Abstracts of Interest
Selected by:
Teddy McKennall
Abstract: 2406.01545
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Title:Gradient Technique Theory: Tracing magnetic field and obtaining magnetic field strength
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The gradient technique is a promising tool with theoretical foundations based on the fundamental properties of MHD turbulence and turbulent reconnection. Its various incarnations use spectroscopic, synchrotron, and intensity data to trace the magnetic field and measure the media magnetization in terms of Alfven Mach number. We provide an analytical theory of gradient measurements and quantify the effects of averaging gradients along the line of sight and over the plane of the sky. We derive analytical expressions that relate the properties of gradient distribution with the Alfven Mach number $M_A$. We show that these measurements can be combined with measures of sonic Mach number or line broadening to obtain the magnetic field strength. The corresponding technique has advantages to Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi way of obtaining the magnetic field strength.
Abstract: 2406.01576
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Title:Magnetar central engine powering the energetic GRB 210610B ?
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The bright GRB 210610B was discovered simultaneously by Fermi and Swift missions at redshift 1.13. We utilized broadband Fermi-GBM observations to perform a detailed prompt emission spectral analysis and to understand the radiation physics of the burst. Our analysis displayed that the low energy spectral index ($\alpha_{\rm pt}$) exceeds boundaries expected from the typical synchrotron emission spectrum (-1.5,-0.67), suggesting additional emission signature. We added an additional thermal model with the typical Band or CPL function and found that CPL + BB function is better fitting to the data, suggesting a hybrid jet composition for the burst. Further, we found that the beaming corrected energy (E$_{\rm \gamma, \theta_{j}}$ = 1.06 $\times$ 10$^{51}$ erg) of the burst is less than the total energy budget of the magnetar. Additionally, the X-ray afterglow light curve of this burst exhibits achromatic plateaus, adding another layer of complexity to the explosion's behavior. Interestingly, we noted that the X-ray energy release during the plateau phase (E$_{\rm X,iso}$ = 1.94 $\times$ 10$^{51}$ erg) is also less than the total energy budget of the magnetar. Our results indicate the possibility that a magnetar could be the central engine for this burst.
Abstract: 2406.01817
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Title:Managing the Growing Complexity of Multi-Messenger Transient Events with Astro-COLIBRI
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:Observations of transient phenomena, such as GRBs, FRBs, novae/supernovae explosions, coupled with the detection of cosmic messengers like high-energy neutrinos and gravitational waves, have transformed astrophysics. Maximizing the discovery potential necessitates tools for swiftly acquiring an overview of the most relevant information for each new detection. Introducing Astro-COLIBRI, a comprehensive platform designed to meet this challenge. Astro-COLIBRI features a public API, real-time databases and alert systems, a discussion forum, and a website and iOS/Android apps as user clients. In real time, it evaluates incoming astronomical observation messages from all available alert streams, filters them based on user-defined criteria, and contextualizes them in the multi-wavelength (MWL) and multi-messenger (MM) context. User clients offer a graphical representation, providing a succinct summary for quick identification of interesting phenomena and assessing observing conditions globally.
Abstract: 2406.02945
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Title:Kinetic simulations of electron-positron induced streaming instability in the context of gamma-ray halos around pulsars
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The possibility of slow diffusion regions as the origin for extended TeV emission halos around some pulsars (such as PSR J0633+1746 and PSR B0656+14) challenges the standard scaling of the electron diffusion coefficient in the interstellar medium. Self-generated turbulence by electron-positron pairs streaming out of the pulsar wind nebula was proposed as a possible mechanism to produce the enhanced turbulence required to explain the morphology and brightness of these TeV halos. We perform fully kinetic 1D3V particle-in-cell simulations of this instability, considering the case where streaming electrons and positrons have the same density. This implies purely resonant instability as the beam does not carry any current. We compare the linear phase of the instability with analytical theory and find very reasonable agreement. The non-linear phase of the instability is also studied, which reveals that the intensity of saturated waves is consistent with a momentum exchange criterion between a decelerating beam and growing magnetic waves. With the adopted parameters, the instability-driven wavemodes cover both the Alfvénic (fluid) and kinetic scales. The spectrum of the produced waves is non-symmetric, with left-handed circular polarisation waves being strongly damped when entering the ion-cyclotron branch, while right-handed waves are suppressed at smaller wavelength when entering the Whistler branch. The low-wavenumber part of the spectrum remains symmetric when in the Alfvénic branch. As a result, positrons behave dynamically differently compared to electrons. We also observed a second harmonic plasma emission in the wave spectrum. An MHD-PIC approach is warranted to probe hotter beams and investigate the Alfvén branch physics. This work confirms that the self-confinement scenario develops essentially according to analytical expectations [...](abridged)
Abstract: 2406.03174
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Title:The Amaterasu particle: constraining the superheavy dark matter origin of UHECRs
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:Amaterasu, the second most energetic ($244$ EeV) cosmic ray particle has been recently detected by the Telescope Array (TA) surface detector. The origin of the TA Amaterasu event is puzzling, as its arrival direction points back to a void in the local Universe, lacking conventional astrophysical ultra-high-energy (UHE) cosmic ray (CR) sources. Hence, we explore the possibility if this TA Amaterasu event could have originated from the decay of superheavy dark matter (SHDM) in the Milky Way. Such an origin also opens up multi-messenger detection channels in both UHE gamma-rays and UHE neutrinos. In this present work, using the TA Amaterasu event and the multi-messenger limits/sensitivities from various UHE telescopes, we place stringent constraints on the lifetime and mass of the SHDM. We find that the non-detection of the corresponding gamma-rays at the Pierre Auger Observatory (PAO) and the TA is in severe tension with the SHDM parameter space required to explain the TA Amaterasu event. Additionally, we extend the multi-messenger analysis to the future UHE gamma-ray and UHE neutrino telescopes such as PAO upgrade, GRAND 200k and IceCube-Gen2. We find that the bounds from the future neutrino telescopes will be able to compete with the present UHECR bounds. However, compared to the existing UHE gamma-ray bounds, the future PAO upgrade and the GRAND 200k gamma-ray detectors will improve the bounds on SHDM lifetime by at least one order of magnitude.
Abstract: 2406.03542
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Title:Cosmic ray diffusion in magnetic fields amplified by nonlinear turbulent dynamo
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The diffusion of cosmic rays (CRs) in turbulent magnetic fields is fundamental to understand various astrophysical processes. We explore the CR diffusion in the magnetic luctuations amplified by the nonlinear turbulent dynamo, in the absence of a strong mean magnetic field. Using test particle simulations, we identify three distinct CR diffusion regimes: mirroring, wandering, and magnetic moment scattering (MMS). With highly inhomogeneous distribution of the dynamo-amplified magnetic fields, we find that the diffusion of CRs is also spatially inhomogeneous. Our results reveal that lower-energy CRs preferentially undergo the mirror and wandering diffusion in the strong-field regions, and the MMS diffusion in the weak-field regions. The former two diffusion mechanisms play a more important role toward lower CR energies, resulting in a relatively weak energy dependence of the overall CR mean free path. In contrast, higher-energy CRs predominantly undergo the MMS diffusion, for which the incomplete particle gyration in strong fields has a more significant effect than the nonresonant scattering by small-scale field tangling/reversal. Compared with lower-energy CRs, they are more poorly confined in space, and their mean free paths have a stronger energy dependence. We stress the fundamental role of magnetic field inhomogeneity of nonlinear turbulent dynamo in causing the different diffusion behavior of CRs compared to that in sub-Alfvénic MHD turbulence.
Abstract: 2406.03555
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Title:Superbubbles as Galactic PeVatrons: The Potential Role of Rapid Second-Order Fermi Acceleration
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The origin of Galactic cosmic rays is still a mystery, in particular the sources and acceleration mechanism for cosmic rays with energies up to or beyond a PeV. Recently LHAASO has and H.E.S.S have shown that two gamma-ray sources associated with superbubbles created by young massive stellar clusters are likely PeVatrons. This has renewed the interest in the cosmic-ray acceleration processes in superbubbles.
To study the possibility and conditions under which second-order Fermi acceleration can accelerate particles beyond PeV energies in superbubbles. An analytical equation is derived for the maximum energy a cosmic-ray particle can obtain as a function of acceleration duration. The maximum energy depends critically on the diffusion coefficient D and the Alfvén velocity, $V_A$. The analytical solutions for the acceleration time scale shows that second-order Fermi acceleration can be just as efficient as diffusive shock acceleration, when comparable relevant velocities are used-i.e. the Alfvén velocity or shock velocity. The probable values for the diffusion coefficient and Alvén speed are studied for two likely PeVatron regions, HESS J1646-458 associated with Westerlund 1, and the Cygnus Cocoon, associated Cyg OB2.
It is shown that within a typical stellar cluster time scale of 1-5 Myr cosmic-rays can be accelerated to $> 10^{15}$ eV, provided that $V_{\rm A} > 300$ km/s, and the diffusion coefficient is $D \sim 10^{26}$ cm$^2$/s at 100 TeV. This suggests that second-order Fermi acceleration in superbubbles should be considered as a possible source of Galactic cosmic rays up to, or beyond a PeV.
Abstract: 2406.03643
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Title:Prompt GRB recognition through waterfalls and deep learning
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs) are one of the most energetic phenomena in the cosmos, whose study probes physics extremes beyond the reach of laboratories on Earth. Our quest to unravel the origin of these events and understand their underlying physics is far from complete. Central to this pursuit is the rapid classification of GRBs to guide follow-up observations and analysis across the electromagnetic spectrum and beyond. Here, we introduce a compelling approach for a new and robust GRB prompt classification. Leveraging self-supervised deep learning, we pioneer a previously unexplored data product to approach this task: the GRB waterfalls.
Abstract: 2406.03691
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Title:Precise measurement of pion-bump structure using future MeV gamma-ray detectors
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The pion-bump structure in the gamma-ray spectrum is a direct proof for the hadronic origin of the gamma rays, and thus the decisive evidence for the acceleration of hadronic cosmic rays in astrophysical objects. However, the identification of such a spectral feature is limited by the resolution and energy coverage of current gamma-ray instruments. Furthermore, there are unavoidable bremsstrahlung emissions from secondary and primary electrons, which may dominate the gamma-ray emission below the pion-bump. Thus, the study of this gamma-ray emission component can provide unique information on the acceleration and confinement of high-energy particles. In this paper, we studied the predicted gamma-ray spectrum assuming both hadronic or leptonic origin in mid-aged supernova remnants W44, we discuss the detection potential of future MeV missions on these emissions and possible implications.
Abstract: 2406.03990
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Title:Galactic center GeV excess and classification of Fermi-LAT sources with machine learning
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:Excess of gamma rays with a spherical morphology around the Galactic center (GC) observed in the Fermi large area telescope (LAT) data is one of the most intriguing features in the gamma-ray sky. The excess has been interpreted by annihilating dark matter as well as emission from a population of unresolved millisecond pulsars (MSPs). We use a multi-class classification of Fermi-LAT sources with machine learning to study the distribution of MSP-like sources among unassociated Fermi-LAT sources near the GC. We find that the source count distribution of MSP-like sources is comparable with the MSP explanation of the GC excess.
Abstract: 2406.04087
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Title:Contribution of young massive star clusters to Galactic diffuse $γ$-ray emission
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:Context: Young massive stellar clusters (YMSCs) have emerged as potential $\gamma$-ray sources, after the recent association of a dozen YMSCs with extended $\gamma$-ray emission. The large size of the detected halos, comparable to that of the wind-blown bubble expected around YMSCs, makes the $\gamma$-ray detection of individual YMSCs rather challenging. As a result, the emission from most of the Galactic YMSCs could be unresolved, thus contributing to the diffuse $\gamma$-ray radiation observed along the Galactic Plane.
Aims: In this study, we estimate the possible contribution to the Galactic diffuse $\gamma$-ray emission from a synthetic population of YMSCs, and we compare it with observations obtained with different experiments, from 1 GeV to hundreds of TeV, in two regions of the Galactic Plane.
Methods: As the population of galactic YMSCs is only known locally, we evaluate the contribution of $\gamma$-ray emission relying on the simulation of synthetic populations of YMSCs based on the observed properties of local clusters. We compute the $\gamma$-ray emission from each cluster assuming that the radiation is purely hadronic in nature and produced by cosmic rays accelerated at the cluster's collective wind termination shock.
Results: We find that the $\gamma$-ray emission from unresolved YMSCs can significantly contribute to the observed Galactic diffuse flux, especially in the inner part of the Galaxy. The result is independent of the assumed particle transport, but an important role is played by Wolf-Rayet stars. The predicted $\gamma$-ray flux should be considered as a lower limit, given that our calculation neglects the contribution of supernovae exploding in YMSCs.
Abstract: 2406.04387
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Title:Using gravitational wave early warning to pre-point neutron star mergers with Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) collaboration has recently made it possible for early warning alerts to be sent out, potentially before the end of the gravitational wave (GW) emission from a neutron star binary. If we get such alerts in this (the fourth) or the next observing run they may arrive up to tens of seconds before the merger, which is comparable to the slewing times of the Large Size Telescopes (designed to observe very high energy gamma rays): it would be therefore possible to point to the source right before it starts emitting an electromagnetic signal. This new mode of observation would allow us to detect the TeV component of prompt emission, which is currently poorly constrained and understood. There are many technical challenges to overcome before this can be realized: improving the synergy between gravitational observatories and telescopes, reducing operational latencies and, from the gravitational wave side, providing more information, such as real-time updates on early warning candidates and the probability distribution of the inclination angle. Although we may need to wait a few years -- in the worst case scenario, until the next generation of GW detectors is built -- before the first detection of this kind is made, implementing these improvements is a necessity.
Abstract: 2406.04405
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Title:Streamlining and standardizing software citations with The Software Citation Station
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:Software is crucial for the advancement of astronomy especially in the context of rapidly growing datasets that increasingly require algorithm and pipeline development to process the data and produce results. However, software has not always been consistently cited, despite its importance to strengthen support for software development. To encourage, streamline, and standardize the process of citing software in academic work such as publications we introduce 'The Software Citation Station': a publicly available website and tool to quickly find or add software citations
Abstract: 2406.04434
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Title:On the Origin of High Velocity Clouds in the Galaxy
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The origin of our Galaxy's high-velocity clouds (HVCs) remains a mystery after many decades of effort. In this paper, we use the TNG50 simulation of the IllustrisTNG project to identify cool, dense clouds that match observations of Galactic HVCs. We track these clouds back in time to determine their origin. We find that only 17% of HVCs (by mass) can be tracked directly to the disk, and 21% to satellite accretion. The majority of HVCs (62%) arise from warm and hot circumgalactic gas that cools through thermal instability. They then obtain their anomalous velocities through interactions with the turbulent circumgalactic medium. At TNG50 resolution, we do not see evidence for HVCs forming out of very low metallicity intergalactic material. Instead, low metallicity HVCs are most likely associated with satellite accretion. These results suggest that Galactic HVCs are highly heterogeneous in their origin, and can provide insight into the physical processes that shape the circumgalactic medium such as disk outflows, satellite accretion, and thermal instabilities.
This page created: Tue Jun 11 13:11:33 ACST 2024 by Teddy McKennall
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