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At least 541 records · Page 30

An Investigation of Poorly Studied Open Cluster NGC 4337 Using Multicolor Photometric and Gaia DR2 Astrometric Data

We present a comprehensive analysis (photometric and kinematical) of the poorly studied open cluster NGC 4337 using 2MASS, WISE, APASS, and Gaia DR2 databases. By determining the membership probabilities of stars, we identified the 624 most probable members with membership probability higher than 50% by using proper motion and parallax data taken from Gaia DR2. The mean proper motion of the cluster is obtained as μ{sub x}=−8.83±0.01 and μ {sub y} = 1.49 ± 0.006 mas yr{sup −1}. We find the normal interstellar extinction toward the cluster region. The radial distribution of members provides a cluster radius of 7.′75 (5.63 pc). The estimated age of 1600 ± 180 Myr indicates that NGC 4337 is an old open cluster with a bunch of red giant stars. The overall mass function slope for main-sequence stars is found as 1.46±0.18 within the mass range 0.75−2.0 M{sub ⊙}, which is in fair agreement with Salpeter’s value (x = 1.35) within uncertainty. The present study demonstrates that NGC 4337 is a dynamically relaxed open cluster. Using the Galactic potential model, Galactic orbits are obtained for NGC 4337. We found that this object follows a circular path around the Galactic center. Under the kinematical analysis, we compute the apex coordinates (A, D) by using two methods: (i) the classical convergent point method and (ii) the AD-diagram method. The obtained coordinates are (A {sub conv}, D {sub conv}) = (96.°27 ± 0.°10, 13.°14 ± 0.°27) and (A {sub ◦}, D {sub ◦}) = (100.°282 ± 0.°10, 9.°577 ± 0.°323) respectively. We also computed the Velocity Ellipsoid Parameters, matrix elements (μ {sub ij}), direction cosines (l {sub j}, m {sub j}, n {sub j}), and the Galactic longitude of the vertex (l {sub 2}).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

First Year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) Observations: Foreground Emission

The WMAP mission has mapped the full sky to determine the geometry, content, and evolution of the universe. Full sky maps are made in five microwave frequency bands to separate the temperature anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) from foreground emission, including diffuse Galactic emission and Galactic and extragalactic point sources. We define masks that excise regions of high foreground emission, so CMB analyses can became out with minimal foreground contamination. We also present maps and spectra of the individual emission components, leading to an improved understanding of Galactic astrophysical processes. The effectiveness of template fits to remove foreground emission from the WMAP data is also examined. These efforts result in a CMB map with minimal contamination and a demonstration that the WMAP CMB power spectrum is insensitive to residual foreground emission. We use a Maximum Entropy Method to construct a model of the Galactic emission components. The observed total Galactic emission matches the model to less than 1% and the individual model components are accurate to a few percent. We find that the Milky Way resembles other normal spiral galaxies between 408 MHz and 23 GHz, with a synchrotron spectral index that is flattest (beta(sub s) approx. -2.5) near star-forming regions, especially in the plane, and steepest (beta(sub s) approx. -3) in the halo. This is consistent with a picture of relativistic cosmic ray electron generation in star-forming regions and diffusion and convection within the plane. The significant synchrotron index steepening out of the plane suggests a diffusion process in which the halo electrons are trapped in the Galactic potential long enough to suffer synchrotron and inverse Compton energy losses and hence a spectral steepening. The synchrotron index is steeper in the WMAP bands than in lower frequency radio surveys, with a spectral break near 20 GHz to beta(sub s) less than -3. The modeled thermal dust spectral index is also steep in the WMAP bands, with beta(sub d) approx. = 2.2. Our model is driven to these conclusions by the low level of total foreground contamination at approx. 60 GHz. Microwave and Ha measurements of the ionized gas agree well with one another at about the expected levels. Spinning dust emission is limited to less than 5% of the Ka-band foreground emission. A catalog of 208 point sources is presented. The reliability of the catalog is 98%, i.e., we expect five of the 208 sources to be statistically spurious. The mean spectral index of the point sources is alpha approx. 0(beta approx. -2). Derived source counts suggest a contribution to the anisotropy power from unresolved sources of (15.0 +/- 1.4) x 10(exp -3)micro sq K sr at Q-band and negligible levels at V-band and W-band. The Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect is shown to be a negligible "contamination" to the maps.

Bennett, C. L.↗

Normal and Starburst Galaxies in Deep X-ray Surveys

This talk will cover progress of the last several years in unraveling the nature of normal and starburst galaxies in deep X-ray surveys. This includes discussion of the normal galaxy X-ray Luminosity Function in deep field and cluster surveys and what it tells us about the binary populations in galaxies. The utility of broad band X-ray emission, especially as compared to other multiwavelength measurements of current/recent star formation, will be reviewed. These broad band X-ray measurements of star formation are based upon X-ray/Star Formation Rate correlations that span the currently available redshift range (0 < z < 1). I will also discuss new efforts underway to systematically characterize the X-ray emission from galaxies in group and cluster environments, including a new effort underway in the Coma cluster of galaxies. I will finish with discussion of the redshift frontier for studies of X-ray star formation, currently 2 approx.4, where the UV-selected Lyman Break galaxies are the best glimpse we have into X-ray emission from star formation in the early Universe. Lyman Break galaxies are of particular interest due to the overlap in basic properties with starburst galaxies in the more local Universe. Understanding the outflows in such starburst galaxies is of critical importance to constraining the "stellar" portion of cosmic feedback. The talk will close with a brief discussion of distant normal galaxy science with future X-ray observatories such as the upcoming Con-X/XEUS mission(s).

Hornschemeier, Ann↗

Symphony: Cosmological Zoom-in Simulation Suites over Four Decades of Host Halo Mass

Abstract We present Symphony, a compilation of 262 cosmological, cold-dark-matter-only zoom-in simulations spanning four decades of host halo mass, from 10 11 –10 15 M ⊙ . This compilation includes three existing simulation suites at the cluster and Milky Way–mass scales, and two new suites: 39 Large Magellanic Cloud-mass (10 11 M ⊙ ) and 49 strong-lens-analog (10 13 M ⊙ ) group-mass hosts. Across the entire host halo mass range, the highest-resolution regions in these simulations are resolved with a dark matter particle mass of ≈3 × 10 −7 times the host virial mass and a Plummer-equivalent gravitational softening length of ≈9 × 10 −4 times the host virial radius, on average. We measure correlations between subhalo abundance and host concentration, formation time, and maximum subhalo mass, all of which peak at the Milky Way host halo mass scale. Subhalo abundances are ≈50% higher in clusters than in lower-mass hosts at fixed sub-to-host halo mass ratios. Subhalo radial distributions are approximately self-similar as a function of host mass and are less concentrated than hosts’ underlying dark matter distributions. We compare our results to the semianalytic model Galacticus , which predicts subhalo mass functions with a higher normalization at the low-mass end and radial distributions that are slightly more concentrated than Symphony. We use UniverseMachine to model halo and subhalo star formation histories in Symphony, and we demonstrate that these predictions resolve the formation histories of the halos that host nearly all currently observable satellite galaxies in the universe. To promote open use of Symphony, data products are publicly available at http://web.stanford.edu/group/gfc/symphony .

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of R Coronae Borealis

Observations of the hydrogen-deficient supergiant R CrB were obtained with the IUE over an interval of 54 days in order to study the nature of this star's irregular, small-amplitude variations in light. By chance, the series of observations coincided with a dip in the light intermediate between the normal fluctuations and the deep declines associated with the formation of an obscuring dust cloud. High-resolution spectra have been used to search for radial velocity variations, while low-resolution spectra yield ultraviolet light curves down to 1810 A. Both types of spectra have been analyzed for indications of temperature changes. It is found that a combination of photospheric temperature variation and variable extinction is necessary to account for the details of the observations. A simple, ad hoc, periodic model is presented in which the amount of obscuring dust varies in proportion to the drop in temperature, but at a later time, reproduces the wavelength dependence of both the amplitudes and phase shifts of the light curves. The radial velocities are consistent with pulsation being responsible for the temperature variation.

Holm, A. V.↗

The evolution of the lithium abundances of solar-type stars. IV - Praesepe

Echelle observations are presented of lithium in 63 F and G dwarfs of the Praesepe cluster. For stars earlier than about G0V, Praesepe follows the same trends seen in the Hyades, which has approximately the same age and composition. Stars in Praesepe later than about G5V have more Li than their Hyades counterparts, possibly because Praesepe is slightly younger than the Hyades or has slightly lower metallicity. Significant differences in the abundance of Li are seen among stars of the same color, and, as in the Hyades, there is a tendency for the deviant stars to be binaries to the extent that duplicity in Praesepe is known. There are also stars with much less Li than most cluster members yet which appear to be true members of Praesepe. The close binary KW 181 has a normal Li abundance, despite the fact that similar close binaries in the Hyades are Li rich.

Soderblom, David R.↗

Observation of soft X-rays from cosmic sources

A binary X-ray source, an extended extragalactic X-ray source and several nearby stars were surveyed for X-ray emission. The energy spectrum and time structure of X-ray flux from the binary source, Her X-l, was investigated in the range from 0.15 to 6 KeV. This source was observed at a binary phase of 0.18 with the system near elongation normal to the line of sight. Intense pulsations were observed in optical emission lines near this binary phase. The spectrum and angular distribution of X-ray emission from the X-ray source in the Virgo Cluster of Galaxies, near M 87, was also observed. In addition, the stars Alpha Leo, Zeta Her, and Epsilon Vir were investigated. Epsilon Aur and Alpha Aur were also scanned. These stars were studied since there is increasing evidence that such objects may be transient sources of soft X-rays.

Catura, R. C.↗

Host galaxies of ultra-strong Mg ii absorbers at z ∼ 0.7

ABSTRACT We report spectroscopic identification of the host galaxies of 18 ultra-strong Mg ii systems (USMg ii) at 0.6 ≤ z ≤ 0.8. We created the largest sample by merging these with 20 host galaxies from our previous survey within 0.4 ≤ z ≤ 0.6. Using this sample, we confirm that the measured impact parameters ($\rm 6.3\leqslant D[kpc] \leqslant 120$ with a median of 19 kpc) are much larger than expected, and the USMg ii host galaxies do not follow the canonical $\rm {\it W}_{2796}-{\it D}$ anticorrelation. We show that the presence and significance of this anticorrelation may depend on the sample selection. The $\rm {\it W}_{2796}-{\it D}$ anticorrelation seen for the general Mg ii absorbers show a mild evolution at low $\rm W_{2796}$ end over the redshift range 0.4 ≤ z ≤ 1.5 with an increase of the impact parameters. Compared to the host galaxies of normal Mg ii absorbers, USMg ii host galaxies are brighter and more massive for a given impact parameter. While the USMg ii systems preferentially pick star-forming galaxies, they exhibit slightly lower ongoing star-forming rates compared to main sequence galaxies with the same stellar mass, suggesting a transition from star-forming to quiescent states. For a limiting magnitude of mr < 23.6, at least 29 per cent of the USMg ii host galaxies are isolated, and the width of the Mg ii absorption in these cases may originate from gas flows (infall/outflow) in isolated haloes of massive star forming but not starbursting galaxies. We associate more than one galaxy with the absorber in $\ge 21~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ cases, where interactions may cause wide velocity spread.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Evolutionary characteristics of a bimodal grain model

A bimodal model of interstellar grains consisting of silicate cores of size approximately 0.06 micron with modified ice mantles of approximately 0.1 micron and very small particles of silicate and/or graphite of size approximately 0.005 micron is followed through various stages of evolution. Starting with a distribution of core-mantle cylinders producing average wavelength dependence of polarization and extinction, changes in physical and optical characteristics of the model are studied going first into regions of dense cloud condensation and coming out at the other end of star formation into young H2 regions. Physical justification is presented to show that not only in dense clouds must the core mantle grains be larger than normal, but also in young H2 regions.

Greenberg, J. M.↗

Coronal gas in the Galaxy. II - A statistical analysis of O VI absorptions

This paper deals with general inferences about the low-density phase of interstellar gas having temperatures well above 200,000 K (the 'coronal gas') which can be drawn from O VI absorption data for 72 stars. Attention is given to the behavior of radial velocities, possible evidence for circumstellar O VI, the space distribution of the O VI gas, crowding of normal interstellar gas, and temperature distributions for the coronal gas. A model is adopted in which the coronal gas is contained within randomly distributed and nonoverlapping parcels, each with a size, pressure, and internal temperature distribution that do not vary markedly from one unit to the next. It is shown that the one-dimensional velocity dispersion for O VI regions (26 km/s) is substantially higher than the value for ordinary interstellar clouds (6.4 km/s).

Jenkins, E. B.↗

HEAO 3 discovery of Al-26 in the interstellar medium

A new analysis technique was used with HEAO 3 satellite gamma ray data to quantify the galactic 1809 keV emission. A method of bins was applied in summing for specific scan directions, followed by fitting the source and background components. The 1809 keV line of Al-26 was significant because of the recent discovery that Al-26 was overabundant in meteoritic material and implanted during solar system formation. The HEAO 3 flux indicated a current decay of 3 solar masses of Al-26 per year in the interstellar medium, possibly occurring in red giants and massive main sequence stars. The ratio of the observed Al-26 to the Al-27 flux was similar to that measured in meteorites, which suggests that the ratio is normal for the galactic medium and that no supernova triggered the protosolar nebular collapse.

Mahoney, W. A.↗

Ultraviolet, optical, and infrared observations of the intermediate polar TV Columbae

Forty-three IUE spectra of the X-ray discovered, triply periodic cataclysmic variable, TV Col are examined. The results show that the UV flux varies with the four-day period discovered by Motch in 1981. By fitting continuum models to the UV and optical fluxes, it is inferred that this modulation corresponds to the periodic heating of a normally 9000 K source within the binary system due to reprocessing of beamed X-ray and (possibly) EUV radiation from the vicinity of the degenerate star. The observed flux from this heated source is consistent with its origin at either the disk hot spot or the secondary star. Phasing arguments, however, favor the identification of the latter as the primary reprocessing site in the system. The infrared observations are not consistent with the model proposed by Watts et al. in 1982 and imply that the four-day period does not correspond to the orbital period of the binary.

Mateo, M.↗

Models of QPOs in luminous low-mass X-ray binaries

Models of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in luminous X-ray sources and observational studies relevant to these models are reviewed. QPOs are found to belong to two or three distinct types defined by the spectral state of the source and the properties of the QPOs themselves. Models can be classified according to whether the magnetic field of the neutron star is or is not important and whether the QPOs are produced by luminosity oscillations or beaming. The weakness of the red noise component of the normal branch power spectrum and the discovery that the phase of horizontal branch oscillations and normal branch oscillations at higher energies lags that at lower energies are discussed. The implications of these observations for QPO models are presented. Several QPO models are assessed, including the boundary layer hot spot model, beat-frequency modulated accretion model, the beat-frequency modulated dissipation model, nonradial g-mode model, reflecting clumps model, and the oscillating obscuration model.

Lamb, F. K.↗

New circumstellar dust component in oxygen rich environments

Spectra of oxygen rich stars in the IRAS low-resolution spectra (LRS) catalog were found to display two distinct classes of curcumstellar excess emission. The first group has the normal silicate with emission peaking at 10 and 18 microns. The second group has an emission spectrum peaking at 13 and 20 microns. There are also spectra with a mixture of the above types. Generally the continuum temperature associated with the second group is much warmer than that associated with the normal silicate group. Laboratory spectra are compared with the new excess which associates the emission with a class of materials represented by hydrated aluminates and silicates. Possible interpretations include equilibrium condensation sequences and peculiar metal abundance ratios.

Goebel, John H.↗

Model atmospheres and radiation of magnetic neutron stars. I - The fully ionized case

Model neutron star atmospheres are calculated for typical cooling stars with a strong magnetic field and effective temperatures of 10 exp 5 to 10 exp 6 K. The effect of anisotropic photon diffusion in two normal modes are examined under the assumption that the opacity is due solely to the bremsstrahlung and Thomson scattering processes under conditions of LTE that are expected to prevail at the temperatures and densities obtained. The main aspects of anisotropic photon diffusion, and an original procedure for calculating model atmospheres and emitted spectra are discussed. Representative calculated spectra are given, and it is found that the hard spectral excess characterizing the nonmagnetic case, while still present, becomes less prominent in the presence of magnetic fields in the range of 10 exp 11 to 10 exp 13 G.

Shibanov, Iu. A.↗

Circumstellar shells resolved in IRAS survey data. II - Analysis

IRAS survey data for 512 red giant stars and young planetary nebulae were processed using a computer program which fitted the data to an idealized model of a circumstellar shell. Seventy-six of these stars were found to have circumstellar shells resolved in the 60-micron survey data. Forty pct of the 76 stars are carbon stars. Thirteen are Mira variables. The evolution of these shells, involving the interaction of the expelled material with the ISM, is modeled, and the results suggest that the period during which Mira variables lose mass lasts for approximately 10 exp 5 yr. Carbon stars are found to shed mass for about 2 x 10 exp 5 yr. The expansion velocity of the outer shell for the largest shells will normally be lower by a factor of 3-5 than the expansion velocity obtained from CO observations.

Young, K.↗

Far-Infrared and Millimeter Continuum Studies of K-Giants: Alpha Boo and Alpha Tau

We have imaged two normal, non-coronal, infrared-bright K-giants, alpha Boo and alpha Tau, in the 1.4-millimeter and 2.8-millimeter continuum using BIMA. These stars have been used as important absolute calibrators for several infrared satellites. Our goals are: (1) to probe the structure of their upper photospheres; (2) to establish whether these stars radiate as simple photospheres or possess long-wavelength chromospheres; and (3) to make a connection between millimeter-wave and far-infrared absolute flux calibrations. To accomplish these goals we also present ISO Long Wavelength Spectrometer (LWS) measurements of both these K-giants. The far-infrared and millimeter continuum radiation is produced in the vicinity of the temperature minimum in a Boo and a Tau, offering a direct test of the model photospheres and chromospheres for these two cool giants. We find that current photospheric models predict fluxes in reasonable agreement with those observed for those wavelengths which sample the upper photosphere, namely less than or equal to 170 micrometers in alpha Tau and less than or equal to 125 micrometers in alpha Boo. It is possible that alpha Tau is still radiative as far as 0.9 - 1.4 millimeters. We detect chromospheric radiation from both stars by 2.8 millimeters (by 1.4 millimeters in alpha Boo), and are able to establish useful bounds on the location of the temperature minimum. An attempt to interpret the chromospheric fluxes using the two-component "bifurcation model" proposed by Wiedemann et al. (1994) appears to lead to a significant contradiction.

Cohen, Martin↗

Magnetic field decay in isolated neutron stars

Three mechanisms that promote the loss of magnetic flux from an isolated neutron star - Ohmic decay, ambipolar diffusion, and Hall drift - are investigated. Equations of motions are solved for charged particles in the presence of a magnetic field and a fixed background of neutrons, while allowing for the creation and destruction of particles by weak interactions. Although these equations apply to normal neutrons and protons, the present interpretations of their solutions are extended to cover cases of neutron superfluidity and proton superconductivity. The equations are manipulated to prove that, in the presence of a magnetic force, the charged particles cannot be simultaneously in magnetostatic equilibrium and chemical equilibrium with the neutrons. The application of the results to real neutron stars is discussed.

Goldreich, Peter↗