Astrophysical System Research Articles

Uncovering Deterministic Behavior of Black Hole IGR J17091–3624: A Twin of GRS 1915+105

Abstract Understanding the nonlinear properties in accreting systems, particularly for black holes, from observation is illuminating as they are expected to be general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic flows that are nonlinear. Two commonly used features associated with nonlinear systems are chaos, which is deterministic, and randomness, which is stochastic. The differentiation between chaotic and stochastic systems is often considered to quantify the nonlinear properties of an astrophysical system. Particular emphasis is given to the fact that data are often noise contaminated and finite. We examine the dual nature of the black hole X-ray binary IGR J17091–3624, whose behavior has been closely studied in parallel to GRS 1915+105. Certain similarities in the temporal classes of these two objects have been explored in the literature. However, this has not been the case with their nonlinear dynamics: GRS 1915+105 shows signs of both determinism and stochasticity, while IGR J17091–3624 was found to be predominantly stochastic. Here, we confront the inherent challenge of noise contamination faced by previous studies, particularly Poisson noise, which adversely impacts the reliability of nonlinear results. We employ several denoising techniques to mitigate noise effects, and employ methods like principal component analysis, singular value decomposition, and correlation integrals to isolate the deterministic signatures. We find signs of determinism in IGR J17091–3624, thus supporting the hypothesis of it being similar to GRS 1915+105, even as a dynamical system. Our findings not only shed light on the complex nature of IGR J17091–3624 but also pave the way for future research employing noise-reduction techniques to analyze nonlinearity in observed dynamical systems.

McVittie–Plummer Spacetime: Plummer Sphere Immersed in the FLRW Universe

The McVittie–Plummer spacetime is a spherically symmetric inhomogeneous cosmological model that represents a spherical star system embedded in a standard Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) cosmological model. We study the main physical properties of this gravitational field. Regarding the interplay between the physics of the local system and the expanding background, we employ the Misner–Sharp mass–energy function to show that there is a relatively weak time-dependent general relativistic coupling between the astrophysical system and the background FLRW cosmological model. The coupling term is proportional to the inverse of the scale factor and decreases as the Universe expands.

Scalar gravitational waves can be generated even without direct coupling between Dark Energy and ordinary matter

We point out, the scalar sector of gravitational perturbations may be excited by an isolated astrophysical system immersed in a universe whose accelerated expansion is not due to the cosmological constant, but due to extra field degrees of freedom. This is true even if the source of gravitational radiation did not couple directly to these additional fields. We illustrate this by considering a universe driven by a single canonical scalar field. By working within the gauge-invariant formalism, we solve for the electric components of the linearised Weyl tensor to demonstrate that both the gravitational massless spin-2 (transverse-traceless) tensor and the (Bardeen) scalar modes are generated by a generic astrophysical source. For concreteness, the Dark Energy scalar field is either released from rest, or allowed to asymptote toward the minimum in a certain class of potentials; and we compute the traceless tidal forces induced by gravitational radiation from a hypothetical compact binary system residing in such a universe. Though their magnitudes are very small compared to the tensors', spin zero gravitational waves in such a canonical scalar driven universe are directly sensitive to both the Dark Energy equation of state and the eccentricity of the binary's orbit.

Milky Way white dwarfs as sub-GeV to multi-TeV dark matter detectors

We show that Milky Way white dwarfs are excellent targets for dark matter (DM) detection. Using Fermi and H.E.S.S. Galactic center gamma-ray data, we investigate sensitivity to DM annihilating within white dwarfs into long-lived or boosted mediators and producing detectable gamma rays. Depending on the Galactic DM distribution, we set new constraints on the spin-independent scattering cross section down to 10-45-10-41 cm2 in the sub-GeV DM mass range, which is multiple orders of magnitude stronger than existing limits. For a generalized NFW DM profile, we find that our white dwarf constraints exceed spin-independent direct detection limits across most of the sub-GeV to multi-TeV DM mass range, achieving sensitivities as low as about 10-46 cm2. In addition, we improve earlier versions of the DM capture calculation in white dwarfs, by including the low-temperature distribution of nuclei when the white dwarf approaches crystallization. This yields smaller capture rates than previously calculated by a factor of a few up to two orders of magnitude, depending on white dwarf size and the astrophysical system.

Two-moment Neutrino Flavor Transformation with Applications to the Fast Flavor Instability in Neutron Star Mergers

Multi-messenger astrophysics has produced a wealth of data with much more to come in the future. This enormous data set will reveal new insights into the physics of core-collapse supernovae, neutron star mergers, and many other objects where it is actually possible, if not probable, that new physics is in operation. To tease out different possibilities, we will need to analyze signals from photons, neutrinos, gravitational waves, and chemical elements. This task is made all the more difficult when it is necessary to evolve the neutrino component of the radiation field and associated quantum-mechanical property of flavor in order to model the astrophysical system of interest—a numerical challenge that has not been addressed to this day. In this work, we take a step in this direction by adopting the technique of angular-integrated moments with a truncated tower of dynamical equations and a closure, convolving the flavor-transformation with spatial transport to evolve the neutrino radiation quantum field. We show that moments capture the dynamical features of fast flavor instabilities in a variety of systems, although our technique is by no means a universal blueprint for solving fast flavor transformation. To evaluate the effectiveness of our moment results, we compare to a more precise particle-in-cell method. Based on our results, we propose areas for improvement and application to complementary techniques in the future.

Analysis of the structural complexity of Crab Nebula observed at radio frequency using a multifractal approach

The Crab Nebula is an astrophysical system that exhibits complex morphological patterns at different observing frequencies. We carry out a systematic investigation of the structural complexity of the nebula using publicly available imaging data at radio frequency. For the analysis, we use the well-known multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis in two dimensions. We find that radio data exhibit long-range correlations, as expected from the underlying physics of the supernova explosion and evolution. The correlations follow a power-law scaling with length scales. The structural complexity is found to be multifractal in nature, as evidenced by the dependence of the generalized Hurst exponent on the order of the moments of the detrended fluctuation function. By repeating the analysis on shuffled data, we further probe the origin of the multifractality in the radio imaging data. For the radio data, we find that the probability density function is close to a Gaussian form. Hence, the multifractal behavior is due to the differing nature of long-range correlations of the large and small detrended fluctuation field values. We investigate the multifractal parameters across different partitions of the radio image and find that the structures across the image are highly heterogeneous, making the Crab Nebula a structurally complex astrophysical system. Our analysis thus provides a fresh perspective on the morphology of the Crab Nebula from a complexity science viewpoint.

Discovered the Long-term Variation of the Variable Star CzeV818

In this study we describe the reclassification of the variable star CzeV818, discovered in 2015 by Pavel Cagas (Skarka et al. 2017), which was cataloged as a delta Scuti variable. From the photometric study performed with the telescopes of the SSV-UAI-GRAV (Unione Astrofili Italiani, Variable Star Section), All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (Kochanek et al. 2017) (ASAS-SN) and Zwicky Transient Facility (Masci et al. 2019) (ZTF) surveys and the G-spectrum obtained from Gaia DR3 (Gaia Collaboration et al. 2023) (Astrophysical parameters inference system, Apsis) data, it was possible to understand that the luminous variation was not due to pulsations but due to spots (as discussed in Roxburgh 1964), present in the photosphere with a cycle of 0.402533 day (9.66 hr). Analyzing the long-term data present in the ASAS-SN and ZTF surveys, it was possible to determine a cycle of 2900 days (7.95 yr), which is similar to the solar cycle.

Benchmarking Gaia DR3 Apsis with the Hyades and Pleiades open clusters

Context. The Gaia astrophysical parameters inference system (Apsis) provides astrophysical parameter estimates for several to hundreds of millions of stars. Aims. We aim to benchmark Gaia DR3 Apsis. Methods. We compiled approximately 1500 bona fide single stars in the Hyades and Pleiades open clusters for validation of PARSEC isochrones, and for comparison with Apsis estimates. PARSEC stellar isochrones in the Gaia photometric system enable us to assign average ages and metallicities to the clusters, and mass, effective temperature, luminosity, and surface gravity to the individual stars. Results. Apsis does not recover the single-age, single-metallicity characteristic of the cluster populations. Ages assigned to cluster members seemingly follow the input template for Galactic populations, with earlier-type stars being systematically assigned younger ages than later-type stars. Cluster metallicities are underestimated by 0.10–0.2 dex. Effective temperature estimates are in general reliable. Surface gravity estimates reveal strong systematic errors for specific ranges of the Gaia BP − RP colours. Conclusions. We caution that Gaia DR3 Apsis estimates can be subject to significant systematic uncertainties. Some of the Apsis estimates, such as metallicity, might only be meaningful for statistical studies of the time-averaged Galactic stellar population, but are not recommended to be used for individual stars.

GaiaData Release 3

Context.The astrophysical characterisation of sources is among the major new data products in the thirdGaiaData Release (DR3). In particular, there are stellar parameters for 471 million sources estimated from low-resolution BP/RP spectra.Aims.We present the General Stellar Parameterizer from Photometry (GSP-Phot), which is part of the astrophysical parameters inference system (Apsis). GSP-Phot is designed to produce a homogeneous catalogue of parameters for hundreds of millions of single non-variable stars based on their astrometry, photometry, and low-resolution BP/RP spectra. These parameters are effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, absoluteMGmagnitude, radius, distance, and extinction for each star.Methods.GSP-Phot uses a Bayesian forward-modelling approach to simultaneously fit the BP/RP spectrum, parallax, and apparentGmagnitude. A major design feature of GSP-Phot is the use of the apparent flux levels of BP/RP spectra to derive, in combination with isochrone models, tight observational constraints on radii and distances. We carefully validate the uncertainty estimates by exploiting repeatGaiaobservations of the same source.Results.The data release includes GSP-Phot results for 471 million sources withG < 19. Typical differences to literature values are 110 K forTeffand 0.2–0.25 for log g, but these depend strongly on data quality. In particular, GSP-Phot results are significantly better for stars with good parallax measurements (ϖ/σϖ > 20), mostly within 2 kpc. Metallicity estimates exhibit substantial biases compared to literature values and are only useful at a qualitative level. However, we provide an empirical calibration of our metallicity estimates that largely removes these biases. ExtinctionsA0andABPshow typical differences from reference values of 0.07–0.09 mag. MCMC samples of the parameters are also available for 95% of the sources.Conclusions.GSP-Phot provides a homogeneous catalogue of stellar parameters, distances, and extinctions that can be used for various purposes, such as sample selections (OB stars, red giants, solar analogues etc.). In the context of asteroseismology or ground-based interferometry, where targets are usually bright and have good parallax measurements, GSP-Phot results should be particularly useful for combined analysis or target selection.

GaiaData Release 3

GaiaData Release 3 contains a wealth of new data products for the community. Astrophysical parameters are a major component of this release, and were produced by the Astrophysical parameters inference system (Apsis) within theGaiaData Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC). The aim of this paper is to describe the overall content of the astrophysical parameters inGaiaDR3 and how they were produced. In Apsis, we use the mean BP/RP and mean RVS spectra along with astrometry and photometry, and we derive the following parameters: source classification and probabilities for 1.6 billion objects; interstellar medium characterisation and distances for up to 470 million sources, including a 2D total Galactic extinction map; 6 million redshifts of quasar candidates; 1.4 million redshifts of galaxy candidates; and an analysis of 50 million outlier sources through an unsupervised classification. The astrophysical parameters also include many stellar spectroscopic and evolutionary parameters for up to 470 million sources. These compriseTeff, logg, and [M/H] (470 million using BP/RP, 6 million using RVS), radius (470 million), mass (140 million), age (120 million), chemical abundances (up to 5 million), diffuse interstellar band analysis (0.5 million), activity indices (2 million), Hαequivalent widths (200 million), and further classification of spectral types (220 million) and emission-line stars (50 000). This paper is the first in a series of three papers, and focusses on describing the global content of the parameters inGaiaDR3. The accompanying Papers II and III focus on the validation and use of the stellar and non-stellar products, respectively. This catalogue is the most extensive homogeneous database of astrophysical parameters to date, and is based uniquely onGaiadata. It will only be superseded byGaiaData Release 4, and will therefore remain a key reference over the next four years, providing astrophysical parameters independent of other ground- and space-based data.

Langevin equation for the collective motions of a binary astrophysical system.

According to Thirring's condition, the thermodynamic equilibrium is not possible between two systems with negative heat capacities. Since the existence of negative heat capacity is a rule rather an exception in astrophysics, we would like to analyze the possibility of the thermodynamic equilibrium for a paradigmatic astrophysical situation: the binary system. The possible explanation arises after decomposing the dynamical variables into internal and collective degrees of freedom, which enables us to reinterpret binary systems as two systems A and B that interact between them through a third low dimensional system C. Our central result is the derivation of a Langevin equation to describe the dynamics of the collective degrees of freedom. Our preliminary analysis evidences that the proposed framework is able not only to describe the system stability, but also unstable processes, such as escape or collapse of the binary system. These processes crucially depend on the angular momentum, the quadrupole-orbit coupling among internal and collective degrees of freedom, as well as internal temperatures of each system.

Anisotropic stars in modified gravity: An extended gravitational decoupling approach* *SKM and SR acknowledge that this work is carried out under TRC Project (Grant No. BFP/RGP/CBS-/19/099), the Sultanate of Oman. SKM and RN are thankful for continuous support and encouragement from the administration of University of Nizwa

In this study, we conduct an investigation on decoupling gravitational sources under the framework of gravity. Basically, the complete geometric deformation technique is employed, which facilitates finding the exact solutions to the anisotropic astrophysical system smoothly without imposing any particular ansatz for the deformation function. In addition, we used 5-dimensional Euclidean spacetime in order to describe the embedding Class I spacetime in order to obtain a solvable spherical physical system. The resulting solutions are both physically interesting and viable with new possibilities for investigation. Notably, the present investigation demonstrates that the mixture of + CGD translates to a scenario beyond the pure GR realm and helps to enhance the features of the interior astrophysical aspects of compact stellar objects. To determine the physical acceptability and stability of the stellar system based on the obtained solutions, we conducted a series of physical tests that satisfied all stability criteria, including the nonsingular nature of density and pressure.

An Atlas of Dynamical Evolution Models of 361 Fanaroff–Riley Type II Radio Sources

Abstract Dynamical evolution models of 361 extragalactic Fanaroff–Riley type II radio sources selected from the Cambridge 3CRR, 6CE, 5C6, and 5C7 Sky Surveys, as well as the Bologna B2, Green Bank GB, and GB2 Surveys, are presented. Their spectra, compiled mostly from the recent catalogs of radio sources and the available NASA/IPAC and Astrophysical Catalogs Support System databases, along with morphological characteristics of the sources determined from their radio maps, have been modeled using the DYNAGE algorithm and/or its extension (KDA EXT) for the hypothetical case of further evolution after the jet’s termination. The best-fit models provide estimates of a number of important physical parameters of the sources, as (i) the jet power, (ii) the density distribution of the external gaseous medium surrounding the radio core and the jet propagating through it, (iii) the initial energy distribution of the relativistic particles accelerated at the shock fronts, and (iv) the age of the observed radio structure. Additionally, estimates of some derivative parameters are provided, e.g., the radio lobes’ pressure, their longitudinal expansion velocity, the magnetic field strength, and the total energy deposited in the lobes. The observed spectra and their best-fit models are included. Finally, one of the useful applications of the above models is presented, namely a strong correlation between the ambient medium density and the rest-frame two-point spectral index available directly from the observed spectra.

Gravitational instability with dust charge gradient and ion drag forces in unmagnetized dusty plasma

The influence of dust charge gradient force and ion drag force on the fragmentation of unmagnetized, self-gravitating dust cloud has been studied. The thermal electrons satisfy the Boltzmann relation, while inertialess ions are affected by the ion-neutral collisions. The dynamics of dusty fluid are modified by ion drag, charge gradient, and gravitational forces. The onset criterion of pinching instability and gravitational instability is derived. The pinching instability depends upon the critical ion drag coefficient and dust charge variation parameter. In the laboratory complex plasma, with finite dust charge variations, the ion drag coefficient larger than the critical value causes pinching instability. This results in the fragmentation of the dusty cloud, which is affected due to the dust charge variations. The ion drag coefficient has destabilizing, while the dust charge variation parameter has stabilizing influence on the growth rate of the linear gravitational instability. The results have been discussed to understand the dust cloud collapse in the astrophysical system.

Anisotropic Karmarkar stars in f(R,\xa0T)-gravity

The main aim of this work is devoted to studying the existence of compact spherical systems representing anisotropic matter distributions within the scenario of alternative theories of gravitation, specifically f(R, T) gravity theory. Besides, a noteworthy and achievable choice on the formulation of f(R, T) gravity is made. To provide the complete set of field equations for the anisotropic matter distribution, it is considered that the functional form of f(R, T) as f(R, T)=R+2chi T, where R and T correspond to scalar curvature and trace of the stress–energy tensor, respectively. Following the embedding class one approach employing the Eisland condition to get a full space–time portrayal interior the astrophysical structure. When the space–time geometry is identified, we construct a suitable anisotropic model by using a new gravitational potential g_{rr} which often yields physically motivated solutions that describe the anisotropic matter distribution interior the astrophysical system. The physical availability of the obtained model, represents the physical characteristics of the solution is affirmed by performing several physical tests. It merits referencing that with the help of the observed mass values for six compact stars, we have predicted the exact radii for different values of chi -coupling parameter. From this one can convince that the solution predicted the radii in good agreement with the observed values. Since the radius of MSP J0740+6620, the most massive neutron star observed yet is still unknown, we have predicted its radii for different values of chi -coupling parameter. These predicted radii exhibit a monotonic diminishing nature as the parameter chi going from -1 to 1 gradually. The M–R curve generated from our solution can accommodate a variety of compact stars from the less massive (Her X-1) to super massive (MSP J0740+6620). So the present study uncovers that the modified f(R, T) gravity is an appropriate theory to clarify massive astrophysical systems, in any case, for chi =0.0 the standard consequences of the general relativity are recovered.

Orbital dynamics in the photogravitational restricted four-body problem: Lagrange configuration

We study the effect of the radiation parameter in the location, stability and orbital dynamics in the Lagrange configuration of the restricted four-body problem when one of the primaries is a radiating body. The equations of motion for the test particle are derived by assuming that the primaries revolve in the same plane with uniform angular velocity, lying at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The insertion of the radiation factor in the restricted four-body problem, let us model the dynamics of a test particle orbiting an astrophysical system with an active star. The dynamical mechanisms responsible for the smoothening on the basin structures of the configuration space is related to the decrease in the total number of fixed points with increasing values of the radiation parameter. In our model of the Sun-Jupiter-Trojan Asteroid system, it is found that despite the solar radiation pressure, there exist two stable libration points.

Jeans analysis in energy\u2013momentum-squared gravity

In this paper, we study the Jeans analysis in the context of energy–momentum-squared gravity (EMSG). More specifically we find the new Jeans mass for non-rotating infinite mediums as the smallest mass scale for local perturbations that can be stable against its own gravity. Furthermore, for rotating mediums, specifically for rotating thin disks in the context of EMSG, we find a new Toomre-like criterion for the local gravitational stability. Finally, the results are applied to a hyper-massive neutron star, as an astrophysical system. Using a simplified toy model we have shown that, for a positive (negative) value of the EMSG parameter alpha , the system is stable (unstable) in a wide range of alpha . On the other hand, no observational evidence has been reported on the existence of local fragmentation in HMNS. Naturally, this means that EMSG with positive alpha is more acceptable from the physical point of view.

Analysis of the dynamic coordinate system using photoelectric lunar occultations

In this work we propose the determination of the astrophysical dynamic coordinate system’s orientation in relation to HCRF (Hipparcos Celestial Reference Frame) using photoelectric lunar occultation. The photoelectric method of recording an occultation that allows obtaining occultations moment with the accuracy up to 0.001s (i.e. 100 times more accurate than by visual method) was found to be the most accurate. Apart from the tasks of space geodesy, photoelectric observations allow carrying out other interesting researches, too. These tasks include determination of amendments to orbital longitude and latitude of the Moon and amendments to ephemeris time. The photoelectric observations of occultation are valuable materials for solving some astrophysical tasks. If one records changes in magnitude at the moment when a star is occultated by the Moon, then one may obtain diameter of the occultated star through the spectrum of those changes. Other important problems are detecting double and multiple systems of stars and measuring angular distances between their components.

Laboratory study of stationary accretion shock relevant to astrophysical systems

Accretion processes play a crucial role in a wide variety of astrophysical systems. Of particular interest are magnetic cataclysmic variables, where, plasma flow is directed along the star’s magnetic field lines onto its poles. A stationary shock is formed, several hundred kilometres above the stellar surface; a distance far too small to be resolved with today’s telescopes. Here, we report the results of an analogous laboratory experiment which recreates this astrophysical system. The dynamics of the laboratory system are strongly influenced by the interplay of material, thermal, magnetic and radiative effects, allowing a steady shock to form at a constant distance from a stationary obstacle. Our results demonstrate that a significant amount of plasma is ejected in the lateral direction; a phenomenon that is under-estimated in typical magnetohydrodynamic simulations and often neglected in astrophysical models. This changes the properties of the post-shock region considerably and has important implications for many astrophysical studies.

Testing general relativity with black hole-pulsar binaries

Binary pulsars allow us to carry out precision tests of gravity and have placed stringent bounds on a broad class of theories beyond general relativity. Current and future radio telescopes, such as FAST, SKA, and MeerKAT, may find a new astrophysical system, a pulsar orbiting around a black hole, which will provide us a new source for probing gravity. In this paper, we systematically study the prospects of testing general relativity with such black hole-pulsar binaries. We begin by finding a mapping between generic non-Einsteinian parameters in the orbital decay rate and theoretical constants in various modified theories of gravity and then summarize this mapping with a ready-to-use list. Theories we study here include scalar-tensor theories, varying $G$ theories, massive gravity theories, generic screening gravity and quadratic curvature-corrected theories. We next use simulated measurement accuracy of the orbital decay rate with FAST/SKA to derive projected upper bounds on the generic non-Einsteinian parameters. We find that such bounds from black hole-pulsars can be stronger than those from neutron star-pulsar and neutron star-white dwarf binaries by a few orders of magnitude when the correction enters at negative post-Newtonian orders. By mapping such bounds on generic parameters to those on various modified theories of gravity, we find that one can constrain the time variation in Newton's constant $G$ to be comparable and complementary to the current strongest bound from solar system experiments. We also study how well one can probe quadratic gravity from black hole quadrupole moment measurements of black hole-pulsars. We find that bounds on the parity-violating sector of quadratic gravity can be stronger than current bounds by six orders of magnitude. These results suggest that a new discovery of black hole-pulsars in the future will provide powerful ways to probe gravity further.