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NASA NTRS1992

Dust-gas interactions and the infrared emission from hot astrophysical plasmas

Environments where the presence of dust is primarily inferred from its collisional interactions with the ambient gas are reviewed with emphasis on environments typically encountered behind fast (100 km/s or greater) shocks and in hot (few 10 exp 5 K) plasmas in galactic halos, some elliptical galaxies, or the intergalactic medium of galaxy clusters. The discussion covers interactions between dust grains and a hot gas, grain temperatures and infrared emission, supernova remnants and supershells, and dust and hot gas in, around, and between galaxies. Finally, future prospects in the field are briefly discussed.

Dwek, Eli↗

NASA NTRS1993

An X-ray image of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy

A ROSAT X-ray observation of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy is presented. A total of 19 sources are identified, one of which is a probable background galaxy cluster. This is consistent with the number expected due to the extragalactic background. Scaling in luminosity from normal ellipticals and bulges, we would expect to see at most one accreting binary source. This is consistent with our results, and implies that the IMF was not heavily biased towards massive stars. Scaling instead from globular clusters, we would expect eight sources in Fornax in the energy range 10 exp 36 - 10 exp 38 erg/s. We observe none. The low-density environment of the dwarf galaxy evidently does not produce a population of accreting neutron stars through star-star collisions. We place an upper limit of 4 x 10 exp -12 erg sq cm s on any diffuse gas component, corresponding to 10 exp 5 solar mass of gas at 107 K. However, if heated to X-ray temperatures, gas could escape Fornax.

Gizis, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A quantitative approach to the topology of large-scale structure

A quantitative measure of the topology of large-scale structure: the genus of density contours in a smoothed density distribution, is described and applied. For random phase (Gaussian) density fields, the mean genus per unit volume exhibits a universal dependence on threshold density, with a normalizing factor that can be calculated from the power spectrum. If large-scale structure formed from the gravitational instability of small-amplitude density fluctuations, the topology observed today on suitable scales should follow the topology in the initial conditions. The technique is illustrated by applying it to simulations of galaxy clustering in a flat universe dominated by cold dark matter. The technique is also applied to a volume-limited sample of the CfA redshift survey and to a model in which galaxies reside on the surfaces of polyhedral 'bubbles'. The topology of the evolved mass distribution and 'biased' galaxy distribution in the cold dark matter models closely matches the topology of the density fluctuations in the initial conditions. The topology of the observational sample is consistent with the random phase, cold dark matter model.

Gott, J. Richard, III↗

NASA NTRS2005

"Cosmological Parameters from Large Scale Structure"

This grant has provided primary support for graduate student Mark Neyrinck, and some support for the PI and for colleague Nick Gnedin, who helped co-supervise Neyrinck. This award had two major goals. First, to continue to develop and apply methods for measuring galaxy power spectra on large, linear scales, with a view to constraining cosmological parameters. And second, to begin try to understand galaxy clustering at smaller. nonlinear scales well enough to constrain cosmology from those scales also. Under this grant, the PI and collaborators, notably Max Tegmark. continued to improve their technology for measuring power spectra from galaxy surveys at large, linear scales. and to apply the technology to surveys as the data become available. We believe that our methods are best in the world. These measurements become the foundation from which we and other groups measure cosmological parameters.

Hamilton, A. J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Infrared Line Emission from Molecular Gas Heated by X-Rays and Energetic Electrons

"I propose to carry out a detailed study using infrared observations (and in some cases, optical and ultraviolet observations) of dense interstellar gas exposed to intense fluxes of X-rays and/or energetic electrons. This is undoubtedly the dominant source of line emission for clouds exposed to X-rays from active galactic nuclei, supernova shocks, or embedded X-ray sources (e.g., X-ray binaries), or to high-temperature or relativistic electrons in galaxy clusters, near powerful radio sources, or supernova remnants. Detailed physical and chemical models of such clouds will be used to analyze infrared observations of the Great Annihilator X-ray source in the Galactic Center, cD galaxies in massive cooling flows, and the nuclei of Seyfert galaxies which will be obtained with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), UV and optical observations of the Crab Nebula obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, and ground-based near-infrared observations of Seyfert nuclei. Results from this work will also be of great relevance to observations obtained with the Submillimeter Wave Astronomical Satellite (SWAS). In the first year of funding of this proposal, my chief collaborators (D.J. Hollenbach and A.G.G.M. Tielens, both of NASA Ames Research Center) and I concentrated on completing our models of the physical conditions in, and the resulting line emission from, dense gas irradiated by X-rays. As noted in the original proposal, some important physical processes were not yet thoroughly incorporated into our models at the time of submission. We completed our modeling of the physical conditions and line emission for essentially the entire range of parameter space (five orders of magnitude in X-ray flux to gas density ratio) occupied by typical dense interstellar clouds in which the gas is mostly neutral and X-rays are important for the ionization, chemistry, and thermal balance.

Maloney, Philip R.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Lens Model and Source Reconstruction Reveal the Morphology and Star Formation Distribution in the Cool Spiral LIRG SGAS J143845.1+145407

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging and grism spectroscopy of a strongly lensed LIRG at z = 0.816, SGAS 143845.1+145407, and use the magnification boost of gravitational lensing to study the distribution of star formation throughout this galaxy. Based on the HST imaging data, we create a lens model for this system; we compute the mass distribution and magnification map of the z = 0.237 foreground lens. We find that the magnification of the lensed galaxy ranges between 2 and 10, with a total magnification (measured over all the images of the source) of μ = ${11.8}_{-2.4}^{+4.6}$. We find that the total projected mass density within ∼34 kpc of the brightest cluster galaxy is 6.0(+0.3,-0.7) x 10^(12)Mꙩ. Using the lens model we create a source reconstruction for SGAS 143845.1+145407, which, paired with a faint detection of Hα in the grism spectroscopy, allows us to finally comment directly on the distribution of star formation in a z ∼ 1 LIRG. We find widespread star formation across this galaxy, in agreement with the current understanding of these objects. However, we note a deficit of Hα emission in the nucleus of SGAS 143845.1+145407, likely due to dust extinction.

Samuel J. Dunham↗

NASA NTRS2004

An 80 Mpc Filament of Galaxies at Redshift z=2.38

We present the detection of 34 Lyman-alpha emission-line galaxy candidates in a 80 x 80 x 60 co-moving Mpc region surrounding the known z=2.38 galaxy cluster J2143-4423. We have confirmed 15 of these candidates in followup spectroscopy with 2dF at the AAT. The peak space density is a factor of 4 greater than that found by field samples at similar redshifts. The distribution of these galaxy candidates contains several 5-10 Mpc scale voids. We compare our observations with mock catalogs derived from the VIRGO consortium Lambda-CDM N-body simulations. Fewer than 1\% of the mock catalogues contains voids as large as we observe. Our observations thus tentatively suggest that the galaxy distribution at redshift 2.38 contains larger voids than predicted by current models. The distribution of galaxies suggests a filament or cross-section of a great wall at least 80 x 10 Mpc in transverse extent. Three of the candidate galaxies and one previously discovered galaxy have the large luminosities and extended morphologies of "Lyman-alpha blobs". X-ray properties and physical characteristics of those blobs will be discussed in an accompanying poster by Williger et al.

Woodgate, B.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Gravitational lensing limits on the cosmological constant in a flat universe

Inflationary cosmological theories predict, and some more general aesthetic criteria suggest, that the large-scale spatial curvature of the universe k should be accurately zero (i.e., flat), a condition which is satisfied when the universe's present mean density and the value of the cosmological constant Lambda have certain pairs of values. Available data on the frequency of multiple image-lensing of high-redshift quasars by galaxies suggest that the cosmological constant cannot make a dominant contribution to producing a flat universe. In particular, if the mean density of the universe is as small as the baryon density inferred from standard cosmic nucleosynthesis calculations or as determined from typical dynamical studies of galaxies and galaxy clusters, then a value of Lambda large enough to produce a k = 0 universe would result in a substantially higher frequency of multiple-image lensing of quasars than has been observed so far. Shortcomings of the available lens data and uncertainties concerning galaxy properties allow some possibility of escaping this conclusion, but systematic searches for a gravitational lenses and continuing investigations of galaxy mass distributions should soon provide decisive information. It is also noted that nonzero-curvature cosmological models can account for the observed frequency of galaxy-quasar lens systems and for a variety of other constraints.

Turner, Edwin L.↗

NASA NTRS1975

The spectral energy distribution of NGC 1275

An analysis of absolute spectral energy distributions of interstellar gas for a galaxy (NGC 1275) is presented. Infrared spectra data shows heavy reddening. It is proposed that the interstellar gas may be ionized by shock waves or by nonthermal or stellar radiation. It is suggested, that high velocity, emission-line knots are H2 regions in a Perseus cluster galaxy or intergalactic gas cloud seen in projection against NGC 1275.

Shields, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Shedding light on baryonic dark matter

Halo dark matter, if it is baryonic, may plausibly consist of compact stellar remnants. Jeans mass clouds containing 10 to the 6th to 10 to the 8th solar masses could have efficiently formed stars in the early universe and could plausibly have generated, for a suitably top-heavy stellar initial mass function, a high abundance of neutron stars as well as a small admixture of long-lived low mass stars. Within the resulting clusters of dark remnants, which eventually are tidally disrupted when halos eventually form, captures of neutron stars by nondegenerate stars resulted in formation of close binaries. These evolve to produce, by the present epoch, an observable X-ray signal associated with dark matter aggregations in galaxy cluster cores.

Silk, Joseph↗

NASA NTRS1988

An X-ray and radio study of steep-spectrum radio soruces. I - Four fields from the Clark Lake Observatory 26 MHz survey

A multifrequency study of fields containing steep-spectrum radio sources is presented. New spectral and spatial data are used to determine the locations and optical identifications of steep-spectrum sources which previously had either poor positions or questionable correspondence to known sources. X-ray images from the Einstein Observatory provide estimates of the extent, temperature, density, and thermal pressure of hot gas associated with galaxies and clusters of galaxies. From the equations relating synchrotron emission to inverse Compton scattering of 3 K background photons, lower limits to the average magnetic field strength in the source are derived. For the resolved radio sources of known distance, the minimum nonthermal pressure and the corresponding magnetic field strength are also calculated. For the four fields discussed in this paper, it is found that three out of five steep-spectrum sources are embedded in a cluster atmosphere and two are unidentified. Except for unresolved radio structures associated with cores of galaxies, the estimated thermal pressure is sufficient to confine the radio sources.

Harris, D. E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

ROSAT observations of clusters with wide-angle tailed radio sources

The goal of these ROSAT PSPC pointed observations was to understand the nature of X-ray emission associated clusters that contain luminous wide-angle tailed (WAT) radio sources identified with the centrally dominant cluster galaxies. These 500 kpc diameter radio sources are strongly affected by confinement and interaction with the intracluster medium. So, a complete picture of the origin and evolution of these radio sources is not possible without detailed X-ray observations which sample the distribution and temperature of the surrounding hot gas. Two WAT clusters have been observed with the ROSAT PSPC to date. The first is Abell 2634 which contains the WAT 3C 465 and was approved for observations in AO-1. Unfortunately, these observations were broken into two widely separated pieces in time. The first data set containing about 9000 sec of integration arrived in mid-March, 1992. The second data set containing about 10,500 sec arrived just recently in early April (after a first tape was destroyed in the mail). The second cluster is 1919+479 which was approved for observations in AO-2. These ROSAT data arrived in October 1992.

Burns, Jack O.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Stellar Populations in Compact Galaxy Groups: a Multi-wavelength Study of HCGs 16, 22, and 42, Their Star Clusters, and Dwarf Galaxies

We present a multi-wavelength analysis of three compact galaxy groups, Hickson compact groups (HCGs) 16, 22, and 42, which describe a sequence in terms of gas richness, from space- (Swift, Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and Spitzer) and ground-based (Las Campanas Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory) imaging and spectroscopy.We study various signs of past interactions including a faint, dusty tidal feature about HCG 16A, which we tentatively age-date at <1 Gyr. This represents the possible detection of a tidal feature at the end of its phase of optical observability. Our HST images also resolve what were thought to be double nuclei in HCG 16C and D into multiple, distinct sources, likely to be star clusters. Beyond our phenomenological treatment, we focus primarily on contrasting the stellar populations across these three groups. The star clusters show a remarkable intermediate-age population in HCG 22, and identify the time at which star formation was quenched in HCG 42. We also search for dwarf galaxies at accordant redshifts. The inclusion of 33 members and 27 "associates" (possible members) radically changes group dynamical masses, which in turn may affect previous evolutionary classifications. The extended membership paints a picture of relative isolation in HCGs 16 and 22, but shows HCG 42 to be part of a larger structure, following a dichotomy expected from recent studies. We conclude that (1) star cluster populations provide an excellent metric of evolutionary state, as they can age-date the past epochs of star formation; and (2) the extended dwarf galaxy population must be considered in assessing the dynamical state of a compact group.

Compact Galaxy↗

NASA NTRS1992

The asymmetric distribution of satellite galaxy velocities

Companion galaxies tend to have redshifts that exceed that of their associated primary. We show that the latest sample of satellite galaxies (from Zaritsky et al.) corroborates this assertion. We examine whether selection biases and contamination by galaxies that are not physical satellites can create the observed velocity asymmetry. As shown by Valtonen and Byrd (1986) for previous samples, simple models of the selection process reproduce the sense of the asymmetry, but not its magnitude unless the samples are dominated by interlopers. We expand on this model by using numerical simulations that include a simple model of galaxy clustering, and demonstrate that clustering can increase the magnitude of the expected asymmetry for a particular level of contamination. Depending on input assumptions, these models imply 1 sigma lower limits on the contamination level in the Zaritsky et al. (1992) sample of between 8 and 20 percent. Using the results from the analysis of that sample and the models, we conclude that, for the type of satellite galaxy sample discussed, here, a moderate level of contamination (about 10 percent) is sufficient to account for the observed asymmetry.

Zaritsky, Dennis↗

NASA NTRS1980

The Einstein Observatory - New perspectives in astronomy

The impact of high-resolution, high-sensitivity X-ray measurements obtained by the Einstein Observatory (HEAO-2) on various areas of astronomical research is discussed. Following a review of the Einstein instruments based on grazing incidence focusing X-ray optics, including the telescope, imaging detectors and spectrometers, consideration is given to observations of X-ray emission from stellar systems, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. Einstein results concerning the X-ray luminosities of young O, B and A stars and late K and M stars, the temperature, composition and distribution of material ejected in supernova explosions and comprising the interstellar medium, the formation and evolution of stellar systems and galaxies, the energy source of quasars and active galactic nuclei and the mass distribution in galactic clusters are indicated. Substantial progress made possible by the high-resolution observations of the diffuse X-ray background in cosmological research is also noted.

Giacconi, R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Fundamental tests of galaxy formation theory

The structure of the universe as an environment where traces exist of the seed fluctuations from which galaxies formed is studied. The evolution of the density fluctuation modes that led to the eventual formation of matter inhomogeneities is reviewed, How the resulting clumps developed into galaxies and galaxy clusters acquiring characteristic masses, velocity dispersions, and metallicities, is discussed. Tests are described that utilize the large scale structure of the universe, including the dynamics of the local supercluster, the large scale matter distribution, and the anisotropy of the cosmic background radiation, to probe the earliest accessible stages of evolution. Finally, the role of particle physics is described with regard to its observable implications for galaxy formation.

Silk, J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Observations of surface-brightness fluctuations in Virgo

VRI photometric observations of surface-brightness fluctuation in 13 Virgo Cluster galaxies, M32, and NGC 3379, obtained using an 800 x 800 CCD array on the 4-m telescope at KPNO during March 1989, are reported. The data-reduction techniques are described in detail, and the results are presented in tables and graphs. Particular attention is given to distance estimates derived from the I-band fluctuations: it is shown that NGC 4365 is behind the cluster, while NGC 4468 and NGC 4489 are in the foreground. The average distance to the cluster is found to be 17 + or - 1 Mpc, with H0 = 78 + or - 6 km/sec Mpc; the corresponding values from a direct isochrone calibration are 21 Mpc and 64 + or - 5 km/sec Mpc.

Tonry, John L.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The radio properties of cD galaxies in Abell clusters. I - An X-ray selected sample

The radio and X-ray properties of a sample of 27 cD galaxies in rich clusters are presented. The radio data consist of 6 cm VLA maps at a resolution of 1-2 arcsec. The X-ray data consist of images and surface-brightness profiles from the Einstein IPC and derived quantities such as cooling times, mass-accretion rates, and thermal pressures from Arnaud (1988). These data are used to explore the relationship between X-ray cooling cores, and the power and morphology of the radio emission. It is found that 71 percent of the cD's with X-ray cooling cores are radio loud, whereas a smaller but still significant 23 percent of cD's without cooling cores are detected at 6 cm above 0.2 mJy. Among the radio galaxies in noncooling core clusters are luminous and extended wide-angle tails. There is a weak correlation between the mass-accretion rate and the radio power for cD's. There is also an interesting class of cooling core cluster (e.g., A2052) with small diameter, amorphous radio emission that may be the result of diffusion along radial magnetic fields set up in cooling inflows. Finally, the relationships between optical emission-line luminosity with radio power and mass-accretion rate are examined.

Burns, Jack O.↗