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85 records · Page 5

A Pride of Satellites in the Constellation Leo? Discovery of the Leo VI Milky Way Satellite Ultra-faint Dwarf Galaxy with DELVE Early Data Release 3

Abstract We report the discovery and spectroscopic confirmation of an ultra-faint Milky Way satellite in the constellation of Leo. This system was discovered as a spatial overdensity of resolved stars observed with Dark Energy Camera (DECam) data from an early version of the third data release of the DECam Local Volume Exploration (or DELVE) survey. The low luminosity ( M V = − 3.5 6 − 0.37 + 0.47 ; L V = 230 0 − 700 + 1200 L ⊙ ), large size ( R 1 / 2 = 9 0 − 30 + 30 pc), and large heliocentric distance ( D = 11 1 − 6 + 9 kpc) are all consistent with the population of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies (UFDs). Using Keck/DEIMOS observations of the system, we were able to spectroscopically confirm nine member stars, while measuring a tentative mass-to-light ratio of 70 0 − 500 + 1400 M ⊙ / L ⊙ and a nonzero metallicity dispersion of σ [ Fe / H ] = 0.1 9 − 0.11 + 0.14 , further confirming Leo VI’s identity as a UFD. While the system has a highly elliptical shape, ϵ = 0.5 4 − 0.29 + 0.19 , we do not find any conclusive evidence that it is tidally disrupting. Moreover, despite the apparent on-sky proximity of Leo VI to members of the proposed Crater-Leo infall group, its smaller heliocentric distance and inconsistent position in energy–angular momentum space make it unlikely that Leo VI is part of the proposed infall group.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The NGC 3109 Satellite System: The First Systematic Resolved Search for Dwarf Galaxies Around an SMC-mass Host

We report the results of the deepest search to date for dwarf galaxies around NGC 3109, a barred spiral galaxy with a mass similar to that of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), using a semiautomated search method. Using the Dark Energy Camera, we survey a region covering a projected distance of ∼70 kpc of NGC 3109 (D = 1.3 Mpc, R vir ∼ 90 kpc, M ∼ 10 8 M*) as part of the MADCASH and DELVE-DEEP programs. We introduce a newly developed semiresolved search method, used alongside a resolved search, to identify crowded dwarf galaxies around NGC 3109. Using both approaches, we successfully recover the known satellites Antlia and Antlia B. We identified a promising candidate, which was later confirmed to be a background dwarf through deep follow-up observations. Our detection limits are well defined, with the sample ∼80% complete down to M V ∼ −8.0, and include detections of dwarf galaxies as faint as M V ∼ −6.0. This is the first comprehensive study of a satellite system through resolved stars around an SMC mass host. Our results show that NGC 3109 has more bright (M V ∼ −9.0) satellites than the mean predictions from cold dark matter models, but well within the host-to-host scatter. A larger sample of LMC/SMC-mass hosts is needed to test whether or not the observations are consistent with current model expectations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DELVE-DEEP Survey: The Faint Satellite System of NGC 55

We report the first comprehensive census of the satellite dwarf galaxies around NGC 55 (2.1 Mpc) as a part of the DECam Local Volume Exploration DEEP (DELVE-DEEP) survey. NGC 55 is one of four isolated, Magellanic analogs in the Local Volume around which DELVE-DEEP aims to identify faint dwarfs and other substructures. We employ two complementary detection methods: one targets fully resolved dwarf galaxies by identifying them as stellar overdensities, while the other focuses on semiresolved dwarf galaxies, detecting them through shredded unresolved light components. As shown through extensive tests with injected galaxies, our search is sensitive to candidates down to M V ≲ −6.6 and surface brightness μ ≲ 28.5 mag arcsec 2 , and ∼80% complete down to M V ≲ −7.8. We do not report any new confirmed satellites beyond two previously known systems, ESO 294–010 and NGC 55-dw1. We construct the satellite luminosity function of NGC 55 and find it to be consistent with the predictions from cosmological simulations. As one of the first complete luminosity functions for a Magellanic analog, our results provide a glimpse of the constraints on low-mass-host satellite populations that will be further explored by upcoming surveys, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time.

Medoff, Jonah [Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States↗

The DECam MAGIC Survey: A Wide-field Photometric Metallicity Study of the Sculptor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy

The metallicity distribution function (MDF) and internal chemical variations of a galaxy are fundamental to understand its formation and assembly history. In this work, we analyze photometric metallicities for 3883 stars over 7 half-light radii (rh) in the Sculptor (Scl) dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy, using new narrowband imaging data from the Mapping the Ancient Galaxy in CaHK (MAGIC) survey conducted with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) at the 4 m Blanco Telescope. This work demonstrates the scientific potential of MAGIC using the Scl dSph galaxy, one of the most well-studied satellites of the Milky Way. Our sample ranges from [Fe/H] ≈ –4.0 to [Fe/H] ≈ –0.6, includes six new extremely metal-poor candidates ([Fe/H] ≤ –3.0), and is almost 3 times larger than the largest spectroscopic metallicity data set in the Scl dSph. Our spatially unbiased sample of metallicities provides a more accurate representation of the MDF, revealing a more metal-rich peak than observed in the most recent spectroscopic sample. It also reveals a break in the metallicity gradient, with a strong change in the slope: from −3.26 ± 0.18 dex deg −1 for stars inside ∼1 rh to −0.55 ± 0.26 dex deg −1 for the outer part of the Scl dSph. Our study demonstrates that combining photometric metallicity analysis with the wide field of view of DECam offers an efficient and unbiased approach for studying the stellar populations of dwarf galaxies in the Local Group.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The S-PLUS Fifth Data Release: Over 4500 Square Degrees of the Southern Sky and a Multicolor View of the Hydra and Antlia Galaxy Clusters

Abstract We present the fifth data release (DR5) of the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS), covering 4592 deg 2 across 2491 fields. Observations were conducted with the T80-South, a Brazilian robotic telescope equipped with the Javalambre 12-filter system, containing five broadband and seven narrowband filters. Data products feature FITS images and extensive catalogs containing fluxes, magnitudes, and shape parameters for over 113 million detections. In addition, several value-added catalogs are provided, offering photometric redshifts (photo- zs ), object classifications, masks, and extinction coefficients. For the first time, this release includes coverage of 110 deg 2 along the Galactic disk, facilitating new research into Galactic structure and stellar populations. The release also provides full coverage of the Hydra Supercluster and numerous other nearby clusters with improved data reduction and calibration, enhancing photo- z accuracy, which is vital for large-scale structure studies. A preliminary analysis of the Hydra and Antlia galaxy clusters up to 5 × R 200 yields an updated catalog of 1706 cluster members based on both spectroscopic and high-quality photo- zs . Our photometric data shows that both clusters have a similar proportion of galaxies with an H α excess relative to their clustercentric distance, though Hydra has a higher fraction near its center. Additionally, the spatial distribution of all objects in our sample highlights a bridge connecting both clusters. We verify that S-PLUS DR5 provides a solid foundation for future scientific investigations, ranging from solar system studies to cosmology.

Vinicius Rodrigues de Lima, Erik [Universidade de ↗

The DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey: Overview and First Data Release

The DECam Local Volume Exploration survey (DELVE) is a 126-night survey program on the 4 m Blanco Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. DELVE seeks to understand the characteristics of faint satellite galaxies and other resolved stellar substructures over a range of environments in the Local Volume. DELVE will combine new DECam observations with archival DECam data to cover ~15,000 deg 2 of high Galactic latitude (|b| > 10°) southern sky to a 5σ depth of g, r, i, z ~ 23.5 mag. In addition, DELVE will cover a region of ~2200 deg 2 around the Magellanic Clouds to a depth of g, r, i ~ 24.5 mag and an area of ~135 deg 2 around four Magellanic analogs to a depth of g, i ~ 25.5 mag. Here, we present an overview of the DELVE program and progress to date. Furthermore, we also summarize the first DELVE public data release (DELVE DR1), which provides point-source and automatic aperture photometry for ~520 million astronomical sources covering ~5000 deg 2 of the southern sky to a 5σ point-source depth of g = 24.3 mag, r = 23.9 mag, i = 23.3 mag, and z = 22.8 mag. DELVE DR1 is publicly available via the NOIRLab Astro Data Lab science platform.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey Data Release 2

We present the second public data release (DR2) from the DECam Local Volume Exploration survey (DELVE). DELVE DR2 combines new DECam observations with archival DECam data from the Dark Energy Survey, the DECam Legacy Survey, and other DECam community programs. DELVE DR2 consists of ∼160,000 exposures that cover >21,000 deg$^{2}$ of the high-Galactic-latitude (∣b∣ > 10°) sky in four broadband optical/near-infrared filters (g, r, i, z). DELVE DR2 provides point-source and automatic aperture photometry for ∼2.5 billion astronomical sources with a median 5σ point-source depth of g = 24.3, r = 23.9, i = 23.5, and z = 22.8 mag. A region of ∼17,000 deg$^{2}$ has been imaged in all four filters, providing four-band photometric measurements for ∼618 million astronomical sources. DELVE DR2 covers more than 4 times the area of the previous DELVE data release and contains roughly 5 times as many astronomical objects. DELVE DR2 is publicly available via the NOIRLab Astro Data Lab science platform.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Eridanus IV: an Ultra-faint Dwarf Galaxy Candidate Discovered in the DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey

We present the discovery of a candidate ultra-faint Milky-Way satellite, Eridanus IV (DELVE J0505−0931), detected in photometric data from the DECam Local Volume Exploration survey (DELVE). Eridanus IV is a faint (M V = − 4.7 ± 0.2), extended (), and elliptical (ϵ = 0.54 ± 0.1) system at a heliocentric distance of , with a stellar population that is well described by an old, metal-poor isochrone (age of τ ∼ 13.0 Gyr and metallicity of [Fe/H] ≲ − 2.1 dex). These properties are consistent with the known population of ultra-faint Milky-Way satellite galaxies. Eridanus IV is also prominently detected using proper-motion measurements from Gaia Early Data Release 3, with a systemic proper motion of mas yr−1 measured from its horizontal branch and red-giant-branch member stars. We find that the spatial distribution of likely member stars hints at the possibility that the system is undergoing tidal disruption.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Limit on Supernova Emission in the Brightest Gamma-Ray Burst, GRB 221009A

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of the extraordinary gamma-ray burst (GRB) 221009A in search of an associated supernova. Some past GRBs have shown bumps in the optical light curve that coincide with the emergence of supernova spectral features, but we do not detect any significant light-curve features in GRB 221009A, nor do we detect any clear sign of supernova spectral features. Using two well-studied GRB-associated supernovae (SN 2013dx, M r,max =-19.54;$ SN 2016jca, M r,max =-19.04$) at a similar redshift as GRB 221009A (z = 0.151), we modeled how the emergence of a supernova would affect the light curve. If we assume the GRB afterglow to decay at the same rate as the X-ray data, the combination of afterglow and a supernova component is fainter than the observed GRB brightness. For the case where we assume the best-fit power law to the optical data as the GRB afterglow component, a supernova contribution should have created a clear bump in the light curve, assuming only extinction from the Milky Way. If we assume a higher extinction of E(B - V) = 1.74 mag (as has been suggested elsewhere), the supernova contribution would have been hard to detect, with a limit on the associated supernova of M r,max ≈ -$19.54. We do not observe any clear supernova features in our spectra, which were taken around the time of expected maximum light. The lack of a bright supernova associated with GRB 221009A may indicate that the energy from the explosion is mostly concentrated in the jet, leaving a lower energy budget available for the supernova.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Streams, Shells, and Substructures in the Accretion-Built Stellar Halo of NGC 300

We present deep optical observations of the stellar halo of NGC 300, an LMC-mass galaxy, acquired with the DEEP sub-component of the DECam Local Volume Exploration survey (DELVE) using the 4 m Blanco Telescope. Our resolved star analysis reveals a large, low surface brightness stellar stream ($M_{V}\sim-8.5$; [Fe/H] $= -1.4\pm0.15$) extending more than 40 kpc north from the galaxy's center. We also find other halo structures, including potentially an additional stream wrap to the south, which may be associated with the main stream. The morphology and derived low metallicities of the streams and shells discovered surrounding NGC 300 are highly suggestive of a past accretion event. Assuming a single progenitor, the accreted system is approximately Fornax-like in luminosity, with an inferred mass ratio to NGC 300 of approximately $1:15$. We also present the discovery of a metal-poor globular cluster ($R_{\rm{proj}}=23.3$~kpc; $M_{V}=-8.99\pm0.16$; [Fe/H] $\approx-1.6\pm0.6$) in the halo of NGC 300, the furthest identified globular cluster associated with NGC 300. The stellar structures around NGC 300 represent the richest features observed in a Magellanic Cloud analog to date, strongly supporting the idea that accretion and subsequent disruption is an important mechanism in the assembly of dwarf galaxy stellar halos.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

EP 250108a/SN 2025kg: Observations of the Most Nearby Broad-line Type Ic Supernova Following an Einstein Probe Fast X-Ray Transient

With a small sample of fast X-ray transients (FXTs) with multiwavelength counterparts discovered to date, their progenitors and connections to γ-ray bursts (GRBs) and supernovae (SNe) remain ambiguous. Here, we present photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2025kg, the SN counterpart to the FXT EP 250108a. At z = 0.17641, this is the closest known SN discovered following an Einstein Probe (EP) FXT. We show that SN 2025kg’s optical spectra reveal the hallmark features of a broad-lined Type Ic SN. Its light-curve evolution and expansion velocities are comparable to those of GRB-SNe, including SN 1998bw, and two past FXT-SNe. We present JWST/NIRSpec spectroscopy taken around SN 2025kg’s maximum light, and find weak absorption due to He I 1.0830 μm and 2.0581 μm and a broad, unidentified emission feature at ∼4–4.5 μm. Further, we observe broadened Hα in optical data at 42.5 days that is not detected at other epochs, indicating interaction with H-rich material. From its light curve, we derive a 56 Ni mass of 0.2–0.6 M ⊙ . Together with our companion Letter, our broadband data are consistent with a trapped or low-energy (≲10 51 erg) jet-driven explosion from a collapsar with a zero-age main-sequence mass of 15–30 M ⊙ . Finally, we show that the sample of EP FXT-SNe supports past estimates that low-luminosity jets seen through FXTs are more common than successful (GRB) jets, and that similar FXT-like signatures are likely present in at least a few percent of the brightest Type Ic-BL SNe.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Opportunities in AI/ML for the Rubin LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) will produce unprecedented volumes of heterogeneous astronomical data (images, catalogs, and alerts) that challenge traditional analysis pipelines. The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) aims to derive robust constraints on dark energy and dark matter from these data, requiring methods that are statistically powerful, scalable, and operationally reliable. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are already embedded across DESC science workflows, from photometric redshifts and transient classification to weak lensing inference and cosmological simulations. Yet their utility for precision cosmology hinges on trustworthy uncertainty quantification, robustness to covariate shift and model misspecification, and reproducible integration within scientific pipelines. This white paper surveys the current landscape of AI/ML across DESC's primary cosmological probes and cross-cutting analyses, revealing that the same core methodologies and fundamental challenges recur across disparate science cases. Since progress on these cross-cutting challenges would benefit multiple probes simultaneously, we identify key methodological research priorities, including Bayesian inference at scale, physics-informed methods, validation frameworks, and active learning for discovery. With an eye on emerging techniques, we also explore the potential of the latest foundation model methodologies and LLM-driven agentic AI systems to reshape DESC workflows, provided their deployment is coupled with rigorous evaluation and governance. Finally, we discuss critical software, computing, data infrastructure, and human capital requirements for the successful deployment of these new methodologies, and consider associated risks and opportunities for broader coordination with external actors.

Aubourg, Eric [APC, Paris] (ORCID:000000025592023X↗

The technology of miniature acoustic element arrays

Various aspects of miniature element array construction are discussed. Some initial results on optimization of lateral resolution with a special focusing technique in linear array design is presented, together with the constructional details. Furthermore the construction of a catheter tip array is treated in detail.

Bom, N.↗