GHz Continuum Research Articles

Characterizing the Molecular Gas in Infrared Bright Galaxies with CARMA

We present the CO(1–0) maps of 28 infrared-bright galaxies from the Great Observatories All-Sky Luminous Infrared Galaxy Survey (GOALS) taken with the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter Astronomy (CARMA). We detect 100 GHz continuum in 16 of the 28 CARMA GOALS galaxies, which trace both active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and compact star-forming cores. The GOALS galaxies show a variety of molecular gas morphologies, though in the majority of cases the average velocity fields show a gradient consistent with rotation. We fit the full continuum spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of each of the sources using either magphys or SED3FIT (if there are signs of an AGN) to derive the total stellar mass, dust mass, and SFRs of each object. We adopt a value determined from luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs and ULIRGs) of α CO = 1.5−0.8+1.3 M ⊙ (K km s−1 pc2)−1, which leads to more physical values for f mol and the gas-to-dust ratio. Mergers tend to have the highest gas-to-dust ratios. We assume the cospatiality of the molecular gas and star formation and plot the CARMA GOALS sample on the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation, where we find that they preferentially lie above the line set by normal star-forming galaxies. This hyper-efficiency is likely due to the increased turbulence in these systems, which decreases the freefall time compared to star-forming galaxies, leading to “enhanced” star formation efficiency. Line wings are present in a non-negligible subsample (11/28) of the CARMA GOALS sources and are likely due to outflows driven by AGNs or star formation, gas inflows, or additional decoupled gas components.

Measuring 60 pc-scale Star Formation Rate of the Nearby Seyfert Galaxy NGC 1068 with ALMA, HST, VLT/MUSE, and VLA

The star formation rate (SFR) is a fundamental parameter for describing galaxies and inferring their evolutionary course. H ii regions yield the best measure of instantaneous SFR in galaxies, although the derived SFR can have large uncertainties depending on tracers and assumptions. We present an SFR calibration for the entire molecular gas disk of the nearby Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068, based on our new high-sensitivity Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array 100 GHz continuum data at 55 pc (= 0.″8) resolution in combination with the Hubble Space Telescope Paα line data. In this calibration, we account for the spatial variations of dust extinction, electron temperature of H ii regions, AGN contamination, and diffuse ionized gas (DIG) based on publicly available multiwavelength data. Especially, given the extended nature and the possible nonnegligible contribution to the total SFR, a careful consideration of DIG is essential. With a cross-calibration between two corrected ionized gas tracers (free–free continuum and Paα), the total SFR of the NGC 1068 disk is estimated to be 3.2 ± 0.5 M ⊙ yr−1, one-third of the SFR without accounting for DIG (9.1 ± 1.4 M ⊙ yr−1). We confirmed a high SFR around the southern bar end and the corotation radius, which is consistent with the previous SFR measurements. In addition, our total SFR exceeds the total SFR based on 8 μm dust emission by a factor of 1.5. We attribute this discrepancy to the differences in the young stars at different stages of evolution traced by each tracer and their respective timescales. This study provides an example to address the various uncertainties in conventional SFR measurements and their potential to lead to significant SFR miscalculations.

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.

Very Long Baseline Interferometry Detection of an Active Radio Source Potentially Driving 100 kpc Scale Emission in the Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxy IRAS F01004–2237

The nearby ultraluminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) IRAS F01004−2237 exhibits 100 kpc scale continuum emission at radio wavelengths. The absence of extended X-ray emission in IRAS F01004−2237 has suggested an active galactic nucleus (AGN) origin for the extended radio emission, whose properties and role in merging systems still need to be better understood. We present the results of multifrequency observations of IRAS F01004−2237 conducted by the Very Long Baseline Array at 2.3 and 8.4 GHz. Compact 8.4 GHz continuum emission was detected on a 1 pc scale in the nuclear region with an intrinsic brightness temperature of 108.1 K suggesting that the radio source originated from an AGN, potentially driving the extended emission. In contrast, no significant emission was observed at 2.3 GHz, indicating the presence of low-frequency absorption. This absorption cannot be attributed solely to synchrotron self-absorption; alternatively, free–free absorption due to thermal plasma is mainly at work in the spectrum. From combined perspectives, including mid-infrared and X-ray data, the AGN is obscured in a dense environment. The kinetic power of the nonthermal jet, as inferred from the extended emission, can play a more important role in dispersing the surrounding medium than the thermal outflow in IRAS F01004−2237. These findings hint that jet activities in ULIRGs may contribute to AGN feedback during galaxy evolution induced by merger events.

The SARAO MeerKAT 1.3 GHz Galactic Plane Survey

ABSTRACT We present the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (SMGPS), a 1.3 GHz continuum survey of almost half of the Galactic Plane (251° ≤l ≤ 358° and 2° ≤l ≤ 61° at |b| ≤ $1{_{.}^{\circ}}5$). SMGPS is the largest, most sensitive, and highest angular resolution 1 GHz survey of the plane yet carried out, with an angular resolution of 8 arcsec and a broad-band root-mean-square sensitivity of ∼10–20 μJy beam−1. Here, we describe the first publicly available data release from SMGPS which comprises data cubes of frequency-resolved images over 908–1656 MHz, power-law fits to the images, and broad-band zeroth moment integrated intensity images. A thorough assessment of the data quality and guidance for future usage of the data products are given. Finally, we discuss the tremendous potential of SMGPS by showcasing highlights of the Galactic and extragalactic science that it permits. These highlights include the discovery of a new population of non-thermal radio filaments; identification of new candidate supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae and planetary nebulae; improved radio/mid-infrared classification of rare luminous blue variables and discovery of associated extended radio nebulae; new radio stars identified by Bayesian cross-matching techniques; the realization that many of the largest radio-quiet Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) H ii region candidates are not true H ii regions; and a large sample of previously undiscovered background H i galaxies in the Zone of Avoidance.

Forming localized dust concentrations in a dust ring: DM Tau case study

Context. Previous high-angular-resolution 225 GHz (~1.3 mm) continuum observations of the transitional disk DM Tau have resolved an outer ring at 20–120 au radii that is weakly azimuthally asymmetric. Aims. We aim to examine dust growth and filtration in the outer ring of DM Tau. Methods. We performed ~0″.06 (~8.7 au) resolution Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) 40–48 GHz (~7 mm; Q band) continuum observations, along with complementary observations at lower frequencies. In addition, we analyzed the archival JVLA observations undertaken since 2010. Results. Intriguingly, the Q band image resolved the azimuthally highly asymmetric, knotty dust emission sources close to the inner edge of the outer ring. Fitting the 8–700 GHz spectral energy distribution (SED) with two dust components indicates that the maximum grain size (amax) in these knotty dust emission sources is likely ≳300 µm, whereas it is ≳50 µm in the rest of the ring. These results may be explained by a trapping of inwardly migrating “grown” dust close to the ring inner edge. The exact mechanism for developing the azimuthal asymmetry has not yet been identified, which may be due to planet-disk interaction that might also be responsible for the creation of the dust cavity and pressure bump. Otherwise, it may be due to the fluid instabilities and vortex formation as a result of shear motions. Finally, we remark that the asymmetries in DM Tau are difficult to diagnose from the ≳225 GHz observations, owing to a high optical depth at the ring. In other words, the apparent symmetric or asymmetric morphology of the transitional disks may be related to the optical depths of those disks at the observing frequency.

Detection of Rydberg Lines from the Atmosphere of Betelgeuse

Emission lines from Rydberg transitions are detected for the first time from a region close to the surface of Betelgeuse. The H30α line is observed at 231.905 GHz, with an FWHM ∼42 km s−1 and extended wings. A second line at 232.025 GHz (FWHM ∼21 km s−1 ), is modeled as a combination of Rydberg transitions of abundant low first ionization potential metals. Both H30α and the Rydberg combined line X30α are fitted by Voigt profiles, and collisional broadening with electrons may be partly responsible for the Lorentzian contribution, indicating electron densities of a few 108 cm−3. X30α is located in a relatively smooth ring at a projected radius of 0.9× the optical photospheric radius R ⋆, whereas H30α is more clumpy, reaching a peak at ∼1.4 R ⋆. We use a semiempirical thermodynamic atmospheric model of Betelgeuse to compute the 232 GHz (1.29 mm) continuum and line profiles making simple assumptions. Photoionized abundant metals dominate the electron density, and the predicted surface of continuum optical depth unity at 232 GHz occurs at ∼1.3 R ⋆, in good agreement with observations. Assuming a Saha–Boltzmann distribution for the level populations of Mg, Si, and Fe, the model predicts that the X30α emission arises in a region of radially increasing temperature and turbulence. Inclusion of ionized C and non-LTE effects could modify the integrated fluxes and location of emission. These simulations confirm the identity of the Rydberg transition lines observed toward Betelgeuse and reveal that such diagnostics can improve future atmospheric models.

Radio-to-submillimetre spectral energy distributions of NGC 1365

ABSTRACT We analyse the radio-to-submillimetre spectral energy distribution (SED) for the central pseudo-bulge of NGC 1365 using archival data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Very Large Array. This analysis shows that free–free emission dominates the continuum emission at 50–120 GHz and produces about 75 per cent of the 103 GHz continuum emission. However, the fraction of 103 GHz continuum emission originating from free–free emission varies significantly among different subregions in the pseudo-bulge, particularly for an outflow from the active galactic nuclei (AGN) on the eastern pseudo-bulge where the synchrotron emission produces half of the 103 GHz continuum emission. Free–free emission also dominates at 103 GHz within the central 400 pc diameter region, but this emission is associated with the AGN rather than star formation. The star formation rate (SFR) within the pseudo-bulge derived from the ALMA free–free emission is 8.9 ± 1.1 M⊙ yr−1. This is comparable to the SFR from the mid-infrared emission but higher than the SFR from the extinction-corrected H α line emission, mainly because the pseudo-bulge is heavily dust obscured. The 1.5 GHz emission yields a comparable SFR for the pseudo-bulge but may have lower SFRs within subregions of the pseudo-bulge because of the diffusion outside of these regions of the electrons producing the synchrotron radiation. We propose that applying a correction factor of 75 per cent to the 80–110 GHz continuum emission could provide valuable estimates of the free–free emission without performing any SED decomposition, which could derive extinction-free SFRs within 20 per cent accuracy.

Evidence for Low-power Radio Jet–ISM Interaction at 10 pc in the Dwarf AGN Host NGC 4395

Black-hole-driven outflows in galaxies hosting active galactic nuclei (AGN) may interact with their interstellar medium (ISM) affecting star formation (SF). Such feedback processes, reminiscent of those seen in massive galaxies, have been reported recently in some dwarf galaxies. However, such studies have usually been on kiloparsec and larger scales and our knowledge of the smallest spatial scales to which these feedback processes can operate is unclear. Here we demonstrate radio jet−ISM interaction on the scale of an asymmetric triple radio structure of ∼10 pc size in NGC 4395. This triple radio structure is seen in the 15 GHz continuum image and the two asymmetric jet-like structures are situated on either side of the radio core that coincides with the optical Gaia position. The high-resolution radio image and the extended [O iii]λ5007 emission, indicative of an outflow, are spatially coincident and are consistent with the interpretation of a low-power radio jet interacting with the ISM. Modelling of the spectral lines using MAPPINGS, and estimation of temperature using optical integral field spectroscopic data suggest shock ionization of the gas. The continuum emission at 237 GHz, though weak, was found to spatially coincide with the AGN. However, the CO(2−1) line emission was found to be displaced by around 20 pc northward of the AGN core. The spatial coincidence of molecular H2 λ2.4085 along the jet direction, the morphology of ionized [O iii]λ5007, and displacement of the CO(2−1) emission argues for conditions less favorable for SF in the central ∼10 pc region.

SUNRISE: The rich molecular inventory of high-redshift dusty galaxies revealed by broadband spectral line surveys

Understanding the nature of high-redshift dusty galaxies requires a comprehensive view of their interstellar medium (ISM) and molecular complexity. However, the molecular ISM at high redshifts is commonly studied using only a few species beyond 12C16O, limiting our understanding. In this paper, we present the results of deep 3 mm spectral line surveys using the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) targeting two strongly lensed dusty galaxies observed when the Universe was less than 1.8 Gyr old: APM 08279+5255, a quasar at redshift z = 3.911, and NCv1.143 (H-ATLAS J125632.7+233625), a z = 3.565 starburst galaxy. The spectral line surveys cover rest-frame frequencies from about 330 to 550 GHz for both galaxies. We report the detection of 38 and 25 emission lines in APM 08279+5255 and NCv1.143, respectively. These lines originate from 17 species, namely CO, 13CO, C18O, CN, CCH, HCN, HCO+, HNC, CS, C34S, H2O, H3O+, NO, N2H+, CH, c-C3H2, and the vibrationally excited HCN and neutral carbon. The spectra reveal the chemical richness and the complexity of the physical properties of the ISM. By comparing the spectra of the two sources and combining the analysis of the molecular gas excitation, we find that the physical properties and the chemical imprints of the ISM are different: the molecular gas is more excited in APM 08279+5255, which exhibits higher molecular gas temperatures and densities compared to NCv1.143; the molecular abundances in APM 08279+5255 are akin to the values of local active galactic nuclei (AGN), showing boosted relative abundances of the dense gas tracers that might be related to high-temperature chemistry and/or the X-ray-dominated regions, while NCv1.143 more closely resembles local starburst galaxies. The most significant differences between the two sources are found in H2O: the 448 GHz ortho-H2O(423 − 330) line is significantly brighter in APM 08279+5255, which is likely linked to the intense far-infrared radiation from the dust powered by AGN. Our astrochemical model suggests that, at such high column densities, far-ultraviolet radiation is less important in regulating the ISM, while cosmic rays (and/or X-rays and shocks) are the key players in shaping the molecular abundances and the initial conditions of star formation. Both our observed CO isotopologs line ratios and the derived extreme ISM conditions (high gas temperatures, densities, and cosmic-ray ionization rates) suggest the presence of a top-heavy stellar initial mass function. From the ∼330–550 GHz continuum, we also find evidence of nonthermal millimeter flux excess in APM 08279+5255 that might be related to the central supermassive black hole. Such deep spectral line surveys open a new window into the physics and chemistry of the ISM and the radiation field of galaxies in the early Universe.

Stars, Gas, and Star Formation of Distant Post-starburst Galaxies

We present a comprehensive multiwavelength study of five post-starburst galaxies with M * > 1011 M ⊙ at z ∼ 0.7, examining their stars, gas, and current and past star formation activities. Using optical images from the Subaru Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope, we observe a high incidence of companion galaxies and low surface brightness tidal features, indicating that quenching is closely related to interactions between galaxies. From optical spectra provided by the LEGA-C survey, we model the stellar continuum to derive the star formation histories and show the stellar masses of progenitors ranging from 2 × 109 M ⊙ to 1011 M ⊙, undergoing a burst of star formation several hundred million years prior to observation, with a decay timescale of ∼100 Myr. Our Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations detect CO(2-1) emission in four galaxies, with the molecular gas spreading over up to >1″, or ∼10 kpc, with a mass of up to ∼2 × 1010 M ⊙. However, star-forming regions are unresolved by either the slit spectra or 3 GHz continuum observed by the Very Large Array. Comparisons between the star formation rates (SFRs) and gas masses, and the sizes of CO emission and star-forming regions suggest a low star-forming efficiency. We show that the SFRs derived from IR and radio luminosities with commonly used calibrations tend to overestimate the true values because of the prodigious amount of radiation from old stars and the contribution from active galactic nuclei (AGNs), as the optical spectra reveal weak AGN-driven outflows.

Tracing dense gas in six resolved GMCs of the Andromeda Galaxy

ABSTRACT We present dense-gas-tracing molecular observations of six resolved Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Using the NOEMA interferometer, we observed the transitions of HCN(1–0), HCO+(1–0), and HNC(1–0), as well as 13CO(1–0) and 100 GHz continuum emission. This complements our earlier work with the Submillimetre Array, including resolved dust continuum detections of these clouds at 230 GHz. In this work, we first compare different continuum measurements to conclude that the average free–free contamination of the observed flux is 71 per cent at 3 mm but only 13 per cent at 1 mm, confirming that emission at 3 mm is less reliable than that at 1 mm for calculating dust masses of star-forming clouds. While the 13CO emission is more extended than both HCN and HCO+ emission, which in turn is more extended than HNC emission, we find that both HCN and HCO+ are spatially coincident with, and similarly extended as, the 230 GHz dust emission. This suggests that both the 230 GHz dust continuum and most importantly the HCN emission traces the dense gas component of these GMCs. From comparison of the molecular emission with dust masses derived from the 230 GHz continuum emission, we obtain the first direct measurements of the dust-mass-to-light ratios ($\alpha ^\prime _{\rm HCN}$ and $\alpha ^\prime _{\rm HCO^+}$) in GMCs of an external galaxy. For HCN, the result is broadly similar to a measurement in the local Perseus cloud suggesting that these are indeed dense gas conversion factors. A larger cloud sample will be required to assess whether HCN is tracing comparable cloud-scale density regimes across the environments of M31.

Star formation in the centre of NGC 1808 as observed by ALMA

ABSTRACT We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of 85.69- and 99.02-GHz continuum emission and H42α and H40α lines emission from the central 1 kpc of NGC 1808. These forms of emission are tracers of photoionizing stars but unaffected by dust obscuration that we use to test the applicability of other commonly star formation metrics. An analysis of the spectral energy distributions shows that free–free emission contributes about 60–90 per cent of the continuum emission in the 85–100-GHz frequency range, dependent on the region. The star formation rate (SFR) derived from the ALMA free–free emission is 3.1 ± 0.3 M⊙ yr−1. This is comparable to the SFRs measured from the infrared emission, mainly because most of the bolometric energy from the heavily obscured region is emitted as infrared emission. The radio 1.5-GHz emission yields an SFR 25 per cent lower than the ALMA value, probably because of the diffusion of the electrons producing the synchrotron emission beyond the star-forming regions. The SFRs measured from the extinction-corrected H α line emission are about 40–65 per cent of the SFR derived from the ALMA data, likely because this metric was not calibrated for high-extinction regions. Some SFRs based on extinction-corrected ultraviolet emission are similar to those from ALMA and infrared data, but given that the ultraviolet terms in the extinction correction equations are very small, these metrics seem inappropriate to apply to this dusty starburst.

Distributions of the Density and Kinetic Temperature of the Molecular Gas in the Central Region of NGC 613 Using Hierarchical Bayesian Inference

We present position–position–velocity (PPV) cubes of the physical and chemical properties of the molecular medium in the central 1.2 kpc region of the active galaxy NGC 613 at a PPV resolution of 0.″8 × 0.″8 × 10 km s−1 (0.″8 = ∼68 pc). We used eight molecular lines (13CO(1–0), C18O(1–0), HCN(1–0), HCO+(1–0), CS(2–1), HCN(4–3), HCO+(4–3), and CS(7–6)) obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Non-LTE calculation with hierarchical Bayesian inference was used to construct PPV cubes of the gas kinetic temperature (T kin), molecular hydrogen volume density (), column densities (), and fractional abundances of four molecules (12C18O, HCN, HCO+, and CS). The derived , , and T kin ranged from 103.21−3.85 cm−3, 1020.8−22.1 cm−2, and 102.33−2.64 K, respectively. Our first application of the non-LTE method with the hierarchical Bayesian inference to external galaxies yielded compatible results compared with the previous studies of this galaxy, demonstrating the efficacy of this method for application to other galaxies. We examined the correlation between gas surface density (converted from ) and the star formation rate ΣSFR obtained from the 110 GHz continuum flux map and found two distinct sequences in the –ΣSFR diagram; the southwestern subregion of the star-forming ring exhibited a ∼0.5 dex higher star formation efficiency (SFE; ΣSFR/) than the eastern subregion. However, they exhibited no systematic difference in , which is often argued as a driver of SFE variation. We suggest that the deficiency of molecular gas in the southwestern subregion, where no significant gas supply is evident along the offset ridges in the bar, is responsible for the elevated SFE.

Apertif 1.4 GHz continuum observations of the Boötes field and their combined view with LOFAR

We present a new image of a 26.5 square degrees region in the Boötes constellation obtained at 1.4 GHz using the Aperture Tile in Focus (Apertif) system on the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope. We use a newly developed processing pipeline that includes direction-dependent self-calibration, which provides a significant improvement in the quality of the images compared to those released as part of the Apertif first data release. For the Boötes region, we mosaicked 187 Apertif images and extracted a source catalog. The mosaic image has an angular resolution of 27 × 11.5″ and a median background noise of 40 μJy beam−1. The catalog has 8994 sources and is complete down to the 0.3 mJy level. We combined the Apertif image with LOFAR images of the Boötes field at 54 and 150 MHz to study the spectral properties of the sources. We find a spectral flattening toward sources with a low flux density. Using the spectral index limits from Apertif nondetections, we derive that up to 9% of the sources have ultrasteep spectra with a slope below −1.2. A steepening of the spectral index with increasing redshift is also seen in the data, which shows a different dependence for the low-and high-frequency spectral index. The explanation probably is that a population of sources has concave radio spectra with a turnover frequency of about the LOFAR band. Additionally, we discuss cases of individual extended sources with an interesting resolved spectral structure. With the improved pipeline, we aim to continue to process data from the Apertif wide-area surveys and release the improved 1.4-GHz images of several well-known fields.

A Tight Correlation between Millimeter and X-Ray Emission in Accreting Massive Black Holes from

Recent studies have proposed that the nuclear millimeter continuum emission observed in nearby active galactic nuclei (AGNs) could be created by the same population of electrons that gives rise to the X-ray emission that is ubiquitously observed in accreting black holes. We present the results of a dedicated high-spatial-resolution (∼60–100 mas) Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) campaign on a volume-limited (<50 Mpc) sample of 26 hard X-ray (>10 keV) selected radio-quiet AGNs. We find an extremely high detection rate (25/26 or ), which shows that nuclear emission at millimeter wavelengths is nearly ubiquitous in accreting SMBHs. Our high-resolution observations show a tight correlation between the nuclear (1–23 pc) 100 GHz and the intrinsic X-ray emission (1σ scatter of 0.22 dex). The ratio between the 100 GHz continuum and the X-ray emission does not show any correlation with column density, black hole mass, Eddington ratio, or star formation rate, which suggests that the 100 GHz emission can be used as a proxy of SMBH accretion over a very broad range of these parameters. The strong correlation between 100 GHz and X-ray emission in radio-quiet AGNs could be used to estimate the column density based on the ratio between the observed 2–10 keV () and 100 GHz (F 100 GHz) fluxes. Specifically, a ratio strongly suggests that a source is heavily obscured (). Our work shows the potential of ALMA continuum observations to detect heavily obscured AGNs (up to an optical depth of one at 100 GHz, i.e., N H ≃ 1027 cm−2), and to identify binary SMBHs with separations <100 pc, which cannot be probed by current X-ray facilities.

SCOTCH − search for clandestine optically thick compact H iis

ABSTRACT This study uses archival high-frequency continuum data to expand the search for Hypercompact H ii regions and determine the conditions at which they appear, as this stage high mass star formation is short-lived and rare. We use 23 GHz continuum data taken towards methanol masers, which are an excellent signpost for very young embedded high-mass protostars. We have searched for high-frequency, optically thick radio sources to identify HC H ii region candidates. The data cover 128 fields that include 141 methanol masers identified by the Methanol Multibeam (MMB) survey. We have detected 68 high-frequency radio sources and conducted a multiwavelength analysis to determine their nature. This has identified 49 H ii regions, 47 of which are embedded in dense clumps fourteen of which do not have a 5 GHz radio counterpart. We have identified 13 methanol maser sites that are coincident with radio sources that have a steep positive spectral index. The majority of these are not detected in the mid-infrared and have been classified as protostellar or young stellar objects in the literature and we therefore consider to be good HC H ii region candidates, however, further work and higher resolution data are needed to confirm these candidates.

A new pulsar candidate in 47 Tucanae discovered with MeerKAT imaging

ABSTRACT MeerKAT imaging of the globular cluster 47 Tucanae (47 Tuc) reveals 1.28 GHz continuum emission at the locations of 20 known millisecond pulsars (MSPs). We use time series and spectral imaging to investigate the image-domain characteristics of the MSPs, and search for previously unknown sources of interest. The MSPs exhibit a range of differences in their temporal and spectral properties compared the general background radio source population. Temporal variability differs strongly from pulsar to pulsar, some appearing to vary randomly on 15 min time-scales, others varying coherently by factors of &amp;gt;10 on time-scales of hours. The error in the typical power law fit to the spectrum emerges as a powerful parameter for indentifying the MSPs. This behaviour is likely due to differing diffractive scintillation conditions along the sightlines to the MSPs. One MSP exhibits tentative periodic variations that are consistent with modulation due the orbit of an eclipsing binary system. One radio source has spectro-temporal properites closely resembling those of the MSP population in the cluster, and we report its position as a candidate new MSP, or alternatively an interferometric localization of one of six MSPs which do not yet have an accurate position from the timing solutions.

High-sensitivity Observations of the H2O Megamasers of NGC 1068: Precise Astrometry and Detailed Kinematics

We present High Sensitivity Array observations of the H2O megamasers of NGC 1068. We obtain absolute astrometry with 0.3 mas precision that confirms the association of the disk masers with the nuclear radio continuum source S1. The new observations reveal two new blueshifted groups of disk masers. We also detect the 22 GHz continuum on short interferometric baselines. The position–velocity diagram of the disk masers shows a curve consistent with a nonaxisymmetric distribution of maser spots. This curve is probably the result of spiral arms with a constant pitch angle ∼5°. The disk kinematics are consistent with Keplerian rotation and low turbulent speeds. The inferred central mass is 17 × 106 M ☉. On the basis of disk stability arguments, the mass of the molecular disk is ≈110 × 103 M ☉. The disk masers further resolve into filamentary structures suggesting an ordered magnetic field threading the maser disk. The magnetic field strengths must be ≳2 mG to withstand turbulent motions in the partially ionized molecular gas. We note apparent asymmetries in the molecular disk that might be explained by anisotropic heating by a misaligned inner accretion disk. The new observations also detect the fainter jet masers north of the disk masers. The distribution and kinematics of the jet masers are consistent with an expanding ring of molecular gas.

ALMA Observation of a z ≳ 10 Galaxy Candidate Discovered with JWST

We report the observation by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) of a z ≳ 10 galaxy candidate (GHZ1) discovered from the GLASS–JWST Early Release Science Program. Our ALMA program aims to detect the [O iii] emission line at the rest-frame frequency 3393.0062 GHz (88.36 μm) and far-IR continuum emission with the spectral window setup seamlessly covering a 26.125 GHz frequency range (10.10 < z < 11.14). A total of 7 hr of on-source integration was employed, using four frequency settings to cover the full range (1.7 hr per setting), with 0.″7 angular resolution. No line or continuum is clearly detected, with 5σ upper limits on the line emission of 0.93 mJy beam−1 at 25 km s−1 channel−1 and on the continuum emission of 30 μJy beam−1. We report marginal spectral (at 225 km s−1 resolution) and continuum features (4.1σ and 2.6σ peak signal-to-noise ratio, respectively), within 0.″17 from the JWST position of GHZ1. This spectral feature implies z = 10.38 and needs to be verified with further observations. Assuming that the best estimate of photometric redshift () is correct, the model of the galaxy’s broadband spectral energy distribution for the 3σ upper limit of the continuum flux from GHZ1 suggests that GHZ1 has a small amount of dust (M d ≲ 104 M ⊙) at a high temperature (T d ≳ 90 K). The 5σ upper limit on the [O iii]88μm line luminosity and the inferred star formation rate of GHZ1 are consistent with the properties of low-metallicity dwarf galaxies. We also report serendipitous clear detections of six continuum sources at the locations of the JWST galaxy counterparts in the field.