Broadband Photometry Research Articles

Accurately Estimating Redshifts from CSST Slitless Spectroscopic Survey Using Deep Learning

Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) has the capability to conduct a slitless spectroscopic survey simultaneously with a photometric survey. The spectroscopic survey will measure slitless spectra, potentially providing more accurate estimations of galaxy properties, particularly redshifts, compared to using broadband photometry. CSST relies on these accurate redshifts to use baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) and other probes to constrain the cosmological parameters. However, due to the low resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of slitless spectra, measurement of redshifts is significantly challenging. In this study, we employ a Bayesian neural network (BNN) to assess the accuracy of redshift estimations from slitless spectra anticipated to be observed by CSST. The simulation of slitless spectra is based on real observational data from the early data release of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI-EDR) and the 16th data release of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS-DR16), combined with the 9th data release of the DESI Legacy Survey (DESI LS DR9). The BNN is constructed employing a transfer learning technique, by appending two Bayesian layers after a convolutional neural network, leveraging the features learned from the slitless spectra and corresponding redshifts. Our network can provide redshift estimates along with corresponding uncertainties, achieving an accuracy of σ NMAD = 0.00063, outlier percentage η = 0.92%, and weighted mean uncertainty E¯=0.00228 . These results successfully fulfill the requirement of σ NMAD < 0.005 for BAO and other studies employing CSST slitless spectroscopic surveys.

Mining for Protoclusters at z ∼ 4 from Photometric Data Sets with Deep Learning

Protoclusters are high-z overdense regions that will evolve into clusters of galaxies by z = 0, making them ideal for studying galaxy evolution expected to be accelerated by environmental effects. However, it has been challenging to identify protoclusters beyond z = 3 only by photometry due to large redshift uncertainties hindering statistical study. To tackle the issue, we develop a new deep-learning-based protocluster detection model, PCFNet, which considers a protocluster as a point cloud. To detect protoclusters at z ∼ 4 using only optical broadband photometry, we train and evaluate PCFNet with mock g-dropout galaxies based on the N-body simulation with the semianalytic model. We use the sky distribution, i-band magnitude, (g − i) color, and the redshift probability density function surrounding a target galaxy on the sky. PCFNet detects 5 times more protocluster member candidates while maintaining high purity (recall = 7.5% ± 0.2%, precision = 44% ± 1%) than conventional methods. Moreover, PCFNet is able to detect more progenitors ( Mhaloz=0=1014−14.5M⊙ ) that are less massive than supermassive clusters like the Coma cluster. We apply PCFNet to the observational photometric data set of the Hyper Suprime-Cam Strategic Survey Program Deep/UltraDeep layer (∼17 deg2) and detect 121 protocluster candidates at z ∼ 4. We find that the rest-UV luminosities of our protocluster member candidates are brighter than those of field galaxies, which is consistent with previous studies. Additionally, the quenching of satellite galaxies depends on both the core galaxy’s halo mass at z ∼ 4 and accumulated mass until z = 0 in the simulation. PCFNet is very flexible and can find protoclusters at other redshifts or in future extensive surveys by Euclid, Legacy Survey of Space and Time, and Roman.

Constraining Quasar Feedback from Analysis of the Hydrostatic Equilibrium of the Molecular Gas in Their Host Galaxies

We investigate the kinematics and dynamics of the molecular and ionized gas in the host galaxies of three Palomar-Green quasars at low redshifts, benefiting from the archival millimeter-wave interferometric and optical integral field unit data. We study the kinematics of both cold molecular and hot ionized gas by analyzing the CO and Hα data cubes, and construct the mass distributions of our sample through gas dynamics, utilizing a priori knowledge regarding the galaxy light distribution. We find no systematic offset between the stellar mass derived from our dynamical method and that from the broadband photometry and mass-to-light ratio, suggesting the consistency of both methods. We then study the kinetic pressure and the weight of the interstellar medium (ISM) using our dynamical mass model. By studying the relationship between kinetic pressure and gravitational pressure of the quasar host galaxies, we find an equivalence in the hydrostatic equilibrium states of ISM in the quasar host galaxies, similar to the result of gas equilibrium in normal star-forming galaxies, suggesting minimal quasar feedback. Regarding noncircular motion as indicative of quasar-driven outflows, we observe an exceptionally low coupling efficiency between molecular gas outflow and active galactic nucleus bolometric luminosities. These results demonstrate the marginal influence of the central engine on the properties of cold molecular gas in quasar host galaxies.

Inferring the distribution of the ionising photon escape fraction

The escape fraction of ionising photons from galaxies ($f_ esc $) is a key parameter for understanding how intergalactic hydrogen became reionised, but it remains mostly unconstrained. Measurements have been limited to the average value in galaxy ensembles and to handfuls of individual detections. To help understand which mechanisms govern ionising photon escape, here we infer the distribution of $f_ esc We developed a hierarchical Bayesian inference technique to estimate the population distribution of $f_ esc $ from the ratio of Lyman continuum to non-ionising UV flux measured from broadband photometry. We applied it to a sample of 148 $z 3.5$ star-forming galaxies from the VANDELS spectroscopic survey. We explored four physically motivated distributions: constant, log-normal, exponential, and bimodal, and recovered $ f_ esc for most models. We find the observations are best described by an exponential $f_ esc $ distribution with scale factor $ $. This indicates most galaxies in our sample exhibit very low escape fractions, while predicting substantial ionising photon leakage for only a few galaxies, implying a range of optical depths in the interstellar medium and/or time variability in ionising photon escape. We rule out a bimodal distribution at high significance, indicating that a purely bimodal model of ionising photon escape (due to very strong sightline and/or time variability) is not favoured. We compare our recovered exponential distribution with the SPHINX simulations and find that, while the simulation also predicts an exponential distribution, it significantly underpredicts our inferred mean. The distribution of $f_ esc $ can be a vital test for simulations in understanding ionising photon leakage, and is important to consider to gain a complete picture of reionisation.

The Power of High-precision Broadband Photometry: Tracing the Milky Way Density Profile with Blue Horizontal Branch Stars in the Dark Energy Survey

Blue horizontal branch stars (BHBs), excellent distant tracers for probing the Milky Way’s halo density profile, are distinguished in the g−r0 versus (i − z)0 color space from another class of stars, blue straggler stars. We develop a Bayesian mixture model to classify BHBs using high-precision photometry data from the Dark Energy Survey Data Release 2 (DES DR2). We select ∼2100 highly probable BHBs based on their griz photometry and the associated uncertainties, and we use these stars to map the stellar halo over the Galactocentric radial range 20 kpc ≲ R ≲ 70 kpc. After excluding known stellar overdensities, we find that the number density n ⋆ of BHBs can be represented by a power-law density profile n ⋆ ∝ R −α with an index of α=4.34−0.12+0.13±0.52 , consistent with existing literature values. In addition, we examine the impact of systematic errors and the spatial inhomogeneity on the fitted density profile. Our work demonstrates the effectiveness of high-precision griz photometry in selecting BHBs. The upcoming photometric survey from the Rubin Observatory, expected to reach depths 2–3 mag greater than DES during its 10 yr mission, will enable us to investigate the density profile of the Milky Way’s halo out to the virial radius, unraveling the complex processes of formation and evolution in our Galaxy.

ZTF SN Ia DR2: Impact of the galaxy cluster environment on the stretch distribution of Type Ia supernovae

Understanding the impact of the astrophysical environment on Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) properties is crucial to minimize systematic uncertainties in cosmological analyses based on this probe. We investigate the dependence of the SN Ia SALT2.4 light-curve stretch on the distance from their nearest galaxy cluster to study the potential effect of the intracluster medium (ICM) environment on the intrinsic properties of SN Ia. We used the largest SN Ia sample to date and cross-matched it with existing X-ray, Sunyaev-Zel'dovich, and optical cluster catalogs in order to study the relation between the stretch and the distance to the nearest detected cluster from each SN Ia. We modeled the underlying stretch distribution with a Gaussian mixture with relative amplitudes that depended on redshift and clustercentric distance. We find that the fit quality of the stretch distribution improves significantly when we included the distance-dependant term in the model with a variation of the Akaike information criterion $ AIC = -10.2$. Because of the known correlation between galaxy age and distance from the cluster center, this supports previous evidence that the age of the stellar population is the underlying driver of the bimodal shape of the SN Ia stretch distribution. We further computed the evolution of the fraction of quenched galaxies as a function of distance with respect to cluster center from our best-fit model of the SNe Ia stretch distribution and compared it to previous results obtained from $H line measurements, optical broadband photometry, and simulations. We find our estimate to be compatible with these results. The results of this work indicate that SNe Ia searches at high redshift targeted toward clusters to maximize detection probability should be considered with caution as the stretch distribution of the detected sample would be strongly biased toward the old subpopulation of SNe Ia. Furthermore, the effect of the ICM environment on the SN Ia properties appears to be significant from the center of the clusters up to their splashback radius. This is compatible with previous works based on observations and simulations of a galaxy age gradient with respect to clustercentric distance in massive cluster halos. The next generation of large-area surveys will provide an increase of an order of magnitude in the size of SN Ia and cluster catalogs. This will enable us to analyze the impact of cluster mass on the intrinsic properties of SNe Ia and of the fraction of quenched galaxies in the outskirts of clusters in more detail, where direct measurements are challenging.

Determination of metallicities of red giant stars using machine learning techniques applied to the narrow and broadband photometry of the S-PLUS survey The catalogue is available at the CDS.

Determination of metallicities of red giant stars using machine learning techniques applied to the narrow and broadband photometry of the S-PLUS survey The catalogue is available at the CDS.

K2-399 b is not a planet

Context. The transit technique has been very efficient over the past decades in detecting planet-candidate signals. The so-called statistical validation approach has become a popular way of verifying a candidate’s planetary nature. However, the incomplete consideration of false-positive scenarios and data quality can lead to misinterpretation of the results. Aims. In this work, we revise the planetary status of K2-399 b, a validated planet with an estimated false-positive probability of 0.078% located in the middle of the so-called Neptunian desert, and hence a potential key target for atmospheric prospects. Methods. We used radial velocity data from the CARMENES, HARPS, and TRES spectrographs, as well as ground-based multiband transit photometry provided by LCOGT MuSCAT3 and broad band photometry to test the planetary scenario. Results. Our analysis of the available data does not support the existence of this (otherwise key) planet, and instead points to a scenario composed of an early G-dwarf orbited –with a period of a 846.62−0.28+0.22 days– by a pair of eclipsing M-dwarfs (hence a hierarchical eclipsing binary) likely in the mid-type domain. We thus demote K2-399 b as a planet. Conclusions. We conclude that the validation process, while very useful to prioritize follow-up efforts, must always be conducted with careful attention to data quality while ensuring that all possible scenarios have been properly tested to get reliable results. We also encourage developers of validation algorithms to ensure the accuracy of a priori probabilities for different stellar scenarios that can lead to this kind of false validation. We further encourage the use of follow-up observations when possible (such as radial velocity and/or multiband light curves) to confirm the planetary nature of detected transiting signals rather than only relying on validation tools.

Trials and Tribulations in the Reanalysis of KELT-24 b: A Case Study for the Importance of Stellar Modeling

We present a new analysis of the KELT-24 system, comprising a well-aligned hot Jupiter, KELT-24 b, and a bright (V = 8.3), nearby (d = 96.9 pc) F-type host star. KELT-24 b was independently discovered by two groups in 2019, with each reporting best-fit stellar parameters that were notably inconsistent. Here, we present three independent analyses of the KELT-24 system, each incorporating a broad range of photometric and spectroscopic data, including eight sectors of Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometry and more than 200 new radial velocities (RVs) from the MINiature Exoplanet Radial Velocity Array. Two of these analyses use KELT-24's observed spectral energy distribution (SED) through a direct comparison to stellar evolutionary models, while our third analysis assumes an unknown additional body contributing to the observed broadband photometry and excludes the SED. Ultimately, we find that the models that include the SED are a poor fit to the available data, so we adopt the system parameters derived without it. We also highlight a single transit-like event observed by TESS, deemed likely to be an eclipsing binary bound to KELT-24, that will require follow-up observations to confirm. We discuss the potential of these additional bodies in the KELT-24 system as a possible explanation for the discrepancies between the results of the different modeling approaches, and explore the system for longer-period planets that may be weakly evident in the RV observations. The comprehensive investigations that we present not only increase the fidelity of our understanding of the KELT-24 system but also serve as a blueprint for future stellar modeling in global analyses of exoplanet systems.

Metal accretion scars may be common on magnetic, polluted white dwarfs

More than 30% of white dwarfs exhibit atmospheric metals, which are understood to be from recent or ongoing accretion of circumstellar debris. In cool white dwarfs, surface motions should rapidly homogenise photospheric abundances, and the accreted heavy elements should diffuse inward on a timescale much longer than that for surface mixing. The recent discovery of a metal scar on WD 0816–310 implies its B ≈ 140 kG magnetic field has impeded surface mixing of metals near the visible magnetic pole. Here, we report the discovery of a second magnetic, metal-polluted white dwarf, WD 2138–332, which exhibits periodic variability in longitudinal field, metal line strength, and broadband photometry. All three variable quantities have the same period, and show remarkable correlations: the published light curves have a brightness minimum exactly when the longitudinal field and line strength have a maximum, and a maximum when the longitudinal field and line strength have a minimum. The simplest interpretation of the line strength variability is that there is an enhanced metal concentration around one pole of the magnetic field; however, the variable line-blanketing cannot account for the observed multi-band light curves. More theoretical work is required to understand the efficiency of horizontal mixing of the accreted metal atoms, and the origin of photometric variability. Because both magnetic, metal-polluted white dwarfs that have been monitored to date show that metal line strengths vary in phase with the longitudinal field, we suggest that metal scars around magnetic poles may be a common feature of metal-polluted white dwarfs.

A benchmark JWST near-infrared spectrum for the exoplanet WASP-39 b

Observing exoplanets through transmission spectroscopy supplies detailed information about their atmospheric composition, physics and chemistry. Before the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), these observations were limited to a narrow wavelength range across the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared, alongside broadband photometry at longer wavelengths. To understand more complex properties of exoplanet atmospheres, improved wavelength coverage and resolution are necessary to robustly quantify the influence of a broader range of absorbing molecular species. Here we present a combined analysis of JWST transmission spectroscopy across four different instrumental modes spanning 0.5–5.2 μm using Early Release Science observations of the Saturn-mass exoplanet WASP-39 b. Our uniform analysis constrains the orbital and stellar parameters within subpercentage precision, including matching the precision obtained by the most precise asteroseismology measurements of stellar density to date, and it further confirms the presence of Na, K, H2O, CO, CO2 and SO2 as atmospheric absorbers. Through this process, we have improved the agreement between the transmission spectra of all modes, except for the NIRSpec PRISM, which is affected by partial saturation of the detector. This work provides strong evidence that uniform light curve analysis is an important aspect to ensuring reliability when comparing the high-precision transmission spectra provided by JWST.

Absolute dimensions of solar-type eclipsing binaries

Context. The binary star NY Hya is a bright, detached, double-lined eclipsing system with an orbital period of just under five days with two components each nearly identical to the Sun and located in the solar neighbourhood. Aims. The objective of this study is to test and confront various stellar evolution models for solar-type stars based on accurate measurements of stellar mass and radius. Methods. We present new ground-based spectroscopic and photometric as well as high-precision space-based photometric and astrometric data from which we derive orbital as well as physical properties of the components via the method of least-squares minimisation based on a standard binary model valid for two detached components. Classic statistical techniques were invoked to test the significance of model parameters. Additional empirical evidence was compiled from the public domain; the derived system properties were compared with archival broad-band photometry data enabling a measurement of the system’s spectral energy distribution that allowed an independent estimate of stellar properties. We also utilised semi-empirical calibration methods to derive atmospheric properties from Strömgren photometry and related colour indices. Results. We measured (percentages are fractional uncertainties) masses, radii, and effective temperatures of the two stars in NY Hya and found them to be MA = 1.1605 ± 0.0090 M⊙ (0.78%), RA = 1.407 ± 0.015 R⊙ (1.1%), Teff, A = 5595 ± 61 K (1.09%), MB = 1.1678 ± 0.0096 M⊙ (0.82%), RB = 1.406 ± 0.017 R⊙ (1.2%), and Teff, B = 5607 ± 61 K (1.09%). The atmospheric properties from Strömgren photometry agree well with spectroscopic results. No evidence was found for nearby companions from high-resolution imaging. A detailed analysis of space-based data revealed a small but significant eccentricity (e cos ω) of the orbit. The spectroscopic and frequency analysis on photometric time series data reveal evidence of clear photospheric activity on both components likely in the form of star spots caused by magnetic activity. Conclusions. We confronted the observed physical properties with classic and magnetic stellar evolution models. Classic models yielded both young pre-main-sequence and old main-sequence turn-off solutions with the two components at super-solar metallicities, in disagreement with observations. Based on chromospheric activity and X-ray observations, we invoke magnetic models. While magnetic fields are likely to play an important role, we still encounter problems in explaining adequately the observed properties. To reconcile the observed tensions we also considered the effects of star spots known to mimic magnetic inhibition of convection. Encouraging results were obtained, although unrealistically large spots were required on each component. Overall we conclude that NY Hya proves to be complex in nature, and requires additional follow-up work aiming at a more accurate determination of stellar effective temperature and metallicity.

The PAU survey: photometric calibration of narrow band images

ABSTRACT The physics of the accelerating Universe (PAU) camera is an optical narrow band and broad band imaging instrument mounted at the prime focus of the William Herschel Telescope. We describe the image calibration procedure of the PAU survey data. We rely on an external photometric catalogue to calibrate our narrow band data using stars that have been observed by both data sets. We fit stellar templates to the stellar broad-band photometry of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and synthesize narrow band photometry that we compare to the PAUS narrow band data to determine their calibration. Consequently, the PAUS data are in the AB system as inherited from its reference calibrator. We do several tests to check the performance of the calibration. We find it self-consistent when comparing repeated observations of the same objects, with a good overall accuracy to the AB system which we estimate to be at the 2 per cent precision level and no significant trends as a function of narrow band filter or wavelength. Repeated observations allow us to build a spatial map of the illumination pattern of the system. We also check the wavelength dependence of the calibration comparing to stellar spectra. We find that using only blue stars reduces the effects of variations in the stellar template fitting to broad-band colours, improving the overall precision of the calibration to around 1 per cent and its wavelength uniformity. The photometric redshift performance obtained with the PAUS data attests to the validity of our calibration to reach the PAUS science goals.

AGNfitter-rx : Modeling the radio-to-X-ray spectral energy distributions of AGNs

We present new advancements in the modeling of the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of active galaxies by introducing the radio-to-X-ray fitting capabilities of the publicly available Bayesian code AGNfitter . The new code release, called AGNfitter-rx models the broad-band photometry covering the radio, infrared (IR), optical, ultraviolet (UV), and X-ray bands consistently using a combination of theoretical and semi-empirical models of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) and host-galaxy emission. This framework enables the detailed characterization of four physical components of the active nuclei, namely the accretion disk, the hot dusty torus, the relativistic jets and core radio emission, and the hot corona, and can be used to model three components within the host galaxy: stellar populations, cold dust, and the radio emission from the star-forming regions. Applying AGNfitter-rx to a diverse sample of 36 AGN SEDs at $z 0.7$ from the AGN SED ATLAS, we investigated and compared the performance of state-of-the-art torus and accretion disk emission models in terms of fit quality and inferred physical parameters. We find that clumpy torus models that include polar winds and semi-empirical accretion disk templates including emission-line features significantly increase the fit quality in 67&lt;!PCT!&gt; of the sources by reducing by $2 fit residuals in the $1.5-5 1mm m$ and $0.7 1mm m$ regimes. We demonstrate that, by applying AGNfitter-rx to photometric data, we are able to estimate the inclination and opening angles of the torus, consistent with spectroscopic classifications within the AGN unified model, as well as black hole masses congruent with virial estimates based on Halpha . We investigate wavelength-dependent AGN fractions across the spectrum for Type 1 and Type 2 AGNs, finding dominant AGN fractions in radio, mid-infrared, and X-ray bands, which are in agreement with the findings from empirical methods for AGN selection. The wavelength coverage and the flexibility for the inclusion of state-of-the-art theoretical models make AGNfitter-rx a unique tool for the further development of SED modeling for AGNs in present and future radio-to-X-ray galaxy surveys.

Euclid: Identifying the reddest high-redshift galaxies in the Euclid Deep Fields with gradient-boosted trees

Context. ALMA observations show that dusty, distant, massive (M* ≳ 1011 M⊙) galaxies usually have a remarkable star-formation activity, contributing of the order of 25% of the cosmic star-formation rate density at z ≈ 3–5, and up to 30% at z ∼ 7. Nonetheless, they are elusive in classical optical surveys, and current near-IR surveys are able to detect them only in very small sky areas. Since these objects have low space densities, deep and wide surveys are necessary to obtain statistically relevant results about them. Euclid will potentially be capable of delivering the required information, but, given the lack of spectroscopic features at these distances within its bands, it is still unclear if Euclid will be able to identify and characterise these objects. Aims. The goal of this work is to assess the capability of Euclid, together with ancillary optical and near-IR data, to identify these distant, dusty, and massive galaxies based on broadband photometry. Methods. We used a gradient-boosting algorithm to predict both the redshift and spectral type of objects at high z. To perform such an analysis, we made use of simulated photometric observations that mimic the Euclid Deep Survey, derived using the state-of-the-art Spectro-Photometric Realizations of Infrared-selected Targets at all-z (SPRITZ) software. Results. The gradient-boosting algorithm was found to be accurate in predicting both the redshift and spectral type of objects within the simulated Euclid Deep Survey catalogue at z &gt; 2, while drastically decreasing the runtime with respect to spectral-energy-distribution-fitting methods. In particular, we studied the analogue of HIEROs (i.e. sources selected on the basis of a red H − [4.5]&gt; 2.25), combining Euclid and Spitzer data at the depth of the Deep Fields. These sources include the bulk of obscured and massive galaxies in a broad redshift range, 3 &lt; z &lt; 7. We find that the dusty population at 3 ≲ z ≲ 7 is well identified, with a redshift root mean squared error and catastrophic outlier fraction of only 0.55 and 8.5% (HE ≤ 26), respectively. Our findings suggest that with Euclid we will obtain meaningful insights into the impact of massive and dusty galaxies on the cosmic star-formation rate over time.

Confirmation of a Substantial Discrepancy between Radio and UV–IR Measures of the Star Formation Rate Density at 0.2 < z < 1.3

We present the initial sample of redshifts for 3839 galaxies in the MeerKAT DEEP2 field—the most sensitive ∼1.4 GHz radio field yet observed with σ n = 0.55 μ Jy beam−1, reaching the confusion limit. Using a spectrophotometric technique combining coarse optical spectra with broadband photometry, we obtain redshifts with σ z ≲ 0.01(1 + z), as determined from repeat observations. The resulting radio luminosity functions between 0.2 < z < 1.3 from our sample of 3839 individual galaxies are in remarkable agreement with those inferred from previous modeling of radio source counts, confirming a ≳50% excess in radio-based star formation rate density (SFRD) (z) measurements at 0.2 < z < 1.3 compared to those from the UV–IR. Several sources of systematic error are discussed—totalling ∼0.13 dex when added in quadrature. Even in the event that all systematic errors work to decrease the radio-based SFRD values, they are incapable of reconciling differences between the radio-based measurements with those from the UV–IR at 0.5 < z < 1.3. We conclude that significant work remains to have confidence in a full accounting of the star formation budget of the Universe.

Predicting the Spectroscopic Features of Galaxies by Applying Manifold Learning on Their Broadband Colors: Proof of Concept and Potential Applications for Euclid, Roman, and Rubin LSST

Entering the era of large-scale galaxy surveys, which will deliver unprecedented amounts of photometric and spectroscopic data, there is a growing need for more efficient, data-driven, and less model-dependent techniques to analyze the spectral energy distribution of galaxies. In this work, we demonstrate that by taking advantage of manifold learning approaches, we can estimate spectroscopic features of large samples of galaxies from their broadband photometry when spectroscopy is available only for a fraction of the sample. This will be done by applying the self-organizing map algorithm on broadband colors of galaxies and mapping partially available spectroscopic information into the trained maps. In this pilot study, we focus on estimating the 4000 Å break in a magnitude-limited sample of galaxies in the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field. We also examine this method to predict the Hδ A index given our available spectroscopic measurements. We use observed galaxy colors (u,g,r,i,z,Y,J,H), as well as spectroscopic measurements for a fraction of the sample from the LEGA-C and zCOSMOS spectroscopic surveys to estimate this feature for our parent photometric sample. We recover the D4000 feature for galaxies that only have broadband colors with uncertainties about twice the uncertainty of the employed spectroscopic surveys. Using these measurements, we observe a positive correlation between D4000 and the stellar mass of the galaxies in our sample with weaker D4000 features for higher-redshift galaxies at fixed stellar masses. These can be explained by the downsizing scenario for the formation of galaxies and the decrease in their specific star formation rate as well as the aging of their stellar populations over this time period.

Hα reverberation mapping from broad-band photometry of dwarf seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4395

Abstract NGC 4395 is a dwarf Seyfert 1 galaxy with a possible intermediate-mass black hole of several $\rm {10^4}$ solar masses in its center. As a well-studied object, its broad line region size has been measured via H$\rm {\alpha }$ time lag in numerous spectroscopic reverberation mapping (SRM) and narrow-band photometric reverberation mapping (PRM) campaigns. Here we present its H$\rm {\alpha }$ time lag measurement using broad-band photometric data, with the application of our newly-developed ICCF-Cut method as well as the JAVELIN and χ2 methods. utilizing the minute-cadence multi-band light curves obtained from the $\rm {2}$m FTN and $\rm {10.4}$m GTC telescopes in recent works, we measured its H$\rm {\alpha }$ lag as approximately 40 ∼ 90 minutes from broad-band PRM. With the H$\rm {\alpha }$ emission line velocity dispersion, we calculated its central black hole mass as $\rm M_{\rm BH} = (8\pm 4) \times 10^3\, M_{\rm \odot }$. These results are comparable with previous results obtained by narrow-band PRM and SRM, providing further support to an intermediate-mass black hole in NGC 4395. In addition, our study also validates the ICCF-Cut as an effective method for broad-band PRM, which holds the potential for widespread application in the era of large multi-epoch, high-cadence photometric surveys.

Hα Time Delays of Active Galactic Nuclei from the Zwicky Transient Facility Broadband Photometry

In our previous work on broadband photometric reverberation mapping (PRM), we proposed the interpolated cross-correlation function (ICCF)-Cut process to obtain the time lags of the Hα emission line from two broadband lightcurves via subtracting the continuum emission from the line band. Extending the work, we enlarge our sample to the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) database. We adopt two criteria to select 123 type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with sufficient variability and smooth light curves from 3537 AGNs at z < 0.09 with more than 100 epoch observations in the g and r bands from the ZTF database. We calculate the Hα time lags for 23 of them that have previous spectroscopic reverberation mapping (SRM) results using the ICCF-Cut, Just Another Vehicle for Estimating Lags In Nuclei (JAVELIN), and χ 2 methods. Our obtained Hα time lags are slightly larger than the Hβ time lags, which is consistent with the previous SRM results and the theoretical model of the AGN broad-line region. The comparisons between the SRM and PRM lag distributions and between the subtracted emission line light curves indicate that after selecting AGNs with the two criteria, combining the ICCF-Cut, JAVELIN, and χ 2 methods provides an efficient way to get the reliable Hα lags from the broadband PRM. Such techniques can be used to estimate the black hole masses of a large sample of AGNs in large multiepoch photometric sky surveys such as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time and the survey from the Wide Field Survey Telescope in the near future.

The Quasar Catalogue for S-PLUS DR4 (QuCatS) and the estimation of photometric redshifts

ABSTRACT The advent of massive broad-band photometric surveys enabled photometric redshift estimates for unprecedented numbers of galaxies and quasars. These estimates can be improved using better algorithms or by obtaining complementary data such as narrow-band photometry, and broad-band photometry over an extended wavelength range. We investigate the impact of both approaches on photometric redshifts for quasars using data from Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS) DR4, Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) DR6/7, and the unWISE catalog for the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) in three machine learning methods: Random Forest, Flexible Conditional Density Estimation (FlexCoDE), and Bayesian Mixture Density Network (BMDN). Including narrow-band photometry improves the root-mean-square error by 11 per cent in comparison to a model trained with only broad-band photometry. Narrow-band information only provided an improvement of 3.8 per cent when GALEX and WISE colours were included. Thus, narrow bands play a more important role for objects that do not have GALEX or WISE counterparts, which respectively makes 92 per cent and 25 per cent of S-PLUS data considered here. Nevertheless, the inclusion of narrow-band information provided better estimates of the probability density functions obtained with FlexCoDE and BMDN. We publicly release a value-added catalogue of photometrically selected quasars with the photo-z predictions from all methods studied here. The catalogue provided with this work covers the S-PLUS DR4 area (∼3000 square degrees), containing 645 980, 244 912, 144 991 sources with the probability of being a quasar higher than, 80 per cent, 90 per cent, 95 per cent up to r &amp;lt; 21.3 and good photometry quality in the detection image. More quasar candidates can be retrieved from the S-PLUS data base by considering less restrictive selection criteria.