A Reverse Shock in GRB 181201A Laskar, Tanmoy; Eerten, Hendrik van; Schady, Patricia ...
Astrophysical journal/The Astrophysical journal,
10/2019, Volume:
884, Issue:
2
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
We present comprehensive multiwavelength radio to X-ray observations of GRB 181201A spanning from 150 s to 163 days after the burst, comprising the first joint ALMA-VLA-GMRT observations of a ...gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow. The radio and millimeter-band data reveal a distinct signature at 3.9 days, which we interpret as reverse-shock (RS) emission. Our observations present the first time that a single radio-frequency spectral energy distribution can be decomposed directly into RS and forward shock (FS) components. We perform detailed modeling of the full multiwavelength data set, using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling to construct the joint posterior density function of the underlying physical parameters describing the RS and FS synchrotron emission. We uncover and account for all discovered degeneracies in the model parameters. The joint RS-FS modeling reveals a weakly magnetized ( 3 × 10−3), mildly relativistic RS, from which we derive an initial bulk Lorentz factor of Γ0 103 for the GRB jet. Our results support the hypothesis that low-density environments are conducive to the observability of RS emission. We compare our observations to other events with strong RS detections and find a likely observational bias selecting for longer lasting, nonrelativistic RSs. We present and begin to address new challenges in modeling posed by the present generation of comprehensive, multifrequency data sets.
Aims. We analyse a significantly large sample of spectroscopic data to provide a compositional characterization of the near-Earth asteroid population. We present visible and near-infrared spectra of ...a total of 74 near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and Mars-crossers (MCs), covering the wavelength region from 0.5 to 2.5 μm. Using spectra of NEAs from other databases to enlarge our sample, and compiling two comparison samples of main belt asteroids (MBs) and ordinary chondrites (OCs), we analyse a total of 79 NEAs, 91 MBs, and 103 OCs. Methods. We obtained our visible and near-infrared spectra using the instruments and the telescopes located at “El Roque de los Muchachos” Observatory, in the island of La Palma (Spain). We compute several diagnostic spectral parameters from the reflectance spectra of NEAs, MBs, and OCs, that are used to infer the mineralogical composition. The distribution of the obtained values are analysed in 2 different parameter spaces. We also apply a robust statistical method based on neuronal networks to those spectral parameters, to compare the NEAs with OCs. Space weathering effects and dynamical and physical properties of NEAs and MBs are also studied. Results. Compositional differences between MBs and NEAs are inferred from the mineralogical analysis. The most remarkable results are: (1) the high olivine content of the NEAs; (2) the compositional similarity between NEAs and a small group of meteorites, the LL ordinary chondrites; and (3) that NEAs are not compositionally similar to OCs, implying that they are not the most likely parent bodies of those meteorites, as has been widely believed. To explain their apparently fresh surfaces (NEAs are on average less red than MBs), a combination of composition and size distribution (NEAs have diameters of some kilometres) should be invoked. Dynamical models applied to our sample of NEAs indicate that most of them originate in the inner part of the main belt, as expected.
ABSTRACT
In this work, we present the results of an observational study of 2I/Borisov carried out with the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) and the 3.6-m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), both ...telescopes located at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, in the island of La Palma (Spain). The study includes images in the visible and near-infrared, as well as visible spectra in the 3600–9200 Å wavelength range. N-body simulations were also performed to explore its orbital evolution and Galactic kinematic context. The comet’s dust continuum and near-infrared colours are compatible with those observed for Solar system comets. From its visible spectrum on the nights of 2019 September 24 and 26, we measured CN gas production rates Q(CN) = (2.3 ± 0.4) × 1024 mol s−1 and Q(CN) = (9.5 ± 0.2) × 1024 mol s−1, respectively, in agreement with measurements reported by other authors on similar nights. We also obtained an upper limit for the C2 production rate of Q(C2) < (4.5 ± 0.1) × 1024 mol s−1. Dust modelling results indicate a moderate dust production rate of ∼50 kg s−1 at heliocentric distance rh = 2.6 au, with a differential power-law dust size distribution of index ∼–3.4, within the range reported for many comet comae. Our simulations show that the Galactic velocity of 2I/Borisov matches well that of known stars in the solar neighbourhood and also those of more distant regions of the Galactic disc.
The active centaur 2020 MK4 C. de la Fuente Marcos; R. de la Fuente Marcos; Licandro, J ...
Astronomy & astrophysics,
05/2021, Volume:
649
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Context. Centaurs go around the Sun between the orbits of Jupiter and Neptune. Only a fraction of the known centaurs have been found to display comet-like features. Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 ...is the most remarkable active centaur. It orbits the Sun just beyond Jupiter in a nearly circular path. Only a handful of known objects follow similar trajectories. Aims. We present photometric observations of 2020 MK4, a recently found centaur with an orbit not too different from that of 29P, and we perform a preliminary exploration of its dynamical evolution. Methods. We analyzed broadband Cousins R and Sloan g′, r′, and i′ images of 2020 MK4 acquired with the Jacobus Kapteyn Telescope and the IAC80 telescope to search for cometary-like activity and to derive its surface colors and size. Its orbital evolution was studied using direct N-body simulations. Results. Centaur 2020 MK4 is neutral-gray in color and has a faint, compact cometary-like coma. The values of its color indexes, (g′− r′) = 0.42 ± 0.04 and (r′− i′) = 0.17 ± 0.04, are similar to the solar ones. A lower limit for the absolute magnitude of the nucleus is Hg = 11.30 ± 0.03 mag which, for an albedo in the range of 0.1–0.04, gives an upper limit for its size in the interval (23, 37) km. Its orbital evolution is very chaotic and 2020 MK4 may be ejected from the Solar System during the next 200 kyr. Comet 29P experienced relatively close flybys with 2020 MK4 in the past, sometimes when they were temporary Jovian satellites. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of visible CCD images of 2020 MK4, we confirm the presence of a coma of material around a central nucleus. Its surface colors place this centaur among the most extreme members of the gray group. Although the past, present, and future dynamical evolution of 2020 MK4 resembles that of 29P, more data are required to confirm or reject a possible connection between the two objects and perhaps others.
Following the discovery of the gravitational-wave source GW170817 by three Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO)/Virgo antennae (Abbott et al., 2017a), the MASTER Global Robotic ...Net telescopes obtained the first image of the NGC 4993 host galaxy. An optical transient, MASTER OTJ130948.10-232253.3/SSS17a was later found, which appears to be a kilonova resulting from the merger of two neutron stars (NSs). Here we describe this independent detection and photometry of the kilonova made in white light, and in B, V, and R filters. We note that the luminosity of this kilonova in NGC 4993 is very close to those measured for other kilonovae possibly associated with gamma-ray burst (GRB) 130603 and GRB 080503.
Context. The Arjuna asteroid belt is loosely defined as a diverse group of small asteroids that follow dynamically cold, Earth-like orbits. Most of them are not actively engaged in resonant, ...co-orbital behavior with Earth. Some of them experience temporary but recurrent horseshoe episodes. Objects in horseshoe paths tend to approach Earth at a low velocity, leading to captures as Earth’s temporary satellites or mini-moons. Four such objects have already been identified: 1991 VG, 2006 RH120, 2020 CD3, and 2022 NX1. Here, we focus on 2023 FY3, a recent finding, the trajectory of which might have a co-orbital status and perhaps lead to temporary captures. Aims. We want to determine the physical properties of 2023 FY3 and explore its dynamical evolution. Methods. We carried out an observational study of 2023 FY3 using the OSIRIS camera spectrograph at the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias, to derive its spectral class, and time-series photometry obtained with QHY411M cameras and two units of the Two-meter Twin Telescope to investigate its rotational state. N-body simulations were also performed to examine its possible resonant behavior. Results. The visible reflectance spectrum of 2023 FY3 is consistent with that of an S-type asteroid; its light curve gives a rotation period of 9.3±0.6 min, with an amplitude of 0.48±0.13 mag. We confirm that 2023 FY3 roams the edge of Earth’s co-orbital space. Conclusions. Arjuna 2023 FY3, an S-type asteroid and fast rotator, currently exhibits horseshoe-like resonant behavior and in the past experienced mini-moon engagements of the temporarily captured flyby type that may repeat in the future. The spectral type result further confirms that mini-moons are a diverse population in terms of surface composition.
Despite the thousands of planets in orbit around stars known to date, the mechanisms of planetary formation, migration, and atmospheric loss remain unresolved. In this work, we confirm the planetary ...nature of a young Saturn-size planet transiting a solar-type star every 8.03 d, TOI-1135 b. The age of the parent star is estimated to be in the interval of 125-1000 Myr based on various activity and age indicators, including its stellar rotation period of 5.13 ± 0.27 days and the intensity of photospheric lithium. We obtained follow-up photometry and spectroscopy, including precise radial velocity measurements using the CARMENES spectrograph, which together with the TESS data allowed us to fully characterise the parent star and its planet. As expected for its youth, the star is rather active and shows strong photometric and spectroscopic variability correlating with its rotation period. We modelled the stellar variability using Gaussian process regression. We measured the planetary radius at 9.02 ± 0.23 R ⊕ (0.81 ± 0.02 R Jup ) and determined a 3 σ upper limit of < 51.4 M ⊕ (< 0.16 M Jup ) on the planetary mass by adopting a circular orbit. Our results indicate that TOI-1135 b is an inflated planet less massive than Saturn or Jupiter but with a similar radius, which could be in the process of losing its atmosphere by photoevaporation. This new young planet occupies a region of the mass-radius diagram where older planets are scarse, and it could be very helpful to understanding the lower frequency of planets with sizes between Neptune and Saturn.
ABSTRACT On 2015 June 15, the Swift space observatory discovered that the Galactic black hole candidate V404 Cyg was undergoing another active X-ray phase, after 25 years of inactivity. The 12 ...telescopes of the MASTER Global Robotic Net located at six sites across four continents were the first ground-based observatories to start optical monitoring of the microquasar after its gamma-ray wake up at 18h 34m 09s U.T. on 2015 June 15. In this paper, we report, for the first time, the discovery of variable optical linear polarization, changing by 4%-6% over a timescale of ∼1 hr, on two different epochs. We can conclude that the additional variable polarization arises from the relativistic jet generated by the black hole in V404 Cyg. The polarization variability correlates with optical brightness changes, increasing when the flux decreases.
ABSTRACT
We report on MASTER optical observations of an afterglow-like optical and X-ray transient AT2021lfa/ZTF21aayokph. We detected the initial steady brightening of the transient at 7σ confidence ...level. This allowed us to use smooth optical self-similar emission of GRBs model to constrain the explosion time to better than 14 min as well as to estimate its initial Lorentz factor Γ0 = 20 ± 10. Taking into consideration the low Γ0 and non-detection in gamma-rays, we classify this transient as the first failed GRB afterglow.
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