Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Research Articles

Resolving Red Giant Winds with the Hubble Space Telescope* *Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555. These observations are associated with programs GO-15903 and GO-15904.

We describe recent spectroscopic observations of red giant stars made by the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) instrument on board the Hubble Space Telescope, which has provided spatially resolved observations of the warm chromospheric winds that predominate for early K to mid-M giants. The H i Lyα lines of a set of 11 red giants observed with the STIS/E140M echelle grating are first analyzed to ascertain wind H i column densities and total wind mass-loss rates. The M giants have estimated mass-loss rates of Ṁ=(14–86)×10−11 M ⊙ yr−1, while the K giants with detected wind absorption have weaker winds with Ṁ=(1.5–2.8)×10−11 M ⊙ yr−1. We use long-slit spectra of H i Lyα for two particular red giants, α Tau (K5 III) and γ Cru (M3.5 III), to study the spatial extent of the Lyα emission. From these data we estimate limits for the extent of detectable emission, which are r = 193 R * for γ Cru and r = 44 R * for α Tau. The cross-dispersion emission profiles in the STIS echelle spectra of the larger sample of red giants also show evidence for spatial resolution, not only for H i Lyα but for other lines with visible wind absorption, such as Fe ii, Mg ii, Mg i, O i, and C ii. We characterize the nature of these spatial signatures. The spatial extent is far more apparent for the M giants than for the K giants, consistent with the stronger winds found for the M giants from the Lyα analysis.

3C 273 host galaxy with Hubble Space Telescope coronagraphy

The close-in regions of bright quasars’ host galaxies have been difficult to image due to the overwhelming light coming from quasars. With coronagraphic observations in visible light using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) on the Hubble Space Telescope, we removed 3C 273 quasar light using color-matching reference stars. The observations revealed the host galaxy from 60″ to 0.​​″2 with nearly full angular coverage. Isophote modeling has revealed a new core jet, a core blob, and multiple smaller-scale blobs within 2.​​″5. The blobs could potentially be satellite galaxies or infalling materials towards the central quasar. Using archival STIS data, we constrained the apparent motion of its large scale jets over a 22 yr timeline. By resolving the 3C 273 host galaxy with STIS, our study validates the use of coronagraphs on extragalactic sources for obtaining new insights into the central (at ∼kpc scales) regions of quasar hosts.

Energy mapping of Jupiter's auroral electrons from Juno/UVS data using a new H2 UV emission model

Juno, which studies the Jovian system, continues to expand our knowledge of Jupiter's magnetosphere and its environment. Thanks to onboard instruments such as Jupiter Energetic Particle Detector Instrument (JEDI) and Jovian Auroral Distributions Experiment (JADE), in situ measurements have allowed us to derive a realistic representation of charged particle energy distributions precipitating in the auroral regions. Because of the distance between Juno's measurement location and the position of impact of the charged particles, where auroral emissions are produced, these energetic distributions of magnetospheric particles are likely to be affected by various phenomena such as wave-particle interactions on their way from Juno to the atmosphere. These processes can accelerate or decelerate the particles, changing their average energies. Hence, the energy distributions of particles measured at Juno's altitude are likely different from those at auroral altitudes. In this study we develop a UV emission model, combined with an electron transport model, that allows us to relate the auroral emission spectra of H$_ $ molecules with the energy distribution of impinging electrons. Thanks to observations of the Jovian aurora by the Ultraviolet Spectrograph (UVS) on board Juno, we determined the characteristic energies of electrons precipitating in auroral regions during perijove 32. We modeled the relationship between color ratio (CR) and the characteristic energy of precipitating electrons. Initially, we considered mono-energetic electron fluxes. In a second step, we considered fluxes governed by a kappa distribution. We derived characteristic energy maps for electrons precipitating in Jupiter's auroral regions. In comparison with similar previous studies based on Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board Hubble Space Telescope (HST/STIS) observations, we find that modeling the CR with a mono-energetic distribution leads to a systematic underestimation of the average energy of electrons precipitating in the auroral regions by a factor of 3-5. In this study we show that it is possible to derive a more realistic estimate of electron energy flux distributions at auroral altitudes.

Testing He ii Emission from Wolf–Rayet Stars as a Dust Attenuation Measure in Eight Nearby Star-forming Galaxies

The ability to determine galaxy properties such as masses, ages, and star formation rates robustly is critically limited by the ability to measure dust attenuation accurately. Dust reddening is often characterized by comparing observations to models of either nebular recombination lines or the UV continuum. Here, we use a new technique to measure dust reddening by exploiting the He ii λ1640 and λ4686 emission lines originating from the stellar winds of Wolf–Rayet stars. The intrinsic line ratio is determined by atomic physics, enabling an estimate of the stellar reddening similar to how the Balmer lines probe gas-emission reddening. The He ii line ratio is measured from UV and optical spectroscopy using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope for eight nearby galaxies hosting young massive star clusters. We compare our results to dust reddening values estimated from UV spectral slopes and from Balmer line ratios and find tentative evidence for systematic differences. The reddening derived from the He ii lines tends to be higher, whereas that from the UV continuum tends to be lower. A larger sample size is needed to confirm this trend. If confirmed, this may indicate an age sequence probing different stages of dust clearing. Broad He ii lines have also been detected in galaxies more distant than in our sample, providing the opportunity to estimate the dust reddening of the youngest stellar populations out to distances of ∼100 Mpc.

Observations of the Ultraviolet-bright Star ZNG 1 in the Globular Cluster M5 (NGC 5904)

We have analyzed archival spectra of the hot UV-bright star ZNG 1 in the globular cluster M5 (NGC 5904) obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer and the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. From these data, we derive an effective temperature T eff = 43,000 ± 1400 K, a surface gravity = 4.47 ± 0.08, a rotational velocity = 157 ± 12 km s−1, and a mass M = 0.92 ± 0.17 M ☉. The atmosphere is helium-rich (Y = 0.99) and enhanced in CNO (relative to the cluster). The spectrum exhibits wind features with a terminal velocity near 1500 km s−1 and strong discrete absorption components. The high helium abundance, stellar mass, and rotational velocity suggest that the star is a merger remnant, and its parameters are consistent with models of a pair of merging He-core white dwarfs.

Observations of Multiphase, High-velocity, Shocked Gas in the Vela Supernova Remnant* *Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer, obtained from the MAST data archive at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555. Based in part on

We present an analysis of high-resolution far-UV archival spectra obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope of the star HD 75309, which probes high-velocity shocked gas in the Vela supernova remnant (SNR). We examine high-velocity features from intrinsically strong absorption lines of O i, Si ii, Si ii*, C ii, C ii*, and Si iii. We also detect high-velocity components in the N v doublet and compare these features to observations of high-velocity O vi absorption, available from archival Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer data. Kinetic temperatures are derived from the observed fractional abundances of the various ions, while gas densities and thermal pressures are obtained from the relative populations in excited fine-structure levels of C ii and Si ii. Our results indicate that the highly ionized species at high velocity probe gas in a region immediately behind a shock driven into an interstellar cloud, while the lower-ionization species trace material further downstream in the cooling region of the postshock flow. Low-velocity N v and O vi absorption may trace gas in a conductive boundary layer between the unshocked portion of the cloud and the hot X-ray-emitting intercloud medium. Temporal variations in high-velocity Ca ii absorption features observed toward HD 75309 further confirm the highly inhomogeneous nature of the interstellar medium interacting with the Vela SNR.

Fe ii fluorescence in main-sequence K-dwarfs

ABSTRACT Main-sequence K-dwarfs possess strong emission in the form of the H i Ly α line. There is a close coincidence between the energy corresponding to the transitions H i 1s-2p and Fe ii (5D)5s 4D5/2–(5D)5p 4D5/2. Singly ionized iron has been confirmed being pumped by photo-excitation by accidental resonance (PAR) in planetary nebulae, symbiotic stars, K-giants, and active galactic nebulae. I investigate in this work whether PAR can occur in the atmospheres of main-sequence K-dwarfs, which do not possess the large extended atmospheres of the late-type K-giants. Specifically a search for possible Fe ii fluorescence lines is conducted. For the case when I can confirm PAR, I estimate the total flux leaving the stars in the form of Fe ii fluorescence. I search for emission lines from the Fe ii (5D)5p 4D5/2 level. Since those of these lines with the largest branching fractions correspond to lines at wavelengths covered by the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite, a search for archival FUSE spectra from K-dwarfs within 20 ly from the sun is conducted. I retrieve and analyse FUSE spectra for four of these K-dwarfs. In each case I can confirm PAR, I fit the H i Ly α line in Hubble Space Telescope spectra recorded with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, in order to estimate the efficiency of the PAR mechanism. I can now confirm Fe ii fluorescence in the two closest K-dwarfs, Alpha Centauri B, and Epsilon Eridani. The total power leaving as Fe ii fluorescence are 4.9 × 1017 and 1.30 × 1018 W respectively.

Kinematic properties and ages of extended fast, neutral gas around η Carinae: tracing the pre-eruption bipolar wind

ABSTRACT We present proper-motion measurements and long-slit spectroscopy of the Mg ii nebula around η Carinae obtained with the Wide Field Camera 3 and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. Detailed kinematics of the Mg ii-emitting material constrain the geometry and history of mass-loss from η Car, and provide estimated ejection dates, assuming linear, ballistic motions. These measurements show that the neutral gas immediately outside the Homunculus – i.e. material into which the Homunculus is now expanding – was expelled over several decades prior to the Great Eruption, thus representing unshocked pre-eruption stellar wind. Material outside the Homunculus is therefore not part of a Hubble-like flow from the Great Eruption itself. This result discriminates between versions of merger-in-a-triple models for η Car. The STIS spectrum of Mg ii-emitting gas along the projected outflow axis displays radial velocities consistent with bipolar expansion, redshifted several hundred km s−1 towards the northwest, similarly blueshifted towards the southeast, and with low internal velocity dispersion. The η Car system was therefore losing mass in a relatively fast, low-density polar wind for several decades that probably traces the critical inspiral phase preceding a merger event.

Constraints on the multiplicity of the most massive stars known: R136 a1, a2, a3, and c

Context. The upper stellar mass limit is a fundamental parameter for simulations of star formation, galactic chemical evolution, and stellar feedback. An empirical bound on this parameter is therefore highly valuable. The most massive stars known to date are R 136 a1, a2, a3, and c, with reported masses in excess of 150–200 M⊙ and initial masses of up to ≈300 M⊙. They are located within the central cluster R 136a of the Tarantula nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), However, the mass estimation of these stars relies on the assumption that they are single. Aims. Via multi-epoch spectroscopy, we provide, for the first time, constraints on the presence of close stellar companions to the most massive stars known for orbital periods of up to ≈10 yr. Methods. We collected three epochs of spectroscopy for R 136 a1, a2, a3, and c with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in the years 2020–2021 to probe potential radial-velocity (RV) variations. We combined these epochs with an additional HST/STIS observation taken in 2012. For R 136 c, we also used archival spectroscopy obtained with the Very Large Telescope (VLT). We used cross-correlation to quantify the RVs and establish constraints on possible companions to these stars up to periods of ≈10 yr. Objects are classified as binaries when the peak-to-peak RV shifts exceed 50 km s−1 and when the RV shift is significant with respect to errors. Results. R 136 a1, a2, and a3 do not satisfy the binary criteria and are thus classified as putatively single, although formal peak-to-peak RV variability on the level 40 km s−1 is noted for a3. Only R 136 c is classified as a binary, in agreement with the literature. We can generally rule out massive companions (M2 ≳ 50 M⊙) to R 136 a1, a2, and a3 out to orbital periods of ≲1 yr (separations ≲5 au) at 95% confidence, or out to tens of years (separations ≲100 au) at 50% confidence. Highly eccentric binaries (e ≳ 0.9) or twin companions with similar spectra could evade detection down to shorter periods (≳10 days), though their presence is not supported by the relative X-ray faintness of R 136 a1, a2, and a3. We derive a preliminary orbital solution with a 17.2 days period for the X-ray-bright binary R 136 c, though more data are needed to conclusively derive its orbit. Conclusions. Our study supports a lower bound of 150–200 M⊙ on the upper-mass limit at LMC metallicity.

Nebular C iv λ1550 Imaging of the Metal-poor Starburst Mrk 71: Direct Evidence of Catastrophic Cooling

We use the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys to obtain the first spatially resolved, nebular imaging in the light of C iv λ λ1548, 1551 by using the F150LP and F165LP filters. These observations of the local starburst Mrk 71 in NGC 2366 show emission apparently originating within the interior cavity around the dominant super star cluster (SSC), Knot A. Together with imaging in He ii λ4686 and supporting Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph far-ultraviolet spectroscopy, the morphology and intensity of the C iv nebular surface brightness and the C iv/He ii ratio map provide direct evidence that the mechanical feedback is likely dominated by catastrophic radiative cooling, which strongly disrupts adiabatic superbubble evolution. The implied extreme mass loading and low kinetic efficiency of the cluster wind are reasonably consistent with the wind energy budget, which is probably enhanced by radiation pressure. In contrast, the Knot B SSC lies within a well-defined superbubble with associated soft X-rays and He ii λ1640 emission, which are signatures of adiabatic, energy-driven feedback from a supernova-driven outflow. This system lacks clear evidence of C iv from the limb-brightened shell, as expected for this model, but the observations may not be deep enough to confirm its presence. We also detect a small C iv-emitting object that is likely an embedded compact H ii region. Its C iv emission may indicate the presence of very massive stars (>100 M ⊙) or strongly pressure-confined stellar feedback.

The High-energy Spectrum of the Young Planet Host V1298 Tau

V1298 Tau is a young pre-main-sequence star hosting four known exoplanets that are prime targets for transmission spectroscopy with current-generation instruments. This work pieces together observations from the NICER X-ray telescope, the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and Cosmic Origins Spectrograph instruments aboard Hubble Space Telescope, and empirically informed models to create a panchromatic spectral energy distribution for V1298 Tau spanning 1–105 Å. We describe the methods and assumptions used to assemble the panchromatic spectrum and show that despite this star’s brightness, its high-energy spectrum is near the limit of present X-ray and ultraviolet observatories’ abilities to characterize. We conclude by using the V1298 Tau spectrum as a benchmark for the activity saturation stage of high-energy radiation from solar-mass stars to compare the lifetime cumulative high-energy irradiation of the V1298 Tau planets to other planets orbiting similarly massive stars.

Signatures of feedback in the spectacular extended emission region of NGC 5972

ABSTRACT We present Chandra X-ray Observatory observations and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph spectra of NGC 5972, one of the 19 ‘Voorwerpjes’ galaxies. This galaxy contains an extended emission-line region (EELR) and an arcsecond scale nuclear bubble. NGC 5972 is a faded active galactic nucleus (AGN), with EELR luminosity suggesting a 2.1 dex decrease in Lbol in the last ∼5 × 104 yr. We investigate the role of AGN feedback in exciting the EELR and bubble given the long-term variability and potential accretion state changes. We detect broad-band (0.3–8 keV) X-ray emission in the near-nuclear regions, coincident with the [O iii] bubble, as well as diffuse soft X-ray emission coincident with the EELR. The soft nuclear (0.5–1.5 keV) emission is spatially extended and the spectra are consistent with two apec thermal populations (∼0.80 and ∼0.10 keV). We find a bubble age >2.2 Myr, suggesting formation before the current variability. We find evidence for efficient feedback with $P_{\textrm {kin}}/L_{\textrm {bol}}\sim 0.8~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, which may be overestimated given the recent Lbol variation. [O iii] kinematics show a 300 km s−1 high-ionization velocity consistent with disturbed rotation or potentially the line-of-sight component of a ∼780 km s−1 thermal X-ray outflow capable of driving strong shocks to photoionize the precursor material. We explore possibilities to explain the overall jet, radio lobe and EELR misalignment including evidence for a double supermassive black hole which could support a complex misaligned system.

The Temporal Brightening of Uranus' Northern Polar Hood From HST/WFC3 and HST/STIS Observations

AbstractHubble Space Telescope Wide‐Field Camera 3 (HST/WFC3) observations spanning 2015 to 2021 confirm a brightening of Uranus' north polar hood feature with time. The vertical aerosol model of Irwin et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-02047-0) (IRW23), consisting of a deep haze layer based at ∼5 bar, a 1–2 bar haze layer, and an extended haze rising up from the 1–2 bar layer, was applied to retrievals on HST Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) (HST/STIS) observations (Sromovsky et al., 2014, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2014.05.016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2018.06.026) revealing a reduction in cloud‐top CH4 volume mixing ratio (VMR) (i.e., above the deep ∼5 bar haze) by an average of 0.0019 ± 0.0003 between 40–80◦N (∼10% average reduction) from 2012 to 2015. A combination of latitudinal retrievals on the HST/WFC3 and HST/STIS data sets, again employing the IRW23 model, reveal a temporal thickening of the 1–2 bar haze layer to be the main cause of the polar hood brightening, finding an average increase in integrated opacity of 1.09 ± 0.08 (∼33% increase) at 0.8 µm north of ∼45°N, concurrent with a decrease in the imaginary refractive index spectrum of the 1–2 bar haze layer north of ∼40°N and longwards of ∼0.7 µm. Small contributions to the brightening were found from a thickening of the deep aerosol layer, with an average increase in integrated opacity of 0.6 ± 0.1 (58% increase) north of 45°N between 2012 and 2015, and from the aforementioned decrease in CH4 VMR. Our results are consistent with the slowing of a stratospheric meridional circulation, exhibiting subsidence at the poles.

A re-analysis of equilibrium chemistry in five hot Jupiters

Aims. Studies of chemistry and chemical composition are fundamental to exploring the formation histories of planets and planetary systems. We propose having another look at five targets to better determine their composition and the chemical mechanisms taking place in their atmospheres. We present a re-analysis of five hot Jupiters, combining multiple instruments and using Bayesian retrieval methods. We compare different combinations of molecules present in the simulated atmosphere and various chemistry types, as well as a range of cloud parametrizations. Following up on recent studies questioning the detection of Na and K in the atmosphere of HD 209458b as being potentially contaminated by stellar lines (when present), we study the impact on other retrieval parameters that may lead to misinterpretations of the presence of these alkali species. Methods. We used spatially scanned observations from the grisms G102 and G141 of the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) on the Hubble Space Telescope, with a wavelength coverage of ~0.8 to ~1.7 microns. We analyzed these data with the publicly available Iraclis pipeline. We added data from Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) observations to increase our wavelength coverage from ~0.4 to ~1.7 µm. We then performed a Bayesian retrieval analysis with the open-source TauREx using a nested sampling algorithm. We carried out the retrieval, taking into account molecular abundances that vary freely and then with equilibrium chemistry. We explored the influence of including Na and K on the retrieval of the molecules from the atmosphere. Results. Our data re-analysis and Bayesian retrieval are consistent with previous studies, but we do find small differences in the retrieved parameters. After all, Na and K have no significant impact on the properties of the planet atmospheres. Therefore, we present here our new best-fit models, taking into account molecular abundances that are allowed to vary freely as well as the equilibrium chemistry. This work is a preparation for a future addition of a more sophisticated representation of the chemistry involved, while taking into account disequilibrium effects such as vertical mixing and photochemistry.

Eta Carinae: The Dissipating Occulter Is an Extended Structure

Previous Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) longslit observations of Eta Carinae (η Car) identified numerous absorption features in both the stellar spectrum, and in the adjacent nebular spectra, along our line of sight (LOS). The absorption features became temporarily stronger when the ionizing far-ultraviolet radiation field was reduced by the periastron passage of the secondary star. Subsequently, dissipation of a dusty structure in our LOS has led to a long-term increase in the apparent brightness of η Car, an increase in the ionizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and the disappearance of absorption from multiple velocity-separated shells extending across the foreground Homunculus lobe. We use HST/STIS spectro-images, coupled with published infrared and radio observations, to locate this intervening dusty structure. The velocity and spatial information indicate the occulter is ≈1000 au in front of η Car. The Homunculus is a transient structure composed of dusty, partially ionized ejecta that eventually will disappear due to the relentless rain of ionizing radiation and wind from the current binary system along with dissipation and mixing with the interstellar medium. This evolving complex continues to provide an astrophysical laboratory that changes on human timescales.

The Behavior of Bp He-weak Stars in the Far-UV—Paper XII: HD 175156

The analysis of four spectra of the B5 He-variable star HD 175156 recorded by the SWP camera on board the International Ultraviolet Explorer reveals one possible instance of variations of the far-ultraviolet spectral energy distribution shortwards of 1700 Å in spectra separated by 5 yr. Spectra collected over 4 consecutive days with identical exposure times do not vary, which probably rules out the possibility that HD 175156 be a rotational variable. The modeling of the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph spectrum reveals the presence of interesting resonance or low lying transitions of C i, N i, S i, P ii and several iron-peak elements, which provide interesting diagnostics of the atmosphere of this evolved sub-giant.

The Advanced Spectral Library: The Evolution of Chromospheric Wind Characteristics from Noncoronal to Hybrid Giant Stars* * This material is based upon work supported by NASA under award No. 80GSFC21M0002.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph treasury program Advanced Spectral Library enables investigations of the characteristics and dynamics of the wind and chromosphere of cool stars using high-quality spectral data. This paper shows how the wind features change with spectral class when transferring across the Linsky–Haisch dividing line by comparing the noncoronal M3.5 giant γ Cru with the K5 hybrid γ Dra. We compare the presence of high-ionization diagnostics in the two objects in addition to the prominent wind spectrum in predominantly singly ionized species. We study the intrinsic strength and variation of the numerous Fe ii profiles observed in the near-ultraviolet HST spectrum that are sensitive to the wind opacity, turbulence, and flow velocity. The Fe ii relative strengths and wavelength shifts between the absorption and emission components reflect the acceleration of the wind from the base of the chromosphere. Furthermore, we have modeled the wind spectra using the SEI code to derive terminal velocities, wind acceleration, and mass-loss rates. Our results indicate that the chromosphere is denser when moving toward the hybrid objects. The derived average mass-loss rates in the two objects are similar but with a significantly greater terminal wind velocity and acceleration in the hybrid star. We present the analysis of the outflowing wind characteristics when transitioning from the cool noncoronal objects toward the warmer objects with chromospheric emission from a hotter environment.

The Variable Detection of Atmospheric Escape around the Young, Hot Neptune AU Mic b

Photoevaporation is a potential explanation for several features within exoplanet demographics. Atmospheric escape observed in young Neptune-sized exoplanets can provide insight into and characterize which mechanisms drive this evolution and at what times they dominate. AU Mic b is one such exoplanet, slightly larger than Neptune (4.19 R ⊕). It closely orbits a 23 Myr pre-main-sequence M dwarf with an orbital period of 8.46 days. We obtained two visits of AU Mic b at Lyα with Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. One flare within the first HST visit is characterized and removed from our search for a planetary transit. We present a nondetection in our first visit, followed by the detection of escaping neutral hydrogen ahead of the planet in our second visit. The outflow absorbed ∼30% of the star’s Lyα blue wing 2.5 hr before the planet’s white-light transit. We estimate that the highest-velocity escaping material has a column density of 1013.96 cm−2 and is moving 61.26 km s−1 away from the host star. AU Mic b’s large high-energy irradiation could photoionize its escaping neutral hydrogen in 44 minutes, rendering it temporarily unobservable. Our time-variable Lyα transit ahead of AU Mic b could also be explained by an intermediate stellar wind strength from AU Mic that shapes the escaping material into a leading tail. Future Lyα observations of this system will confirm and characterize the unique variable nature of its Lyα transit, which, combined with modeling, will tune the importance of stellar wind and photoionization.

A Candidate Dual QSO at Cosmic Noon

We report the discovery of a candidate dual QSO at z = 1.889, a redshift that is in the era known as “cosmic noon” where most of the universe’s black hole and stellar mass growth occurred. The source was identified in Hubble Space Telescope WFC3/IR images of a dust-reddened QSO that showed two closely separated point sources at a projected distance of 0.″26, or 2.2 kpc. This red QSO was targeted for imaging to explore whether red QSOs are hosted by merging galaxies. We subsequently obtained a spatially resolved Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph spectrum of the system, covering the visible spectral range, and verifying the presence of two distinct QSO components. We also obtained high-resolution radio continuum observations with the Very Long Baseline Array at 1.4 GHz (21 cm L band) and found two sources coincident with the optical positions. The sources have similar black hole masses, bolometric luminosities, and radio-loudness parameters. However, their colors and reddenings differ significantly. The redder QSO has a higher Eddington ratio, consistent with previous findings. We consider the possibility of gravitational lensing and find that it would require extreme and unlikely conditions. If confirmed as a bona fide dual QSO, this system would link dust reddening to galaxy and supermassive black hole mergers, opening up a new population in which to search for samples of dual active galactic nuclei.

HST Low-resolution Stellar Library

In order to provide fundamental stellar spectra that extend into the UV, Hubble Space Telescope’s Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph targeted 556 stars via proposals GO9088, GO9786, GO10222, and GO13776. Exposures through three low-resolution gratings provide wavelength coverage from 0.2 < λ < 1 μm at λ/Δλ ∼ 1000. The UV grating (G230LB) scatters red light that results in unwanted signal, especially in cool stars. We applied scattered-light corrections and flux corrections arising from pointing errors relative to the center of the 0.″2 slit based on Worthey et al. We present 513 fully reduced stellar spectra, fluxed, dereddened, and cross correlated to zero velocity. Because of the broad spectral range, we can simultaneously study Hα and Mg ii λ2800, indicators of chromospheric activity. Their behaviors are decoupled. Besides three cool dwarfs and one giant with mild flares in Hα, only Be stars show strong Hα emission. Mg2800 emission, however, strongly anticorrelates with temperature such that warm stars show absorption and stars cooler than 5000 K universally show chromospheric emission regardless of dwarf/giant status or metallicity. Transformed to Mg2800 flux emerging from the stellar surface, we find a correlation with temperature with approximately symmetric astrophysical scatter. Previous work had indicated a basal level with asymmetric scatter to strong values. The discrepancy is primarily due to our improved treatment of extinction. We confirm statistically significant time variability in Mg2800 strength for one star.