Abstracts of Interest

Selected by: Adnaan Thakur


Abstract: 2411.01823
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Title:Very High-energy Gamma-Ray Episodic Activity of Radio Galaxy NGC 1275 in 2022-2023 Measured with MACE

Authors:S. Godambe (1), N. Mankuzhiyil (1), C. Borwankar (1), B. Ghosal (1,2), A. Tolamatti (1,2), M. Pal (3), P. Chandra (1), M. Khurana (1,2), P. Pandey (1), Z. A. Dar (1), S. Godiyal (1), J. Hariharan (1), Keshav Anand (1), S. Norlha (1), D. Sarkar (1,2), R. Thubstan (1), K. Venugopal (1), A. Pathania (1,2), S. Kotwal (1), Raj Kumar (1,2), N. Bhatt (1), K. Chanchalani (1), M. Das (1), K. K. Singh (1,2), K. K. Gour (1), M. Kothari (1), Nandan Kumar (1), Naveen Kumar (1), P. Marandi (1), C. P. Kushwaha (1), M. K. Koul (1), P. Dorjey (4), N. Dorji (4), V. R. Chitnis (4), R. C. Rannot (1), S. Bhattacharyya (1,2), N. Chouhan (1), V. K. Dhar (1,2), M. Sharma (1), K. K. Yadav (1,2) ((1) Astrophysical Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, (2) Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, (3) Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India, (4) Department of High Energy Physics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India)
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Abstract:The radio galaxy NGC 1275, located at the central region of Perseus cluster, is a well-known very high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray emitter. The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment Telescope has detected two distinct episodes of VHE (E > 80 GeV) gamma-ray emission from NGC 1275 during 2022 December and 2023 January. The second outburst, observed on 2023 January 10, was the more intense of the two, with flux reaching 58$\%$ of the Crab Nebula flux above 80 GeV. The differential energy spectrum measured between 80 GeV and 1.5 TeV can be described by a power law with a spectral index of $\Gamma = - 2.90 \pm 0.16_{stat}$ for both flaring events. The broadband spectral energy distribution derived from these flares, along with quasisimultaneous low-energy counterparts, suggests that the observed gamma-ray emission can be explained using a homogeneous single-zone synchrotron self-Compton model. The physical parameters derived from this model for both flaring states are similar. The intermediate state observed between two flaring episodes is explained by a lower Doppler factor or magnetic field, which subsequently returned to its previous value during the high-activity state observed on 2023 January 10.

Comments: 7 Pages, 5 Figures, and 1 Table


Abstract: 2409.19350
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Title:Constraining the low-energy cosmic ray flux in the central molecular zone from MeV nuclear deexcitation line observations

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Abstract:Low-energy cosmic rays (LECRs) dominate the ionization in dense regions of molecular clouds in which other ionizers such as UV or X-ray photons are effectively shielded. Thus it was argued that the high ionization rate at the central molecular zone (CMZ) of our Galaxy is mainly caused by LECRs. However, the required LECR flux is orders of magnitude higher than the extrapolation of GeV cosmic ray (CR) flux derived from GeV gamma-ray observations. In this paper, we considered two types of additional LECR components and found that only very soft anomalous CR components can explain such a high ionization rate. This LECR component will inevitably produce MeV nuclear deexcitation lines due to their inelastic scattering with the ambient gas. We calculated the MeV line emission and discussed the detectability of next-generation MeV instruments. We found that future MeV observations can be used to pin down the origin of the high ionization rate in the CMZ.

Comments: Published in Physical Review D


Abstract: 2310.11992
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Title:Observed Trends in FRB Population and Bi-modality in their Peak Luminosity Density Distribution

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Abstract:Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are radio transients of extragalactic origin lasting for about a few to several milli-seconds. We have analyzed both non-CHIME and CHIME FRB data. To circumvent the absence of measured fluence and flux density of FRBs belonging to the CHIME catalog, we have devised a novel approach that utilizes the ratio of the lower limits of the flux density $S_{\nu_O}$ to the fluence $F_{\nu_O}$ of individual FRB events to construct several parameters to investigate the presence of underlying trends in the FRB population drawn from both CHIME and non-CHIME data sets. One of these parameters involves true brightness temperature as well as energy density, despite not knowing the actual size of the FRB emission region. Our first robust conclusion is that the non-CHIME FRBs fall under two broad categories - those with luminosity density less than about $4\times 10^{33} $ erg/s/Hz at the frequency 300 MHz and those having larger luminosity density values than this. Assuming that FRBs are caused by magnetar glitches, we have discussed in this paper a simple physical model, incorporating an abrupt change in the light cylinder radius of an oblique rotator, to address the existence of these two categories.



Abstract: 2411.02128
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Title:Multiwavelength coverage of the 2024 periastron passage of PSR B1259-63 / LS 2883

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Abstract:PSR B1259-63 is a gamma-ray binary system with a 48 ms radio pulsar orbiting around an O9.5Ve star, LS 2883, in a highly eccentric ~3.4 yr long orbit. Close to the periastron the system is detected from radio up to the TeV energies due to the interaction of LS 2883 and pulsar's outflows. The observations of last 4 periastra passages taken in 2010-2021 demonstrate periastron to periastron variability at all wavelength, probably linked to the state of the decretion disk. In this paper we present the results of our optical, radio and X-ray observational campaigns on PSR B1259-63 performed in 2024 accompanied with the analysis of the publicly available GeV FERMI/LAT data. We show that this periastron passage was characterised by the early flaring of X-rays before the periastron passage and GeV emission after the periastron passage, which can be explained by a larger size of the decretion disk as supported by the optical observations. The structure of the GeV flare is also in agreement with the disruption of the large dense disk. The possible X-ray/radio correlation was observed only during the post-periastron rise of X-ray and radio emission.

Comments: accepted to MNRAS


Abstract: 2410.07941
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Title:Incidence of afterglow plateaus in gamma-ray bursts associated with binary neutron star mergers

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Abstract:One of the most surprising gamma-ray burst (GRB) features discovered with the Swift-X ray telescope (XRT) is a plateau phase in the early X-ray afterglow light curves. These plateaus are observed in the majority of long GRBs, while their incidence in short GRBs (SGRBs) is still uncertain due to their fainter X-ray afterglow luminosity with respect to long GRBs. An accurate estimate of the fraction of SGRBs with plateaus is of utmost relevance given the implications that the plateau may have for our understanding of the jet structure and possibly of the nature of the binary neutron star (BNS) merger remnant. This work presents the results of an extensive data analysis of the largest and most up-to-date sample of short GRBs observed with the XRT, and for which the redshift has been measured. We find a plateau incidence of 18-37% in short GRBs, which is a significantly lower fraction than that measured in long GRBs (>50%). Although still debated, the plateau phase could be explained as energy injection from the spin-down power of a newly born magnetized neutron star (NS; magnetar). We show that this scenario can nicely reproduce the observed short GRB plateaus, while at the same time providing a natural explanation for the different plateau fractions between short and long GRBs. In particular, our findings may imply that only a minority of BNS mergers generating short GRBs leave behind a sufficiently stable or long-lived neutron star (NS) to form a plateau. From the probability distribution of the BNS remnant mass, a fraction 18-37% of short GRB plateaus implies a maximum NS mass in the range $\sim$ 2.3 - 2.35 M$_{\odot}$.

Comments: 14 pages, 9 figures


Abstract: 2411.02342
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Title:Prospects for optical detections from binary neutron star mergers with the next-generation multi-messenger observatories

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Abstract:Next-generation gravitational wave (GW) observatories, such as the Einstein Telescope (ET) and Cosmic Explorer, will observe binary neutron star (BNS) mergers across cosmic history, providing precise parameter estimates for the closest ones. Innovative wide-field observatories, like the Vera Rubin Observatory, will quickly cover large portions of the sky with unprecedented sensitivity to detect faint transients. This study aims to assess the prospects for detecting optical emissions from BNS mergers with next-generation detectors, considering how uncertainties in neutron star (NS) population properties and microphysics may affect detection rates. Starting from BNS merger populations exploiting different NS mass distributions and equations of state (EOSs), we model the GW and kilonova (KN) signals based on source properties. We model KNe ejecta through numerical-relativity informed fits, considering the effect of prompt collapse of the remnant to black hole and new fitting formulas appropriate for more massive BNS systems, like GW190425. We include optical afterglow emission from relativistic jets consistent with observed short gamma-ray bursts. We evaluate the detected mergers and the source parameter estimations for different geometries of ET, operating alone or in a network of current or next-generation GW detectors. Finally, we estimate the number of detected optical signals simulating realistic observational strategies by the Rubin Observatory. ET as a single observatory will enable the detection of about ten to a hundred KNe per year by the Rubin Observatory. This improves by a factor of $\sim 10$ already when operating in the network with current GW detectors. Detection rate uncertainties are dominated by the poorly constrained local BNS merger rate, and depend to a lesser extent on the NS mass distribution and EOS.



Abstract: 2411.02647
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Title:Dinosaur in a Haystack : X-ray View of the Entrails of SN 2023ixf and the Radio Afterglow of Its Interaction with the Medium Spawned by the Progenitor Star (Paper 1)

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Abstract:We present the results from our extensive hard-to-soft X-ray (NuSTAR, Swift-XRT, XMM-Newton, Chandra) and meter-to-mm wave radio (GMRT, VLA, NOEMA) monitoring campaign of the very nearby (d $=6.9$ Mpc) Type II SN2023ixf spanning $\approx$ 4--165 d post-explosion. This unprecedented dataset enables inferences on the explosion's circumstellar medium (CSM) density and geometry. Specifically, we find that the luminous X-ray emission is well modeled by thermal free-free radiation from the forward shock with rapidly decreasing photo-electric absorption with time. The radio spectrum is dominated by synchrotron radiation from the same shock, and the NOEMA detection of high-frequency radio emission may indicate a new component consistent with the secondary origin. Similar to the X-rays, the level of free-free absorption affecting the radio spectrum rapidly decreases with time as a consequence of the shock propagation into the dense CSM. While the X-ray and the radio modeling independently support the presence of a dense medium corresponding to an \emph{effective} mass-loss rate $\dot{M} \approx 10^{-4}\, \rm M_{\odot}\,yr^{-1}$ at $R = (0.4-14) \times 10^{15}$ (for $v_{\rm w}=\rm 25 \,km\,s^{-1}$), our study points at a complex CSM density structure with asymmetries and clumps. The inferred densities are $\approx$10--100 times those of typical red supergiants, indicating an extreme mass-loss phase of the progenitor in the $\approx$200 years preceding core collapse, which leads to the most X-ray luminous Type II SN and the one with the most delayed emergence of radio emission. These results add to the picture of the complex mass-loss history of massive stars on the verge of collapse and demonstrate the need for panchromatic campaigns to fully map their intricate environments.

Comments: 32 pages, 16 figures, 9 Tables


Abstract: 2410.19447
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Title:The LAMOST Spectroscopic Survey of Supergiants in M31 and M33

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Abstract:We present systematic identifications of supergiants of M31/M33 based on massive LAMOST spectroscopic survey. Radial velocities of nearly 5000 photometrically selected M31/M33 supergiant candidates have been properly derived from the qualified spectra released in LAMOST DR10. By comparing their radial velocities with those predicted from the rotation curves of M31, as well as utilizing {\it Gaia} astrometric measurements to exclude foreground contaminations, 199 supergiant members in M31, including 168 `Rank1' and 31 `Rank2', have been successfully identified. This sample contains 62 blue supergiants (BSGs, all `Rank1'), 134 yellow supergiants (YSGs, 103 `Rank1' and 31 `Rank2') and 3 red supergiants (RSGs, all `Rank1'). For M33, we identify 84 supergiant members (56 `Rank1' and 28 `Rank2'), which includes 28 BSGs (all `Rank1'), 53 YSGs (25 `Rank1' and 28 `Rank2') and 3 RSGs (all `Rank1'). So far, this is one of the largest supergiant sample of M31/M33 with full optical wavelength coverage (3700 \textless $\lambda$ \textless 9100 Å). This sample is valuable for understanding the star formation and stellar evolution under different environments.

Comments: 29 pages, 10 figures, Accepted for RAA


Abstract: 2408.12786
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Title:Broad-band X-ray spectral and timing properties of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498$-$2921 during the 2023 outburst

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Abstract:We report on the broadband spectral and timing properties of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J17498$-$2921 during its April 2023 outburst using data from NICER (1$-$10 keV), NuSTAR (3$-$79 keV), Insight-HXMT (2$-$150 keV), and INTEGRAL (30$-$150 keV). We detect significant 401 Hz pulsations across the 0.5$-$150 keV band. The pulse fraction increases from $\sim$2% at 1 keV to $\sim$13% at 66 keV. Five type-I X-ray bursts have been detected, including three photospheric radius expansion bursts, with a rise time of $\sim$2 s and an exponential decay time of $\sim$5 s. The recurrence time is $\sim$9.1 h, which can be explained by unstable thermonuclear burning of hydrogen-deficient material on the neutron star surface. The quasi-simultaneous 1$-$150 keV broadband spectra from NICER, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL can be well fitted by an absorbed reflection model, relxillCp, and a Gaussian line of instrumental origin. The Comptonized emission from the hot corona is characterized by a photon index $\Gamma$ of $\sim$1.8 and an electron temperature $kT_{\rm e}$ of $\sim$40 keV. We obtain a low inclination angle $i\sim34^{\circ}$. The accretion disk shows properties of strong ionization, $\log(\xi/{\rm erg~cm~s^{-1}})\sim4.5$, over-solar abundance, $A_{\rm Fe}\sim 7.7$, and high density, $\log(n_{\rm e}/{\rm cm^{-3}})\sim 19.5$. However, a lower disk density with normal abundance and ionization could also be possible. From the inner disk radius $R_{\rm in}=1.67R_{\rm ISCO}$ and the long-term spin-down rate of $-3.1(2)\times10^{-15}~{\rm Hz~s^{-1}}$, we constrain the magnetic field of IGR J17498$-$2921 in the range of $(0.9-2.4)\times10^8$ G.

Comments: Published in A&A


Abstract: 2408.00614
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Title:The large-scale anisotropy and flux (de-)magnification of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays in the Galactic magnetic field

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Abstract:We calculate the arrival direction distribution of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) with a new suite of models of the Galactic magnetic field (GMF), assuming sources follow the large-scale structure of the Universe. Compared to previous GMF models, the amplitude of the dipole component of the UHECR arrival flux is significantly reduced. We find that the reduction is due to the accidentally coinciding position of the peak of the extragalactic UHECR flux and the boundary of strong flux demagnification due to the GMF toward the central region of the Galaxy. This serendipitous sensitivity of UHECR anisotropies to the GMF model will be a powerful probe of the source distribution as well as Galactic and extragalactic magnetic fields. Demagnification by the GMF also impacts visibility of some popular source candidates.



Abstract: 2410.18185
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Title:The origin and evolution of the [CII] deficit in HII regions and star-forming molecular clouds

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Abstract:We analyse synthetic maps of the [CII] 158 $\mu$m line and FIR continuum of simulated molecular clouds (MCs) within the SILCC-Zoom project to study the origin of the [CII] deficit, i.e., the drop in the [CII]/FIR intensity ratio. All simulations include stellar radiative feedback and account for further ionisation of C$^+$ into C$^{2+}$ inside HII regions. For individual HII regions, $I_\mathrm{FIR}$ is initially high in the vicinity of young stars, and then moderately decreases as the gas is compressed into shells. In contrast, $I_\mathrm{CII}$ drops strongly over time, to which the second ionisation of C$^+$ into C$^{2+}$ contributes. This leads to a large drop in $I_\mathrm{[CII]}/I_\mathrm{FIR}$ inside HII regions, decreasing from 10$^{-3}$-10$^{-2}$ at scales above 10 pc to 10$^{-6}$-10$^{-4}$ at scales below 2pc. However, projection effects can affect the radial profile of $I_\mathrm{[CII]}$ and $I_\mathrm{FIR}$ and create apparent HII regions without any stars. On MC scales, $L_\mathrm{[CII]}/L_\mathrm{FIR}$ decreases from values $\gtrsim$10$^{-2}$ in MCs without star formation to values around $\sim10^{-3}$ in MCs with star formation. We attribute this and the origin of the [CII] deficit to two main contributors: (i) the saturation of the [CII] line and (ii) the conversion of C$^+$ into C$^{2+}$ by stellar radiation. The drop in $L_\mathrm{[CII]}/L_\mathrm{FIR}$ can be divided into two phases: (i) early on, the saturation of [CII] and the further ionisation of C$^+$ limit the increase in $L_\mathrm{[CII]}$, while $L_\mathrm{FIR}$ increases rapidly, leading to the initial decline of $L_\mathrm{[CII]}/L_\mathrm{FIR}$. (ii) In more evolved HII regions, $L_\mathrm{CII}$ stagnates and even partially drops due to the aforementioned reasons. $L_\mathrm{FIR}$ stagnates as the gas gets pushed into the cooler shells keeping $L_\mathrm{[CII]}/L_\mathrm{FIR}$ at low values of $\sim10^{-3}$.

Comments: 18 pages, 18 figures including appendix. Accepted for publication in A&A, updated to final version


Abstract: 2411.02931
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Title:A resolved, multi-wavelength study of gas-rich dwarf galaxies in the Fornax cluster using MUSE, MeerKAT, and ALMA

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Abstract:We combine new and archival MUSE observations with data from the MeerKAT Fornax Survey and the ALMA Fornax Cluster Survey to study the ionised, atomic, and molecular gas in six gas-rich dwarf galaxies in the Fornax cluster in detail. We compare the distributions and velocity fields of the three gas phases with each other, with MUSE white-light images, and with the stellar velocity fields. Additionally, we derive the resolved molecular Kennicutt-Schmidt relation for each object, and compare these with existing relations for field galaxies and for the Fornax and Virgo clusters. Finally, we explore global measurements such as gas deficiencies and star formation rates to paint as complete a picture of their evolutionary state as possible. We find that all six gas-rich dwarf galaxies have very disturbed ISM, with all three gas phases being irregular both in terms of spatial distribution and velocity field. Most objects lie well below the Kennicutt-Schmidt relations from the literature. Furthermore, they are quite deficient in HI (with def_HI between ~1 and ~2 dex), and moderately deficient in H3 (with def_H3 between ~0 and ~1), suggesting that, while both cold gas phases are affected simultaneously, HI is removed in significant quantities before H3. We suggest that these dwarfs are on their first infall into the cluster, and are in the process of transitioning from star-forming to passive. A combination of tidal interactions, mergers/pre-processing, and ram pressure stripping is likely responsible for these transformations.

Comments: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 34 pages including 14 figures, 2 tables, and 1 appendix


Abstract: 2411.03367
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Title:An updated catalogue of 310 Galactic supernova remnants and their statistical properties

Authors:D. A. Green
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Abstract:A revised catalogue of 310 Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) is presented, along with some statistics of their properties. 21 SNRs have been added to the catalogue since the previous published version from 2019, and 5 entries have been removed, as they have been identified as HII regions. Also discussed are some basics statistics of the remnants in the catalogue, the selection effects that apply to the identification of Galactic SNRs and their consequences.

Comments: 16 pages, 6 figures, one table; see also this https URL. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1907.02638; text overlap with arXiv:1409.0637, arXiv:astro-ph/0411083


Abstract: 2411.03142
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Title:Novel Simulation Framework for Analyzing Cosmic Ray Particle Distributions at a Global Scale

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Abstract:Cosmic ray measurements have inspired numerous interesting applications over several decades worldwide. These applications encompass non-invasive cosmic ray muon tomography, which enables the imaging of concealed dense objects or structures, the monitoring of area-averaged soil moisture with cosmic ray neutrons in agriculture and climate studies, real-time monitoring of the dynamical changes of the space and earth weather, etc. The demand for a quantitative characterization of cosmic ray shower particles near the Earth's surface is substantial, as it provides realistic particle spectra and rates for these diverse applications. In this study, we introduce Earth Cosmic Ray Shower (ECRS), a GEANT4-based software designed to simulate cosmic ray particle interactions in the atmosphere. ECRS incorporates the U.S. Standard Atmospheric Model and integrates a time-dependent geomagnetic field based on the Tsyganenko and IGRF models. Additionally, we present two case studies illustrating variations in the location-dependent average particle energy for muons, electrons, neutrons, and gammas at sea level. An outlook of this project is provided toward the conclusion.

Comments: 13 pages (9 pages without abstract and references9, 7 figures


Abstract: 2411.03269
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Title:Simultaneous Optical and X-ray Detection of a Thermonuclear Burst in the 2024 Outburst of EXO 0748-676

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Abstract:The neutron star low-mass X-ray binary, EXO 0748--676, recently returned to outburst after a $\sim$ 16 year-long quiescence. Since its return, there has been a global effort to capture the previously unseen rise of the source and to understand its somewhat early return to outburst, as it is typical for a source to spend longer in quiescence than in outburst. Here, we report on the simultaneous optical and X-ray detection of a type I X-ray burst, captured by XMM-Newton during a DDT observation on 30th June 2024. The data show 3 X-ray eclipses consistent with the known ephemeris and one type I X-ray burst at 60492.309 MJD. The X-ray burst is reprocessed into the optical band and captured by XMM-Newton's Optical Monitor during a 4399 s exposure with the B filter in image + fast mode. We determine that the optical peak lags the X-ray peak by 4.46 $\pm$ 1.71s. The optical and X-ray rise times are similar, but the optical decay timescale is shorter than the X-ray decay timescale. The reprocessing site is likely within a few light seconds of the X-ray emitting region, so the companion star, accretion disc and ablated material are all plausible.

Comments: 6 Pages, 3 Figures, Accepted for Publication in MNRAS Letters


Abstract: 2407.08046
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Title:Deep learning solutions to telescope pointing and guiding

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Abstract:The WIYN 3.5m Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory hosts a suite of optical and near infrared instruments, including an extreme precision, optical spectrograph, NEID, built for exoplanet radial velocity studies. In order to achieve sub ms precision, NEID has strict requirements on survey efficiency, stellar image positioning, and guiding performance, which have exceeded the native capabilities of the telescope's original pointing and tracking system. In order to improve the operational efficiency of the telescope we have developed a novel telescope pointing system, built on a recurrent neural network, that does not rely on the usual pointing models (TPoint or other quasi physical bases). We discuss the development of this system, how the intrinsic properties of the pointing problem inform our network design, and show preliminary results from our best models. We also discuss plans for the generalization of this framework, so that it can be applied at other sites.



Abstract: 2411.03553
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Title:The Temporal Variability of Galactic VHE CRs and Multi-TeV Diffuse Gamma-Ray Emission

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Abstract:We use the GALPROP cosmic ray (CR) framework to model the Galactic CR distributions and associated non-thermal diffuse emissions up to PeV energies. We consider ensembles of discrete, finite lifetime CR sources, e.g.\ supernova remnants (SNRs), for a range of creation rates and lifetimes. We find that global properties of the CR sources are likely not directly recoverable from the current `snapshot' of the historic injection and propagation of CRs within the Galaxy that are provided by the data. We show that models for the diffuse $\gamma$ rays based on the discrete/time-dependent scenarios we consider are able to explain LHAASO very-/ultra-high energy (VHE/UHE) $\gamma$-ray data with up to 50\% contribution by unresolved leptonic sources at the highest energies. Over the models that we consider, variations in the diffuse VHE emissions can be $\sim$25\%, which is comparable to those for steady-state models that we investigated in earlier work. Such variations due to the discrete/finite nature of the CR sources are an important factor that are necessary to construct accurate physical models of the diffuse emissions from the Galaxy at VHE/UHEs.

Comments: 15 pages, 10 figures. Submitted to ApJ


Abstract: 2410.22580
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Title:Supernova Shocks in Molecular Clouds: Shocks Driven into Dense Cores in IC 443 and 3C 391

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Abstract:Supernova shocks into dense molecular cores in IC 443 (clumps B, C, and G) and 3C 391 were observed using the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy and complemented by archival data from the Herschel Space Observatory. The pure rotational transitions 0-0 S(1) and S(5) of H3, and the ground-state 110-101 transition of H3O, are all broadened, arising from molecules that survive the passage of the shock front. Theoretical models from the Paris-Durham shock code were analyzed to generate synthetic profiles that approximately match the observations. The observations can be fit with two shock conditions, which approximate the range of densities in the pre-shock molecular cloud. The width and brightness of the S(5) lines require shocks into gas with a density of order 2,000 cm-3, into which the IC 443 blast wave drives shocks with speed 60 km/s. The brightness and narrower width of the S(1) lines requires different shocks, into gas with density of order 10^5 cm-3, with shock speeds of 10 km/s. The H3O velocity distribution is also consistent with these shocks. The existence of shocks into dense gas shows that the bright shocked clumps in IC~443 were prestellar cores. It is unlikely that they will form stars soon after the passage of the shock front, given the input of kinetic and thermal energy from the shocks.

Comments: accepted to Astrophysical Journal on 10/29/2024


Abstract: 2309.16294
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Title:The Pierre Auger Observatory Open Data

Authors:The Pierre Auger Collaboration: A. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, M. Aglietta, I. Allekotte, K. Almeida Cheminant, A. Almela, R. Aloisio, J. Alvarez-Muñiz, J. Ammerman Yebra, G.A. Anastasi, L. Anchordoqui, B. Andrada, L. Andrade Dourado, S. Andringa, L. Apollonio, C. Aramo, P.R. Araújo Ferreira, E. Arnone, J.C. Arteaga Velázquez, P. Assis, G. Avila, E. Avocone, A. Bakalova, F. Barbato, A. Bartz Mocellin, J.A. Bellido, C. Berat, M.E. Bertaina, X. Bertou, G. Bhatta, M. Bianciotto, P.L. Biermann, V. Binet, K. Bismark, T. Bister, J. Biteau, J. Blazek, C. Bleve, J. Blümer, M. Boháčová, D. Boncioli, C. Bonifazi, L. Bonneau Arbeletche, N. Borodai, J. Brack, P.G. Brichetto Orchera, F.L. Briechle, A. Bueno, S. Buitink, M. Buscemi, M. Büsken, A. Bwembya, K.S. Caballero-Mora, S. Cabana-Freire, L. Caccianiga, F. Campuzano, R. Caruso, A. Castellina, F. Catalani, G. Cataldi, L. Cazon, M. Cerda, B. Čermáková, A. Cermenati, J.A. Chinellato, J. Chudoba, L. Chytka, R.W. Clay, A.C. Cobos Cerutti, R. Colalillo, R. Conceição, A. Condorelli, G. Consolati, M. Conte, F. Convenga, D. Correia dos Santos, P.J. Costa, C.E. Covault, M. Cristinziani, C.S. Cruz Sanchez, S. Dasso, K. Daumiller, B.R. Dawson, R.M. de Almeida, B. de Errico, J. de Jesús, S.J. de Jong, J.R.T. de Mello Neto, I. De Mitri, J. de Oliveira, D. de Oliveira Franco, F. de Palma, V. de Souza, E. De Vito, A. Del Popolo, O. Deligny, N. Denner, L. Deval, A. di Matteo et al. (261 additional authors not shown)
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Abstract:The Pierre Auger Collaboration has embraced the concept of open access to their research data since its foundation, with the aim of giving access to the widest possible community. A gradual process of release began as early as 2007 when 1% of the cosmic-ray data was made public, along with 100% of the space-weather information. In February 2021, a portal was released containing 10% of cosmic-ray data collected from 2004 to 2018, during Phase I of the Observatory. The Portal included detailed documentation about the detection and reconstruction procedures, analysis codes that can be easily used and modified and, additionally, visualization tools. Since then the Portal has been updated and extended. In 2023, a catalog of the 100 highest-energy cosmic-ray events examined in depth has been included. A specific section dedicated to educational use has been developed with the expectation that these data will be explored by a wide and diverse community including professional and citizen-scientists, and used for educational and outreach initiatives. This paper describes the context, the spirit and the technical implementation of the release of data by the largest cosmic-ray detector ever built, and anticipates its future developments.

Comments: 27 pages, 8 figures


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