Interferometric Observations Research Articles

I Zw 1 and H0557-385: The dusty tori of two high Eddington AGNs observed in the MATISSE LM-Bands

Abstract The torus in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) is a complex dynamical structure of gas and dust. It is thought to be composed of an equatorial dusty disk and a polar dusty wind launched by radiation pressure. However, this picture is based on studies of moderately accreting AGN. Models suggest that the disk/wind structure will change with specific accretion rate. Here we examine the wind launching region in two high accretion rate objects, I Zw 1 (super-Eddington) and H0557-385 (high-Eddington), using high spatial resolution interferometric observations in the K-band from VLTI/GRAVITY and LM-bands VLTI/MATISSE. We recover wavelength-dependent sizes of the dust emission using a Gaussian and power law fit to the visibilities. Both objects are partially resolved and have radial sizes in the KLM-bands between 0.3 – 1.5 mas, with no signs of elongation. Combining our measurements with VLTI/MIDI N-band data gives a full multi-wavelength picture of the dust structure. We find that in H0557-385, the dust sizes between 3.5 − 8 μm are independent of the wavelength, roughly constant at 3 − 10 sublimation radii. We argue that this indicates a direct view of the wind launching region and, together with an absence of polar elongation, this implies that any wind would be launched in a preferentially equatorial direction or blown out by strong radiation pressure. The size-wavelength relation for both objects shows a preferentially disky equatorial dust distribution. We conclude that there is strong evidence that the Eddington ratio shapes the inner dust structure, most notably the wind-launching region and wind direction.

A New Age of SAR: How Can Commercial Smallsat Constellations Contribute to NASA's Surface Deformation and Change Mission?

AbstractIn response to the 2017 Decadal Survey, NASA conducted a five‐year study on the Surface Deformation and Change (SDC) designated observable to study potential mission concepts. As part of the SDC mission study, the Commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (ComSAR) subgroup was tasked with evaluating the current landscape of the SAR and interferometric SAR (InSAR) industry to assess whether NASA could leverage commercial smallsat products to meet the needs of the SDC science mission. The assessment found that although the commercial SAR industry is growing rapidly, off‐the‐shelf products can currently only make a small—albeit distinct—contribution to SDC mission goals. This gap is due to different design goals between current commercial systems (which prioritize targeted high‐resolution, non‐interferometric observations at short wavelengths with a daily or faster revisit) and a future SDC architecture (which focuses on broad, moderate‐resolution, and interferometric observations at long wavelengths). Even by 2030, planned commercial constellations are expected to only cover 65% of the area needed to match NISAR coverage. Still, high‐resolution and rapid‐repeat capabilities can augment scientific findings from a future SDC mission, as demonstrated by recent contributions from commercial data to applied sciences, cryosphere, and volcanology. Future innovations on smallsat constellation concepts could further contribute to SDC science and applications. Although current constellation designs are not fully able to satisfy desired SDC science capabilities, initial positive feedback to a request for information indicates a potential future path for a customized SDC commercial architecture; more studies will be needed to determine the feasibility of these approaches.

Deep radio interferometric search for decametre radio emission from the exoplanet Tau Boötis b

Detection of electron cyclotron maser (ECM) emission from exoplanets in the 10-40 MHz radio band is likely the only way to measure an exoplanet's magnetic field directly. However, no definitive detection of exoplanetary ECM emission has been made to date. A detection of the hot Jupiter Tau Bo\"otis b was reported but with an observing mode that is not immune to confusion from off-axis interference, making the detection tentative. We searched for radio emissions from Tau Boötis b using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) in interferometric mode, which employs direction-of-arrival information to discriminate genuine signals from interference. Our aim was to confirm the previous tentative detection or establish an upper limit in the case of a non-detection. We conducted observations using LOFAR’s Low Band Antenna in interferometric mode, which totalled 64\, hours spread over 8\, nights. We created a custom data-processing pipeline to mitigate common challenges in decametric radio astronomy, including radio frequency interference, ionospheric distortions, and sidelobe noise from nearby bright radio sources. We used this pipeline to image the field around Tau Bo\"otis b, searching for both quiescent and bursting emission from the direction of Tau Bo\"otis b. Despite the high sensitivity of the interferometric observations and extensive data processing, no significant emission was detected from Tau Boötis b in Stokes V. We establish an upper limit of 2 sigma at 24 mJy for any continuous emission from the exoplanet. The previous tentative detection of 400 mJy is thus not confirmed by the interferometric observations. The previous tentative detection is unlikely to be a bona fide astrophysical signal. Our upper limit is lower than the flux density predicted by scaling laws, meaning either the scaling laws need to be revised or the emission from this particular system is beamed away from Earth.

VLTI/GRAVITY Observations of AF Lep b: Preference for Circular Orbits, Cloudy Atmospheres, and a Moderately Enhanced Metallicity

Direct imaging observations are biased toward wide-separation, massive companions that have degenerate formation histories. Although the majority of exoplanets are expected to form via core accretion, most directly imaged exoplanets have not been convincingly demonstrated to follow this formation pathway. We obtained new interferometric observations of the directly imaged giant planet AF Lep b with the VLTI/GRAVITY instrument. We present three epochs of ∼50 μas relative astrometry and the K-band spectrum of the planet for the first time at a resolution of R = 500. Using only these measurements, spanning less than 2 months, and the Hipparcos-Gaia Catalogue of Accelerations, we are able to significantly constrain the planet’s orbit; this bodes well for interferometric observations of planets discovered by Gaia DR4. Including all available measurements of the planet, we infer an effectively circular orbit (e < 0.02, 0.07, and 0.13 at 1σ, 2σ, and 3σ, respectively) in spin–orbit alignment with the host and measure a dynamical mass of M p = 3.75M Jup ± 0.5M Jup. Models of the spectrum of the planet show that it is metal-rich ([M/H] = 0.75 ± 0.25), with a C/O abundance encompassing the solar value. This ensemble of results shows that the planet is consistent with core accretion formation.

The kinematics of massive high-redshift dusty star-forming galaxies

Abstract We present a new method for modelling the kinematics of galaxies from interferometric observations by performing the optimization of the kinematic model parameters directly in visibility-space instead of the conventional approach of fitting velocity fields produced with the clean algorithm in real-space. We demonstrate our method on ALMA observations of 12CO (2−1), (3−2) or (4−3) emission lines from an initial sample of 30 massive 850 $\mu$m-selected dusty star-forming galaxies with far-infrared luminosities ≳ 1012 L⊙ in the redshift range z ∼ 1.2–4.7. Using the results from our modelling analysis for the 12 of the 20 sources with the highest signal-to-noise emission lines that show disk-like kinematics, we conclude the following: (i) Our sample prefers a CO-to-H2 conversion factor, of αCO = 0.74 ± 0.37; (ii) These far-infrared luminous galaxies follow a similar Tully–Fisher relation between the circular velocity, Vcirc, and baryonic mass, Mb, as less strongly star-forming samples at high redshift, but extend this relation to much higher masses – showing that these are some of the most massive disk-like galaxies in the Universe; (iii) Finally, we demonstrate support for an evolutionary link between massive high-redshift dusty star-forming galaxies and the formation of local early-type galaxies using the both the distributions of the baryonic and kinematic masses of these two populations on the Mb – σ plane and their relative space densities.

A Spectroscopic and Interferometric Study of W Serpentis Stars. I. Circumbinary Outflow in the Interacting Binary W Serpentis

W Serpentis is an eclipsing binary system and the prototype of the Serpentid class of variable stars. These are interacting binaries experiencing intense mass transfer and mass loss. However, the identities and properties of both stars in W Ser remain a mystery. Here, we present an observational analysis of high-quality, visible-band spectroscopy made with the Apache Point Observatory 3.5 m telescope and Astrophysical Research Consortium Echelle Spectrograph spectrograph plus the first near-IR, long-baseline interferometric observations obtained with the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy Array. We present examples of the appearance and radial velocities of the main spectral components: prominent emission lines, strong shell absorption lines, and weak absorption lines. We show that some of the weak absorption features are associated with the cool mass donor, and we present the first radial velocity curve for the donor star. The donor’s absorption lines are rotationally broadened, and we derive a ratio of donor to gainer mass of 0.36 ± 0.09 based on the assumptions that the donor fills its Roche lobe and that it rotates synchronously with the orbit. We use a fit of the All-Sky Automated Survey light curve to determine the orbital inclination and mass estimates of 2.0M ⊙ and 5.7M ⊙ for the donor and gainer, respectively. The partially resolved interferometric measurements of orbital motion are consistent with our derived orbital properties and the distance from Gaia EDR3. Spectroscopic evidence indicates that the gainer is enshrouded in an opaque disk that channels the mass transfer stream into an outflow through the L3 region and into a circumbinary disk.

Absolute Dimensions of the Interferometric Binary HD 174881: A Test of Stellar Evolution Models for Evolved Stars

We report high-resolution spectroscopic monitoring and long-baseline interferometric observations with the Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI) of the 215 day binary system HD 174881 (K1 II-III), composed of two giant stars. The system is spatially resolved with the PTI, as well as in archival measurements with the CHARA Array. Our analysis of these observations, along with an analysis of the spectral energy distribution, have allowed us to infer accurate values for the absolute masses ( 3.367−0.041+0.045 and 3.476−0.043+0.043M☉ ), radii (34.0 ± 1.3 and 22.7 ± 1.8 R ☉), effective temperatures (4620 ± 100 and 4880 ± 150 K), and bolometric luminosities of both components, as well as other properties including the orbital parallax (distance). These provide valuable tests of stellar evolution models for evolved stars, which are still relatively uncommon compared to the situation for main-sequence stars. We find generally good agreement of all of these properties of HD 174881 with two sets of recent models (MIST and PARSEC) at compositions near solar, for ages of 255–273 Myr. We also find evidence of an infrared excess, based largely on the flux measurements from IRAS at 60 and 100 μm.

Uncovering the structure and kinematics of the ionized core of M 2-9 with ALMA

We present interferometric observations at 1 and 3 mm with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) of the free-free continuum and millimeter(mm)-wavelength recombination line (mRRL) emission of the ionized core (within ≲130 au) of the young planetary nebula (PN) candidate M 2-9. These inner regions are concealed in the vast majority of similar objects. A spectral index for the mm-to-centimeter(cm) continuum of ~0.9 indicates predominantly free-free emission from an ionized wind, with a minor contribution from warm dust. The mm continuum emission in M 2-9 reveals an elongated structure along the main symmetry axis of the large-scale bipolar nebula with a C-shaped curvature surrounded by a broad-waisted component. This structure is consistent with an ionized, bent jet and a perpendicular compact dusty disk. The presence of a compact equatorial disk (of radius ~50 au) is also supported by redshifted CO and 13CO absorption profiles observed from the base of the receding northern lobe against the compact background continuum. The redshift observed in the CO absorption profiles likely signifies gas infall movements from the disk toward a central source. The mRRLs exhibit velocity gradients along the axis, implying systematic expansion in the C-shaped bipolar outflow. The highest expansion velocities (~80 km s−1) are found in two diagonally opposed compact regions along the axis, referred to as the high-velocity spots or shells (HVSs), indicating either rapid wind acceleration or shocks at radial distances of ~0.″02–0.″04 (~ 15–25 au) from the center. A subtle velocity gradient perpendicular to the lobes is also found, suggesting rotation. Our ALMA observations detect increased brightness and broadness in the mRRLs compared to previously observed profiles, implying variations in wind kinematics and physical conditions on timescales of less than two years, which is in agreement with the extremely short kinematic ages (≲0.5–1 yr) derived from observed velocity gradients in the compact ionized wind. Radiative transfer modeling indicates an average electron temperature of ~15 000 K and reveals a nonuniform density structure within the ionized wind, with electron densities ranging from ne≈106 to 108 cm−3. These results potentially reflect a complex bipolar structure resulting from the interaction of a tenuous companion-launched jet and the dense wind of the primary star.

Unequivocal detection of the tidal deformation of a red giant in a binary system via interferometry

While mass transfer in binary systems is a crucial aspect of binary evolution models, it remains far from understood. HD 352 is a spectroscopic binary exhibiting ellipsoidal variability, likely due to a tidally deformed giant donor filling its Roche lobe and transferring matter to a faint companion. Here, we analyze VLTI/PIONIER interferometric observations of the system, obtained between 2010 to 2020. We demonstrate that observations near the system's quadrature cannot be explained by simple symmetric disk models, but they are consistent with the shape of a Roche-lobe-filling star. We think that this is the first case of tidal deformation of a red giant being observed directly, thanks to the interferometric technique. By combining our interferometric modeling results with the analysis of the optical spectrum, multifrequency spectral energy distribution, and published radial velocities and light curves, we constrained the system parameters and show that HD 352 will likely soon enter the common envelope phase, although we cannot reject the hypothesis that it is undergoing stable mass transfer against theoretical predictions. This has important consequences for modeling a large class of binary systems. Additionally, our observations confirm that Roche-lobe-filling giants can be resolved with interferometry under favorable conditions. Such observations may help resolve the mass transfer dichotomy in systems such as symbiotic binaries, where the predominant mass transfer mode remains unclear.

Testing Bayesian inference of GRMHD model parameters from VLBI data

ABSTRACT Recent observations by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) of supermassive black holes M87* and Sgr A* offer valuable insights into their space–time properties and astrophysical conditions. Utilizing a library of model images ($\sim 2$ million for Sgr A*) generated from general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations, limited and coarse insights on key parameters such as black hole spin, magnetic flux, inclination angle, and electron temperature were gained. The image orientation and black hole mass estimates were obtained via a scoring and an approximate rescaling procedure. Lifting such approximations, probing the space of parameters continuously, and extending the parameter space of theoretical models is both desirable and computationally prohibitive with existing methods. To address this, we introduce a new Bayesian scheme that adaptively explores the parameter space of ray-traced, GRMHD models. The general relativistic radiative transfer code IPOLE is integrated with the EHT parameter estimation tool THEMIS. The pipeline produces a ray-traced model image from GRMHD data, computes predictions for very long baseline interferometric (VLBI) observables from the image for a specific VLBI array configuration and compares to data, thereby sampling the likelihood surface via a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme. At this stage we focus on four parameters: accretion rate, electron thermodynamics, inclination, and source position angle. Our scheme faithfully recovers parameters from simulated VLBI data and accommodates time-variability via an inflated error budget. We highlight the impact of intrinsic variability on model fitting approaches. This work facilitates more informed inferences from GRMHD simulations and enables expansion of the model parameter space in a statistically robust and computationally efficient manner.

Depolarization and Faraday effects in AGN Jets

ABSTRACT Radio interferometric observations of active galactic nuclei (AGN) jets reveal the significant linear polarization of their synchrotron radiation that changes with frequency due to the Faraday rotation. It is generally assumed that such depolarization could be a powerful tool for studying the magnetized plasma in the vicinity of the jet. However, depolarization could also occur within the jet if the emitting and rotating plasma are cospatial (i.e. the internal Faraday rotation). Burn obtained very simple dependence of the polarization on the wavelength squared for the discrete source and resolved slab that is widely used for interpreting the depolarization of AGN jets. However, it ignores the influence of the non-uniform large-scale magnetic field of the jet on the depolarization. Under the simple assumptions about the possible jet magnetic field structures, we obtain the corresponding generalizations of Burn’s relation widely used for galaxies analysis. We show that the frequency dependences of the Faraday rotation measure and polarization angle in some cases allow to estimate the structures of the jets magnetic fields.

Sensitivity of Sentinel-1 C-band SAR backscatter, polarimetry and interferometry to snow accumulation in the Alps

The physical drivers of Sentinel-1 C-band backscatter observations during snow accumulation are still uncertain. To investigate these, backscatter fluctuations (in co-polarization VV, cross-polarization VH, and cross-polarization ratio VH-VV) were temporally and spatially linked to modeled surface (0–10 cm) soil moisture (SM) and soil temperature (T) (here referred to as soil dynamics) and modeled snow depth (SD) and snow water equivalent (SWE) (snow dynamics) in the bare and herbaceous regions of the Alps at a spatial resolution of 1 km. Results demonstrate that, during snow accumulation and at a regional scale, VH and VH-VV variability is primarily influenced by SD and SWE, whereas VV fluctuations are driven by a combination of soil and snow dynamics. At low local incidence angles, VV is driven by snow dynamics rather than by soil dynamics, which results in a decreased sensitivity of VH-VV to snow accumulation, potentially degrading VH-VV based SD retrieval. Additionally, polarimetric and interferometric Sentinel-1 observations are generated to assess their sensitivity to snow dynamics. Results show that polarimetric α (from entropy-α dual-pol decomposition) and the first Stokes parameter are more sensitive to SD than VH-VV and VV, respectively, suggesting the potential for improved SD retrievals. Finally, results show that interferometric 6-day coherence observations respond to modeled SWE accumulation, with low coherence values after significant SWE accumulation and higher values in case of minor SWE changes.

Full interferometric map of the L1157 southern outflow: Formamide (NH_2CHO) can form in the gas, after all

The formation mechanism of interstellar formamide (NH$_2$CHO), a key prebiotic precursor, is currently a matter of hot debate within the astrochemistry community, with both gas-phase and grain-surface chemical pathways having been proposed as its dominant formation route. The aim of the present study is to place firm observational constraints on the formation pathways leading to formamide thanks to new interferometric observations of the molecular outflow driven by the protostellar binary L1157. We employed the IRAM NOEMA interferometer to map the entire southern outflow of L1157, which contains three main shocked regions with increasing post-shock age: B0, B1, and B2. This allowed us to measure how the abundance of formamide, that of acetaldehyde (CH$_3$CHO), and the ratio of the two, vary with time in this region. In order to gain a greater understanding of the most likely formation routes of formamide, we ran a grid of astrochemical models and compared these to our observations. A comparison between observations and astrochemical modelling indicates that there are two possible scenarios: one in which the amount of formamide observed can be explained by gas-phase-only chemistry, and more specifically via the reaction H$_2$CO + NH$_2$ rightarrow NH$_2$CHO + H$_2$, and another in which part of the observed formamide originates from surface chemistry and part from gas-phase chemistry. Surface chemistry alone cannot account for the abundance of formamide that we measure. While grain-surface chemistry cannot be ruled out, the present study brings definitive proof that gas-phase chemistry does work in L1157-B and acts efficiently in the production of this molecular species.

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, utilizing 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 $0.96\pm 0.17$ M$_\odot$ for the system. While the emission of both sources at wavelengths shorter than about 1.3 cm is compact, the emission at longer wavelengths ($\lambda \gtrsim 2$ 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 per cent. Similar observations of other young multiple systems have the unique potential to provide dynamical mass estimates for the youngest known stellar objects.

Measuring Black Hole Light Echoes with Very Long Baseline Interferometry

Light passing near a black hole can follow multiple paths from an emission source to an observer due to strong gravitational lensing. Photons following different paths take different amounts of time to reach the observer, which produces an echo signature in the image. The characteristic echo delay is determined primarily by the mass of the black hole, but it is also influenced by the black hole spin and inclination to the observer. In the Kerr geometry, echo images are demagnified, rotated, and sheared copies of the direct image and lie within a restricted region of the image. Echo images have exponentially suppressed flux, and temporal correlations within the flow make it challenging to directly detect light echoes from the total light curve. In this Letter, we propose a novel method to search for light echoes by correlating the total light curve with the interferometric signal at high spatial frequencies, which is a proxy for indirect emission. We explore the viability of our method using numerical general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of a near-face-on accretion system scaled to M87-like parameters. We demonstrate that our method can be used to directly infer the echo delay period in simulated data. An echo detection would be clear evidence that we have captured photons that have circled the black hole, and a high-fidelity echo measurement would provide an independent measure of fundamental black hole parameters. Our results suggest that detecting echoes may be achievable through interferometric observations with a modest space-based very long baseline interferometry mission.

Optimised use of interferometry, spectroscopy, and stellar atmosphere models for determining the fundamental parameters of stars

Context. Thanks to recent progress in the field of optical interferometry, instrument sensitivities have now reached the level achieved in the domain of new space missions dedicated to exoplanet and stellar studies. Combining interferometry with other observational approaches enables the determination of stellar parameters and helps improve our understanding of stellar physics. Aims. In this paper, we aim to demonstrate a new way of using stellar atmosphere models for a joint interpretation of spectroscopic and interferometric observations. Methods. Starting from a discrete grid of one-dimensional (1D) stellar atmosphere models, we developed a training algorithm, based on an artificial neural network, capable of estimating the spectrum and intensity profile of a star over a range of wavelengths and viewing angles. A minimisation algorithm based on the trained function allowed for the simultaneous fitting of the observational spectrum and interferometric complex visibilities. As a result, coherent and precise stellar parameters can be extracted. Results. We show the ability of the trained function to match the modelled intensity profiles of stars in the effective temperature range of 4500–7000 K and surface gravity range of 3 to 5 dex, with a relative precision to the model that is better than 0.05%. Using simulated interferometric data and actual spectroscopic measurements, we demonstrated the performance of our algorithm on a sample of five benchmark stars. Using this method, we achieved an accuracy within 0.5% for the angular diameter, radius, and surface gravity, and within 20 K for the effective temperature. Conclusions. This paper demonstrates a new method of using interferometric data combined with spectroscopic observations. This approach offers an improved determination of the radius, effective temperature, and surface gravity of stars.

An interferometric search for SiO maser emission in planetary nebulae

Maser emission of SiO, H$_2$O, and OH is widespread in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars with oxygen- (O-) rich envelopes. This emission quickly disappears during the post-AGB phase and is extremely rare in planetary nebulae (PNe). So far, only eight PNe have been confirmed to show OH and/or H$_2$O maser emission, and none have ever been found to show SiO maser emission. We intend to obtain the first detection of a SiO maser from a PN. Such a detection would provide us with a useful tool to probe mass loss in PNe at a scales of a few AU from the central star, much shorter than the scales traced by H$_2$ or OH masers. We compiled two different samples. The first one comprises all known PNe with confirmed OH and/or H$_2$O maser emission, as well as two candidate PNe showing OH masers. For the second sample, we compiled single-dish SiO maser detections in the literature, and compared them with catalogs of PNe and radio continuum emission (which could trace photoionized gas in PNe). We identified five targets (either PN or radio continuum sources) within the beam of the single-dish SiO maser observations. We then carried out interferometric observations of both samples with the Australia Telescope Compact Array, to confirm the spatial association between continuum and SiO maser emission. We find no SiO maser emission associated with any confirmed or candidate PN. In all targets, except IRAS 17390$-$3014, there is no spatial coincidence between SiO masers and radio continuum emission. While in IRAS 17390$-$3014 we cannot completely rule out a possible association, it is unlikely that the radio continuum emission arises from a PN. The absence of SiO maser emission in PNe showing OH or H$_2$O masers is of special interest, since thermal SiO emission has been reported in at least one of these targets, indicating that SiO molecules can be present in the gas phase. Since some maser-emitting PNe show evidence of having O-rich outer envelopes, and carbon- (C-) rich central stars and inner envelopes, we speculate that SiO abundance could be very low in the central regions where physical conditions are optimal for maser pumping, and C-bearing molecules may be dominant in the gas phase at those locations.

New look at the structure of the nearest circumstellar environment of the weak-line T tauri star V718 Per

In this article we analyze the properties of the photometric and spectral variability of the young star V718 Per, a member of the cluster IC 348, in terms of its possible binarity. The most realistic is the model where the main component of the system V718 Per A — with an effective temperature of 5200 K — is periodically shielded by two extended dust periods structures consisting of large particles and moving around the star in resonance with two planets. Their orbital periods are 4.7 years and 213 days. Their ratio with high accuracy is 1:8, and the ratio of the large semi-axes is 1:4. The masses of the planets do not exceed 6 МJup. At the moments of total eclipses of V718 Per A, the radiation of the system is dominated by a colder component with an effective temperature of 4150 ± 100 K, which explains the reddening of the star observed in the brightness minima, as well as its spectral changes during brightness weakening. Speckle interferometric observations performed on the 2.5-m telescope of the CMO of SAI MSU made it possible to estimate the upper limit of the angular distance between the components of the system: 0.1′′, which is equivalent to a projection distance of 30 a.u. The unique feature of this system is that the planes of the planetary orbits practically coincide with the line of sight. Such an orientation of the system is most favorable for measuring fluctuations in the radial velocity of a star caused by the orbital motion of planets, as well as for observing planetary transits along the disk of the main component of the system.

Hidden Companions to Intermediate-mass Stars. Upgraded Multiplicity 2 → 3. XXIII. Discovery of a 0.94M ⊙, 9.2 au Companion to the Ap Star Gamma Piscis Austrini A* *Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, Chile, Program ID 113.26GM.001.

Gamma Piscis Austrini is a nearby ρ = 4.″1 ↔ 284 au visual binary consisting of an A0Vp primary (A) and an F5V secondary (B). Here we report that the primary is actually a closer binary based on a VLTI/GRAVITY interferometric observation. The newly discovered companion Ab has a K band flux ratio 4.8% ± 0.2% and a projected separation ρ = 143.50 mas ↔ 9.2 au relative to Aa. We estimate isochrone masses M Aa = 2.65M ⊙, M Ab = 0.94M ⊙ and M B = 1.20M ⊙. γ PsA will become a triple white dwarf system within a Hubble time, with a low enough hierarchy for possibly interesting dynamical effects with a timescale P KL ∼ 200 kyr.

Probing the physics of star formation (ProPStar)

Context. Turbulence is a key component of molecular cloud structure. It is usually described by a cascade of energy down to the dissipation scale. The power spectrum for subsonic incompressible turbulence is ∝k−5/3, while for supersonic turbulence it is ∝k−2. Aims. We determine the power spectrum in an actively star-forming molecular cloud, from parsec scales down to the expected magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave cutoff (dissipation scale). Methods. We analyzed observations of the nearby NGC 1333 star-forming region in three different tracers to cover the different scales from ∼10 pc down to 20 mpc. The largest scales are covered with the low-density gas tracer 13CO (1–0) obtained with a single dish, the intermediate scales are covered with single-dish observations of the C18O (3–2) line, while the smallest scales are covered in H13CO+ (1–0) and HNC (1–0) with a combination of NOEMA interferometer and IRAM 30m single-dish observations. The complementarity of these observations enables us to generate a combined power spectrum covering more than two orders of magnitude in spatial scale. Results. We derive the power spectrum in an active star-forming region spanning more than 2 decades of spatial scales. The power spectrum of the intensity maps shows a single power-law behavior, with an exponent of 2.9 ± 0.1 and no evidence of dissipation. Moreover, there is evidence that the power spectrum of the ions to have more power at smaller scales than the neutrals, which is opposite to the theoretical expectations. Conclusions. We show new possibilities for studying the dissipation of energy at small scales in star-forming regions provided by interferometric observations.