ALMA Band Research Articles

ALMA view of the12C/13C isotopic ratio in starburst galaxies

We derive molecular-gas-phase12C/13C isotope ratios for the central few hundred parsecs of the three nearby starburst galaxies NGC 253, NGC 1068, and NGC 4945 making use of theλ ∼ 3 mm12CN and13CNN= 1–0 lines in the ALMA Band 3. The12C/13C isotopic ratios derived from the ratios of these lines range from 30 to 67 with an average of 41.6 ± 0.2 in NGC 253, from 24 to 62 with an average of 38.3 ± 0.4 in NGC 1068, and from 6 to 44 with an average of 16.9 ± 0.3 in NGC 4945. The highest12C/13C isotopic ratios are determined in some of the outskirts of the nuclear regions of the three starburst galaxies. The lowest ratios are associated with the northeastern and southwestern molecular peaks of NGC 253, the northeastern and southwestern edge of the mapped region in NGC 1068, and the very center of NGC 4945. In the case of NGC 1068, the measured ratios suggest inflow from the outer part of NGC 1068 into the circum-nuclear disk through both the halo and the bar. Low12C/13C isotopic ratios in the central regions of these starburst galaxies indicate the presence of highly processed material.

No signs of star formation being regulated in the most luminous quasars at z ∼ 2 with ALMA

ABSTRACT We present ALMA Band 7 observations at $850\, \mu$m of 20 luminous ($\log \, L_{\rm bol}\,\gt\, 46.9$ [erg s−1]) unobscured quasars at z ∼ 2. We detect continuum emission for 19/20 quasars. After subtracting an AGN contribution, we measure the total far-IR luminosity for 18 quasars, assuming a modified blackbody model, and attribute the emission as indicative of the star formation rate (SFR). Our sample can be characterized with a lognormal SFR distribution having a mean of 140 M⊙ yr−1 and a dispersion of 0.5 dex. Based on an inference of their stellar masses, the SFRs are similar, in both the mean and dispersion, with star-forming main-sequence galaxies at the equivalent epoch. Thus, there is no evidence for a systematic enhancement or suppression (i.e. regulation or quenching) of star formation in the hosts of the most luminous quasars at z ∼ 2. These results are consistent with the Magneticum cosmological simulation, while in disagreement with a widely recognized phenomenological model that predicts higher SFRs than observed here based on the high bolometric luminosities of this sample. Furthermore, there is only a weak relation between SFR and accretion rate on to their supermassive black holes both for average and individual measurements. We interpret these results as indicative of star formation and quasar accretion being fed from the available gas reservoir(s) in their host with a disconnect due to their different physical sizes, temporal scales, and means of gas processing.

Orion-KL Observations with the Extended Tuning Range of the New SEPIA660 APEX Facility Instrument

During Science Verification of the new SEPIA660 facility receiver at APEX, we carried out a shallow line survey of the archetypal Kleinmann- Low Nebula in the Orion star forming region (Orion-KL). These observations cover the tuning range towards the band edges, which has recently been extended beyond ALMA Band 9 specifications. At these frequencies, atmospheric transmission is very low but still sufficient to detect bright lines in Orion-KL. We present the collected spectra and compare with surveys from the literature, demonstrating the capabilities of the instrument.

ALMA Deep Field in the SSA22 proto-cluster at z = 3

AbstractGalaxies and nuclei in dense environment at high redshift provide a good laboratory to investigate accelerated, most extreme evolution of galaxies. The SSA22 proto-cluster at z = 3.1 is known to have a three-dimensional 50 (comoving) Mpc-scale filamentary structure, traced by Lyα emitters, which makes the field a suitable target in this regard. To identify dust-obscured star-formation, a contiguous 20 arcmin2 region at the node of the cosmic structure was observed in ALMA band 6. In total 57 ALMA sources have been identified above 5σ, which makes the field one of the richest field in ALMA-identified (sub)millimeter galaxies. The follow-up spectroscopy confirmed about 20 sources as exact proto-cluster members so far. Together with high X-ray AGN fraction, our results suggest that the vigorous star formation activity and the growth of super massive black holes occurred simultaneously in the densest regions at z ∼ 3.

Highly structured disk around the planet host PDS 70 revealed by high-angular resolution observations with ALMA

Context. Imaged in the gap of a transition disk and found at a separation of about 195 mas (~22 au) from its host star at a position angle of about 155°, PDS 70 b is the most robustly detected young planet to date. This system is therefore a unique laboratory for characterizing the properties of young planetary systems at the stage of their formation. Aims. We aim to trace direct and indirect imprints of PDS 70 b on the gas and dust emission of the circumstellar disk in order to study the properties of this ~5 Myr young planetary system. Methods. We obtained ALMA band 7 observations of PDS 70 in dust continuum and 12CO (3–2) and combined them with archival data. This resulted in an unprecedented angular resolution of about 70 mas (~8 au). Results. We derive an upper limit on circumplanetary material at the location of PDS 70 b of ~0.01 M⊕ and find a highly structured circumstellar disk in both dust and gas. The outer dust ring peaks at 0.65′′ (74 au) and reveals a possible second unresolved peak at about 0.53′′ (60 au). The integrated intensity of CO also shows evidence of a depletion of emission at ~0.2′′ (23 au) with a width of ~0.1′′ (11 au). The gas kinematics show evidence of a deviation from Keplerian rotation inside ≲0.8′′ (91 au). This implies a pressure gradient that can account for the location of the dust ring well beyond the location of PDS 70 b. Farther in, we detect an inner disk that appears to be connected to the outer disk by a possible bridge feature in the northwest region in both gas and dust. We compare the observations to hydrodynamical simulations that include a planet with different masses that cover the estimated mass range that was previously derived from near-infrared photometry (~5–9 MJup). We find that even a planet with a mass of 10 MJup may not be sufficient to explain the extent of the wide gap, and an additional low-mass companion may be needed to account for the observed disk morphology.

A Survey of C2H, HCN, and C18O in Protoplanetary Disks

Abstract Molecular lines observed toward protoplanetary disks carry information about physical and chemical processes associated with planet formation. We present ALMA Band 6 observations of C2H, HCN, and C18O in a sample of 14 disks spanning a range of ages, stellar luminosities, and stellar masses. Using C2H and HCN hyperfine structure fitting and HCN/H13CN isotopologue analysis, we extract optical depth, excitation temperature, and column density radial profiles for a subset of disks. C2H is marginally optically thick (τ ∼ 1–5) and HCN is quite optically thick (τ ∼ 5–10) in the inner 200 au. The extracted temperatures of both molecules are low (10–30 K), indicative of either subthermal emission from the warm disk atmosphere or substantial beam dilution due to chemical substructure. We explore the origins of C2H morphological diversity in our sample using a series of toy disk models and find that disk-dependent overlap between regions with high UV fluxes and high atomic carbon abundances can explain a wide range of C2H emission features (e.g., compact versus extended and ringed versus ringless emission). We explore the chemical relationship between C2H, HCN, and C18O and find a positive correlation between C2H and HCN fluxes but no relationship between C2H or HCN with C18O fluxes. We also see no evidence that C2H and HCN are enhanced with disk age. C2H and HCN seem to share a common driver; however, more work remains to elucidate the chemical relationship between these molecules and the underlying evolution of C, N, and O chemistries in disks.

ALMA study of the HD 100453 AB system and the tidal interaction of the companion with the disk

Context. The complex system HD 100453 AB with a ring-like circumprimary disk and two spiral arms, one of which is pointing to the secondary, is a good laboratory in which to test spiral formation theories. Aims. We aim to resolve the dust and gas distribution in the disk around HD 100453 A and to quantify the interaction of HD 100453 B with the circumprimary disk. Methods. Using ALMA band 6 dust continuum and CO isotopologue observations we have studied the HD 100453 AB system with a spatial resolution of 0′′.09 × 0′′.17 at 234 GHz. We used smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations and orbital fitting to investigate the tidal influence of the companion on the disk. Results. We resolve the continuum emission around HD 100453 A into a disk between 0′′.22 and 0′′.40 with an inclination of 29.5° and a position angle of 151.0°, an unresolved inner disk, and excess mm emission cospatial with the northern spiral arm which was previously detected using scattered light observations. We also detect CO emission from 7 au (well within the disk cavity) out to 1′′.10, overlapping with HD 100453 B at least in projection. The outer CO disk position angle (PA) and inclination differ by up to 10° from the values found for the inner CO disk and the dust continuum emission, which we interpret as due to gravitational interaction with HD 100453 B. Both the spatial extent of the CO disk and the detection of mm emission at the same location as the northern spiral arm are in disagreement with the previously proposed near co-planar orbit of HD 100453 B. Conclusions. We conclude that HD 100453 B has an orbit that is significantly misaligned with the circumprimary disk. Because it is unclear whether such an orbit can explain the observed system geometry we highlight an alternative scenario that explains all detected disk features where another, (yet) undetected, low mass close companion within the disk cavity, shepherds a misaligned inner disk whose slowly precessing shadows excite the spiral arms.

Spectral gradient of the thermal millimetre continuum as a diagnostic for optical thickness in the solar atmosphere (Corrigendum)

Aims. In this Letter we aim to show how the gradient of the thermal millimetre continuum spectrum, as emitted from the quiet solar atmosphere, may be used as a diagnostic for the optical thickness regime at the centre of the observing frequency band. Methods. We show the theoretical derivation of the gradient of the millimetre continuum for both logarithmic- and linear-scale spectra. We compare this expression with the empirical relationship between the slope of the millimetre continuum spectrum and the plasma optical thickness computed from both isothermal and multi-thermal two-dimensional cylindrical radiative transfer models. Results. It is found that the logarithmic-scale spectral gradient provides a clear diagnostic for the optical thickness regime for both isothermal and multi-thermal plasmas, provided that a suitable correction is made for a non-constant gaunt factor over the frequency band. For the use of observers we present values for this correction at all ALMA bands and at a wide range of electron temperatures. Conclusions. We find that the spectral gradient can be used to find (a) whether the source is fully optically thin, (b) the optical thickness of the source if it lies within the transitional regime between optically thin and thick plasma (τ ≈ 10−1−101), or (c) whether the source is fully optically thick for an isothermal plasma. A multi-thermal plasma will act the same as an isothermal plasma for case (a), however, the transitional regime will only extend from τ ≈ 10−1 to τ ≈ 100. Above τ = 1 the slope of the continuum will depend increasingly on the temperature gradient, as well as the optical thickness, reducing the reliability of the diagnostic.

ALMA Observations of the Massive Molecular Outflow G331.512-0.103. II. Physical Properties, Kinematics, and Geometry Modeling

We present observations and analysis of the massive molecular outflow G331.512-0.103, obtained with ALMA band 7, continuing the work from Merello et al. (2013). Several lines were identified in the observed bandwidth, consisting of two groups: lines with narrow profiles, tracing the emission from the core ambient medium; and lines with broad velocity wings, tracing the outflow and shocked gas emission. The physical and chemical conditions, such as density, temperature, and fractional abundances are calculated. The ambient medium, or core, has a mean density of $\sim 5\times 10^6$ cm$^{-3}$ and a temperature of $\sim 70$ K. The SiO and SO$_2$ emission trace the very dense and hot part of the shocked outflow, with values of $n_{\rm H_2}\sim10^9$ cm$^{-3}$ and $T \sim 160-200$ K. The interpretation of the molecular emission suggests an expanding cavity geometry powered by stellar winds from a new-born UCHII region, alongside a massive and high-velocity molecular outflow. This scenario, along with the estimated physical conditions, is modeled using the 3D geometry radiative transfer code MOLLIE for the SiO(J$=8-7$) molecular line. The main features of the outflow and the expanding shell are reproduced by the model.

The Synthetic ALMA Multiband Analysis of the Dust Properties of the TW Hya Protoplanetary Disk

Abstract Analyzing multiband observations of dust continuum emission is one of the useful tools to constrain dust properties that help us to understand the physical properties of the protoplanetary disks. We perform a synthetic ALMA multiband analysis to find the best ALMA band set for constraining the dust properties of the TW Hya disk. We find that the Band [10, 6, 3] set is the best set among the possible combinations of ALMA Bands [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. We also find two conditions for the good ALMA band sets providing narrow constraint ranges on dust properties: (1) Band 9 or 10 is included in the band set, and (2) there are enough frequency intervals between the bands. These are related to the conditions that give good constraints on dust properties: the combination of optically thick and thin bands is required, and large β (β is the power-law index of dust opacity, κ ν ∝ ν β ) and low dust temperature are preferable. To examine our synthetic analysis results, we apply the multiband analysis to ALMA archival data of the TW Hya disk at Bands 4, 6, 7, and 9. The Band [9, 6, 4] set provides the dust properties close to the model profile, while the Band [7, 6, 4] set gives the dust properties deviating from the model at all radii with too broad a constraint range to specify the accurate values of dust temperature, optical depth, and β. Since these features are expected by the synthetic multiband analysis, we confirm that the synthetic multiband analysis is consistent with the results derived from real data.

ALMA photometry of extragalactic radio sources

We present a new catalogue of ALMA observations of 3,364 bright, compact radio sources, mostly blazars, used as calibrators. These sources were observed between May 2011 and July 2018, for a total of 47,115 pointings in different bands and epochs. We have exploited the ALMA data to validate the photometry given in the new Planck Multi-frequency Catalogue of Non-thermal sources (PCNT), for which an external validation was not possible so far. We have also assessed the positional accuracy of Planck catalogues and the PCNT completeness limits, finding them to be consistent with those of the Second Planck Catalogue of Compact Sources. The ALMA continuum spectra have allowed us to extrapolate the observed radio source counts at 100 GHz to the effective frequencies of ALMA bands 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (145, 233, 285, 467 and 673 GHz, respectively), where direct measurements are scanty, especially at the 3 highest frequencies. The results agree with the predictions of the Tucci et al. model C2Ex, while the model C2Co is disfavoured.

AGN Torus Detectability at Submillimeter Wavelengths: What to Expect from ALMA Continuum Data

Abstract Dust close (∼few pc) to the accretion disk in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is key to understanding many of their observational signatures, and it is key to tracing how the AGN is fed or even evolves along its duty cycle. With estimated sizes of less than 10 pc, as constrained by mid-IR (MIR) high angular resolution data, only the superb spatial resolution achieved by ALMA is able to actually image this dusty structure. However, the question regarding how the dust at submillimeter wavelengths (sub-mm, typical ALMA band) behaves in the AGN contest, arises. We study the detectability of the emission associated with the AGN dusty structure at submillimeter wavelengths using ALMA, in a theoretical and observational way. Theoretically, we use the Clumpy models from Nenkova et al., together with the MIR to X-ray and radio fundamental plane scaling relations. We find that it is more likely to detect bigger and denser dusty tori at the highest ALMA frequency (666 GHz/450 μm). We also find that with 1 hr at 353 GHz/850 μm and 10 hr at 666 GHz/450 μm we can detect, with a high detection limit, a 1 mJy torus (characteristic of bright AGNs). This means that an object for which the unresolved spectral energy distribution (SED) is at 12 μm has a flux of ∼1 mJy. Observationally, we use four prototypical AGNs: NGC 1052 (low-luminosity AGN), NGC 1068 (type 2), NGC 3516 (type 1.5), and I Zw 1 (QSO), with radio, submillimeter, and MIR data available. All the MIR spectra are best fit with the smooth model reported by Fritz et al. A power law and a single, or a composition of, synchrotron component(s) reproduce the centimeter radio wavelengths. We combined and extrapolated both fits to compare the extrapolation of both torus and jet contributors at submillimeter wavelengths with data at these wavelengths. Our observational results are consistent with our theoretical results. The most promising candidate to detect the torus is the QSO I Zw 1 (therefore, highly accreting sources in general), although it cannot be resolved owing to the distance of this source. We suggest that to explore the detection of a torus at submillimeter wavelengths, it is necessary to perform an SED analysis including radio data, with particular attention to the angular resolution.

The AGN fuelling/feedback cycle in nearby radio galaxies I. ALMA observations and early results

This is the first paper of a series exploring the multi-frequency properties of a sample of eleven nearby low excitation radio galaxies (LERGs) in the southern sky. We are conducting an extensive study of different galaxy components (stars, warm and cold gas, radio jets) with the aim of improving our understanding of the AGN fuelling/feedback cycle in LERGs. We present ALMA Band 6 $^{12}$CO(2-1) and continuum observations of nine sources. Continuum emission from the radio cores was detected in all objects. Six sources also show mm emission from jets on kpc/sub-kpc scales. The jet structures are very similar at mm and cm wavelengths. We conclude that synchrotron emission associated with the radio jets dominates the continuum spectra up to 230 GHz. The $^{12}$CO(2-1) line was detected in emission in six out of nine objects, with molecular gas masses ranging from $2 \times 10^{7}$ to $2 \times 10^{10}$ M$_{\rm \odot}$. The CO detections show disc-like structures on scales from $\approx$0.2 to $\approx$10 kpc. In one case (NGC 3100) the CO disc presents some asymmetries and is disrupted in the direction of the northern radio jet, indicating a possible jet/disc interaction. In IC 4296, CO is detected in absorption against the radio core, as well as in emission. In four of the six galaxies with CO detections, the gas rotation axes are roughly parallel to the radio jets in projection; the remaining two cases show large misalignments. In those objects where optical imaging is available, dust and CO appear to be co-spatial.

Submillimeter polarization and variability of quasar PKS 1830–211

Polarization from active galactic nuclei is interpreted as a signpost of the role of magnetic fields in the launch and collimation of their relativistic radio jets. Here, we report the detection of a clear polarization signal from ALMA observations of the gravitationally lensed quasar PKS 1830−211 at submillimeter wavelengths (Band 9, 650 GHz). Applying a differential-polarimetry technique to the two compact lensed images of the quasar, we estimate a fractional polarization of ∼5% for one lensed image, while the other appears nearly unpolarized, which implies that the polarization activity varies on a timescale of a few weeks. With additional ALMA Band 7 and 8 (between 300–500 GHz) concomitant data, we constrain a Faraday rotation of a few 105 rad m−2. We also observe flux-density variability of ≲10% within one hour in Band 9. This work illustrates that a differential analysis can extract high-accuracy information (flux-density ratio and polarimetry) free of calibration issues from resolved sources in the submillimeter domain.

Dust Polarization toward Embedded Protostars in Ophiuchus with ALMA. II. IRAS 16293-2422

Abstract We present high-resolution (∼35 au) ALMA Band 6 1.3 mm dust polarization observations of IRAS 16293. These observations spatially resolve the dust polarization across the two protostellar sources and toward the filamentary structures between them. The dust polarization and inferred magnetic field have complicated structures throughout the region. In particular, we find that the magnetic field is aligned parallel to three filamentary structures. We characterize the physical properties of the filamentary structure that bridges IRAS 16293A and IRAS 16293B and estimate a magnetic field strength of 23–78 mG using the Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi method. We construct a toy model for the bridge material assuming that the young stars dominate the mass and gravitational potential of the system. We find that the expected gas flow to each star is of comparable order to the Alfvén speed, which suggests that the field may be regulating the gas flow. We also find that the bridging material should be depleted in ∼103 yr. If the bridge is part of the natal filament that formed the stars, then it must have accreted new material. Alternatively, the bridge could be a transient structure. Finally, we show that the 1.3 mm polarization morphology of the optically thick IRAS 16293B system is qualitatively similar to dust self-scattering. Based on similar polarization measurements at 6.9 mm, we propose that IRAS 16293B has produced a substantial population of large dust grains with sizes between 200 and 2000 μm.

Constraining the Volume Density of Dusty Star-forming Galaxies through the First 3 mm Number Counts from ALMA

Abstract We carry out a blind search of 3 mm continuum sources using the ALMA Science Archive to derive the first galaxy number counts at this wavelength. The analyzed data are drawn from observations toward three extragalactic legacy fields: COSMOS, CDF-S, and the UDS comprising more than 130 individual ALMA Band 3 pointings and an effective survey area of ≈200 arcmin2 with a continuum sensitivity that allows for the direct detection of unlensed Dusty Star-forming Galaxies (DSFGs) dust emission beyond the epoch of reionization. We present a catalog of 16 sources detected at >5σ with flux densities from which number counts are derived. These number counts are then used to place constraints on the volume density of DSFGs with an empirical backward evolution model. Our measured 3 mm number counts indicate that the contribution of DSFGs to the cosmic star formation rate density at z ≳ 4 is non-negligible. This is contrary to the generally adopted assumption of a sharply decreasing contribution of obscured galaxies at z > 4 as inferred by optical and near-infrared surveys. This work demonstrates the power of ALMA-3 mm observations, which can reach outstanding continuum sensitivities during typical spectral line science programs. Further constraints on 3 mm selected galaxies will be essential to refine models of galaxy formation and evolution as well as models of early universe dust production mechanisms.

Does HL Tau disc polarization in ALMA band 3 come from radiatively aligned grains?

Disk polarization in (sub)millimeter dust continuum is a rapidly growing field in the ALMA era. It opens up the exciting possibility of detecting and characterizing magnetic fields and grain growth in disks around young stellar objects. However, to use polarization for probing the disk properties, its production mechanism must be ascertained first. To date, the conventional mechanism involving magnetically aligned grains fails to explain the polarization patterns detected in most disks. This is especially true for the inclined disk of HL Tau in ALMA Band 3 (wavelength $\sim 3$ mm), which has an elliptical polarization pattern. The elliptical pattern was taken as evidence for polarized emission by dust grains aligned with their long axes perpendicular the direction of the radiative flux. We show that the radiatively aligned grains produce a circular, rather than elliptical, polarization pattern even in inclined disks such as HL Tau. An elliptical polarization pattern can be produced if the grains are aligned aerodynamically by the difference in rotation speed between the dust and gas through the Gold mechanism. However, a strong azimuthal variation in polarized intensity is expected for both the radiative and aerodynamic alignment, but not observed in the HL Tau disk in ALMA Band 3. We conclude that neither of these two mechanisms alone can explain the data and the origin of the 3 mm polarization remains a mystery. We speculate that this mystery may be resolved by a combination of both direct emission and scattering by aerodynamically aligned grains.

ALMA observations of the young protostellar system Barnard 1b: signatures of an incipient hot corino in B1b-S.

The Barnard 1b core shows signatures of being at the earliest stages of low-mass star formation, with two extremely young and deeply embedded protostellar objects. Hence, this core is an ideal target to study the structure and chemistry of the first objects formed in the collapse of prestellar cores. We present ALMA Band 6 spectral line observations at ~0.6″ of angular resolution towards Barnard 1b. We have extracted the spectra towards both protostars, and used a Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (LTE) model to reproduce the observed line profiles. B1b-S shows rich and complex spectra, with emission from high energy transitions of complex molecules, such as CH3OCOH and CH3CHO, including vibrational level transitions. We have tentatively detected for the first time in this source emission from NH2CN, NH2CHO, CH3CH2OH, CH2OHCHO, CH3CH2OCOH and both aGg' and gGg' conformers of (CH2OH)2. This is the first detection of ethyl formate (CH3CH2OCOH) towards a low-mass star forming region. On the other hand, the spectra of the FHSC candidate B1b-N are free of COMs emission. In order to fit the observed line profiles in B1b-S, we used a source model with two components: an inner hot and compact component (200 K, 0.35″) and an outer and colder one (60 K, 0.6″). The resulting COM abundances in B1b-S range from 10-13 for NH2CN and NH2CHO, up to 10-9 for CH3OCOH. Our ALMA Band 6 observations reveal the presence of a compact and hot component in B1b-S, with moderate abundances of complex organics. These results indicate that a hot corino is being formed in this very young Class 0 source.

ALMA Polarimetry of Sgr A*: Probing the Accretion Flow from the Event Horizon to the Bondi Radius

Abstract Millimeter polarimetry of Sgr A* probes the linearly polarized emission region on a scale of ∼10 Schwarzschild radii (R S ), as well as the dense, magnetized accretion flow on scales out to the Bondi radius (∼105 R S ) through Faraday rotation. We present here multi-epoch ALMA Band 6 (230 GHz) polarimetry of Sgr A*. The results confirm a mean rotation measure, , consistent with measurements over the past 20 yr, and support an interpretation of the RM as originating from a radiatively inefficient accretion flow with . Variability is observed for the first time in the RM on timescales that range from hours to months. The long-term variations may be the result of changes in the line-of-sight properties in a turbulent accretion flow. Short-term variations in the apparent RM are not necessarily the result of Faraday rotation and may be the result of complex emission and propagatation effects close to the black hole, some of which have been predicted in numerical modeling. We also confirm the detection of circular polarization at a mean value of −1.1% ± 0.2%. It is variable in amplitude on timescales from hours to months, but the handedness remains unchanged from that observed in past centimeter- and millimeter-wavelength detections. These results provide critical constraints for the analysis and interpretation of Event Horizon Telescope data of Sgr A*, M87, and similar sources.

Millimeter-wave spectroscopy and modeling of 1,2-butanediol

Context. The continuously enhanced sensitivity of radioastronomical observations allows the detection of increasingly complex organic molecules. These systems often exist in a large number of isomers leading to very congested spectra. Aims. We explore the conformational space of 1,2-butanediol and provide sets of spectroscopic parameters to facilitate searches for this molecule at millimeter wavelengths. Methods. We recorded the rotational spectrum of 1,2-butanediol in the 59.6–103.6 GHz frequency region (5.03–2.89 mm) using a free-jet millimeter-wave absorption spectrometer, and we analyzed the properties of 24 isomers with quantum chemical calculations. Selected measured transition lines were then searched on publicly available ALMA Band 3 data on IRAS 16293-2422 B. Results. We assigned the spectra of six conformers, namely aG′Ag, gG′Aa, g′G′Ag, aG′G′g, aG′Gg, and g′GAa, to yield the rotational constants and centrifugal distortion constants up to the fourth or sixth order. The most intense signal belong to the aG′Ag species, that is the global minimum. Search for the corresponding 30x,30 − 29x,29 transition lines toward IRAS 16293-2422 B was unsuccessful. Conclusions. Our present data will be helpful for identifying 1,2-butanediol at millimeter wavelengths with radio telescope arrays. Among all possible conformers, first searches should be focused on the aG′Ag conformers in the 400–800 GHz frequency spectral range.