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NASA NTRS1988

Nonradial oscillations of neutron stars

Linear, adiabatic, Newtonian, nonradial pulsation analyses have been performed for finite-temperature neutron star models with a fluid core, solid crust, and thin surface fluid 'ocean', including the effects of the neutron star crust. The pulsation equations are considered, including the spheroidal and toroidal modes. A local analysis is performed to provide information about the pulsation modes in the short-wavelength limit. Numerical calculations are made on the mode spectrum and systematic properties. Damping mechanisms are investigated, including gravitational radiation damping, neutrino emission damping, electromagnetic radiation from an oscillating stellar magnetic field, nonadiabatic effects, and internal friction and viscosity.

Mcdermott, P. N.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Radiative transfer in a clumpy universe: The colors of high-redshift galaxies

We assess the effects of the stochastic attenuation produced by intervening QSO absorption systems on the broadband colors of galaxies at cosmological distances. We compute the H I opacity of a clumpy universe as a function of redshift, including scattering in resonant lines, such as Lyman alpha, Lyman beta, Lyman gamma, and higher order members, and Lyman-continuum absorption. Both the numerous, optically thin Lyman-alpha forest clouds and the rarer, optically thick Lyman limit systems are found to contribute to the obscuration of background sources. We study the mean properties of primeval galaxies at high redshift in four broad optical passbands, U(sub n), B, G, and R. Even if young galaxies radiated a significant amount of ionizing photons, the attenuation due to the accumulated photoelectric opacity along the path is so severe that sources beyond z approximately 3 will drop out of the U(sub n) image together. We also show that the observed B-R color of distant galaxies can be much redder than expected from a stellar population. At z approximately 3.5, the blanketing by discrete absorption lines in the Lyman series is so effective that background galaxies appear, on average, 1 mag fainter in B. By z approximately 4, the observed B magnitude increment due to intergalactic absorption exceeds 2 mag. By modeling the intrinsic UV spectral energy distribution of star-forming galaxies with a stellar population synthesis code, we show that the (B-R)(sub AB) approximately 0 criterion for identifying 'flat-spectrum,' metal-producing galaxies is biased against objects at z greater than 3. The continuum blanketing from the Lyman series produces a characteristic staircase profile in the transmitted power. We suggest that this cosmic Lyman decrement might be used as a tool to identify high-z galaxies.

Madau, Piero↗

DOE OSTI2024

Momentum power spectrum of SDSS galaxies by massE cosmic ruler: 2.1×improvement in measure of growth rate

ABSTRACT Peculiar motion of galaxies probes the structure growth in the universe. In this study, we employ the galaxy stellar mass-binding energy (massE) relation with only two nuisance parameters to build the largest peculiar-velocity (PV) catalogue to date, consisting of 229 890 ellipticals from the main galaxy sample (MGS) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We quantify the distribution of the massE-based distances in individual narrow redshift bins (dz = 0.005), and then estimate the PV of each galaxy based on its offset from the Gaussian mean of the distribution. As demonstrated with the Uchuu-SDSS mock data, the derived PV and momentum power spectra are insensitive to accurate calibration of the massE relation itself, enabling measurements out to a redshift of 0.2, well beyond the current limit of z = 0.1 using other galaxy scaling laws. We then measure the momentum power spectrum and demonstrate that it remains almost unchanged if varying significantly the redshift bin size within which the distance is measured, as well as the intercept and slope of the massE relation, respectively. By fitting the spectra using the perturbation theory model with four free parameters, fσ8 is constrained to fσ8 = 0.459$^{+0.068}_{-0.069}$ over Δz = 0.02–0.2, 0.416$^{+0.074}_{-0.076}$ over Δz = 0.02–0.1, and 0.526$^{+0.133}_{-0.148}$ over Δz = 0.1–0.2. The error of fσ8 is 2.1 times smaller than that by the redshift space distortion (RSD) of the same sample. A Fisher matrix forecast illustrates that the constraint on fσ8 from the massE-based PV can potentially exceed that from the stage-IV RSD in late universe (z<0.5).

Shi, Yong (ORCID:0000000286146275)↗

NASA NTRS2002

FIP, FIT or MAD? Analysis of High Signal-to-Noise ASCA Spectra of Coronal Stars

ASCA (Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics) and EUVE (Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer) spectra of active late-type stars imply that Fe and other medium-Z elements may be 2-10 times less abundant in the coronae of these stars than in their photo-spheres (the MAD effect). These deficiencies may be related to the solar FIP (First Ionization Potential) effect, in which Fe and other low First Ionization Potential elements appear enriched in the solar corona over their photospheric values. The FIP effect is time variable. As part of this proposal, the K0-2 III star, 29 Draconis, was observed in X rays with the ASCA spacecraft in order to measure the coronal abundances of this star at three different stellar longitudes over its 31-day rotation cycle. The goal of the observations was to learn whether coronal abundances, and hence coronal magnetic structure, vary across the surface of 29 Draconis in phase with the motion of dark star-spots across its disk. A second task included in this project was a systematic reanalysis of 18-20 deep exposures of active coronal stars, which were extracted from the ASCA public archives. New thermal models were computed for each spectrum in order to derive coronal metal abundances for each star. The goal of this survey was to search for possible trends in coronal abundance with various stellar parameters such as rotation, chromospheric activity levels at ultraviolet and optical wavelengths, or evolutionary stage.

Simon, Theodore↗

NASA NTRS1994

A spectrum synthesis program for binary stars

A new program produces synthetic spectra of binary stars at arbitrary values of orbital longitude, including longitudes of partial or complete eclipse. The stellar components may be distorted, either tidally or rotationally, or both. Either or both components may be rotating nonsynchronously. We illustrate the program performance with two cases: EE Peg, an eclipsing binary with small distortion, and SX Aur, an eclipsing binary that is close to contact.

Linnell, Albert P.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Physics-Based Spectra of Accretion Disks around Black Holes

The purpose of this grant was to begin the process of deriving the light output of accretion disks around black holes directly from the actual processes that inject heat into the accreting matter, rather than from guessed dependences of heating rate on physical parameters. At JHU, the effort has focussed so far on models of accretion onto "intermediate mass black holes", a possible class of black holes, examples of which may have recently been discovered in nearby galaxies. There, Krolik and his student (Yawei Hui) have computed stellar atmospheres for uniformly-heated disks around this class of black holes. Their models serve two purposes: they are the very first serious attempts to compute the spectrum from accreting black holes in this mass range; and a library of such models can be used later in this program as contrasts for those computed on the basis of real disk dynamics. The output from these local disk calculations has also been successfully coupled to a program that applies the appropriate relativistic transformations and computes photon trajectories in order to predict the spectrum received by observers located at different polar angles. The principal new result of these calculations is the discovery of potentially observable ionization edges of H-like C and O at frequencies near the peak in flux from these objects. Most of the grant money at UCSB was spent on supporting graduate student Shane Davis. In addition. some money was spent on supporting two other students: Ari Socrates (now a Hubble Fellow at Princeton), and Laura Melling. Davis spent the year constructing stellar atmosphere models of accretion disks appropriate for the high/soft (thermal) state of black hole X-ray binaries. As with AGN models published previously by our collaboration with NASA support. our models include a complete general relativistic treatment of both the disk structure and the propagation of photons from the disk to a distant observer. They also include all important continuum opacity sources, including Compton scattering and bound-free opacity from abundant metal species. The principal new result is that bound-free opacity is very significant in altering the continuum spectral shape, resulting for example in quite different "color correction factors" compared to those predicted previously. In addition, the models predict a relationship between luminosity and inner disk temperature that is, for the first time, in accord with that observed. The primary purpose of the grant was to incorporate more realistic accretion disk physics, learned largely from simulations, into such spectral models. The Davis et al. paper includes consideration of a vertical dissipation profile computed from radiation magneto-hydrodynamic simulations of MRI turbulence by N. J. Turner (2004). So long as the disk is effectively thick, such dissipation profiles do not affect the predicted spectrum significantly. (More work needs to be done on these simulations, however.) A potentially more serious issue is that MRI turbulence produces substantial inhomogeneities, as do photon bubble instabilities. These inhomogeneities can affect the spectra by enhancing the effects of absorption opacity over scattering opacity. We have done some preliminary Monte Carlo calculations to explore these effects.

Krolik, Julian H.↗

NASA NTRS2015

KSWAGS: A Swift X-Ray and UV Survey of the Kepler Field 1

We introduce the first phase of the Kepler-Swift Active Galaxies and Stars survey (KSwAGS), a simultaneous X-ray and UV survey of approximately 6 square degrees of the Kepler field using the Swift XRT and UVOT. We detect 93 unique X-ray sources with S/N greater or equal to 3 with the XRT, of which 60 have UV counterparts. We use the Kepler Input Catalog (KIC) to obtain the optical counterparts of these sources, and construct the fX / fV ratio as a first approximation of the classification of the source. The survey produces a mixture of stellar sources, extragalactic sources, and sources which we are not able to classify with certainty. We have obtained optical spectra for thirty of these targets, and are conducting an ongoing observing campaign to fully identify the sample. For sources classified as stellar or AGN with certainty, we construct SEDs using the 2MASS, UBV and GALEX data supplied for their optical counterparts by the KIC, and show that the SEDs differ qualitatively between the source types, and so can offer a method of classification in absence of a spectrum. Future papers in this series will analyze the timing properties of the stars and AGN in our sample separately. Our survey provides the first X-ray and UV data for a number of known variable stellar sources, as well as a large number of new X-ray detections in this well-studied portion of the sky. The KSwAGS survey is currently ongoing in the K2 ecliptic plane fields.

KSWAGS: A SWIFT X-RAY AND UV SURVEY OF THE KEPLER ↗

NASA NTRS2010

The Amazing COS FUV (1320 - 1460 A) Spectrum of (lambda) Vel (K4Ib-II)

The FUV spectrum (1320-1460 A) of the K4 lb-11 supergiant (lambda) Vel was observed with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) on HST, as part of the Ayres and Redfield Cycle 17 SNAP program "SNAPing Coronal Iron". This spectrum covers a region not previously recorded in (lambda) Vel at high resolution and, in a mere 20 minutes of exposure, reveals a treasure trove of information. It shows a wide variety of strong emission lines, superposed on a bright continuum, with contributions from both atomic and molecular species. Multiple absorptions, including numerous Ni II and Fe II lines, are visible over this continuum, which is likely generated in the chromosphere of the star. Evidence of the stellar wind is seen in the P Cygni profiles of the CII lines near 1335 A and the results of fluorescence processes are visible throughout the region. The spectrum has remarkable similarities to that of (alpha) Boo (K1.5 III), but significant differences as well, including substantial FUV continuum emission, reminiscent of the M2 Iab supergiant (alpha) Ori, but minus the CO fundamental absorption bands seen in the spectrum of the latter star. However, fluoresced CO emission is present, as in the K-giant stars (alpha) Boo and (alpha) Tau (K5 III). The presence of hot plasma in the atmosphere of the star, indicated by previous GHRS observations of Si III] and C III] lines near 1900 A and FUSE observations of O VI 1032 A, is further confirmed by the detection in this COS spectrum of the Si IV UV 1 lines near 1400 A, though both lines are contaminated by overlying fluorescent H2 emission. We present the details of this spectrum, in comparison with stars of similar temperature or luminosity and discuss the implications for the structure of, and the radiative processes active in, the outer atmospheres of these stars.

Carpenter, Kenneth↗

NASA NTRS2016

A Very Bright, Very Hot, and Very Long Flaring Event from the M Dwarf Binary System DG CVn

On 2014 April 23, the Swift satellite responded to a hard X-ray transient detected by its Burst Alert Telescope, which turned out to be a stellar flare from a nearby, young M dwarf binary DG CVn. We utilize observations at X-ray, UV, optical, and radio wavelengths to infer the properties of two large flares. The X-ray spectrum of the primary outburst can be described over the 0.3100 kiloelectron volts bandpass by either a single very high-temperature plasma or a nonthermal thick-target bremsstrahlung model, and we rule out the nonthermal model based on energetic grounds. The temperatures were the highest seen spectroscopically in a stellar flare, at T(sub x) of 290 megakelvin. The first event was followed by a comparably energetic event almost a day later. We constrain the photospheric area involved in each of the two flares to be greater than 10(exp 20) sq cm, and find evidence from flux ratios in the second event of contributions to the white light flare emission in addition to the usual hot, T approximately 10(exp 4) K blackbody emission seen in the impulsive phase of flares. The radiated energy in X-rays and white light reveal these events to be the two most energetic X-ray flares observed from an M dwarf, with X-ray radiated energies in the 0.3-10 kiloelectron volts bandpass of 4 x 10(exp 35) and 9 x 10(exp 35) erg, and optical flare energies at E(sub V) of 2.8 x 10(exp 34) and 5.2 x 10(exp 34) erg, respectively. The results presented here should be integrated into updated modeling of the astrophysical impact of large stellar flares on close-in exoplanetary atmospheres.

stars: coronae â€“ stars: flare â€“ stars: individ↗

NASA NTRS2008

Chandra X-ray Spectroscopy of the Focused Wind In the Cygnus X-1 System I. The Non-Dip Spectrum in the Low/Hard State

We present analyses of a 50 ks observation of the supergiant X-ray binary system CygnusX-1/HDE226868 taken with the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS). CygX-1 was in its spectrally hard state and the observation was performed during superior conjunction of the black hole, allowing for the spectroscopic analysis of the accreted stellar wind along the line of sight. A significant part of the observation covers X-ray dips as commonly observed for CygX-1 at this orbital phase, however, here we only analyze the high count rate non-dip spectrum. The full 0.5-10 keV continuum can be described by a single model consisting of a disk, a narrow and a relativistically broadened Fe K line, and a power law component, which is consistent with simultaneous RXTE broad band data. We detect absorption edges from overabundant neutral O, Ne and Fe, and absorption line series from highly ionized ions and infer column densities and Doppler shifts. With emission lines of He-like Mg XI, we detect two plasma components with velocities and densities consistent with the base of the spherical wind and a focused wind. A simple simulation of the photoionization zone suggests that large parts of the spherical wind outside of the focused stream are completely ionized, which is consistent with the low velocities (<200 km/s) observed in the absorption lines, as the position of absorbers in a spherical wind at low projected velocity is well constrained. Our observations provide input for models that couple the wind activity of HDE 226868 to the properties of the accretion flow onto the black hole.

Hanke, Manfred↗

NASA NTRS2003

Chandra X-Ray Observations of the Spiral Galaxy M81

A Chandra X-Ray Observatory ACIS-S imaging observation is used to study the population of X-ray sources in the nearby Sab galaxy M81 (NGC 3031). A total of 177 sources are detected with 124 located within the D(sub 25) isophote to a limiting X-ray luminosity of approx. 3 x 10(exp 36) ergs/s. Source positions, count rates, luminosities in the 0.3-8.0 keV band, limiting optical magnitudes, and potential counterpart identifications are tabulated. Spectral and timing analysis of the 36 brightest sources are reported including the low luminosity active galactic nucleus, SN 1993J, and the Einstein-discovered ultraluminous X-ray source X6. The nucleus accounts for approx. 86%, or 5 x 10(exp 40) ergs/s, of the total X-ray emission from M81. Its spectrum is well fitted by an absorbed power law with photon index 1.98 +/- 0.08, consistent with previous observations (average index 1.9). SN 1993J has softened and faded since its discovery. At an age of 2594 days, SN 1993J displayed a complex thermal spectrum from a reverse shock rich in Fe L and highly ionized Mg, Si, and S but lacking O. A hard X-ray component, emitted by a forward shock, is also present. X6 is spatially coincident with a stellar object with optical brightness and colors consistent with an O9-B1 main-sequence star. It is also coincident with a weak radio source with a flux density of approx. 95 microJy at lambda = 3.6 cm. The continuum-dominated X-ray spectrum of X6 is most closely reproduced by a blackbody disk model suggesting the X-ray source is an approx. 18 solar mass object accreting at nearly its Eddington limit.

Swartz, Douglas A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The anomalous X-ray absorption spectrum of Vela X-1

The HEAO 2 satellite's Solid State Spectrometer and Monitor Proportional Counter was used to observe one orbit of the massive X-ray binary Vela X-1. Using spectral fits to the data as a function of orbital phase, the column density and state of the material along the line of sight to the X-ray source has been inferred. The spectrum near orbital phase 0.2 compares favorably with absorption by neutral material with a column density corresponding to plausible values of stellar wind velocity law and total primary mass loss rate. Spectra at later orbital phases, which show unexpected strong absorption features near 2.0 and 2.5 keV, are interpreted as due to absorption by material with suppressed opacity below 2.0 keV. The opacity required to produce the observed features implies either the presence of an intense soft X-ray flux, or altered elemental abundances in the gas near Vela X-1.

Kallman, T. R.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Evidence for an Intermediate Mass Black Hole in NGC 5408 X-1

We report the discovery with XMM-Newton of correlated spectral and timing behavior in the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) NGC 5408 X-1. An approx. 100 ksec pointing with XMM/Newton obtained in January, 2008 reveals a strong 10 mHz QPO in the > 1 keV flux, as well as flat-topped, band limited noise breaking to a power law. The energy spectrum is again dominated by two components, a 0.16 keV thermal disk and a power-law with an index of approx. 2.5. These new measurements, combined with results from our previous January 2006 pointing in which we first detected QPOs, show for the first time in a ULX a pattern of spectral and temporal correlations strongly analogous to that seen in Galactic black hole sources, but at much higher X-ray luminosity and longer characteristic time-scales. We find that the QPO frequency is proportional to the inferred disk flux, while the QPO and broad-band noise amplitude (root mean squared, rms) are inversely proportional to the disk flux. Assuming that QPO frequency scales inversely with black hole mass at a given power-law spectral index we derive mass estimates using the observed QPO frequency - spectral index relations from five stellar-mass black hole systems with dynamical mass constraints. The results from all sources are consistent with a mass range for NGC 5408 X-1 from 1000 - 9000 Stellar mass. We argue that these are conservative limits, and a more likely range is from 2000 - 5000 Stellar mass. Moreover, the recent relation from Gierlinski et al. that relates black hole mass to the strength of variability at high frequencies (above the break in the power spectrum), and the variability plane results of McHardy et al. and Koerding et al., are also suggestive of such a. high mass for NGC 5408 X-1. Importantly, none of the above estimates appears consistent with a black hole mass less than approx. 1000 Stellar mass for NGC 5408 X-1. We argue that these new findings strongly support the conclusion that NGC 5408 X-1 harbors an intermediate mass black hole.

Strohmayer, Tod E.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Dwarf AGNs from Optical Variability for the Origins of Seeds (DAVOS): insights from the dark energy survey deep fields

ABSTRACT We present a sample of 706, z < 1.5 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) selected from optical photometric variability in three of the Dark Energy Survey (DES) deep fields (E2, C3, and X3) over an area of 4.64 deg2. We construct light curves using difference imaging aperture photometry for resolved sources and non-difference imaging PSF photometry for unresolved sources, respectively, and characterize the variability significance. Our DES light curves have a mean cadence of 7 d, a 6-yr baseline, and a single-epoch imaging depth of up to g ∼ 24.5. Using spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting, we find 26 out of total 706 variable galaxies are consistent with dwarf galaxies with a reliable stellar mass estimate ($M_{\ast }\lt 10^{9.5}\, {\rm M}_\odot$; median photometric redshift of 0.9). We were able to constrain rapid characteristic variability time-scales (∼ weeks) using the DES light curves in 15 dwarf AGN candidates (a subset of our variable AGN candidates) at a median photometric redshift of 0.4. This rapid variability is consistent with their low black hole (BH) masses. We confirm the low-mass AGN nature of one source with a high S/N optical spectrum. We publish our catalogue, optical light curves, and supplementary data, such as X-ray properties and optical spectra, when available. We measure a variable AGN fraction versus stellar mass and compare to results from a forward model. This work demonstrates the feasibility of optical variability to identify AGNs with lower BH masses in deep fields, which may be more ‘pristine’ analogues of supermassive BH seeds.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1980

The ultraviolet spectrum and flux of HD 152667 /= X-ray source 1653-40/

IUE data are presented on the massive binary system HD 152667 (spectral type BO I), covering many phases of the 8 day orbit. Low-dispersion data are used to drive T(eff), E(B-V), and the UV light curve. The secondary object is much fainter than the primary at all wavelengths. The stellar wind shows complex multiple components and appears to be unique. A weak, variable distortion of the wind may be present near superior conjunction of the primary. Weak lines show the primary orbital motion, with minor distortions. The interstellar absorption spectrum shows high temperature species most probably arising in the H II region produced by the star. No clear evidence is found regarding the nature of the secondary object. Discrepancies in published ephemerides of the system are clarified.

Hutchings, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Theoretical H II region models - The effects of stellar atmosphere models

Several grids of theoretical H II region models are computed by photoionization modeling in order to determine the extent to which the choice of the ionizing stellar atmosphere model affects the calibration of emission-line diagnostic diagrams of Evans and Dopita (1985) and the semiempirical H II region abundance sequence calibration of Evans and Dopita. Emission-line diagnostic diagrams are presented and compared for model nebulae ionized by Hummer and Mihalas (1970) unblanketed LTE atmospheres, Kurucz (1979) line-blanketed LTE atmospheres, Mihalas (1972) unblanketed non-LTE, and a truncated blackbody spectrum. The models demonstrate that for solar nebular and atmospheric abundances, there are only minor differences between H II models ionized by the Hummer and Mihalas atmospheres. The unblanketed non-LTE stellar atmosphere models of Mihalas and truncated blackbody spectra are shown to be unsuitable for general H II region modelling.

Evans, I. N.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Optical spectral observations of three binary millisecond pulsars

We present the results of optical spectroscopy of stellar companions to three binary millisecond pulsars, PSRs J0621+2514, J2317+1439, and J2302+4442, obtained with the Gran Telescopio Canarias. The spectrum of the J0621+2514 companion shows a blue continuum and prominent Balmer absorption lines. The latter are also resolved in the spectrum of the J2317+1439 companion, showing that both are DA-type white dwarfs. No spectral features are detected for the J2302+4442 companion; however, its broad-band magnitudes and the spectral shape of the continuum emission imply that this is also a DA-type white dwarf. Based on the spectral analyses, we conclude that the companions of J0621+2514 and J2317+1439 are relatively hot, with effective temperatures T eff = 8600 ± 200 and 9600 ± 2000 K, respectively, while the J2302+4442 companion is significantly cooler, T eff <6000 K. We also estimated the distance to J0621+2514 of 1.1 ± 0.3 kpc and argue that its companion and the companion of J2317+1439 are He-core white dwarfs providing constraints on their cooling ages of $\lesssim$2 Gyr.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1986

Spectroscopy of six X-ray-selected BL Lacertae candidates

Results of a continuing program aimed at extending the small list of X-ray-selected BL Lac objects are reported. High-quality spectra have been obtained of six faint blue objects that lie within the positional error boxes of X-ray sources discovered serendipitously by the Einstein Observatory. Three of the objects are found to be previously uncataloged low-red-shift quasi-stellar objects, including one formerly suggested as BL Lac candidate. Two are faint galactic stars, while the final object has a featureless spectrum, and thus remains a candidate. Although X-ray selection may ultimately be an effective means of discovering faint BL Lac objects, such sources are evidently rare at the X-ray flux levels attainable by the Einstein Observatory.

Margon, Bruce↗