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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 271 records · Page 15
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DOE OSTI2023

VERITAS Discovery of Very High Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from S3 1227+25 and Multiwavelength Observations

We report the detection of very high energy gamma-ray emission from the blazar S3 1227+25 (VER J1230+253) with the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS). VERITAS observations of the source were triggered by the detection of a hard-spectrum GeV flare on 2015 May 15 with the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT). A combined 5 hr VERITAS exposure on May 16 and 18 resulted in a strong 13σ detection with a differential photon spectral index, Γ = 3.8 ± 0.4, and a flux level at 9% of the Crab Nebula above 120 GeV. This also triggered target-of-opportunity observations with Swift, optical photometry, polarimetry, and radio measurements, also presented in this work, in addition to the VERITAS and Fermi-LAT data. A temporal analysis of the gamma-ray flux during this period finds evidence of a shortest variability timescale of τ obs = 6.2 ± 0.9 hr, indicating emission from compact regions within the jet, and the combined gamma-ray spectrum shows no strong evidence of a spectral cutoff. An investigation into correlations between the multiwavelength observations found evidence of optical and gamma-ray correlations, suggesting a single-zone model of emission. Finally, the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution is well described by a simple one-zone leptonic synchrotron self-Compton radiation model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

High-energy Radiation and Ion Acceleration in Three-dimensional Relativistic Magnetic Reconnection with Strong Synchrotron Cooling

Abstract We present the results of 3D particle-in-cell simulations that explore relativistic magnetic reconnection in pair plasma with strong synchrotron cooling and a small mass fraction of nonradiating ions. Our results demonstrate that the structure of the current sheet is highly sensitive to the dynamic efficiency of radiative cooling. Specifically, stronger cooling leads to more significant compression of the plasma and magnetic field within the plasmoids. We demonstrate that ions can be efficiently accelerated to energies exceeding the plasma magnetization parameter, ≫ σ , and form a hard power-law energy distribution, f i ∝ γ −1 . This conclusion implies a highly efficient proton acceleration in the magnetospheres of young pulsars. Conversely, the energies of pairs are limited to either σ in the strong cooling regime or the radiation burnoff limit, γ syn , when cooling is weak. We find that the high-energy radiation from pairs above the synchrotron burnoff limit, ε c ≈ 16 MeV, is only efficiently produced in the strong cooling regime, γ syn < σ . In this regime, we find that the spectral cutoff scales as ε cut ≈ ε c ( σ / γ syn ) and the highest energy photons are beamed along the direction of the upstream magnetic field, consistent with the phenomenological models of gamma-ray emission from young pulsars. Furthermore, our results place constraints on the reconnection-driven models of gamma-ray flares in the Crab Nebula.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

VERITAS and Multiwavelength Observations of the Blazar B3 2247+381 in Response to an IceCube Neutrino Alert

While the sources of the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux detected by the IceCube Neutrino Observatory are still largely unknown, one of the promising methods to improve our understanding of them is investigating the potential temporal and spatial correlations between neutrino alerts and the electromagnetic radiation from blazars. We report on the multiwavelength target-of-opportunity observations of the blazar B3 2247+381, taken in response to an IceCube multiplet alert for a cluster of muon neutrino events compatible with the source location between 2022 May 20 and 2022 November 10. B3 2247+381 was not detected with VERITAS during this time period. The source was found to be in a low-flux state in the optical, ultraviolet, and gamma-ray bands for the time interval corresponding to the neutrino event, but was detected in the hard X-ray band with NuSTAR during this period. We find the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution is described well using a simple one-zone leptonic synchrotron self-Compton radiation model. Moreover, assuming the neutrinos originate from hadronic processes within the jet, the neutrino flux would be accompanied by a photon flux from the cascade emission, and the integrated photon flux required in such a case would significantly exceed the total multiwavelength fluxes and the VERITAS upper limits presented here. The lack of flaring activity observed with VERITAS, combined with the low multiwavelength flux levels, as well as the significance of the neutrino excess being at a 3σ level (uncorrected for trials), makes B3 2247+381 an unlikely source of the IceCube multiplet. We conclude that the neutrino excess is likely a background fluctuation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of Energy Reduction of Inertial Alfvén Waves Propagating through Parallel Gradients in the Alfvén Speed

We have studied the propagation of inertial Alfvén waves through parallel gradients in the Alfvén speed using the Large Plasma Device at the University of California, Los Angeles. The reflection and transmission of Alfvén waves through inhomogeneities in the background plasma are important for understanding wave propagation, turbulence, and heating in space, laboratory, and astrophysical plasmas. Here we present inertial Alfvén waves under conditions relevant to solar flares and the solar corona. We find that the transmission of the inertial Alfvén waves is reduced as the sharpness of the gradient is increased. Any reflected waves were below the detection limit of our experiment, and reflection cannot account for all of the energy not transmitted through the gradient. Our findings indicate that, for both kinetic and inertial Alfvén waves, the controlling parameter for the transmission of the waves through an Alfvén speed gradient is the ratio of the Alfvén wavelength along the gradient divided by the scale length of the gradient. Furthermore, our results suggest that an as-yet-unidentified damping process occurs in the gradient.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: Systematic Transient Search of Single Observation Maps

We conduct a systematic search for astrophysical transients using data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. The data were taken from 2017 to 2022 in three frequency bands spanning 77 to 277 GHz. In this paper, we present a pipeline for transient detection using single-observation maps where each pixel of a map contains one observation with an integration time of approximately 4 minutes. We detect 34 transient events at 27 unique locations. All but two of the transients are associated with Galactic stars and exhibit a wide range of properties. We also detect an event coincident with the classical nova YZ Ret and one event consistent with a flaring active galactic nucleus. We notably do not detect any reverse shock emission from gamma-ray bursts, a nondetection that may be in tension with current models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fermi-LAT Captures a Late-2024 Gamma-Ray Outburst near Two Newly Identified Gamma-Ray-emitting Galactic Supernova Remnants, without Evidence of Physical Association

We report the gamma-ray study of two neighboring in the sky Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs), namely, 3C 434.1 (or G094.0+01.0) and G093.7–00.2. In the vicinity of the two SNRs, a late-2024 gamma-ray outburst—not physically connected to the SNRs—was detected with the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). Employing 16.5 yr of Fermi-LAT data, we report the first firm detection of the gamma-ray counterpart of 3C 434.1 at a 7.2σ significance and a likely detection of an enhanced gamma-ray emission signal at a 4.5σ level from G093.7–00.2. The late-2024 gamma-ray outburst is detected at a ∼12σ significance level over a duration of 3 days. For all three objects, a comprehensive morphological and spectral analysis of the corresponding gamma-ray data was conducted. The prevalent scenario for the nature of the gamma-ray emission of both SNRs is attributed to their surrounding environment. Both are likely interacting with nearby dense material, resulting in hadronically induced gamma-ray emission. We deduce that the outburst source is most likely a blazar in flare, linked to the compact, flat-spectrum radio source TXS 2138+527 (also known as NVSS J213953+530016). Further, the spectral analysis of the gamma-ray source conducted within the 100 MeV–800 GeV energy range using the complete LAT data sets, which yielded a soft averaged spectral shape, supports the hypothesis of a flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) origin for the source; with a most likely leptonically induced scenario for the observed gamma-ray outburst as inferred from the obtained hard spectral shape when utilizing short time intervals focusing on the outburst.

Michailidis, Miltiadis [Stanford Univ., CA (United↗
DOE OSTI2026

The Extent of Solar Energetic Particle Irradiation in the Sun’s Protoplanetary Disk

Solar flares emit X-rays and high-energy (MeV to GeV) ions called solar energetic particles (SEPs). Astronomical observations show solar-mass protostellar fluxes are a factor Φ ≈ 3 × 10 2 –3 × 10 3 times higher than the present-day Sun. Constraining Φ in the early solar system is important for modeling ionization in the Sun’s protoplanetary disk, the extent of magnetorotational instability or magnetocentrifugal outflows, or even production of short-lived radionuclides. Recent interpretations of meteoritic data—including cosmogenic Ne in hibonite grains, initial ( 10 Be/ 9 Be) 0 ratios in Ca-rich, Al-rich inclusions (CAIs), or even inferences of live 7 Be in CAIs—suggest values Φ > 10 5 , reaching as high as Φ ≈ 6 × 10 6 , which would make the young Sun extraordinarily active, even for a protostar. We constrain Φ by reexamining these data. We conclude that cosmogenic Ne was produced in hibonite grains as they resided in the disk; 36 Cl was created in Cl-poor grains after the disk dissipated; 10 Be was inherited from the molecular cloud, with almost no (<1%) 10 Be created in the disk; and there is no evidence whatsoever for any live 7 Be in CAIs. We show these data are consistent with a value Φ ≈ 3 × 10 3 for the first >5 Myr of the solar nebula. The early Sun evidently emitted a flux of X-rays and SEPs not atypical for a protostar.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Prompt Searches for Very-high-energy γ -Ray Counterparts to IceCube Astrophysical Neutrino Alerts

The search for sources of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos can be significantly advanced through a multimessenger approach, which seeks to detect the γ-rays that accompany neutrinos as they are produced at their sources. Multimessenger observations have so far provided the first evidence for a neutrino source, illustrated by the joint detection of the flaring blazar TXS 0506+056 in high-energy (E > 1 GeV) and very-high-energy (VHE; E > 100 GeV) γ-rays in coincidence with the high-energy neutrino IceCube-170922A, identified by IceCube. Imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs), namely FACT, H.E.S.S., MAGIC, and VERITAS, continue to conduct extensive neutrino target-of-opportunity follow-up programs. These programs have two components: follow-up observations of single astrophysical neutrino candidate events (such as IceCube-170922A), and observation of known γ-ray sources after the identification of a cluster of neutrino events by IceCube. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of follow-up observations of high-energy neutrino events observed by the four IACTs between 2017 September (after the IceCube-170922A event) and 2021 January. Our study found no associations between γ-ray sources and the observed neutrino events. We provide a detailed overview of each neutrino event and its potential counterparts. Furthermore, a joint analysis of all IACT data is included, yielding combined upper limits on the VHE γ-ray flux.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Three-dimensional Map of the Heliosphere from IBEX

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission has shown that variations in the energetic neutral atom (ENA) flux from the outer heliosphere are associated with the solar cycle and longer-term variations in the solar wind (SW). In particular, there is a good correlation between the dynamic pressure of the outbound SW and variations in the later-observed IBEX ENA flux. The time difference between observations of the outbound SW and the heliospheric ENAs with which they correlate ranges from approximately 2 to 6 yr or more, depending on ENA energy and look direction. This time difference can be used as a means of "sounding" the heliosheath, that is, finding the average distance to the ENA source region in a particular direction. Here, we apply this method to build a 3D map of the heliosphere. We use IBEX ENA data collected over a complete solar cycle, from 2009 through 2019, corrected for survival probability to the inner heliosphere. Here we divide the data into 56 "macropixels" covering the entire sky. As each point in the sky is sampled once every 6 months, this gives us a time series of 22 points macropixel –1 on which to time-correlate. Consistent with prior studies and heliospheric models, we find that the shortest distance to the heliopause, d HP , is slightly south of the nose direction (d HP ~ 110–120 au), with a flaring toward the flanks and poles (d HP ~ 160–180 au). The heliosphere extends at least ~350 au tailward, which is the distance limit of the technique.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Fermi-LAT Lightcurve Repository

The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) lightcurve repository (LCR) is a publicly available, continually updated library of gamma-ray lightcurves of variable Fermi-LAT sources generated over multiple timescales. The Fermi-LAT LCR aims to provide publication-quality lightcurves binned on timescales of 3, 7, and 30 days for 1525 sources deemed variable in the source catalog of the first 10 yr of Fermi-LAT observations. The repository consists of lightcurves generated through full likelihood analyses that model the sources and the surrounding region, providing fluxes and photon indices for each time bin. The LCR is intended as a resource for the time-domain and multimessenger communities by allowing users to search LAT data quickly to identify correlated variability and flaring emission episodes from gamma-ray sources. We describe the sample selection and analysis employed by the LCR and provide an overview of the associated data access portal.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Changing-look Active Galactic Nuclei from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. II. Statistical Properties from the First Data Release

We present the identification of changing-look active galactic nuclei (CL-AGNs) from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument First Data Release and Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 16 at z ≤ 0.9. To confirm the CL-AGNs, we utilize spectral flux calibration assessment via an [O III ]-based calibration, pseudophotometry examination, and visual inspection. This rigorous selection process allows us to compile a statistical catalog of 561 CL-AGNs, encompassing 527 Hβ, 149 Hα, and 129 Mg II CL behaviors. In this sample, we find (1) a 283:278 ratio of turn-on to turn-off CL-AGNs. (2) The median Eddington ratio for CL-AGNs in the dim state is approximately λ Edd ∼ 0.01. (3) A strong correlation between the change in the luminosity of the broad emission lines (BELs) and variation in the continuum luminosity, with Mg II and Hβ displaying similar responses during CL phases. (4) The Baldwin–Phillips–Terlevich diagram for CL-AGNs shows no statistical difference from the general AGN catalog. (5) Five CL-AGNs are associated with asymmetrical mid-infrared flares, possibly linked to tidal disruption events. Given the large CL-AGN sample and the stochastic sampling of spectra, we propose that some CL phenomena are inherently due to typical AGN variability during low accretion rates, particularly for CL phenomenon only occurring on one BEL. Finally, we introduce a monotonically dimming CL phase for objects characterized by a gradual decline over decades in the light curve and the complete disappearance of entire BELs in faint spectra, indicative of a real transition in the accretion disk.

accretion↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electromagnetic Fireworks: Fast Radio Bursts from Rapid Reconnection in the Compressed Magnetar Wind

One scenario for the generation of fast radio bursts (FRBs) is magnetic reconnection in a current sheet of the magnetar wind. Compressed by a strong magnetic pulse induced by a magnetar flare, the current sheet fragments into a self-similar chain of magnetic islands. Time-dependent plasma currents at their interfaces produce coherent radiation during their hierarchical coalescence. We investigate this scenario using 2D radiative relativistic particle-in-cell simulations to compute the efficiency of the coherent emission and to obtain frequency scalings. Consistent with expectations, a fraction of the reconnected magnetic field energy, f ~ 0.002, is converted to packets of high-frequency fast magnetosonic waves, which can escape from the magnetar wind as radio emission. In agreement with analytical estimates, we find that magnetic pulses of 10 47 erg s –1 can trigger relatively narrowband GHz emission with luminosities of approximately 10 42 erg s –1 , sufficient to explain bright extragalactic FRBs. The mechanism provides a natural explanation for a downward frequency drift of burst signals, as well as the ~100 ns substructure recently detected in FRB 20200120E.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Origin of Power-law Spectra in Relativistic Magnetic Reconnection

Abstract Magnetic reconnection is often invoked as a source of high-energy particles, and in relativistic astrophysical systems it is regarded as a prime candidate for powering fast and bright flares. We present a novel analytical model—supported and benchmarked with large-scale three-dimensional kinetic particle-in-cell simulations in electron–positron plasmas—that elucidates the physics governing the generation of power-law energy spectra in relativistic reconnection. Particles with Lorentz factorγ≳ 3σ(here,σis the magnetization) gain most of their energy in the inflow region, while meandering between the two sides of the reconnection layer. Their acceleration time is t acc ∼ γ η rec − 1 ω c − 1 ≃ 20 γ ω c − 1 , whereη rec ≃ 0.06 is the inflow speed in units of the speed of light andω c =eB 0 /mcis the gyrofrequency in the upstream magnetic field. They leave the region of active energization aftert esc , when they get captured by one of the outflowing flux ropes of reconnected plasma. We directly measuret esc in our simulations and find thatt esc ∼t acc forσ≳ few. This leads to a universal (i.e.,σ-independent) power-law spectrum dN free / d γ ∝ γ − 1 for the particles undergoing active acceleration, and dN / d γ ∝ γ − 2 for the overall particle population. Our results help to shed light on the ubiquitous presence of power-law particle and photon spectra in astrophysical nonthermal sources.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2024

First Sagittarius A* Event Horizon Telescope Results. VIII. Physical Interpretation of the Polarized Ring

Abstract In a companion paper, we present the first spatially resolved polarized image of Sagittarius A* on event horizon scales, captured using the Event Horizon Telescope, a global very long baseline interferometric array operating at a wavelength of 1.3 mm. Here we interpret this image using both simple analytic models and numerical general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations. The large spatially resolved linear polarization fraction (24%–28%, peaking at ∼40%) is the most stringent constraint on parameter space, disfavoring models that are too Faraday depolarized. Similar to our studies of M87*, polarimetric constraints reinforce a preference for GRMHD models with dynamically important magnetic fields. Although the spiral morphology of the polarization pattern is known to constrain the spin and inclination angle, the time-variable rotation measure (RM) of Sgr A* (equivalent to ≈46° ± 12° rotation at 228 GHz) limits its present utility as a constraint. If we attribute the RM to internal Faraday rotation, then the motion of accreting material is inferred to be counterclockwise, contrary to inferences based on historical polarized flares, and no model satisfies all polarimetric and total intensity constraints. On the other hand, if we attribute the mean RM to an external Faraday screen, then the motion of accreting material is inferred to be clockwise, and one model passes all applied total intensity and polarimetric constraints: a model with strong magnetic fields, a spin parameter of 0.94, and an inclination of 150°. We discuss how future 345 GHz and dynamical imaging will mitigate our present uncertainties and provide additional constraints on the black hole and its accretion flow.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Magnetically Arrested Circumbinary Accretion Flows

Abstract Binary systems with comparable masses and a surrounding accretion disk can accrete gas through spiral accretion streams penetrating the central cavity formed by tidal interactions. Using three-dimensional Newtonian magnetohydrodynamics simulations, we investigate the possibility of a magnetically arrested accretion flow through the cavity. Rather than solely continuously feeding the binary through spiral accretion streams, the accretion is regulated by the strong magnetic field inside the cavity. Transport of mass and angular momentum onto the binary then proceeds largely periodically in magnetic flux eruption episodes. The ejected flux tubes carry angular momentum outward and away from the binary, inject hot plasma into the disk, and can launch flares. This likely intermittent scenario could have potential implications for the emission signatures of supermassive black hole binaries and shed light onto the role magnetic fields play in the binary’s orbital evolution.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Discovery of Powerful Multivelocity Ultrafast Outflows in the Starburst Merger Galaxy IRAS 05189–2524 with XRISM

We observed the X-ray-bright ultraluminous infrared galaxy IRAS 05189−2524 with XRISM during its performance verification phase. The unprecedented energy resolution of the onboard X-ray microcalorimeter revealed complex spectral features at ∼7–9 keV, which can be interpreted as blueshifted Fe XXV/XXVI absorption lines with various velocity dispersions, originating from ultrafast outflow (UFO) components with multiple bulk velocities of ∼0.076c, ∼0.101c, and ∼0.143c. In addition, a broad Fe–K emission line was detected around ∼7 keV, forming a P Cygni profile together with the absorption lines. The onboard X-ray CCD camera revealed a 0.4–12 keV broadband spectrum characterized by a neutrally absorbed power-law continuum with a photon index of ∼2.3 and intrinsic flare-like variability on timescales of ∼10 ks, both of which are likely associated with near-Eddington accretion. We also found potential variability of the UFO parameters on a timescale of ∼140 ks. Using these properties, we propose new constraints on the outflow structure and suggest the presence of multiple outflowing regions on scales of about tens to 100 Schwarzschild radii, located within roughly 2000 Schwarzschild radii. Since both the estimated momentum and energy outflow rates of the UFOs exceed those of galactic molecular outflows, our results indicate that powerful, multivelocity UFOs are already well developed during a short-lived evolutionary phase following a major galaxy merger, characterized by intense starburst activity and likely preceding the quasar phase. This system is expected to evolve into a quasar, sustaining strong UFO activity and suppressing star formation in the host galaxy.

Astronomy and AstroPhysics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Changing-look Active Galactic Nuclei from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. II. Statistical Properties from the First Data Release

We present the identification of changing-look active galactic nuclei (CL-AGNs) from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument First Data Release and Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 16 at z≤ 0.9. To confirm the CL-AGNs, we utilize spectral flux calibration assessment via an [O iii]-based calibration, pseudophotometry examination, and visual inspection. This rigorous selection process allows us to compile a statistical catalog of 561 CL-AGNs, encompassing 527 Hβ, 149 Hα, and 129 Mg ii CL behaviors. In this sample, we find (1) a 283:278 ratio of turn-on to turn-off CL-AGNs. (2) The median Eddington ratio for CL-AGNs in the dim state is approximately λ$_{Edd}$ ∼ 0.01. (3) A strong correlation between the change in the luminosity of the broad emission lines (BELs) and variation in the continuum luminosity, with Mg ii and Hβ displaying similar responses during CL phases. (4) The Baldwin–Phillips–Terlevich diagram for CL-AGNs shows no statistical difference from the general AGN catalog. (5) Five CL-AGNs are associated with asymmetrical mid-infrared flares, possibly linked to tidal disruption events. Given the large CL-AGN sample and the stochastic sampling of spectra, we propose that some CL phenomena are inherently due to typical AGN variability during low accretion rates, particularly for CL phenomenon only occurring on one BEL. Finally, we introduce a monotonically dimming CL phase for objects characterized by a gradual decline over decades in the light curve and the complete disappearance of entire BELs in faint spectra, indicative of a real transition in the accretion disk.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

FIREFLY: heat load and particle exhaust approximations for rapid evaluation of divertor designs

The divertor in a magnetic confinement fusion reactor is an essential component for power dissipation and particle removal. The FIREFLY package for rapid evaluation of divertor designs is presented as an extension of the FLARE code for field line reconstruction from a flux tube mesh. First, divertor loads are approximated with a simplified heat transport model. Neutralized particles are then sampled from the resulting load distribution, and the EIRENE code is used to track molecules and atoms in a plasma background while accounting for dissociation, charge exchange and ionization. Particles are removed on pumping surfaces in order to estimate the exhaust efficiency for a given divertor geometry. Optimization of the divertor geometry for more efficient particle exhaust is explored by using W7-X as an example, and the sensitivity to model parameters for the plasma background in the proxy calculations is evaluated.

mesh generation, magnetic field lines, scrape-off ↗