Context.A large number of pulsars and X-rays sources are detected in globular clusters. To understand the structure and content of these clusters, accurate distances are required. Aims.We derive the ...distances of Terzan 5, Liller 1 and UKS 1 using as a reference a recent distance determination of NGC 6528, based on HST/NICMOS and NTT/SOFI infrared photometry. The distance of the metal-poor cluster Terzan 4 was derived from a comparison with M 92 in NICMOS bands. Methods.Distances of the metal-rich clusters are obtained by comparison of the Horizontal Branch (HB) level of the clusters, relative to the reddening line passing through the HB of NGC 6528. We use methods based on NICMOS bands and transformations to J and H magnitudes with different assumptions. Results.Liller 1 and Terzan 4 are found to be at the central bulge distance, UKS 1 is beyond the Galactic center, while Terzan 5 is closer to the Sun than the other four clusters. Conclusions.The distance of Terzan 5 is of paramount importance, given the impact of its population of 21 pulsars, which is related to the high cluster density. The distance of Terzan 5 is found to be $d_{\odot}$ = 5.5±0.9 kpc from the Sun, thus closer to us than values given in studies of pulsars in Terzan 5. As a consequence, the higher cluster density is even more favourable for formation of the millisecond pulsars recently detected in this cluster.
Forbidden hugs in pandemic times Pastorello, A.; Fraser, M.; Valerin, G. ...
Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin),
02/2021, Volume:
646
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
We present the follow-up campaign of the luminous red nova (LRN)
AT 2019zhd
, the third event of this class observed in
M 31
. The object was followed by several sky surveys for about five months ...before the outburst, during which it showed a slow luminosity rise. In this phase, the absolute magnitude ranged from
M
r
= −2.8 ± 0.2 mag to
M
r
= −5.6 ± 0.1 mag. Then, over a four to five day period,
AT 2019zhd
experienced a major brightening, reaching a peak of
M
r
= −9.61 ± 0.08 mag and an optical luminosity of 1.4 × 10
39
erg s
−1
. After a fast decline, the light curve settled onto a short-duration plateau in the red bands. Although less pronounced, this feature is reminiscent of the second red maximum observed in other LRNe. This phase was followed by a rapid linear decline in all bands. At maximum, the spectra show a blue continuum with prominent Balmer emission lines. The post-maximum spectra show a much redder continuum, resembling that of an intermediate-type star. In this phase, H
α
becomes very weak, H
β
is no longer detectable, and a forest of narrow absorption metal lines now dominate the spectrum. The latest spectra, obtained during the post-plateau decline, show a very red continuum (
T
eff
≈ 3000 K) with broad molecular bands of TiO, similar to those of M-type stars. The long-lasting, slow photometric rise observed before the peak resembles that of LRN
V1309 Sco
, which was interpreted as the signature of the common-envelope ejection. The subsequent outburst is likely due to the gas outflow following a stellar merging event. The inspection of archival HST images taken 22 years before the LRN discovery reveals a faint red source (
M
F
555
W
= 0.21 ± 0.14 mag, with
F
555
W
−
F
814
W
= 2.96 ± 0.12 mag) at the position of
AT 2019zhd
, which is the most likely quiescent precursor. The source is consistent with expectations for a binary system including a predominant M5-type star.
Context.
Virtually all known exoplanets reside around stars with
M <
2.3
M
⊙
either due to the rapid evaporation of the protostellar disks or to selection effects impeding detections around more ...massive stellar hosts.
Aims.
To clarify if this dearth of planets is real or a selection effect, we launched the planet-hunting B-star Exoplanet Abundance STudy (BEAST) survey targeting B stars (M > 2.4 M
⊙
) in the young (5−20 Myr) Scorpius-Centaurus association by means of the high-contrast spectro-imager SPHERE at the Very Large Telescope.
Methods.
In this paper we present the analysis of high-contrast images of the massive (M ~ 9 M
⊙
) star
μ
2
Sco obtained within BEAST. We carefully examined the properties of this star, combining data from
Gaia
and from the literature, and used state-of-the-art algorithms for the reduction and analysis of our observations.
Results.
Based on kinematic information, we found that μ
2
Sco is a member of a small group which we label Eastern Lower Scorpius within the Scorpius-Centaurus association. We were thus able to constrain its distance, refining in turn the precision on stellar parameters. Around this star we identify a robustly detected substellar companion (14.4 ± 0.8
M
J
)at a projected separation of 290 ± 10 au, and a probable second similar object (18.5 ± 1.5
M
J
) at 21 ± 1 au. The planet-to-star mass ratios of these objects are similar to that of Jupiter to the Sun, and the flux they receive from the star is similar to those of Jupiter and Mercury, respectively.
Conclusions.
The robust and the probable companions of
μ
2
Sco are naturally added to the giant 10.9
M
J
planet recently discovered by BEAST around the binary b Cen system. While these objects are slightly more massive than the deuterium burning limit, their properties are similar to those of giant planets around less massive stars and they are better reproduced by assuming that they formed under a planet-like, rather than a star-like scenario. Irrespective of the (needed) confirmation of the inner companion,
μ
2
Sco is the first star that would end its life as a supernova that hosts such a system. The tentative high frequency of BEAST discoveries is unexpected, and it shows that systems with giant planets or small-mass brown dwarfs can form around B stars. When putting this finding in the context of core accretion and gravitational instability formation scenarios, we conclude that the current modeling of both mechanisms is not able to produce this kind of companion. The completion of BEAST will pave the way for the first time to an extension of these models to intermediate and massive stars.
Context.
The advent of asteroseismology as the golden path to precisely characterize single stars naturally led to synergies with the field of exoplanetology. Today, the precise determination of ...stellar masses, radii and ages for exoplanet-host stars is a driving force in the development of dedicated software and techniques to achieve this goal. However, as various approaches exist, it is clear that they all have advantages and inconveniences and that there is a trade-off between accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of the techniques.
Aims.
We aim to compare and discuss various modelling techniques for exoplanet-host red giant stars for which TESS data are available. The results of the seismic modelling are then used to study the dynamical evolution and atmospheric evaporation of the planetary systems.
Methods.
We study, in detail, the robustness, accuracy and precision of various seismic modelling techniques when applied to four exoplanet-host red giants observed by TESS. We discuss the use of global seismic indexes, the use of individual radial frequencies and that of non-radial oscillations. In each case, we discuss the advantages and inconveniences of the modelling technique.
Results.
We determine precise and accurate masses of exoplanet-host red giant stars orbited by long-period Jupiter-like planets using various modelling techniques. For each target, we also provide a model-independent estimate of the mass from a mean density inversion combined with radii values from
Gaia
and spectroscopic data. We show that no engulfment or migration is observed for these targets, even if their evolution is extended beyond their estimated seismic ages up the red giant branch.
ABSTRACT
Galaxy clusters are the largest virialized objects in the Universe and, as such, have high dark matter (DM) concentrations. This abundance of dark matter makes them promising targets for ...indirect DM searches. Here we report the details of a search, utilizing almost 12 yr of Fermi/LAT data, for gamma-ray signatures from the pair annihilation of WIMP dark matter in the GeV energy band. From this, we present the constraints on the annihilation cross-section for the $b\overline{b}$, W+W−, and γγ channels, derived from the non-detection of a characteristic signal from five nearby, high Galactic latitude, galaxy clusters (Centaurus, Coma, Virgo, Perseus, and Fornax). We discuss the potential of a boost to the signal due to the presence of substructures in the DM haloes of selected objects, as well as the impact of uncertainties in DM profiles on the presented results. We assert that the obtained limits are, within a small factor, comparable to the best available limits of those based on Fermi/LAT observations of dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
ABSTRACT
Recent analyses of the broad spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of extensive lobes of local radio galaxies have confirmed the leptonic origin of their Fermi/Large Area Telescope γ-ray ...emission, significantly constraining the level of hadronic contribution. SEDs of distant (DL > 125 Mpc) radio-galaxy lobes are currently limited to the radio and X-ray bands, hence give no information on the presence of non-thermal (NT) protons but are adequate to describe the properties of NT electrons. Modelling lobe radio and X-ray emission in 3C 98, Pictor A, DA 240, Cygnus A, 3C 326, and 3C 236, we fully determine the properties of intralobe NT electrons and estimate the level of the related γ-ray emission from Compton scattering of the electrons off the superposed cosmic microwave background, extragalactic background light, and source-specific radiation fields.
Context
. Stellar activity is the main limitation to the detection of an Earth-twin using the radial-velocity (RV) technique. Despite many efforts in trying to mitigate the effect of stellar activity ...using empirical and statistical techniques, it seems that we are facing an obstacle that will be extremely difficult to overcome using current techniques.
Aims
. In this paper, we investigate a novel approach to derive precise RVs considering the wealth of information present in high-resolution spectra.
Methods
. This new method consists of building a master spectrum from all available observations and measure the RVs of each individual spectral line in a spectrum relative to this master. When analysing several spectra, the final product of this approach is the RVs of each individual line as a function of time.
Results
. We demonstrate on three stars intensively observed with HARPS that our new method gives RVs that are extremely similar to the one derived from the HARPS data reduction software. Our new approach to derive RVs demonstrates that the non-stability of daily HARPS wavelength solution induces night-to-night RV offsets with an standard deviation of 0.4 m s
−1
, and we propose a solution to correct for this systematic. Finally, and this is probably the most astrophysically relevant result of this paper, we demonstrate that some spectral lines are strongly affected by stellar activity while others are not. By measuring the RVs on two carefully selected subsample of spectral lines, we demonstrate that we can boost by a factor of two or mitigate by a factor of 1.6 the red noise induced by stellar activity in the 2010 RV measurements of
α
Cen B.
Conclusions
. By measuring the RVs of each spectral line, we are able to reach the same RV precision as other approved techniques. In addition, this new approach allows us to demonstrate that each spectral line is differently affected by stellar activity. Preliminary results show that studying in details the behaviour of each spectral line is probably the key to overcome the obstacle of stellar activity.
We report the results from a search for z > 6.5 quasars using the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year 3 data set combined with the VISTA Hemisphere Survey (VHS) and WISE All-Sky Survey. Our photometric ...selection method is shown to be highly efficient in identifying clean samples of high-redshift quasars, leading to spectroscopic confirmation of three new quasars – VDES J0244-5008 (z = 6.724), VDES J0020-3653 (z = 6.834), and VDES J0246-5219 (z = 6.90) – which were selected as the highest priority candidates in the survey data without any need for additional follow-up observations. Here, we have obtained spectroscopic observations in the near-infrared for VDES J0244-5008 and VDES J0020-3653 as well as our previously identified quasar, VDES J0224-4711 at z = 6.50 from Reed et al. We use the near-infrared spectra to derive virial black hole masses from the full width at half-maximum of the Mg ii line. These black hole masses are ≃1–2 × 109 M⊙. Combined with the bolometric luminosities of these quasars of Lbol ≃ 1–3 × 1047, these imply that the Eddington ratios are high, ≃0.6–1.1. We consider the C iv emission line properties of the sample and demonstrate that our high-redshift quasars do not have unusual C iv line properties when compared to carefully matched low-redshift samples. Our new DES + VHS z > 6.5 quasars now add to the growing census of luminous, rapidly accreting supermassive black holes seen well into the epoch of reionization.
ABSTRACT
We report observations and analysis of the nearby gamma-ray burst GRB 161219B (redshift z = 0.1475) and the associated Type Ic supernova (SN) 2016jca. GRB 161219B had an isotropic gamma-ray ...energy of ∼1.6 × 1050 erg. Its afterglow is likely refreshed at an epoch preceding the first photometric points (0.6 d), which slows down the decay rates. Combined analysis of the SN light curve and multiwavelength observations of the afterglow suggest that the GRB jet was broad during the afterglow phase (full opening angle ∼42° ± 3°). Our spectral series shows broad absorption lines typical of GRB supernovae (SNe), which testify to the presence of material with velocities up to ∼0.25c. The spectrum at 3.73 d allows for the very early identification of an SN associated with a GRB. Reproducing it requires a large photospheric velocity ($35\, 000 \pm 7000$ km s−1). The kinetic energy of the SN is estimated through models to be Ekin≈4 × 1052 erg in spherical symmetry. The ejected mass in the explosion was Mej≈6.5 ± 1.5 M⊙, much less than that of other GRB-SNe, demonstrating diversity among these events. The total amount of 56Ni in the explosion was 0.27 ± 0.05 M⊙. The observed spectra require the presence of freshly synthesized 56Ni at the highest velocities, at least three times more than a standard GRB-SN. We also find evidence for a decreasing 56Ni abundance as a function of decreasing velocity. This suggests that SN 2016jca was a highly aspherical explosion viewed close to on-axis, powered by a compact remnant. Applying a typical correction for asymmetry, the energy of SN 2016jca was ∼(1–3) × 1052 erg, confirming that most of the energy produced by GRB-SNe goes into the kinetic energy of the SN ejecta.
We present APEX LABOCA 870 μm observations of the field around the high-redshift radio galaxy MRC1138−262 at z = 2.16. We detect 16 submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) in this ~140 arcmin2 bolometer map ...with flux densities in the range 3–11 mJy. The raw number counts indicate a density of SMGs that is up to four times that of blank field surveys. Based on an exquisite multiwavelength database, including VLA 1.4 GHz radio and infrared observations, we investigate whether these sources are members of the protocluster structure at z ≈ 2.2. Using Herschel PACS and SPIRE and Spitzer MIPS photometry, we derive reliable far-infrared (FIR) photometric redshifts for all sources. Follow-up VLT ISAAC and SINFONI NIR spectra confirm that four of these SMGs have redshifts of z ≈ 2.2. We also present evidence that another SMG in this field, detected earlier at 850 μm, has a counterpart that exhibits Hα and CO(1–0) emission at z = 2.15. Including the radio galaxy and two SMGs with FIR photometric redshifts at z = 2.2, we conclude that at least eight submm sources are part of the protocluster at z = 2.16 associated with the radio galaxy MRC1138−262. We measure a star formation rate density SFRD ~1500 M⊙ yr-1 Mpc-3, four magnitudes higher than the global SFRD of blank fields at this redshift. Strikingly, these eight sources are concentrated within a region of 2 Mpc (the typical size of clusters in the local universe) and are distributed within the filaments traced by the HAEs at z ≈ 2.2. This concentration of massive, dusty starbursts is not centered on the submillimeter-bright radio galaxy which could support the infalling of these sources into the cluster center. Approximately half (6/11) of the SMGs that are covered by the Hα imaging data are associated with HAEs, demonstrating the potential of tracing SMG counterparts with this population. To summarize, our results demonstrate that submillimeter observations may enable us to study (proto)clusters of massive, dusty starbursts.
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