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At least 1,387 records · Page 77

Reconciling the stellar and nebular spectra of high-redshift galaxies

We present a combined analysis of rest-frame far-UV (FUV; 1000–2000 Å) and rest-frame optical (3600–7000 Å) composite spectra formed from very deep Keck/LRIS and Keck/MOSFIRE observations of a sample of 30 star-forming galaxies with z=2.40±0.11, selected to be broadly representative of the full KBSS-MOSFIRE spectroscopic survey. Since the same massive stars are responsible for the observed FUV continuum and for the excitation of the observed nebular emission, a self-consistent stellar population synthesis model should simultaneously match the details of the FUV stellar+nebular continuum and—when inserted as the excitation source in photoionization models—predict all observed nebular emission line ratios. We find that only models including massive star binaries, having low stellar metallicity (Z{sub ∗}/Z{sub ⊙}≃0.1) but relatively high nebular (ionized gas-phase) abundances (Z{sub neb}/Z{sub ⊙}≃0.5), can successfully match all of the observational constraints. We show that this apparent discrepancy is naturally explained by highly super-solar O/Fe (≃4--5 (O/Fe){sub ⊙}), expected for a gas whose enrichment is dominated by the products of core-collapse supernovae. While O dominates the physics of the ionized gas (and thus the nebular emission lines), Fe dominates the extreme-UV (EUV) and FUV opacity and controls the mass-loss rate from massive stars, resulting in particularly dramatic effects for massive stars in binary systems. This high nebular excitation—caused by the hard EUV spectra of Fe-poor massive stars—is much more common at high redshift (z≳2) than low redshift due to systematic differences in the star formation history of typical galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A hot big bang theory: magnetic fields and the early evolution of the protolunar disk

The leading theory for the formation of Earth’s Moon invokes a collision between a Mars-sized body and the proto-Earth to produce a disk of orbiting material that later condenses to form the Moon. We show that the disk opacity is large, and cooling is therefore inefficient (t{sub cool}Ω≫1). In this regime, angular momentum transport in the disk leads to steady heating unless α<(t{sub cool}Ω){sup −1}≪1. Following earlier work by Charnoz and Michaut, and Carballido et al., we show that once the disk is completely vaporized it is well coupled to the magnetic field. We consider a scenario in which turbulence driven by magnetic fields leads to a brief, hot phase where the disk is geometrically thick, with strong turbulent mixing. The disk cools by spreading until it decouples from the field. We point out that approximately half the accretion energy is dissipated in the boundary layer where the disk meets the Earth’s surface. This creates high entropy material close to the Earth, driving convection and mixing. Finally, a hot magnetized disk could drive bipolar outflows that remove mass and angular momentum from the Earth–Moon system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

L-band spectroscopy with magellan-AO/Clio2: first results on young low-mass companions

L-band spectroscopy is a powerful probe of cool low-gravity atmospheres: the P, Q, and R branch fundamental transitions of methane near 3.3 μm provide a sensitive probe of carbon chemistry; cloud thickness modifies the spectral slope across the band; and H{sub 3}{sup +} opacity can be used to detect aurorae. Many directly imaged gas-giant companions to nearby young stars exhibit L-band fluxes distinct from the field population of brown dwarfs at the same effective temperature. Here we describe commissioning the L-band spectroscopic mode of Clio2, the 1–5 μm instrument behind the Magellan adaptive-optics system. We use this system to measure L-band spectra of directly imaged companions. Our spectra are generally consistent with the parameters derived from previous near-infrared spectra for these late M to early L type objects. Therefore, deviations from the field sequence are constrained to occur below 1500 K. This range includes the L–T transition for field objects and suggests that observed discrepancies are due to differences in cloud structure and CO/CH{sub 4} chemistry.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A high fraction of Lyα emitters among galaxies with extreme emission line ratios at z ∼ 2

Star-forming galaxies form a sequence in the [O iii] λ5007/Hβ versus [N ii] λ6584/Hα diagnostic diagram, with low-metallicity, highly ionized galaxies falling in the upper left corner. Drawing from a large sample of UV-selected star-forming galaxies at z∼2 with rest-frame optical nebular emission line measurements from Keck-MOSFIRE, we select the extreme ∼5% of the galaxies lying in this upper left corner, requiring log([N ii]/Hα) ⩽−1.1 and log([O iii]/Hβ) ⩾ 0.75. These cuts identify galaxies with 12+log(O/H)≲8.0, when oxygen abundances are measured via the O3N2 diagnostic. We study the Lyα properties of the resulting sample of 14 galaxies. The mean (median) rest-frame Lyα equivalent width is 39 (36) Å, and 11 of the 14 objects (79%) are Lyα emitters (LAEs) with W{sub Lyα} >20 A-ring . We compare the equivalent width distribution of a sample of 522 UV-selected galaxies at 2.0<z<2.6 identified without regard to their optical line ratios; this sample has mean (median) Lyα equivalent width −1 (−4) Å, and only 9% of these galaxies qualify as LAEs. The extreme galaxies typically have lower attenuation at Lyα than those in the comparison sample and have ∼50% lower median oxygen abundances. Both factors are likely to facilitate the escape of Lyα: in less dusty galaxies Lyα photons are less likely to be absorbed during multiple scatterings, while the harder ionizing spectrum and higher ionization parameter associated with strong, low-metallicity star formation may reduce the covering fraction or column density of neutral hydrogen, further easing Lyα escape. The use of nebular emission line ratios may prove useful in the identification of galaxies with low opacity to Lyα photons across a range of redshifts.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

( Hinode Hinode) and IRIS observations of the magnetohydrodynamic waves propagating from the photosphere to the chromosphere in a sunspot

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves have been considered as energy sources for heating the solar chromosphere and the corona. Although MHD waves have been observed in the solar atmosphere, there are a lack of quantitative estimates on the energy transfer and dissipation in the atmosphere. We performed simultaneous Hinode and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph observations of a sunspot umbra to derive the upward energy fluxes at two different atmospheric layers (photosphere and lower transition region) and estimate the energy dissipation. The observations revealed some properties of the observed periodic oscillations in physical quantities, such as their phase relations, temporal behaviors, and power spectra, making a conclusion that standing slow-mode waves are dominant at the photosphere with their high-frequency leakage, which is observed as upward waves at the chromosphere and the lower transition region. Our estimates of upward energy fluxes are 2.0×10{sup 7} erg cm{sup −2} s{sup −1} at the photospheric level and 8.3×10{sup 4} erg cm{sup −2} s{sup −1} at the lower transition region level. The difference between the energy fluxes is larger than the energy required to maintain the chromosphere in the sunspot umbrae, suggesting that the observed waves can make a crucial contribution to the heating of the chromosphere in the sunspot umbrae. In contrast, the upward energy flux derived at the lower transition region level is smaller than the energy flux required for heating the corona, implying that we may need another heating mechanism. We should, however, note a possibility that the energy dissipated at the chromosphere might be overestimated because of the opacity effect.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

THE NuSTAR X-RAY SPECTRUM OF HERCULES X-1: A RADIATION-DOMINATED RADIATIVE SHOCK

We report on new spectral modeling of the accreting X-ray pulsar Hercules X-1. Our radiation-dominated radiative shock model is an implementation of the analytic work of Becker and Wolff on Comptonized accretion flows onto magnetic neutron stars. We obtain a good fit to the spin-phase-averaged 4–78 keV X-ray spectrum observed by the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array during a main-on phase of the Her X-1 35 day accretion disk precession period. This model allows us to estimate the accretion rate, the Comptonizing temperature of the radiating plasma, the radius of the magnetic polar cap, and the average scattering opacity parameters in the accretion column. This is in contrast to previous phenomenological models that characterized the shape of the X-ray spectrum, but could not determine the physical parameters of the accretion flow. We describe the spectral fitting details and discuss the interpretation of the accretion flow physical parameters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A new multi-energy neutrino radiation-hydrodynamics code in full general relativity and its application to the gravitational collapse of massive stars

We present a new multi-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics code for massive stellar core-collapse in full general relativity (GR). Employing an M1 analytical closure scheme, we solve spectral neutrino transport of the radiation energy and momentum based on a truncated moment formalism. Regarding neutrino opacities, we take into account a baseline set in state-of-the-art simulations, in which inelastic neutrino–electron scattering, thermal neutrino production via pair annihilation, and nucleon–nucleon bremsstrahlung are included. While the Einstein field equations and the spatial advection terms in the radiation-hydrodynamics equations are evolved explicitly, the source terms due to neutrino–matter interactions and energy shift in the radiation moment equations are integrated implicitly by an iteration method. To verify our code, we first perform a series of standard radiation tests with analytical solutions that include the check of gravitational redshift and Doppler shift. A good agreement in these tests supports the reliability of the GR multi-energy neutrino transport scheme. We then conduct several test simulations of core-collapse, bounce, and shock stall of a 15M{sub ⊙} star in the Cartesian coordinates and make a detailed comparison with published results. Our code performs quite well to reproduce the results of full Boltzmann neutrino transport especially before bounce. In the postbounce phase, our code basically performs well, however, there are several differences that are most likely to come from the insufficient spatial resolution in our current 3D-GR models. For clarifying the resolution dependence and extending the code comparison in the late postbounce phase, we discuss that next-generation Exaflops class supercomputers are needed at least.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

SPIRAL STRUCTURE AND DIFFERENTIAL DUST SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN THE LkHα 330 DISK

Dust trapping accelerates the coagulation of dust particles, and, thus, it represents an initial step toward the formation of planetesimals. We report H-band (1.6 μm) linear polarimetric observations and 0.87 mm interferometric continuum observations toward a transitional disk around LkHα 330. As a result, a pair of spiral arms were detected in the H-band emission, and an asymmetric (potentially arm-like) structure was detected in the 0.87 mm continuum emission. We discuss the origin of the spiral arm and the asymmetric structure and suggest that a massive unseen planet is the most plausible explanation. The possibility of dust trapping and grain growth causing the asymmetric structure was also investigated through the opacity index (β) by plotting the observed spectral energy distribution slope between 0.87 mm from our Submillimeter Array observation and 1.3 mm from literature. The results imply that grains are indistinguishable from interstellar medium-like dust in the east side (β=2.0±0.5) but are much smaller in the west side β=0.7 -0.4 +0.5 , indicating differential dust size distribution between the two sides of the disk. Combining the results of near-infrared and submillimeter observations, we conjecture that the spiral arms exist at the upper surface and an asymmetric structure resides in the disk interior. Future observations at centimeter wavelengths and differential polarization imaging in other bands (Y–K) with extreme AO imagers are required to understand how large dust grains form and to further explore the dust distribution in the disk.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Material Properties for the Interiors of Massive Giant Planets and Brown Dwarfs

Here, we present thermodynamic material and transport properties for the extreme conditions prevalent in the interiors of massive giant planets and brown dwarfs. They are obtained from extensive ab initio simulations of hydrogen–helium mixtures along the isentropes of three representative objects. In particular, we determine the heat capacities, the thermal expansion coefficient, the isothermal compressibility, and the sound velocity. Important transport properties such as the electrical and thermal conductivity, opacity, and shear viscosity are also calculated. Further results for associated quantities, including magnetic and thermal diffusivity, kinematic shear viscosity, as well as the static Love number k 2 and the equidistance, are presented. In comparison to Jupiter-mass planets, the behavior inside massive giant planets and brown dwarfs is stronger dominated by degenerate matter. We discuss the implications on possible dynamics and magnetic fields of those massive objects. The consistent data set compiled here may serve as a starting point to obtain material and transport properties for other substellar H–He objects with masses above one Jovian mass and finally may be used as input for dynamo simulations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Spectroscopic Redshift of the Gamma-Ray Blazar B2 1215+30 from Lyα Emission

We report on Cosmic Origin Spectrograph observations of the gamma-ray bright blazar B2 1215+30, collected in 2015 November. These observations allow for the confirmation of the source redshift from the detection of a Lyα emission feature at λ ∼ 1374 Å. The emission feature places the source at a redshift of z = 0.1305 ± 0.003, confirming the source’s ground-based spectral measurement. The gamma-ray emission of the source is discussed in the context of the source distance, required for the accurate reconstruction of the intrinsic gamma-ray emission taking the absorption by the extragalactic background light into account. The source distance is found to be low enough that the previously reported detection of an exceptional flaring event from B2 1215+30 in 2014 cannot be used to investigate opacity-specific spectral and variability characteristics introduced by possible ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray propagation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Retrieving Temperatures and Abundances of Exoplanet Atmospheres with High-resolution Cross-correlation Spectroscopy

High-resolution spectroscopy (R ≥ 25,000) has recently emerged as one of the leading methods for detecting atomic and molecular species in the atmospheres of exoplanets. However, it has so far been lacking a robust method for extracting quantitative constraints on the temperature structure and molecular/atomic abundances. In this work, we present a novel Bayesian atmospheric retrieval framework applicable to high-resolution cross-correlation spectroscopy (HRCCS) that relies on the cross-correlation between data and models to extract the planetary spectral signal. We successfully test the framework on simulated data and show that it can correctly determine Bayesian credibility intervals on atmospheric temperatures and abundances, allowing for a quantitative exploration of the inherent degeneracies. Furthermore, our new framework permits us to trivially combine and explore the synergies between HRCCS and low-resolution spectroscopy to maximally leverage the information contained within each. This framework also allows us to quantitatively assess the impact of molecular line opacities at high resolution. We apply the framework to VLT CRIRES K-band spectra of HD 209458 b and HD 189733 b and retrieve abundant carbon monoxide but subsolar abundances for water, which are largely invariant under different model assumptions. This confirms previous analysis of these data sets, but is possibly at odds with detections of H{sub 2}O at different wavelengths and spectral resolutions. The framework presented here is the first step toward a true synergy between space observatories and ground-based high-resolution observations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

On Degeneracies in Retrievals of Exoplanetary Transmission Spectra

Accurate estimations of atmospheric properties of exoplanets from transmission spectra require the understanding of degeneracies between model parameters and observations that can resolve them. We conduct a systematic investigation of such degeneracies using a combination of detailed atmospheric retrievals and a range of model assumptions, focusing on H{sub 2}-rich atmospheres. As a case study, we consider the well-studied hot Jupiter HD 209458 b. We perform extensive retrievals with models ranging from simple isothermal and isobaric atmospheres to those with full pressure–temperature profiles, inhomogeneous cloud/haze coverage, multiple-molecular species, and data in the optical–infrared wavelengths. Our study reveals four key insights. First, we find that a combination of models with minimal assumptions and broadband transmission spectra with current facilities allows precise estimates of chemical abundances. In particular, high-precision optical and infrared spectra, along with models including variable cloud coverage and prominent opacity sources, with Na and K being important in the optical, provide joint constraints on cloud/haze properties and chemical abundances. Second, we show that the degeneracy between planetary radius and its reference pressure is well characterized and has little effect on abundance estimates, contrary to previous claims using semi-analytic models. Third, collision-induced absorption due to H{sub 2}–H{sub 2} and H{sub 2}–He interactions plays a critical role in correctly estimating atmospheric abundances. Finally, our results highlight the inadequacy of simplified semi-analytic models with isobaric assumptions for reliable retrievals of transmission spectra. Transmission spectra obtained with current facilities such as the Hubble Space Telescope and Very Large Telescope can provide strong constraints on atmospheric abundances of exoplanets.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Into the UV: A Precise Transmission Spectrum of HAT-P-41b Using Hubble’s WFC3/UVIS G280 Grism

The ultraviolet–visible wavelength range holds critical spectral diagnostics for the chemistry and physics at work in planetary atmospheres. To date, time-series studies of exoplanets to characterize their atmospheres have relied on several combinations of modes on the Hubble Space Telescope’s STIS/COS instruments to access this wavelength regime. Here for the first time, we apply the Hubble WFC3/UVIS G280 grism mode to obtain exoplanet spectroscopy from 200 to 800 nm in a single observation. We test the G280 grism mode on the hot Jupiter HAT-P-41b over two consecutive transits to determine its viability for the characterization of exoplanet atmospheres. We obtain a broadband transit depth precision of 29–33 ppm and a precision of on average 200 ppm in 10 nm spectroscopic bins. Spectral information from the G280 grism can be extracted from both the positive and negative first-order spectra, resulting in a 60% increase in the measurable flux. Additionally, the first Hubble Space Telescope orbit can be fully utilized in the time-series analysis. We present detailed extraction and reduction methods for use by future investigations with this mode, testing multiple techniques. We find the results to be fully consistent with STIS measurements of HAT-P-41b from 310 to 800 nm, with the G280 results representing a more observationally efficient and precise spectrum. HAT-P-41b’s transmission spectrum is best fit with a model with T {sub eq} = 2091 K, high metallicity, and significant scattering and cloud opacity. With these first-of-their-kind observations, we demonstrate that WFC3/UVIS G280 is a powerful new tool to obtain UV–optical spectra of exoplanet atmospheres, adding to the UV legacy of Hubble and complementing future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Lithium in T Coronae Borealis

T Coronae Borealis is a recurrent, symbiotic nova system currently in quiescence between its periodic ≈80 yr cycle of eruptions. Observations during inter-outburst epochs provide an opportunity to study properties of the accretion disk and the M red giant. Here we present new irradiated (blackbody veiling) models, incorporating modern molecular opacities and line lists, of spectra derived from high-resolution (22,000 ≲ R ≲ 120,000) optical echelle observations obtained at two epochs, one prior to and one post the 2015 rebrightening event at similar spectroscopic system phase. We find a lithium abundance in the secondary at both epochs to be comparable. The non-irradiated (classical) model atmospheres yield a lithium abundance, A(Li) = 1.3 ± 0.1. The irradiated model (veiled) atmospheres, which are likely a better representation of the system in which the white dwarf and accretion disk illuminate the red giant, give A(Li) = 2.4 ± 0.1.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

ARES. III. Unveiling the Two Faces of KELT-7 b with HST WFC3

We present the analysis of the hot-Jupiter KELT-7 b using transmission and emission spectroscopy from the Hubble Space Telescope, both taken with the Wide Field Camera 3. Our study uncovers a rich transmission spectrum that is consistent with a cloud-free atmosphere and suggests the presence of H{sub 2}O and H{sup −}. In contrast, the extracted emission spectrum does not contain strong absorption features and, although it is not consistent with a simple blackbody, it can be explained by a varying temperature–pressure profile, collision induced absorption, and H{sup −}. KELT-7 b had also been studied with other space-based instruments and we explore the effects of introducing these additional data sets. Further observations with Hubble, or the next generation of space-based telescopes, are needed to allow for the optical opacity source in transmission to be confirmed and for molecular features to be disentangled in emission.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

A Search for FeH in Hot-Jupiter Atmospheres with High-dispersion Spectroscopy

Most of the molecules detected thus far in exoplanet atmospheres, such as water and CO, are present for a large range of pressures and temperatures. In contrast, metal hydrides exist in much more specific regimes of parameter space, and so can be used as probes of atmospheric conditions. Iron hydride (FeH) is a dominant source of opacity in low-mass stars and brown dwarfs, and evidence for its existence in exoplanets has recently been observed at low resolution. We performed a systematic search of archival CARMENES near-infrared data for signatures of FeH during transits of 12 exoplanets. These planets span a large range of equilibrium temperatures (600 ≲ T eq ≲ 4000 K) and surface gravities (2.5 ≲ logg ≲ 3.5). We did not find a statistically significant FeH signal in any of the atmospheres, but obtained potential low-confidence signals (signal-to-noise ratio ~ 3) in two planets, WASP-33b and MASCARA-2b. Previous modeling of exoplanet atmospheres indicate that the highest volume mixing ratios (VMRs) of 10 -7 to 10 -9 are expected for temperatures between 1800 and 3000 K and log g≳3. The two planets for which we find low-confidence signals are in the regime where strong FeH absorption is expected. We performed injection and recovery tests for each planet and determined that FeH would be detected in every planet for VMRs &NestedGreaterGreater;10 -6 , and could be detected in some planets for VMRs as low as 10 -9.5 . Additional observations are necessary to conclusively detect FeH and assess its role in the temperature structures of hot-Jupiter atmospheres.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

An Asymmetric Eclipse Seen toward the Pre-main-sequence Binary System V928 Tau

K2 observations of the weak-lined T Tauri binary V928 Tau A and B show the detection of a single, asymmetric eclipse, which may be due to a previously unknown substellar companion eclipsing one component of the binary with an orbital period >66 days. Over an interval of about 9 hr, one component of the binary dims by around 60%, returning to its normal brightness about 5 hr later. From modeling of the eclipse shape, we find evidence that the eclipsing companion may be surrounded by a disk or a vast ring system. The modeled disk has a radius of 0.9923 ± 0.0005 R&lowast;, with an inclination of 56.°78 ± 0.°03, a tilt of 41.°22 ± 0.°05, an impact parameter of -0.2506 ± 0.0002 R&lowast;, and an opacity of 1.00. The occulting disk must also move at a transverse velocity of 6.637 ± 0.002 R&lowast; day -1 , which, depending on whether it orbits V928 Tau A or B, corresponds to approximately 73.53 or 69.26 km s -1 . A search in ground-based archival data reveals additional dimming events, some of which suggest periodicity, but no unambiguous period associated with the eclipse observed by K2. We present a new epoch of astrometry that is used to further refine the orbit of the binary, presenting a new lower bound of 67 yr, and constraints on the possible orbital periods of the eclipsing companion. The binary is also separated by 18' (~2250 au) from the lower-mass CFHT-BD-Tau 7, which is likely associated with V928 Tau A and B. We also present new high-dispersion optical spectroscopy that we use to characterize the unresolved stellar binary.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

WASP-107b’s Density Is Even Lower: A Case Study for the Physics of Planetary Gas Envelope Accretion and Orbital Migration

With a mass in the Neptune regime and a radius of Jupiter, WASP-107b presents a challenge to planet formation theories. Meanwhile, the planet’s low surface gravity and the star’s brightness also make it one of the most favorable targets for atmospheric characterization. Here, we present the results of an extensive 4 yr Keck/HIRES radial-velocity (RV) follow-up program of the WASP-107 system and provide a detailed study of the physics governing the accretion of the gas envelope of WASP-107b. We reveal that WASP-107b’s mass is only 1.8 Neptune masses (M {sub b} = 30.5 ± 1.7 M {sub ⊕}). The resulting extraordinarily low density suggests that WASP-107b has a H/He envelope mass fraction of >85% unless it is substantially inflated. The corresponding core mass of <4.6 M {sub ⊕} at 3σ is significantly lower than what is traditionally assumed to be necessary to trigger massive gas envelope accretion. We demonstrate that this large gas-to-core mass ratio most plausibly results from the onset of accretion at ≳1 au onto a low-opacity, dust-free atmosphere and subsequent migration to the present-day a {sub b} = 0.0566 ± 0.0017 au. Beyond WASP-107b, we also detect a second, more massive planet (M{sub c}sin i=0.36±0.04M{sub J}) on a wide eccentric orbit (e {sub c} = 0.28 ± 0.07) that may have influenced the orbital migration and spin–orbit misalignment of WASP-107b. Overall, our new RV observations and envelope accretion modeling provide crucial insights into the intriguing nature of WASP-107b and the system’s formation history. Looking ahead, WASP-107b will be a keystone planet to understand the physics of gas envelope accretion.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗