Kpc Distance Research Articles

A parsec-scale Galactic 3D dust map out to 1.25 kpc from the Sun

Context. High-resolution 3D maps of interstellar dust are critical for probing the underlying physics shaping the structure of the interstellar medium, and for foreground correction of astrophysical observations affected by dust. Aims. We aim to construct a new 3D map of the spatial distribution of interstellar dust extinction out to a distance of 1.25 kpc from the Sun. Methods. We leveraged distance and extinction estimates to 54 million nearby stars derived from the Gaia BP/RP spectra. Using the stellar distance and extinction information, we inferred the spatial distribution of dust extinction. We modeled the logarithmic dust extinction with a Gaussian process in a spherical coordinate system via iterative charted refinement and a correlation kernel inferred in previous work. In total, our posterior has over 661 million degrees of freedom. We probed the posterior distribution using the variational inference method MGVI. Results. Our 3D dust map has an angular resolution of up to 14′ (Nside = 256), and we achieve parsec-scale distance resolution, sampling the dust in 516 logarithmically spaced distance bins spanning 69 pc to 1250 pc. We generated 12 samples from the variational posterior of the 3D dust distribution and release the samples alongside the mean 3D dust map and its corresponding uncertainty. Conclusions. Our map resolves the internal structure of hundreds of molecular clouds in the solar neighborhood and will be broadly useful for studies of star formation, Galactic structure, and young stellar populations. It is available for download in a variety of coordinate systems online and can also be queried via the publicly available dustmaps Python package.

X-ray counterpart detection and γ-ray analysis of the supernova remnant G279.0+01.1 with eROSITA and Fermi-LAT

A thorough inspection of known Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) along the Galactic plane with SRG/eROSITA yielded the detection of the X-ray counterpart of the SNR G279.0+01.1. The SNR is located just 1.5° above the Galactic plane. Its X-ray emission emerges as an incomplete, partial shell of ~3° angular extension. It is strongly correlated to the fragmented shell-type morphology of its radio continuum emission. The X-ray spatial morphology of the SNR seems to be linked to the presence of dust clouds in the surroundings. The majority of its X-ray emission is soft (exhibiting strong O, Ne, and Mg lines), and it occurs in a narrow range of energies between 0.3 and 1.5 keV. Above 2.0 keV the remnant remains undetected. The remnant’s X-ray spectrum is purely of a thermal nature. Constraining the X-ray absorption column to values which are consistent with optical extinction data from the remnant’s location favors nonequilibrium over equilibrium models. A nonequilibrium two-temperature plasma model of kT ~ 0.3 keV and kT ~ 0.6 keV, as well as an absorption column density of NH ~ 0.3 cm−2 describe the spectrum of the entire remnant well. Significant temperature variations across the remnant have been detected. Employing 14.5 yr of Fermi-LAT data, we carried out a comprehensive study of the extended giga-electronvolt source 4FGL J1000.0-5312e. By refining and properly modeling the giga-electronvolt excess originating from the location of the remnant, we conclude that the emission is likely related to the remnant itself rather than being colocated by chance. The remnant’s properties as determined by the X-ray spectra are consistent with the ~2.5 kpc distance estimates from the literature, which implies a source diameter of ~140 pc and an old age of >7 × 105 yr. However, if the source is associated with any of the pulsars previously considered to be associated with the SNR, then the updated nearby pulsar distance estimates from the YMW16 electron density model rather place the SNR at a distance of ~0.4 kpc. This would correspond to a ~20 pc linear size and a younger age of 104− < 7 × 105 yr, which would be more in line with the nonequilibrium state of the plasma.

LISA and LISA-like mission test-mass charging for gamma-ray burst detection

Cubic gold-platinum test-masses (TMs) play the role of free-falling geodesic reference and interferometer end mirrors of the future Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) observatory for low-frequency gravitational wave detection in space. A similar arrangement has been proposed for the Chinese missions Taiji and TianQin and for the LISA follow-on missions such as ALIA and BBO. The TMs are charged by high-energy particles and photons. The deposited charge couples with stray electric fields surrounding the TMs thus inducing spurious forces that limit the sensitivity of the mission mainly at low frequencies. The TM charging was measured in space in 2016-2017 with LISA Pathfinder (LPF), meant for the testing of the LISA instrumentation. Unfortunately, during the time LPF remained in orbit, no solar energetic particle events or major astrophysical phenomena were observed. We aim at estimating the LISA TM charging attributable to long, short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and magnetar flares in comparison to that of charged particles of galactic and solar origin. The contribution of these major astrophysical phenomena to the LISA TM charging is discussed here for the first time. The results found here can be extended to LISA-like missions. The response of the radiation monitors hosted on the three LISA S/C is also evaluated. We show that long, intense extragalactic GRBs and galactic magnetar flares at kpc distances can be detected and monitored through a sudden change from positive to negative charging of the TMs and an increase of the TM charging noise. This is a unique signature since both galactic and solar particles charge positively the LISA TMs. This peculiar behavior of the TM charging would allow monitoring the whole dynamics of GRBs. The suggestion reported in the literature, about the detection of long GRBs and gravitational waves from the same sources, in principle, may apply to LISA and other LISA-like missions since the increase of the TM charging noise during these extreme transient phenomena is estimated to remain below the mission sensitivity while particle detectors are expected to saturate.

Cosmic evolution early release science survey (CEERS): multiclassing galactic dwarf stars in the deep JWST/NIRCam

ABSTRACT Low-mass (sub)stellar objects represent the low end of the initial mass function, the transition to free-floating planets and a prominent interloper population in the search for high-redshift galaxies. To what accuracy can photometry only classify these? JWST/NIRCam has several advantages over Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/WFC3 near-infrared (NIR): more filters, a greater wavelength range, and greater spatial resolution. Here, we present a catalogue of (sub)stellar dwarfs identified in the cosmic evolution early release science survey (CEERS). We identify 518 stellar objects down to mF200W 28 using half-light radius, a full three magnitudes deeper than typical HST/WFC3 images. A k-means nearest neighbour (kNN) algorithm identifies and types these sources, using four HST/WFC3 and four NIRCam filters, trained on IRTF/spex spectra of nearby brown dwarfs. The kNN with four neighbours classifies well within two subtypes: e.g. M2±2, achieving ∼95 per cent precision and recall. In CEERS, we find 9 M8±2, 2 L6±2, 1 T4±2, and 15 T8±2. We compare the observed long wavelength NIRCam colours – not used in the kNN – to those expected for brown dwarf atmospheric models. The NIRCam F356W−F444W and F410M−F444W colours are redder by a magnitude for the type assigned by the kNN, hinting at a wider variety of atmospheres for these objects. We find a 300–350 pc scale height for M6±2 dwarfs plus a second structural component and a 150–200 pc scale height for T6±2 type dwarfs, consistent with literature values. A single M8±2 dwarf is spectroscopically confirmed at 4 kpc distance.

Particle-in-cell simulations of electron–positron cyclotron maser forming pulsar radio zebras

Context. The microwave radio dynamic spectra of the Crab pulsar interpulse contain fine structures represented via narrowband quasiharmonic stripes. The pattern significantly constrains any potential emission mechanism. Similar to the zebra patterns observed, for example, in type IV solar radio bursts or decameter and kilometer Jupiter radio emission, the double plasma resonance (DPR) effect of the cyclotron maser instability may allow for interpretion of observations of pulsar radio zebras. Aims. We provide insight at kinetic microscales of the zebra structures in pulsar radio emissions originating close to or beyond the light cylinder. Methods. We present electromagnetic relativistic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of the electron–positron cyclotron maser for cyclotron frequency smaller than the plasma frequency. In four distinct simulation cycles, we focused on the effects of varying the plasma parameters on the instability growth rate and saturation energy. The physical parameters were the ratio between the plasma and cyclotron frequency, the density ratio of the “hot” loss-cone to the “cold” background plasma, the loss-cone characteristic velocity, and comparison with electron–proton plasma. Results. In contrast to the results obtained from electron–proton plasma simulations (for example, in solar system plasmas), we find that the pulsar electron–positron maser instability does not generate distinguishable X and Z modes. On the contrary, a singular electromagnetic XZ mode was generated in all studied configurations close to or above the plasma frequency. The highest instability growth rates were obtained for the simulations with integer plasma-to-cyclotron frequency ratios. The instability is most efficient for plasma with characteristic loss-cone velocity in the range vth = 0.2 − 0.3c. For low density ratios, the highest peak of the XZ mode is at double the frequency of the highest peak of the Bernstein modes, indicating that the radio emission is produced by a coalescence of two Bernstein modes with the same frequency and opposite wave numbers. Our estimate of the radiative flux generated from the simulation is up to ∼30 mJy from an area of 100 km2 for an observer at 1 kpc distance without the inclusion of relativistic beaming effects, which may account for multiple orders of magnitude.

Supernova model discrimination with a kilotonne-scale Gd-H2O Cherenkov detector

Abstract The supernova model discrimination capabilities of the WATCHMAN detector concept are explored. This cylindrical kilotonne-scale water Cherenkov detector design has been developed to detect reactor antineutrinos through inverse β-decay for non-proliferation applications but also has the ability to observe antineutrino bursts of core-collapse supernovae within our galaxy. Detector configurations with sizes ranging from 16 m to 22 m tank diameter and 10% to 20% PMT coverage are used to compare the expected observable antineutrino spectra based on the Nakazato, Vartanyan and Warren supernova models. These spectra are then compared to each other with a fixed event count of 100 observed inverse β-decay events and a benchmark supernova at 10 kpc distance from Earth. By comparing the expected spectra, each detector configuration's ability to distinguish is evaluated. This analysis then demonstrates that the detector design is capable of meaningful event discrimination (90+% accuracy) with 100 observed supernova antineutrino events in most configurations. Furthermore, a larger tank configuration can maintain this performance at 10 kpc distance and above, indicating that overall target mass is the main factor for such a detector's discrimination capabilities. Finally, it is estimated that the detector design can provide early warning capability for supernova bursts for the entire Milky Way in all configurations.

On the Distances to the X-Ray Binaries Cygnus X-3 and GRS 1915+105

In this paper we significantly improve estimates of distance to the X-ray binary systems Cyg X-3 and GRS 1915+105. We report a highly accurate trigonometric parallax measurement for Cyg X-3 using the Very Long Baseline Array at 43 GHz, placing the source at a distance of kpc. We also use Galactic proper motions and line-of-sight radial velocity measurements to determine three-dimensional (3D) kinematic distances to both systems, under the assumption that they have low peculiar velocities. This yields distances of 8.95 ± 0.96 kpc for Cyg X-3 and 9.4 ± 0.6 (statistical) ± 0.8 (systematic) for GRS 1915+105. The good agreement between parallax and 3D kinematic distances validates the assumption of low peculiar velocities, and hence small natal kicks, for both of the systems. For a source with a low peculiar velocity, given its parallax distance, Cyg X-3 should have a V LSR near −64 ± 5 km s−1. Our measurements imply a slightly higher inclination angle, and hence lower black hole mass, for GRS 1915+105 than found from previous work by Reid et al. and strengthen arguments from X-ray polarization that Cyg X-3 would be an ultraluminous X-ray source if viewed face-on.

The Isotropic Center of NGC 5419—A Core in Formation?

With its cored surface brightness profile, the elliptical galaxy NGC 5419 appears as a typical high-mass early-type galaxy (ETG). However, the galaxy hosts two distinct nuclei in its center. We use high-signal MUSE (Multi-unit Spectroscopic Explorer (Based on observations collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere under ESO program 099.B-0193(A).)) spectral observations and novel triaxial dynamical orbit models to reveal a surprisingly isotropic central orbit distribution in NGC 5419. Recent collisionless simulations of merging massive ETGs suggest a two-phase core formation model, in which the low-density stellar core forms rapidly by supermassive black holes (SMBHs) sinking into the center due to dynamical friction. Only afterwards do the SMBHs form a hard binary, and the black hole scouring process slowly changes the central orbit distribution from isotropic to tangential. The observed cored density profile, the double nucleus, and the isotropic center of NGC 5419 together thus point to an intermediate evolutionary state where the first phase of core formation has taken place, yet the scouring process is only beginning. This implies that the double nucleus is an SMBH binary. Our triaxial dynamical models indicate a total mass of the two SMBHs in the center of NGC 5419 of M BH = (1.0 ± 0.08) × 1010 M ⊙. Moreover, we find that NGC 5419's complex kinematically distinct core can be explained by a coherent flip of the direction of orbital rotation of stars on tube orbits at ∼3 kpc distance from the galaxy center together with projection effects. This is also in agreement with merger simulations hosting SMBHs in the same mass regime.

MOA-2022-BLG-249Lb: Nearby microlensing super-Earth planet detected from high-cadence surveys

Aims. We investigate the data collected by the high-cadence microlensing surveys during the 2022 season in search of planetary signals appearing in the light curves of microlensing events. From this search, we find that the lensing event MOA-2022-BLG-249 exhibits a brief positive anomaly that lasted for about one day, with a maximum deviation of ~0.2 mag from a single-source, single-lens model. Methods. We analyzed the light curve under the two interpretations of the anomaly: one originated by a low-mass companion to the lens (planetary model) and the other originated by a faint companion to the source (binary-source model). Results. We find that the anomaly is better explained by the planetary model than the binary-source model. We identified two solutions rooted in the inner-outer degeneracy and for both of them, the estimated planet-to-host mass ratio, q ~ 8 × 10−5, is very small. With the constraints provided by the microlens parallax and the lower limit on the Einstein radius, as well as the blend-flux constraint, we find that the lens is a planetary system, in which a super-Earth planet, with a mass of (4.83 ± 1.44) Μ⊕, orbits a low-mass host star, with a mass of (0.18 ± 0.05) M⊙, lying in the Galactic disk at a distance of (2.00 ± 0.42) kpc. The planet detection demonstrates the elevated microlensing sensitivity of the current high-cadence lensing surveys to low-mass planets.

The Parallax and 3D Kinematics of Water Masers in the Massive Star-forming Region G034.43+0.24

We report a measurement of the trigonometric parallax of 22 GHz water masers in the massive star-forming region G034.43+0.24 as part of the Bar and Spiral Structure Legacy Survey using the Very Long Baseline Array. The parallax is 0.330 ± 0.018 mas, corresponding to a distance of kpc. This locates G034.43+0.24 near the inner edge of the Sagittarius spiral arm and at one end of a linear distribution of massive young stars that cross nearly the full width of the arm. The measured three-dimensional motion of G034.43+0.24 indicates a near-circular Galactic orbit. The water masers display arc-like distributions, possibly bow shocks, associated with winds from one or more massive young stars.

Will ALMA reveal the true core mass function of protoclusters?

ABSTRACT Characterizing pre-stellar cores in star-forming regions is an important step towards the validation of theoretical models of star formation. Due to their sub-arcsecond resolution, ALMA observations can potentially provide samples of pre-stellar cores up to distances of a few kpc, where regions of massive star formation can be targeted. However, the extraction of real cores from dust-continuum observations of turbulent star-forming clouds is affected by complex projection effects. In this work, we study the problem of core extraction both in the idealized case of column-density maps and in the more realistic case of synthetic 1.3 mm ALMA observations. The analysis is carried out on 12 regions of high column density from our 250 pc simulation. We find that derived core masses are highly unreliable, with only a weak correlation between the masses of cores selected in the synthetic ALMA maps and those of the corresponding three-dimensional cores. The fraction of real three-dimensional cores detected in the synthetic maps increases monotonically with mass and remains always below 50 per cent. Above $\sim 1\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ , the core mass function derived from the column-density maps is steeper than that of the three-dimensional cores, while the core mass function from the synthetic ALMA maps has a slope closer to that of the real three-dimensional cores. Because of the mass uncertainties, proper guidance from realistic simulations is essential if ALMA observations of protoclusters at kpc distances are to be used to test star formation models.

Discovery of an Exceptional Optical Nebulosity in the Suspected Galactic SN Iax Remnant Pa 30 Linked to the Historical Guest Star of 1181 CE

A newly recognized young Galactic supernova (SN) remnant, Pa 30 (G123.1+4.6), centered on a hot central star with a ∼16,000 km s−1 wind velocity, has recently been proposed to be the result of a double-degenerate merger leading to an SN Iax event associated with the guest star of 1181 CE. Here we present deep optical [S ii] λλ6716,6731 images of Pa 30 that reveal an extraordinary and highly structured nebula 170″ in diameter with dozens of long (5″–20″), radially aligned filaments with a convergence point near the hot central star. Optical spectra of filaments indicate a peak expansion velocity ≃1100 km s−1 with electron densities of ≤100–700 cm−3 and a thick shell-like structure resembling its appearance in 22 μm WISE images. No Hα emission was seen ([S ii] λ6716/Hα >5), with the only other line emission detected being faint [Ar iii] λ7136, suggesting a S- and Ar-rich but H-poor remnant. The nebula’s angular size, estimated 2.3 kpc distance, and 1100 km s−1 expansion velocity are consistent with an explosion date around 1181 CE. The remnant’s unusual appearance may be due to the photoionization of wind-driven ejecta due to clump–wind interactions caused by the central star’s high-luminosity wind.

Constraining the Nature of the 18 min Periodic Radio Transient GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 via Multiwavelength Observations and Magneto-thermal Simulations

We observed the periodic radio transient GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 (GLEAM-X J1627) using the Chandra X-ray Observatory for about 30 ks on 2022 January 22–23, simultaneously with radio observations from the Murchison Widefield Array, MeerKAT, and the Australia Telescope Compact Array. Its radio emission and 18 min periodicity led the source to be tentatively interpreted as an extreme magnetar or a peculiar highly magnetic white dwarf. The source was not detected in the 0.3–8 keV energy range with a 3σ upper limit on the count rate of 3 × 10−4 counts s−1. No radio emission was detected during our X-ray observations either. Furthermore, we studied the field around GLEAM-X J1627 using archival European Southern Observatory and DECam Plane Survey data, as well as recent Southern African Large Telescope observations. Many sources are present close to the position of GLEAM-X J1627, but only two within the 2″ radio position uncertainty. Depending on the assumed spectral distribution, the upper limits converted to an X-ray luminosity of L X < 6.5 × 1029 erg s−1 for a blackbody with temperature kT = 0.3 keV, or L X < 9 × 1029 erg s−1 for a power law with photon index Γ = 2 (assuming a 1.3 kpc distance). Furthermore, we performed magneto-thermal simulations for neutron stars considering crust- and core-dominated field configurations. Based on our multiband limits, we conclude that (i) in the magnetar scenario, the X-ray upper limits suggest that GLEAM-X J1627 should be older than ∼1 Myr, unless it has a core-dominated magnetic field or has experienced fast cooling; (ii) in the white dwarf scenario, we can rule out most binary systems, a hot sub-dwarf, and a hot magnetic isolated white dwarf (T ≳ 10.000 K), while a cold isolated white dwarf is still compatible with our limits.

Adaptive Optics Imaging Can Break the Central Caustic Cusp Approach Degeneracy in High-magnification Microlensing Events

We report new results for the gravitational microlensing target OGLE-2011-BLG-0950 from adaptive optics images using the Keck Observatory. The original analysis by Choi et al. and reanalysis by Suzuki et al. report degenerate solutions between planetary and stellar binary lens systems. This particular case is the most important type of degeneracy for exoplanet demographics because the distinction between a planetary mass or stellar binary companion has direct consequences for microlensing exoplanet statistics. The 8 and 10 yr baselines allow us to directly measure a relative proper motion of 4.20 ± 0.21 mas yr−1, confirming the detection of the lens star system and ruling out the planetary companion models that predict a ∼4× smaller relative proper motion. The Keck data also rule out the wide stellar binary solution unless one of the components is a stellar remnant. The combination of the lens brightness and close stellar binary light-curve parameters yields primary and secondary star masses of and at a distance of kpc and a projected separation of au. Assuming that the predicted proper motions are measurably different, the high-resolution imaging method described here can be used to disentangle this degeneracy for events observed by the Roman exoplanet microlensing survey using Roman images taken near the beginning or end of the survey.

Online triggers for supernova and pre-supernova neutrino detection with cryogenic detectors

Supernovae (SNe) are among the most energetic events in the universe still far from being fully understood. An early and prompt detection of neutrinos is a one-time opportunity for the realization of the first multi-messenger observation of these events. In this work, we present the prospects of detecting neutrinos produced before (pre-SN) and during a SN while running an advanced cryogenic detector. Recent advances in the cryogenic detector technique and the discovery of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering offer a wealth of opportunities in neutrino detection. The combination of the excellent energy resolution of this experimental technique, with the high cross section of this detection channel and its equal sensitivity to all neutrino flavors, enables the realization of highly sensitive neutrino telescopes of the size of a few tens of cm, as the newly proposed RES-NOVA experiment. We present a detailed study on the detection promptness of pre-SN and SN neutrino signals, with direct comparisons among different classes of test statistics. While the well-established Poisson test offers in general best performance under optimal conditions, the nonparametric Recursive Product of Spacing statistical test (RPS) is more robust for triggering astrophysical neutrino signals with no specific prior knowledge. Based on our statistical tests the RES-NOVA experiment is able to identify SN neutrino signals at a 15 kpc distance with 95% of success rate, and pre-SN signal as far as 450 pc with a pre-warn time of the order of 10 s. These results demonstrate the potential of RPS for the identification of neutrino signals and the physics reach of the RES-NOVA experiment.

Discovery of a new supergiant fast X-ray transient MAXI J0709−159 associated with the Be star LY Canis Majoris

Abstract We report on the discovery of a new supergiant fast X-ray transient (SFXT), MAXI J0709−159, and its identification with LY CMa (also known as HD 54786). On 2022 January 25, a new flaring X-ray object, named MAXI J0709−159, was detected by the Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI). Two flaring activities were observed in two scans ∼3 hr apart, where the 2–10 keV flux reached 5 × 10−9 erg cm−2 s−1. During the period, the source exhibited a large spectral change, suggesting that the absorption column density NH increased from 1022 to 1023 cm−2. A NuSTAR follow-up observation on January 29 identified a new X-ray source with a flux of 6 × 10−13 erg cm−2 s−1 at a position consistent with LY CMa, which has been identified as a B supergiant as well as a Be star, located at a 3 kpc distance. The observed X-ray activity, characterized by short (≲several hours) duration, rapid (≲ a few seconds) variabilities accompanied by spectral changes, and a large luminosity swing (1032–1037 erg s−1), agree with those of SFXTs. On the other hand, optical spectroscopic observations of LY CMa reveal a broad Hα emission line, which may indicate the existence of a Be circumstellar disk. These results suggest that the optical companion, LY CMa, certainly has a complex circumstellar medium including dense clumps.

VLT/MUSE and ATCA Observations of the Host Galaxy of the Short GRB 080905A at z = 0.122

Abstract Short-GRB progenitors could come in various flavors, depending on the nature of the merging compact stellar objects (including a stellar-mass black hole or not) or depending on their ages (millions or billions of years). At a redshift of z = 0.122, the nearly face-on spiral host of the short GRB 080905A is one of the closest short-GRB host galaxies identified so far. This made it a preferred target to explore spatially resolved star formation and to investigate the afterglow position in the context of its star formation structures. We used VLT/MUSE integral-field unit observations, supplemented by ATCA 5.5/9.0 GHz radio-continuum measurements and publicly available HST data, to study the star formation activity in the GRB 080905A host galaxy. The MUSE observations reveal that the entire host is characterized by strong line emission. Using the Hα line flux, we measure for the entire galaxy an SFR of about 1.6 M ⊙ yr−1, consistent with its non-detection by ATCA. Several individual star-forming regions are scattered across the host. The most luminous region has a Hα luminosity that is nearly four times as high as the luminosity of the Tarantula nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Even though star-forming activity can be traced as close to about 3 kpc (in projection) distance to the GRB explosion site, stellar population synthesis calculations show that none of the Hα-bright star-forming regions is a likely birthplace of the short-GRB progenitor.

Broad-band spectral study of LMXB black hole candidate 4U 1957+11 with NuSTAR

We present here the results of broadband spectral analysis of a low-mass X-ray binary and a black hole candidate 4U 1957+11. The source was observed nine times with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) between September 2018 and November 2019. During these observations, the spectral state of 4U 1957+11 evolved marginally. The disc dominant spectra are described well with a hot, multicolor disc blackbody with disc temperature varying in the range kT in ∼ 1.35–1.86 keV and a non-thermal component having a steep slope (Γ = 2–3). A broad Fe emission line feature (5–8 keV) was observed in the spectra of all the observations. The relativistic disc model was used to study the effect of distance, inclination and the black hole mass on its spin. Simulations indicate a higher spin for smaller distances and lower black hole masses. At smaller distances and higher masses, spin is maximum and almost independent of the distance. An inverse correlation exists between the spin and the spectral hardening factor for all the cases. The system prefers a moderate spin of about 0.85 for black hole masses between 4–6 M ⊙ for a 7 kpc distance.

Characterizing microlensing planetary system OGLE-2014-BLG-0676Lb with adaptive optics imaging* *This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5m Magellan Clay Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile.

We constrain the host-star flux of the microlensing planet OGLE-2014-BLG-0676Lb using adaptive optics (AO) images taken by the Magellan and Keck telescopes. We measure the flux of the light blended with the microlensed source to be K = 16.79 ± 0.04 mag and J = 17.76 ± 0.03 mag. Assuming that the blend is the lens star, we find that the host is a star at a distance of kpc, where the relatively large uncertainty in angular Einstein radius measurement is the major source of uncertainty. With mass of , the planet is likely a “super Jupiter” at a projected separation of AU, and a degenerate model yields a similar at a closer separation of AU. Our estimates are consistent with the previous Bayesian analysis based on a Galactic model. OGLE-2014-BLG-0676Lb belongs to a sample of planets discovered in a “second-generation” planetary microlensing survey and we attempt to systematically constrain host properties of this sample with high-resolution imaging to study the distribution of planets.

Bird’s eye view of molecular clouds in the Milky Way

Context. Describing how the properties of the interstellar medium are combined across various size scales is crucial for understanding star formation scaling laws and connecting Galactic and extragalactic data of molecular clouds. Aims. We describe how the statistical structure of the clouds and its connection to star formation changes from sub-parsec to kiloparsec scales in a complete region within the Milky Way disk. Methods. We built a census of molecular clouds within 2 kpc from the Sun using data from the literature. We examined the dust-based column density probability distributions (N-PDFs) of the clouds and their relation to star formation as traced by young stellar objects (YSOs). We then examined our survey region from the outside, within apertures of varying sizes, and describe how the N-PDFs and their relation to star formation changes with the size scale. Results. We present a census of the molecular clouds within 2 kpc distance, including 72 clouds and YSO counts for 44 of them. The N-PDFs of the clouds are not well described by any single simple model; use of any single model may bias the interpretation of the N-PDFs. The top-heaviness of the N-PDFs correlates with star formation activity, and the correlation changes with Galactic environment (spiral- and inter-arm regions). We find that the density contrast of clouds may be more intimately linked to star formation than the dense gas mass fraction. The aperture-averaged N-PDFs vary with the size scale and are more top-heavy for larger apertures. The top-heaviness of the aperture N-PDFs correlates with star formation activity up to roughly 0.5 kpc, depending on the environment. Our results suggest that the relations between cloud structure and star formation are environment specific and best captured by relative quantities (e.g. the density contrast). Finally, we show that the density structures of individual clouds give rise to a kiloparsec-scale Kennicutt-Schmidt relation as a combination of sampling effects and blending of different galactic environments.