Very Large Array Research Articles

Observations of the galaxy cluster CL 0217+70 and its surrounding region at 1.4 GHz with the Sardinia Radio Telescope

Abstract We present the results of observations performed with the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) at 1.3–1.8 GHz of the galaxy cluster CL 0217+70 and a 3○ × 3○ region around it. We combine the SRT data with archival Very Large Array (VLA) data to obtain images having the VLA angular resolution, but sensitive up to largest scales. The SRT+VLA combination allows us to derive a cluster radio halo flux density higher by $\sim 14{{\%}}$ compared to the VLA-only data, although consistent within 1σ. We derive a spectral index map between 140 MHz and 1.4 GHz, finding an extended region with spectral index α ∼ 0.6 on the external part of the south-eastern candidate relic, questioning the real nature of this relic. Moreover, we detect an extended emission outside the cluster in the south-eastern area, having an angular extension of ∼50 arcmin on the longer side, which would correspond to ∼10 Mpc at the cluster distance; the emissivity that this region would have if located at the cluster distance is in line with the one estimated in candidate filaments of the cosmic web; however, the peculiar orientation of this region, not pointed towards the cluster, and the low Galactic latitude of this cluster suggest that its origin can be due to a foreground emission originating in our Galaxy.

Accurate proper motions of the protostellar binary system L 1551 IRS 5

Abstract We present an extensive astrometric study of the protostellar binary system L 1551 IRS 5, utilising nearly four decades of interferometric observations obtained between 1983 and 2022 with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). We focus on observations with sufficient angular resolution to separate the two protostars (L 1551 IRS 5 N and S) in the system and derive accurate absolute proper motions for the two sources, as well as the relative proper motion between them. The absolute proper motion is dominated by the solar motion with only a modest contribution from L 1551 IRS 5’s peculiar velocity, as expected for a young stellar object. The relative proper motions enable us to constrain the orbit and derive a total mass of 0.96 ± 0.17 M⊙ for the system. While the emission of both sources at wavelengths shorter than about 1.3 cm is compact, the emission at longer wavelengths (λ ≳ 2 cm) is often affected by a free-free contribution from nearby shock features. The results presented here demonstrate that, when appropriate care is taken to combine the observations, interferometric data collected with different facilities, at different frequencies, and with different gain calibrators can be combined to obtain accurate astrometry. Observations of L 1551 IRS 5 over the next several decades with the VLA, ALMA and eventually the ngVLA and SKA ought to improve its dynamical mass measurement down to an accuracy of a few percent. Similar observations of other young multiple systems have the unique potential to provide dynamical mass estimates for the youngest known stellar objects.

Simulating images of radio galaxies with diffusion models

Context. With increasing amounts of data produced by astronomical surveys, automated analysis methods have become crucial. Synthetic data are required for developing and testing such methods. Current classical approaches to simulations often suffer from insufficient detail or inaccurate representation of source type occurrences. Deep generative modeling has emerged as a novel way of synthesizing realistic image data to overcome those deficiencies. Aims. We implemented a deep generative model trained on observations to generate realistic radio galaxy images with full control over the flux and source morphology. Methods. We used a diffusion model, trained with continuous time steps to reduce sampling time without quality impairments. The two models were trained on two different datasets, respectively. One set was a selection of images obtained from the second data release of the LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey (LoTSS). The model was conditioned on peak flux values to preserve signal intensity information after re-scaling image pixel values. The other, smaller set was obtained from the Very Large Array (VLA) survey of Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimeters (FIRST). In that set, every image was provided with a morphological class label the corresponding model was conditioned on. Conditioned sampling is realized with classifier-free diffusion guidance. We evaluated the quality of generated images by comparing the distributions of different quantities over the real and generated data, including results from the standard source-finding algorithms. The class conditioning was evaluated by training a classifier and comparing its performance on both real and generated data. Results. We have been able to generate realistic images of high quality using 25 sampling steps, which is unprecedented in the field of radio astronomy. The generated images are visually indistinguishable from the training data and the distributions of different image metrics were successfully replicated. The classifier is shown to perform equally well for real and generated images, indicating strong sampling control over morphological source properties.

Probing the Extended Atmospheres of AGB Stars. I. Synthetic Imaging of 1D Hydrodynamical Models at Radio and (Sub-)millimeter Wavelengths

We investigate the observable characteristics of the extended atmospheres of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars across a wide range of radio and (sub-)millimeter wavelengths using state-of-the-art 1D dynamical atmosphere and wind models over one pulsation period. We also study the relationships between the observable features and model properties. We further study practical distance ranges for observable sources assuming the capabilities of current and upcoming observatories. We present time-variable, frequency-dependent profiles of pulsating AGB stars’ atmospheres, illustrating observable features in resolved and unresolved observations, including disk brightness temperature, photosphere radius, and resolved and unresolved spectral indices. Notably, temporal variations in disk brightness temperature closely mirror the temperature variability of the stellar atmosphere. We find that while the photospheric radius decreases due to gas dilution in the layers between consecutive shocks, the increase in the observed stellar radius reflects shock propagation through the atmosphere during the expansion phase, providing a direct measurement method for the shock velocity. Furthermore, our models indicate that enhanced gas temperatures after the passage of a strong shock might be observable in the high-frequency Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) bands as a decrease in the brightness temperature with increasing frequency. We demonstrate that synthetic observations based on state-of-the-art dynamical atmosphere and wind models are necessary for proper interpretations of current (ALMA and Very Large Array (VLA)) and future (Square Kilometre Array and next-generation VLA) observations and that multiwavelength observations of AGB stars are crucial for empirical studies of their extended atmospheres.

Magnetic fields in the outskirts of PSZ2 G096.88+24.18 from a depolarization analysis of radio relics

Context. Radio relics are diffuse, non-thermal radio sources present in a number of merging galaxy clusters. They are characterized by elongated arc-like shapes and highly polarized emission (up to ∼60%) at gigahertz frequencies, and are expected to trace shock waves in the cluster outskirts induced by galaxy cluster mergers. Their polarized emission can be used to study the magnetic field properties of the host cluster. Aims. In this paper, we investigate the polarization properties of the double radio relics in PSZ2 G096.88+24.18 using the rotation measure (RM) synthesis, and try to constrain the characteristics of the magnetic field that reproduce the observed depolarization as a function of resolution (beam depolarization). Our aim is to understand the nature of the low polarization fraction that characterizes the southern relic with respect to the northern relic. Methods. We present new 1–2 GHz Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) observations in multiple configurations. We derived the RM and polarization of the two relics by applying the RM synthesis technique, and thus solved for bandwidth depolarization in the wide observing bandwidth. To study the effect of beam depolarization, we degraded the image resolution and studied the decreasing trend of polarization fraction with increasing beam size. Finally, we performed 3D magnetic field simulations using multiple models for the magnetic field power spectrum over a wide range of scales, in order to constrain the characteristics of the cluster magnetic field that can reproduce the observed beam depolarization trend. Results. Using RM synthesis, we obtained a polarization fraction of (18.6 ± 0.3)% for the northern relic and (14.6 ± 0.1)% for the southern one. Having corrected for bandwidth depolarization, and after noticing the absence of relevant complex Faraday spectrum, we inferred that the nature of the depolarization for the southern relic is external, and possibly related to the turbulent gas distribution within the cluster, or to the complex spatial structure of the relic. The best-fit magnetic field power spectrum, which reproduces the observed depolarization trend for the southern relic, was obtained for a turbulent magnetic field model, described by a power spectrum derived from cosmological simulations, and defined within the scales of Λmin = 35 kpc and Λmax = 400 kpc. This yields an average magnetic field of the cluster within 1 Mpc3 volume of ∼2 μG.

Multi-epoch jet outbursts in Abell 496: Synchrotron ageing and buoyant X-ray cavities draped by warm gas filaments

The galaxy cluster Abell 496 has been extensively studied in the past for the clear sloshing motion of its hot intracluster medium (ICM) on large scales, but the interplay between the central radio galaxy and the surrounding cluster atmosphere is mostly unexplored. We present a dedicated radio, X-ray, and optical study of Abell 496 with the aim being to investigate this connection. We use deep radio images obtained with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 150, 330, and 617 MHz, the Very Large Array (VLA) at 1.4 and 4.8 GHz, and the VLA Low Band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE) at 340 MHz, with angular resolutions ranging from $0.^ prime 5$ to $25^ prime $. Additionally, we use archival Chandra and Very Large Telescope (VLT) MUSE observations. The radio images reveal three distinct periods of jet activity: an ongoing episode on subkiloparsec scales with an inverted radio spectrum; an older episode that produced lobes on scales of $ kpc, which now have a steep spectral index ($ and an black even older episode that produced lobes on scales of $ kpc with an ultrasteep spectrum ($ Archival Chandra X-ray observations show that the older and oldest episodes excavated two generations of cavities in the hot gas of the cluster. The outermost X-ray cavity has a clear mushroom-head shape, likely caused by its buoyant rise in the cluster's potential. Cooling of the hot gas is ongoing in the innermost 20 kpc, where warm, Halpha -bright filaments are visible in VLT-MUSE data. The Halpha -filaments are stretched toward the mushroom-head cavity, which may have stimulated ICM cooling in its wake. We conclude by discussing our nondetection of a radio mini-halo in this vigorously sloshing but low-mass galaxy cluster.

FEASTS Combined with Interferometry. II. Significantly Changed H i Surface Densities and Even More Inefficient Star Formation in Galaxy Outer Disks

We update the H i surface density measurements for a subset of 17 THINGS galaxies by dealing with the short-spacing problem of the original Very Large Array (VLA) H i images. It is the same sample that Bigiel et al. used to study the relation between H i surface densities and star formation (SF) rate surface densities in galaxy outer disks, which are beyond the optical radius r 25. For 10 galaxies, the update is based on combining original THINGS VLA H i images with H i images taken by the single-dish FAST in the FEASTS program. The median increment of H i surface densities in outer disks is 0.15–0.4 dex at a given new H i surface density. Several galaxies change significantly in the shape of radial profiles H i surface densities, and seven galaxies are now more than 1σ below the H i size–mass relation. We update the H i star formation laws in outer disks. The median relation between the H i surface densities and SF rate surface densities based on pixel-wise measurements shifts downward by around 0.15 dex because the H i surface density values shift rightward, and the scatter increases significantly. The scatter of the relation, indicating the star-forming efficiency, exhibits a much stronger positive correlation with the stellar mass surface density than before. Thus, detecting the previously missed, diffuse H i due to the short-spacing problem of the Very Large Array observations is important in revealing the true condition and variation in SF possibly regulated by stellar feedbacks in the localized environment of outer disks.

A global view on star formation: The GLOSTAR Galactic plane survey

Context. The GLObal view on STAR formation in the Milky Way (GLOSTAR) survey studies star formation with the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Effelsberg 100 meter radio telescope in the Galactic plane between −2° < ℓ < 60° and |b| < 1°, and the Cygnus X region (76° < ℓ < 83° and −1° < b < 2°), with unprecedented sensitivity in both flux density (1σ ~50 μJy beam−1) and the capability of detecting emission with angular scales in the range from 1.″0 to the largest radio structures in the Galaxy on the order of a few degrees in size. Aims. Here, we provide a complete GLOSTAR-VLA D-configuration radio source catalog for the part of the Galactic disk covered. A catalog for the “pilot region” between 28° < ℓ < 36° has been published in a previous paper and here we present the complementary catalog for the area within 2° < ℓ < 28°, 36° < ℓ < 60° and |b| < 1°. Methods. Observations were taken with the VLA in a 4–8 GHz band to image 100 square degrees of the inner Galactic disk at a reference frequency of 5.8 GHz, using a total of 260 h of telescope time. We determined spectral indices (α; Sν ∝ να) inside the observed band and in the frequency range of 1.4–5.8 GHz by complementing our results with those from The HI/OH/Recombination line survey of the inner Milky Way (THOR), which covers 1–2 GHz. Results. The final images have an angular resolution of 18″ and an average sensitivity of 123 μJy beam−1. The sensitivity is better (~60 μJy beam−1) in areas free of extended emission. The complementary Galactic disk catalog presented in this work consists of 11 211 radio sources. Of these, 1965 are known large-scale structure sources such as star-forming region complexes, well-known supernova remnants (SNRs), SNR candidates, or parts thereof. The remaining 9227 are discrete individual sources. Source parameters–namely flux densities, sizes, spectral indices, and classifications-are reported. We identify 769 H II region candidates, 359 of which have been newly classified as such. The mean value of spectral indices of 225 H II regions is +0.14 ± 0.02, consistent with most of them emitting optically thin thermal radio emission. Combining our results with the previously published catalog of the pilot region, the final GLOSTAR-VLA D-configuration catalog contains 12 981 radio sources.

Comparisons between Resolved Star Formation Rate and Gas Tracers in the Strongly Lensed Galaxy SDSS J0901+1814 at Cosmic Noon

We report new radio observations of SDSS J090122.37+181432.3, a strongly lensed star-forming galaxy at z = 2.26. We image 1.4 GHz (L-band) and 3 GHz (S-band) continuum using the Very Large Array (VLA) and 1.2 mm (band 6) continuum with Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, in addition to the CO(7–6) and C i(3 P 2→3 P 1) lines, all at ≲1.″7 resolution. Based on the VLA integrated flux densities, we decompose the radio spectrum into its free–free (FF) and nonthermal components. The infrared–radio correlation parameter qTIR=2.65−0.31+0.24 is consistent with expectations for star-forming galaxies. We obtain radio continuum-derived star formation rates (SFRs) that are free of dust extinction, finding 620−220+280M⊙yr−1 , 230−160+570M⊙yr−1 , and 280−120+460M⊙yr−1 from the FF emission, nonthermal emission, and when accounting for both emission processes, respectively, in agreement with previous results. We estimate the gas mass from the C i(3 P 2→3 P 1) line as M gas = (1.2 ± 0.2) × 1011 M ☉, which is consistent with prior CO(1–0)-derived gas masses. Using our new IR and radio continuum data to map the SFR, we assess the dependence of the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation on choices of SFR and gas tracer for ∼kpc scales. The different SFR tracers yield different slopes, with the IR being the steepest, potentially due to highly obscured star formation in J0901. The radio continuum maps have the lowest slopes and overall fidelity for mapping the SFR, despite producing consistent total SFRs. We also find that the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation slope is flattest when using CO(7–6) or C i(3 P 2→3 P 1) to trace gas mass, suggesting that those transitions are not suitable for tracing the bulk molecular gas in galaxies like J0901.

Strange and Odd Morphology Extragalactic Radio Sources (STROMERSs): A Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimeters (FIRST) Look at the Strange and Odd Radio Sources

We report the identification of an extremely rare and peculiar set of irregular radio sources, termed “STROMERSs” (STRange and Odd Morphology Extragalactic Radio Sources).ingThe irregular radio sources with very anomalous morphologies that make them exceptionally different from all the known classes and subclasses of irregular radio sources are detected as STROMERSs. A thorough search for this class of sources from the Very Large Array (VLA) Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-Centimeters (FIRST) gave a total of nine such candidates. We checked the corresponding morphology of the identified sources in other frequency surveys. We found a detectable radio emission for all of the nine sources in the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) at 1.4 GHz and in the TIFR GMRT Sky Survey (TGSS) at 150 MHz, while the same was found for only three sources in the Westerbork Northern Sky Survey (WENSS) at 625 MHz. However, the strange morphology was not found in all of those other survey images. We also characterized the sources with their corresponding physical parameters like optical counterpart, size, spectral index, and radio luminosity. ingThe estimated spectral values of the sources indicated that the STROMERSs were most likely radio galaxies. The presence of any nearby galaxy clusters for the STROMERSs was also checked.

A Census of the Deep Radio Sky with the VLA. I. 10 GHz Survey of the GOODS-N Field*

Abstract We present the first high-resolution, high-frequency radio continuum survey that fully maps an extragalactic deep field: the 10 GHz survey of the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey-North (GOODS-N) field. This is a Large Program of the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) that allocated 380 hr of observations using the X-band (8–12 GHz) receivers, leading to a 10 GHz mosaic of the GOODS-N field with an average rms noise σ n = 671 nJy beam−1 and angular resolution θ 1/2 = 0.″22 across 297 arcmin2. To maximize the brightness sensitivity we also produce a low-resolution mosaic with θ 1/2 = 1.″0 and σ n = 968 nJy beam−1, from which we derive our master catalog containing 256 radio sources detected with peak signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 5. Radio source size and flux density estimates from the high-resolution mosaic are provided in the master catalog as well. The total fraction of spurious sources in the catalog is 0.75%. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to derive completeness corrections of the catalog. We find that the 10 GHz radio source counts in the GOODS-N field agree, in general, with predictions from numerical simulations/models and expectations from 1.4 and 3 GHz radio counts.

A Volume-limited Radio Search for Magnetic Activity in 140 Exoplanets with the Very Large Array

We present results from a search for radio emission in 77 stellar systems hosting 140 exoplanets, predominantly within 17.5 pc using the Very Large Array (VLA) at 4–8 GHz. This is the largest and most sensitive search to date for radio emission in exoplanetary systems in the GHz frequency range. We obtained new observations of 58 systems and analyzed archival observations of an additional 19 systems. Our choice of frequency and volume limit is motivated by radio detections of ultracool dwarfs (UCDs), including T dwarfs with masses at the exoplanet threshold of ∼13 M J. Our surveyed exoplanets span a mass range of ≈10−3–10 M J and semimajor axes of ≈10−2–10 au. We detect a single target—GJ 3323 (M4) hosting two exoplanets with minimum masses of 2 and 2.3 M ⊕—with a circular polarization fraction of ≈40%; the radio luminosity agrees with its known X-ray luminosity and the Güdel–Benz relation for stellar activity suggesting a likely stellar origin, but the high circular polarization fraction may also be indicative of star–planet interaction. For the remaining sources our 3σ upper limits are generally L ν ≲ 1012.5 erg s−1 Hz−1, comparable to the lowest radio luminosities in UCDs. Our results are consistent with previous targeted searches of individual systems at GHz frequencies while greatly expanding the sample size. Our sensitivity is comparable to predicted fluxes for some systems considered candidates for detectable star–planet interaction. Observations with future instruments such as the Square Kilometre Array and Next-Generation VLA will be necessary to further constrain emission mechanisms from exoplanet systems at GHz frequencies.

Spiral magnetic fields and their role on accretion dynamics in the circumnuclear disk of Sagittarius A*: Insight from λ = 850 μm polarization imaging

Abstract We showcase a study on the physical properties of the circumnuclear disk (CND) surrounding the supermassive black hole (SMBH) Sgr A* of the Galactic Center, emphasizing the role of magnetic field ($\boldsymbol {B}$ field) with $0.50\,$pc spatial resolution. Based on the sensitive $\lambda = 850\, \mu$m polarization data taken with the JCMT SCUBA2/POL2 (James Clerk Maxwell Telescope Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array 2), we analyzed ancillary datasets: CS $J = 2$–1 emission taken with ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array), continuum emissions taken at $\lambda = 6\,$cm and at $\lambda = 37\, \mu$m taken with the VLA (Very Large Array) and SOFIA (the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy telescope). The $\boldsymbol {B}$ field within the CND exhibits a coherent spiral pattern. Applying the model described by Wardle and Königl (1990, ApJ, 362, 12; the WK model) to the observed $\boldsymbol {B}$ field pattern, it favors gas-pressure-dominant models without dismissing a gas-and-$\boldsymbol {B}$ field comparable model, leading us to estimate the $\boldsymbol {B}$-field strength in the ionized cavity around Sgr A* as $0.24^{+0.06}_{-0.04}\,$mG. Analysis based on the WK model further allows us to derive representative $\boldsymbol {B}$-field strengths for the radial, azimuthal, and vertical components as $(B_r, B_\phi , B_z) = (0.4 \pm 0.1, -0.7 \pm 0.2, 0.2 \pm 0.05)\,$mG, respectively. A key finding is that the $|B_\phi |$ component is dominant over $B_r$ and $B_z$ components, consistent with the spiral morphology, indicating that the CND’s $\boldsymbol {B}$-field is predominantly toroidal, possibly shaped by accretion dynamics. Considering the turbulent pressure, estimated plasma $\beta$ values indicate that the effective gas pressure should surpass the magnetic pressure. Assessing the CND of our MWG in the toroidal-and-vertical stability parameter space, we propose that such an “effective” magneto-rotational instability (MRI) may likely be active. The estimated maximum unstable wavelength, $\lambda _{\rm max} = 0.1 \pm 0.1\,$pc, is smaller than the CND’s scale height ($0.2 \pm 0.1\,$pc), which indicates the potential for the effective MRI intermittent cycles of $\sim 10^6\,$yr, which should profoundly affect the CND’s evolution, considering the estimated mass accretion rate of $10^{-2} M_{\odot }\,$yr$^{-1}$ to the SMBH.

Prevalence of Compact Nuclear Radio Emission in Post-merger Galaxies and Its Origin

Post-merger galaxies are unique laboratories to study the triggering and interplay of star formation and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity. Combining new, high-resolution Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) observations with archival radio surveys, we have examined the radio properties of 28 spheroidal post-merger galaxies. We detect 18 radio sources in our post-merger sample and find a general lack of extended emission at (sub)kiloparsec scales, indicating the prevalence of compact, nuclear radio emission in these post-merger galaxies, with the majority (16/18; 89%) characterized as low luminosity. Using multiwavelength data, we determine the origin of the radio emission, discovering 15 new radio AGNs and three radio sources likely associated with star-forming (SF) processes. Among the radio AGNs, almost all are low luminosity (13/15; 87%), inconsistent with a relativistic jet origin. We discover a new dual AGN (DAGN) candidate, J1511+0417, and investigate the radio properties of the DAGN candidate J0843+3549. Five of these radio AGNs are hosted by a SF or SF-AGN composite emission-line galaxy, suggesting that radio AGN activity may be present during periods of SF activity in post-mergers. The low-power jets and compact morphologies of these radio AGNs also point to a scenario in which AGN feedback may be efficient in this sample of post-mergers. Lastly, we present simulated, multifrequency observations of the 15 radio AGNs with the Very Long Baseline Array and the very-long-baseline interferometry capabilities of the Next-Generation VLA to assess the feasibility of these instruments in searches for supermassive black hole binaries.

Low-redshift Lyman Continuum Survey (LzLCS)

Context. Sources that leak Lyman continuum (LyC) photons and lead to the reionisation of the universe are an object of intense study using multiple observing facilities. Recently, the Low-redshift LyC Survey (LzLCS) has presented the first large sample of LyC emitting galaxies at low redshift (z ∼ 0.3) with the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. The LzLCS sample contains a robust estimate of the LyC escape fraction (fescLyC) for 66 galaxies, spanning a wide range of fescLyC values. Aims. Here, we aim to study the dependence of fescLyC on the radio continuum (RC) properties of LzLCS sources. Overall, RC emission can provide unique insights into the role of supernova feedback, cosmic rays (CRs), and magnetic fields from its non-thermal emission component. RC emission is also a dust-free tracer of the star formation rate (SFR) in galaxies. Methods. In this study, we present Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) RC observations of the LzLCS sources at gigahertz (GHz) frequencies. We performed VLA C (4−8 GHz) and S (2−4 GHz) band observations for a sample of 53 LzLCS sources. We also observed a sub-sample of 17 LzLCS sources in the L (1−2 GHz) band. We detected RC from both C- and S-bands in 24 sources for which we are able to estimate their radio spectral index across 3−6 GHz, denoted as α6 GHz3 GHz. We also used the RC luminosity to estimate their SFRs. Results. The radio spectral index of LzLCS sources spans a wide range, from flat (≥ − 0.1) to very steep (≤ − 1.0). They have a steeper mean α6 GHz3 GHz (≈ − 0.92) compared to that expected for normal star-forming galaxies (α6 GHz3 GHz ≈ −0.64). They also show a larger scatter in α6 GHz3 GHz (∼0.71) compared to that of normal star-forming galaxies (∼0.15). The strongest leakers in our sample show flat α6 GHz3 GHz, weak leakers have α6 GHz3 GHz close to normal star-forming galaxies and non-leakers are characterized by steep α6 GHz3 GHz. We argue that a combination of young ages, free-free absorption, and a flat cosmic-ray energy spectrum can altogether lead to a flat α6 GHz3 GHz for strong leakers. Non-leakers are characterized by steep spectra which can arise due to break or cutoff at high frequencies. Such a cutoff in the spectrum can arise in a single injection model of CRs characteristic of galaxies which have recently stopped star-formation. The dependence of fescLyC on α6 GHz3 GHz (which is orientation-independent) suggests that the escape of LyC photons is not highly direction-dependent at least to the first order. The radio-based SFRs (SFRRC) of LzLCS sources show a large offset (∼0.59 dex) from the standard SFRRC calibration. We find that adding α6 GHz3 GHz as a second parameter helps us to calibrate the SFRRC with SFRUV and SFRHβ within a scatter of ∼0.21 dex. Conclusions. For the first time, we have found a relation between α6 GHz3 GHz and fescLyC. This hints at the interesting role of supernovae feedback, CRs, and magnetic fields in facilitating the escape (alternatively, and/or the lack) of LyC photons.

FAST observations of neutral hydrogen in the interacting galaxies NGC 3395/3396

ABSTRACT We report on high-sensitivity neutral hydrogen observations toward the gas-rich interacting galaxies NGC 3395/3396 with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). Compared to previous observations carried out by the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT), a more extended H i envelope around this system has been detected. The total H i gas mass of the NGC 3395/3396 system is estimated to be 7.8 × 109 M$_\odot$. This value is 2.7 times more than that reported based on the VLA interferometric maps. Previous observations found a large H i tail extending to the south-west and a minor tail emerging from the north of this peculiar galaxy pair. Based on the high-sensitivity observations of FAST, an extended H i plume to the north-west and a gas plume to the north-east have been detected for the first time. Neutral hydrogen of the two smaller galaxies IC 2604 and IC 2608 in the south of the system have also been detected. We discuss the origins of these extra gas and possible tidal interactions between these galaxies. The most prominent tidal feature of NGC 3395/3396, the south-west tail combined with the new detected north-west plume, behaves like a large ring. We suggest the ring might be formed by the previous fly-by interaction between NGC 3395 and 3396, which happened 500 Myr ago. Our study shows that high-sensitivity H i observations are important in revealing low column density gas, which is crucial to a deeper understanding of this interacting system.

Study of Particle Acceleration Using Fine Structures and Oscillations in Microwaves from the Electron Cyclotron Maser

The accelerated electrons during solar flares produce radio bursts and nonthermal X-ray signatures. The quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) and fine structures in spatial–spectral–temporal space in radio bursts depend on the emission mechanism and the local conditions, such as magnetic fields, electron density, and pitch-angle distribution. Radio burst observations with high-frequency time resolution imaging provide excellent diagnostics. In converging magnetic field geometries, the radio bursts can be produced via the electron cyclotron maser (ECM). Recently, using observations made by the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) at 1–2 GHz, Yu et al. reported a discovery of long-lasting auroral-like radio bursts persistent over a sunspot and interpreted them as ECM-generated emission. Here we investigate the detailed second and subsecond temporal variability of this continuous ECM source. We study the association of 5 s period QPPs with a concurrent GOES C1.5-class flare, utilizing VLA’s imaging spectroscopy capability with an extremely high temporal resolution (50 ms). We use the density and magnetic field extrapolation model to constrain the ECM emission to the second harmonic O-mode. Using the delay of QPPs from X-ray emission times, combined with X-ray spectroscopy and magnetic extrapolation, we constrain the energies and pitch angles of the ECM-emitting electrons to ≈4–8 keV and >26°. Our analysis shows that the loss-cone diffusion continuously fuels the ECM via Coulomb collisions and magnetic turbulence between a length scale of 5 and 100 Mm. We conclude that the QPP occurs via the Lotka–Volterra system, where the electrons from solar flares saturate the continuously operating ECM and cause temporary oscillations.

A high-resolution radio morphology and polarization of the kiloparsec-scale X-ray jet of PKS 1127−145

We report on new multifrequency Very Large Array (VLA) radio observations and Chandra X-ray observations of a radio-loud quasar with a ∼300 kpc-long jet, PKS 1127−145, during a flaring event detected in γ-rays by the Fermi Large Area Telescope in December 2020. The high angular resolution of the new radio images allows us to disentangle for the first time the kiloparsec-scale inner jet from the core contribution. The inner radio jet, up to 15 kpc from the core, is highly polarized (33 percent) and the magnetic field is parallel to the jet axis. At about 18 arcsecs from the core, the jet slightly bends and we observe a re-brightening of the radio emission and a 90-degree rotation of the magnetic field, likely highlighting the presence of a shock that is compressing the magnetic field to a plane perpendicular to the jet axis, where efficient particle acceleration takes place. At the same position, the X-ray emission fades, suggesting a deceleration of the bulk velocity of the jet after the bend. A change in velocity and collimation of the jet is supported by the widening of the jet profile and the detection of a limb-brightened structure connecting the bending region with the jet termination. The limb-brightened structure might indicate the coexistence of both longitudinal and transverse velocity gradients at the jet bending. There is no evidence of significant brightening of the kiloparsec-scale jet in the radio or X-ray band during the γ-ray flare. The X-ray flux, F2 − 10 keV = (6.24 ± 0.57)×10−12 ergs s−1 cm−2, measured by Chandra from the quasar core is consistent with the flux measured by the X-ray Telescope on board the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after the high-energy flare. Our results indicate that the γ-ray flaring region is located within the VLA source core.

Feedback and ionized gas outflows in four low-radio power AGN at z ∼ 0.15

An increasing number of observations and simulations suggests that low-power (< 1044 erg s−1) jets may be a significant channel of feedback produced by active galactic nuclei (AGN), but little is known about their actual effect on their host galaxies from the observational point of view. We targeted four luminous type 2 AGN hosting moderately powerful radio emission (∼1044 erg s−1), two of which and possibly a third are associated with jets, with optical integral field spectroscopy observations from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to analyze the properties of their ionized gas as well as the properties and effects of ionized outflows. We combined these observations with Very Large Array (VLA) and e-MERLIN data to investigate the relations and interactions between the radio jets and host galaxies. We detected ionized outflows as traced by the fast bulk motion of the gas. The outflows extended over kiloparsec scales in the direction of the jet, when present. In the two sources with resolved radio jets, we detected a strong enhancement in the emission-line velocity dispersion (up to 1000 km s−1) perpendicular to the direction of the radio jets. We also found a correlation between the mass and the energetics of this high-velocity dispersion gas and the radio power, which supports the idea that the radio emission may cause the enhanced turbulence. This phenomenon, which is now being observed in an increasing number of objects, might represent an important channel for AGN feedback on galaxies

Radio emission from SN 1181 hosting a white dwarf merger product

Abstract The remnant of the historical supernova 1181 is claimed to be associated with a white dwarf merger remnant J005311. The supernova remnant (SNR) shock, and a termination shock expected to be formed by the intense wind of J005311, are potential sites for radio emission via synchrotron emission from shock-accelerated electrons. In this paper, we estimate the radio emission from these two shocks, and find the peak radio flux to be 0.1–10 mJy (at 0.01–1 GHz) in the outer SNR shock and 0.01–0.1 mJy (at 1–10 GHz) in the inner termination shock. We also search for radio emission from this source in the archival data of the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) Sky Survey at 3 GHz, the NRAO VLA Sky Survey at 1.4 GHz and the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey at 408 MHz, finding no significant detection. While targeted observations with higher sensitivity are desired, we particularly encourage those at higher frequency and angular resolution to probe the inner termination shock and its evolution.