitudes for a mean solar activity. Activation simulations from such a background have been carried out using the model of a possible future gamma-ray mission (e-ASTROGAM). The event rates and spectra from these simulations were then compared to those from the isotopes created by the particles present in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA). The primary protons are found to be the main contributor of the activation, while the contributions of the neutrons, and that of the secondary protons can be considered negligible. The long-term activation from the passage through the SAA becomes the main source of background at high inclination (i
≳
1
0
∘
). The used models have been collected in a Python class openly available on github.
Context. Super-soft-source (SSS) X-ray spectra are blackbody-like spectra with effective temperatures ~3−7 × 105 K and luminosities of 1035−38 erg s-1. Grating spectra of SSS and novae in outburst ...that show SSS type spectra display atmospheric absorption lines. Radiation transport atmosphere models can be used to derive physical parameters. Blue-shifted absorption lines suggest that hydrostatic equilibrium is an insufficient assumption, and more sophisticated models are required. Aims. In this paper, we bypass the complications of spectral models and concentrate on the data in a comparative, qualitative study. We inspect all available X-ray grating SSS spectra to determine systematic, model-independent trends. Methods. We collected all grating spectra of conventional SSS like Cal 83 and Cal 87 plus observations of novae during their SSS phase. We used comparative plots of spectra of different systems to find common and different features. The results were interpreted in the context of system parameters obtained from the literature. Results. We find two distinct types of SSS spectra that we name SSa and SSe. Their main observational characteristics are either clearly visible absorption lines or emission lines, respectively, while both types contain atmospheric continuum emission. SSa spectra are highly structured with no spectral model currently able to reproduce all details. The emission lines clearly seen in SSe may also be present in SSa, hidden within the forest of complex atmospheric absorption and emission features. This suggests that SSe are in fact obscured SSa systems. Similarities between SSe and SSa with obscured and unobscured AGN, respectively, support this interpretation. We find all known or suspected high-inclination systems to emit permanently in an SSe state. Some sources are found to transition between SSa and SSe states, becoming SSe when fainter. Conclusions. SSS spectra are subject to various occultation processes. In persistent SSS spectra such as Cal 87, the accretion disc blocks the central hot source when viewed edge on. In novae during their SSS phase, the accretion disc may have been destroyed during the initial explosion but could have reformed by the time of the SSS phase. In addition, clumpy ejecta may lead to temporary obscuration events. The emission lines stem from reprocessed emission in the accretion disc, its wind or further out in clumpy ejecta, while Thomson scattering allows continuum emission to be visible also during total obscuration of the central hot source.
Abstract
In a search for the counterpart to the Fermi-LAT source 3FGL J0838.8−2829, we performed a multiwavelength campaign: in the X-ray band with Swift and XMM–Newton; in the infrared and optical ...with OAGH, ESO-NTT and IAC80; and in the radio with ATCA observations. We also used archival hard X-ray data obtained by INTEGRAL. We report on three X-ray sources consistent with the position of the Fermi-LAT source. We confirm the identification of the brightest object, RX J0838−2827, as a magnetic cataclysmic variable that we recognize as an asynchronous system (not associated with the Fermi-LAT source). RX J0838−2827 is extremely variable in the X-ray and optical bands, and timing analysis reveals the presence of several periodicities modulating its X-ray and optical emission. The most evident modulations are interpreted as being caused by the binary system orbital period of ∼1.64 h and the white dwarf spin period of ∼1.47 h. A strong flux modulation at ∼15 h is observed at all energy bands, consistent with the beat frequency between spin and orbital periods. Optical spectra show prominent Hβ, He i and He ii emission lines that are Doppler-modulated at the orbital period and at the beat period. Therefore, RX J0838−2827 accretes through a disc-less configuration and could be either a strongly asynchronous polar or a rare example of a pre-polar system on its way to reaching synchronism. Regarding the other two X-ray sources, XMM J083850.4−282759 showed a variable X-ray emission, with a powerful flare lasting for ∼600 s, similar to what is observed in transitional millisecond pulsars during the subluminous disc state: this observation possibly means that this source can be associated with the Fermi-LAT source.
Context. The M 31 nova M31N 2008-12a was recently found to be a recurrent nova (RN) with a recurrence time of about one year. This is by far the fastest recurrence time scale of any known RN. Aims. ...Our optical monitoring programme detected the predicted 2014 outburst of M31N 2008-12a in early October. We immediately initiated an X-ray/UV monitoring campaign with Swift to study the multiwavelength evolution of the outburst. Methods. We monitored M31N 2008-12a with daily Swift observations for 20 days after discovery, covering the entire supersoft X-ray source (SSS) phase. Results. We detected SSS emission around day six after outburst. The SSS state lasted for approximately two weeks until about day 19. M31N 2008-12a was a bright X-ray source with a high blackbody temperature. Conclusions. The X-ray properties of this outburst are very similar to the 2013 eruption. Combined X-ray spectra show a fast rise and decline of the effective blackbody temperature. The short-term X-ray light curve showed strong, aperiodic variability which decreased significantly after about day 14. Overall, the X-ray properties of M31N 2008-12a are consistent with the average population properties of M 31 novae. The optical and X-ray light curves can be scaled uniformly to show similar time scales to those of the Galactic RNe U Sco or RS Oph. The SSS evolution time scales and effective temperatures are consistent with a high-mass WD. We predict the next outburst of M31N 2008-12a to occur in Oct.–Dec. 2015.
7Be in the outburst of the ONe nova V6595 Sgr Molaro, P; Izzo, L; D’Odorico, V ...
Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
01/2022, Letnik:
509, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
ABSTRACT
We report on the search for the 7Be ii isotope in the outbursts of the classical nova V6595 Sgr by means of high-resolution Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) observations ...taken at the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in 2021 April, about two weeks after its discovery and under difficult circumstances due to the pandemic. Narrow absorption components with velocities at ∼ −2620 and −2820 km s−1, superposed on broader and shallow absorption, are observed in the outburst spectra for the 7Be ii λλ313.0583, 313.1228 nm doublet resonance lines, as well as in several other elements such as Ca ii, Fe i, Mg i, Na i, H i and Li i. Using the Ca ii K line as a reference element, we infer N(7Be)/N(H) ≈ 7.4 × 10−6, or ≈ 9.8 × 10−6 when the 7Be decay is taken into account. The 7Be abundance is about half of the value most frequently measured in novae. The possible presence of overionization in the layers where 7Be ii is detected is also discussed. Observations taken at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo in La Palma 91 days after discovery showed prominent emission lines of oxygen and neon, which allow us to classify the nova as ONe type. Therefore, although 7Be is expected to be higher in CO novae, it is found at comparable levels in both nova types.
Context. Classical nova explosions occur on the surface of an accreting white dwarf in a binary system. After ejection of a fraction of the envelope and when the expanding shell becomes optically ...thin to X-rays, a bright source of supersoft X-rays arises, powered by residual H burning on the surface of the white dwarf. While the general picture of the nova event is well established, the details and balance of accretion and ejection processes in classical novae are still full of unknowns. The long-term balance of accreted matter is of special interest for massive accreting white dwarfs, which may be promising supernova Ia progenitor candidates. Nova V5116 Sgr 2005b was observed as a bright and variable supersoft X-ray source by XMM-Newton in March 2007, 610 days after outburst. The light curve showed a periodicity consistent with the orbital period. During one third of the orbit the luminosity was a factor of seven brighter than during the other two thirds of the orbital period. Aims. In the present work we aim to disentangle the X-ray spectral components of V5116 Sgr and their variability. Methods. We present the high resolution spectra obtained with XMM-Newton RGS and Chandra LETGS/HRC-S in March and August 2007. Results. The grating spectrum during the periods of high-flux shows a typical hot white dwarf atmosphere dominated by absorption lines of N VI and N VII. During the low-flux periods, the spectrum is dominated by an atmosphere with the same temperature as during the high-flux period, but with several emission features superimposed. Some of the emission lines are well modeled with an optically thin plasma in collisional equilibrium, rich in C and N, which also explains some excess in the spectra of the high-flux period. No velocity shifts are observed in the absorption lines, with an upper limit set by the spectral resolution of 500 km s-1, consistent with the expectation of a non-expanding atmosphere so late in the evolution of the post-nova.
ABSTRACT The recurrent symbiotic nova V745 Sco exploded on 2014 February 6 and was observed on February 22 and 23 by the Chandra X-ray Observatory Transmission Grating Spectrometers. By that time the ...supersoft source phase had already ended, and Chandra spectra are consistent with emission from a hot, shock-heated circumstellar medium with temperatures exceeding 107 K. X-ray line profiles are more sharply peaked than expected for a spherically symmetric blast wave, with a full width at zero intensity of approximately 2400 km s−1, an FWHM of 1200 30 km s−1, and an average net blueshift of 165 10 km s−1. The red wings of lines are increasingly absorbed toward longer wavelengths by material within the remnant. We conclude that the blast wave was sculpted by an aspherical circumstellar medium in which an equatorial density enhancement plays a role, as in earlier symbiotic nova explosions. Expansion of the dominant X-ray-emitting material is aligned close to the plane of the sky and is most consistent with an orbit seen close to face-on. Comparison of an analytical blast wave model with the X-ray spectra, Swift observations, and near-infrared line widths indicates that the explosion energy was approximately 1043 erg and confirms an ejected mass of approximately 10−7M . The total mass lost is an order of magnitude lower than the accreted mass required to have initiated the explosion, indicating that the white dwarf is gaining mass and is a Type Ia supernova progenitor candidate.