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Wilson-Hodge, C. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Wilson-Hodge, C. A..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2019

Fermi-GBM GRBs with Characteristics Similar to GRB 170817A

We present a search for gamma-ray bursts in the Fermi-GBM (Gamma Burst Monitor) 10-year catalog that show similar characteristics to GRB170817A, the first electromagnetic counterpart to a GRB (Gamma-Ray Burst) identified as a binary neutron star (BNS) merger via gravitational wave observations. Our search is focused on a nonthermal pulse, followed by a thermal component,as observed for GRB 170817A. We employ search methods based on the measured catalog parameters and Bayesian Block analysis. Our multipronged approach, which includes examination of the localization and spectral properties of the thermal component, yields a total of 13 candidates, including GRB170817A and the previously reported similar burst, GRB 150101B. The similarity of the candidates is likely caused by the same processes that shaped the gamma-ray signal of GRB170817A, thus providing evidence of a nearby sample of short GRBs resulting from BNS merger events. Some of the newly identified counterparts were observed by other space telescopes and ground observatories, but none of them have a measured redshift. We present an analysis of this subsample, and we discuss two models. From uncovering 13 candidates during a time period of 10 years we predict that Fermi-GBM will trigger on-board on about one burst similar to GRB170817A per year.

von Kienlin, A.↗
NASA NTRS2019

A Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor Search for Electromagnetic Signals Coincident with Gravitational-Wave Candidates in Advanced LIGOs First Observing Run

We present a search for prompt gamma-ray counterparts to compact binary coalescence gravitational wave (GW)candidates from Advanced LIGO's first observing run (O1). As demonstrated by the multimessenger observations ofGW170817/GRB 170817A, electromagnetic and GW observations provide complementary information about theastrophysical source, and in the case of weaker candidates, may strengthen the case for an astrophysical origin. Here weinvestigate low-significance GWcandidates from the O1 compact binary coalescence searches using the Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor (GBM), leveraging its all sky and broad energy coverage. Candidates are ranked and compared tobackground to measure the significance. Those with false alarm rates (FARs) of less than 105 Hz (about one per day,yielding a total of 81 candidates) are used as the search sample for gamma-ray follow-up. No GW candidates werefound to be coincident with gamma-ray transients independently identified by blind searches of the GBM data. Inaddition, GW candidate event times were followed up by a separate targeted search of GBM data. Among the resultingGBM events, the two with the lowest FARs were the gamma-ray transient GW150914-GBM presented in Connaughtonet al. and a solar flare in chance coincidence with a GW candidate.

Burns, E.↗
NASA NTRS2018

MoonBEAM: A Beyond Earth-Orbit Gamma-Ray Burst Detector for Multi-Messenger Astronomy

MoonBEAM is a 12U CubeSat concept of deploying gamma-ray detectors in cislunar space to increase gamma-ray burst detections and improve localization precision with the timing triangulation technique. Such an instrument would probe the extreme processes in cosmic collision of compact objects and facilitate multi-messenger time-domain astronomy to explore the end of explore the end of stellar life cycles and black hole formation.

Beyond Earth-Orbit↗
NASA NTRS2018

MoonBEAM: Gamma-Ray Burst Detectors on SmallSAT

Moon Burst Energetics All-sky Monitor (MoonBEAM) is a CubeSat concept of deploying gamma-ray detectors in cislunar space to improve localization precision for gamma-ray bursts by utilizing the light travel time difference between a spacecraft in Earth and cislunar orbit. MoonBEAM is designed with high TRL components to be flight ready. This instrument would probe the extreme processes in cosmic collision of compact objects and facilitate multi-messenger time-domain astronomy to explore the end of stellar life cycles and black hole formations.

gamma-ray burst cubesat↗
NASA NTRS2018

MoonBEAM: A Beyond Earth-Orbit Gamma-Ray Burst Detector for Gravitational-Wave Astronomy

Moon Burst Energetics All-sky Monitor (MoonBEAM) is a CubeSat concept of deploying gamma-ray detectors in cislunar space to improve localization precision for gamma-ray bursts by utilizing the light travel time difference between different orbits. We present here a gamma-ray SmallSat concept in Earth-Moon L3 halo orbit that is capable of rapid response and provide a timing baseline for localization improvement when partnered with an Earth-orbit instrument. Such an instrument would probe the extreme processes in cosmic collision of compact objects and facilitate multi-messenger time-domain astronomy to explore the end of stellar life cycles and black hole formations.

gamma-ray burst cubesat↗
NASA NTRS2017

Studying the Accretion Geometry of EXO 2030+375 at Luminosities Close to the Propeller Regime

The Be X-ray binary EXO2030+375 was in an extended low-luminosity state during most of 2016. We observed this state with NuSTAR and Swift, supported by INTEGRAL observations and optical spectroscopy with the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT). We present a comprehensive spectral and timing analysis of these data here to study the accretion geometry and investigate a possible onset of the propeller e ect. The H data show that the circumstellar disk of the Be-star is still present. We measure equivalent widths similar to values found during more active phases in the past, indicating that the low-luminosity state is not simply triggered by a smaller Be disk. The NuSTAR data, taken at a 3-78 keV luminosity of 6:8 1035 erg s-1 (for a distance of 7.1 kpc), are nicely described by standard accreting pulsar models such as an absorbed power law with a high-energy cuto. We find that pulsations are still clearly visible at these luminosities, indicating that accretion is continuing despite the very low mass transfer rate. In phaseresolved spectroscopy we find a peculiar variation of the photon index from 1.5 to 2.5 over only about 3% of the rotational period. This variation is similar to that observed with XMM-Newton at much higher luminosities. It may be connected to the accretion column passing through our line of sight. With Swift/XRT we observe luminosities as low as 1034 erg s-1 where the data quality did not allow us to search for pulsations, but the spectrum is much softer and well described by either a blackbody or soft power-law continuum. This softer spectrum might be due to the accretion being stopped by the propeller e ect and we only observe the neutron star surface cooling.

Fürst, F.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Searching the Gamma-Ray Sky for Counterparts to Gravitational Wave Sources Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor and Large Area Telescope Observations of LVT151012 and GW151226

We present the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) and Large Area Telescope (LAT) observations of the LIGO binary black hole merger event GW151226 and candidate LVT151012. At the time of the LIGO triggers on LVT151012 and GW151226, GBM was observing 68% and 83% of the localization regions, and LAT was observing 47% and 32%, respectively. No candidate electromagnetic counterparts were detected by either the GBM or LAT. We present a detailed analysis of the GBM and LAT data over a range of timescales from seconds to years, using automated pipelines and new techniques for characterizing the flux upper bounds across large areas of the sky. Due to the partial GBM and LAT coverage of the large LIGO localization regions at the trigger times for both events, differences in source distances and masses, as well as the uncertain degree to which emission from these sources could be beamed, these non-detections cannot be used to constrain the variety of theoretical models recently applied to explain the candidate GBM counterpart to GW150914.

gamma rays: general – gravitational waves – me↗
NASA NTRS2016

Fermi GBM Observations of LIGO Gravitational-Wave Event Gw150914

With an instantaneous view of 70% of the sky, the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) is an excellent partner in the search for electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational-wave (GW) events. GBM observations at the time of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) event GW150914 reveal the presence of a weak transient above 50 keV, 0.4 s after the GW event, with a false-alarm probability of 0.0022 (2.9(sigma)). This weak transient lasting 1 s was not detected by any other instrument and does not appear to be connected with other previously known astrophysical, solar, terrestrial, or magnetospheric activity. Its localization is ill-constrained but consistent with the direction of GW150914. The duration and spectrum of the transient event are consistent with a weak short gamma-ray burst (GRB) arriving at a large angle to the direction in which Fermi was pointing where the GBM detector response is not optimal. If the GBM transient is associated with GW150914, then this electromagnetic signal from a stellar mass black hole binary merger is unexpected. We calculate a luminosity in hard X-ray emission between 1 keV and 10 MeV of 1.8(sup +1.5, sub -1.0) x 10(exp 49) erg/s. Future joint observations of GW events by LIGO/Virgo and Fermi GBM could reveal whether the weak transient reported here is a plausible counterpart to GW150914 or a chance coincidence, and will further probe the connection between compact binary mergers and short GRBs.

gamma-ray burst: general – gravitational waves↗
NASA NTRS2012

X-Ray and Optical Observations of A 0535+26

We present recent contemporaneous X-ray and optical observations of the Be/X-ray binary system A 0535+26 with the Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) and several ground-based observatories. These new observations are put into the context of the rich historical data (since 1978) and discussed in terms of the neutron-star-Be-disk interaction. The Be circumstellar disk was exceptionally large just before the 2009 December giant outburst, which may explain the origin of the unusual recent X-ray activity of this source. We found a peculiar evolution of the pulse profile during this giant outburst, with the two main components evolving in opposite ways with energy. A hard 30-70 mHz X-ray quasi-periodic oscillation was detected with GBM during this 2009 December giant outburst. It becomes stronger with increasing energy and disappears at energies below 25 keV. In the long term a strong optical/X-ray correlation was found for this system, however in the medium term the Halpha equivalent width and the V-band brightness showed an anti-correlation after 2002 August. Each giant X-ray outburst occurred during a decline phase of the optical brightness, while the H showed a strong emission. In late 2010 and before the 2011 February outburst, rapid V/R variations are observed in the strength of the two peaks of the H line. These had a period of 25 days and we suggest the presence of a global one-armed oscillation to explain this scenario. A general pattern might be inferred, where the disk becomes weaker and shows V/R variability beginning 6 months following a giant outburst.

Camero-Arranz, A.↗
NASA NTRS2012

4U 1626-67 as Seen by Suzaku Before and After the 2008 Torque Reversal

Aims. The accretion-powered pulsar 4U 1626-67 experienced a new torque reversal at the beginning of 2008, after about 18 years of steadily spinning down. The main goal of the present work is to study this recent torque reversal that occurred in 2008 February. Methods. We present a spectral analysis of this source using two pointed observations performed by Suzaku in 2006 March and in 2010 September. Results. We confirm with Suzaku the presence of a strong emission-line complex centered on 1 keV, with the strongest line being the hydrogen-like Ne Lya at 1.025(3) keV. We were able to resolve this complex with up to seven emission lines. A dramatic increase of the intensity of the Ne Lya line after the 2008 torque reversal occurred, with the equivalent width of this line reaching almost the same value measured by ASCA in 1993. We also report on the detection of a cyclotron line feature centered at approximately 37 keV. In spite of the fact that an increase of the X-ray luminosity (0.5-100keV) of a factor of approximately 2.8 occurred between these two observations, no significant change in the energy of the cyclotron line feature was observed. However, the intensity of the approximately 1 keV line complex increased by an overall factor of approximately 8. Conclusions. Our results favor a scenario in which the neutron star in 4U 1626-67 accretes material from a geometrically thin disk during both the spin-up and spin-down phases.

Camero-Arranz, A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Suzaku Observations of the Ultracompact Binary System 4U1626-67

The accretion-powered pulsar 4U1626-67 experienced a new torque reversal at the beginning of 2008, after about 18 years of steadily spinning down. We present a spectral analysis of this source using two pointed observations performed by Suzaku in 2006 March and in 2010 September. We confirm with Suzaku the presence of a strong emission-line complex centered on 1 keV, with the strongest line being the hydrogen-like Ne Ly- alpha at 1.025(1.5) keV. We were able to resolve this complex with up to eight emission lines. A dramatic increase of the equivalent width of the Ne Ly-alpha 1.021 keV after the 2008 torque reversal occurred, reaching almost the same value measured by ASCA in 1993. In addition, we confirm the general decrease trend of the equivalent widths during the spin-down period. We also report on the detection of a cyclotron line feature centered at approx 37 keV. In spite of the fact that a dramatic increase of the X-ray luminosity (0.5-100 keV) of a factor of approx 3.5 occurred between these two observations, no significant change in the energy of the cyclotron line feature was observed. However, the intensity of the approx 1 keV line complex increased by an overall factor of approx 10.

Camero-Arranz, A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Advanced X-Ray Timing Array Mission: Conceptual Spacecraft Design Study

The Advanced X-Ray Timing Array (AXTAR) is a mission concept for submillisecond timing of bright galactic x-ray sources. The two science instruments are the Large Area Timing Array (LATA) (a collimated instrument with 2-50-keV coverage and over 3 square meters of effective area) and a Sky Monitor (SM), which acts as a trigger for pointed observations of x-ray transients. The spacecraft conceptual design team developed two spacecraft concepts that will enable the AXTAR mission: A minimal configuration to be launched on a Taurus II and a larger configuration to be launched on a Falcon 9 or similar vehicle.

Hopkins, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2010

All-Sky Earth Occultation Observations with the Fermi Gamma Ray Burst Monitor

Using the Gamma Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on-board Fermi, we are monitoring the hard X-ray/soft gamma ray sky using the Earth occultation technique. Each time a source in our catalog is occulted by (or exits occultation by) the Earth, we measure its flux using the change in count rates due to the occultation. Currently we are using CTIME data with 8 energy channels spanning 8 keV to 1 MeV for the GBM NaI detectors and spanning 150 keV to 40 MeV for the GBM BGO detectors. Our preliminary catalog consists of galactic X-ray binaries, the Crab Nebula, and active galactic nuclei. New sources are added to our catalog as they become active or upon request. In addition to Earth occultations, we have observed numerous occultations with Fermi's solar panels. We will present early results. Regularly updated results will be found on our website http://gammaray.nsstc.nasa.gov/gbm/science/occultation.

Wilson-Hodge, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

All-Sky Earth Occultation Observations with the Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor

Using the Gamma Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on-board Fermi, we are monitoring the hard X-ray/ soft gamma ray sky using the Earth occultation technique. Each time a source in our catalog is occulted by (or exits occultation by) the Earth, we measure its flux using the change in count rates due to the occultation. Currently we are using CTIME data with 8 energy channels spanning 8 keV to 1 MeV for the GBM NaI detectors and spanning 150 keV to 40 MeV for the GBM BGO detectors. Our preliminary catalog consists of galactic X-ray binaries, the Crab Nebula, and active galactic nuclei. In addition, to Earth occultations, we have observed numerous occultations with Fermi's solar panels.

Wilson-Hodge, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

All-Sky Earth Occultation Observations with the Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor

Using the Gamma Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on-board Fermi, we are monitoring the hard X-ray/soft gamma ray sky using the Earth occultation technique. Each time a source in our catalog is occulted by (or exits occultation by) the Earth, we measure its flux by determining the change in count rate due to the occultation. Currently we are using CTIME data with 8 energy channels spanning 8 keV to 1 MeV for the GBM NaI detectors and spanning 150 keV to 40 MeV for the GBM BGO detectors. Our preliminary catalog consists of galactic X-ray binaries, the Crab Nebula, and active galactic nuclei. We will present early results. Regularly updated results can be found on our website http://gammaray.nsstc.nasa.gov/gbm/science/occultation.

Wilson-Hodge, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS2006

All-Sky Hard X-Ray Spectral Line Survey with EXIST

The Energetic X-ray Imaging Survey Telescope (EXIST), under study to be the Black Hole Finder Probe in NASA's Beyond Einstein Program, would image the sky every 95 min in the energy range 10-600 keV. Although the main scientific objectives of EXIST are the systematic, all-sky survey of heavily obscured AGNs and gamma-ray bursts, there is a substantial capability of EXIST for the observation of transient and persistent hard X-ray lines from several astrophysical sources.

Fishman, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

The BATSE Earth Occultation Catalog of Low Energy Gamma-Ray Sources

The Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE),aboard the COmptOn Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), provided a record of the hard X-ray/low energy gamma ray sky between April 1991 and June 2000. During that time, a catalog of known sources was derived from existing catalogs such as HEAO A-4 (Levine et al. 19841, as well as new transient sources discovered with RATSE and other X-ray monitors operating in the CGRO era. The Earth Occultation Technique (Harmon et al. 2001, astro-ph/0109069) was used to monitor a combination of these sources, mostly galactic, totaling about 175 objects. The catalog will present the global properties of these sources and their probability of detection (>lO mCrab, 20-100 keV) with BATSE. Systematic errors due to unknown sources or background components are included. Cursory analyses to search for new transients (35-80 mCrab in the 20-100 keV band) and super-orbital periods in known binary sources are also presented. Whole mission light curves and associated data production/analysis tools are being delivered to the HEASARC for public use.

Harmon, B. A.↗