Large Telescope Observations Research Articles

The Evaporating Massive Embedded Stellar Cluster IRS 13 Close to Sgr A*. II. Kinematic Structure

The existence of two distinct and apparently unrelated populations of dusty stellar objects in the Nuclear Stellar Cluster of the Milky Way, namely IRS 13 and the S-cluster, are potentially prone to a general process describing the star formation history in the Galactic center (GC). The former cluster is thought to be entangled in the clockwise and counterclockwise disks, a large-scale stellar distribution revealed by the analysis of stars at different distances from Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole in the GC. Recently, this large-scale distribution was reported to exhibit a multidisk structure with at least four components. Motivated by this finding, we revisit the anisotropic IRS 13 cluster and find strong evidence for a disk-like structure. An examination of about 50 individual stellar orbits reveals a new structure that does not follow any trend known in the literature. Furthermore, we investigate the possibility of an inspiral cluster undergoing star formation processes, as proposed by several authors. Using a simplified N-body simulation to reproduce our observational results, we conclude that, under certain conditions, a massive cluster can migrate from the Circum Nuclear Disk toward the inner parsec. Based on this classification, we revisit the large-scale NACO Very Large Telescope (VLT) observations of IRS 13 and find evidence for a separation of the cluster into a gravitationally stable core remnant and a dissipating part. With the velocity-resolved H30α line and the broadband spectral energy distribution of IRS 13 E3, we provide tentative support for the existence of an intermediate-mass black hole of ∼3 × 104 M ⊙ surrounded by a hot gaseous stream.

An insight into Capella (α Aurigae): From the extent of core overshoot to its evolutionary history

Context. The binary star α Aurigae (otherwise known as Capella) is extremely important to understanding the core hydrogen and helium burning phases of stars, as its primary star is likely evolving through the core helium burning phase. Moreover, the masses of the star’s two components are ∼2.5 M⊙ and ∼2.6 M⊙, meaning they fall into a mass range in which the extension of the core overshoot during the main sequence phase is uncertain. Aims. We aim to derive the extent of the core overshoot experienced during the core burning phases and to test the efficiency of the convective transport of energy in the external envelope of Capella by comparing results from stellar evolution modelling with the results from observations. Methods. We considered evolutionary tracks calculated expressly for the present work, that is, for the primary and secondary stars of Capella. We determined the extent of the extra mixing from the core during the main sequence evolution and the age of the system by requiring that the effective temperatures and surface gravities of the model stars reproduce those derived from the observations at the same epoch. We further checked the consistency between the observed and predicted surface chemistry of the stars. Results. The consistency between results from stellar evolution modelling and the observations of Capella is found when extra mixing from the core is assumed, the extent of the extra-mixed zone being of the order of 0.25 HP. The age of the system is estimated to be 710 Myr. These results allow the observed surface chemistry to be well reproduced, particularly the recent determination of the 12C/13C ratio based on Large Binocular Telescope and Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope observations.

The Fast X-Ray Transient XRT 210423 and Its Host Galaxy

Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs) are X-ray flares with durations ranging from a few hundred seconds to a few hours. Possible origins include the tidal disruption of a white dwarf by an intermediate-mass black hole, a supernova shock breakout, or a binary neutron star merger. We present the X-ray light curve and spectrum as well as deep optical imaging of the FXT XRT 210423, which has been suggested to be powered by a magnetar produced in a binary neutron star merger. Our Very Large Telescope and Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) observations began on 2021 May 6, thirteen days after the onset of the flare. No transient optical counterpart is found in the 1.″ (3σ) X-ray uncertainty region of the source to a depth g s = 27.0 AB mag. (We use the word “counterpart” for any transient light in a wave band other than the original X-ray detection wave band, whereas the word “host” refers to the host galaxy.) A candidate host lies within the 1.″ X-ray uncertainty region with a magnitude of 25.9 ± 0.1 in the GTC/HiPERCAM g s filter. Due to its faintness, it was not detected in other bands, precluding a photometric redshift determination. We detect two additional candidate host galaxies: one with z spec = 1.5082 ± 0.0001 and an offset of 4.″2 ± 1.″ (37 ± 9 kpc) from the FXT, and another one with and an offset of 3.″6 ± 1.″ (30 ± 8 kpc). Based on the properties of all the prospective hosts, we favor a binary neutron star merger, as previously suggested in the literature, as the explanation for XRT 210423.

Nuclear Activity in the Low-metallicity Dwarf Galaxy SDSS J0944-0038 : A Glimpse into the Primordial Universe

Local low-metallicity dwarf galaxies are relics of the early universe and are thought to hold clues into the origins of supermassive black holes. While recent studies are uncovering a growing population of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in dwarf galaxies, the vast majority reside in galaxies with solar or supersolar metallicities and stellar masses comparable to that of the LMC. Using Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) and Very Large Telescope observations, we report the detection of [Fe x] λ6374 coronal line emission and a broad Hα line in the nucleus of SDSS J094401.87−003832.1, a nearby (z = 0.0049) metal-poor dwarf galaxy almost 500 times less massive than the LMC. Unlike the emission from the lower-ionization nebular lines, the [Fe x] λ6374 emission is compact and centered on the brightest nuclear source, with a spatial extent of ≈100 pc, similar to that seen in well-known AGNs. The [Fe x] luminosity is ≈1037 erg s−1, within the range seen in previously identified AGNs in the dwarf-galaxy population. The [Fe x] emission has persisted over the roughly 19 yr time period between the SDSS and MUSE observations, ruling out supernovae as the origin for the emission. The FWHM of the broad component of the Hα line is 446 ± 17 km s−1 and its luminosity is ≈1.5 × 1038 erg s−1, corresponding to a black hole mass of ≈ 3150 M ⊙, in line with its stellar mass if virial mass relations and black hole–galaxy scaling relations apply in this mass regime. These observations, together with previously reported multiwavelength observations, can most plausibly be explained by the presence of an accreting intermediate-mass black hole in a primordial galaxy analog.

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.

Detection of companion galaxies around hot dust-obscured hyper-luminous galaxy W0410-0913

The phase transition between galaxies and quasars is often identified with the rare population of hyper-luminous, hot dust-obscured galaxies. Galaxy formation models predict these systems to grow via mergers, that can deliver large amounts of gas toward their centers, induce intense bursts of star formation and feed their supermassive black holes. Here we report the detection of 24 galaxies emitting Lyman-α emission on projected physical scales of about 400 kpc around the hyper-luminous hot dust-obscured galaxy W0410-0913, at redshift z = 3.631, using Very Large Telescope observations. While this indicates that W0410-0913 evolves in a very dense environment, we do not find clear signs of mergers that could sustain its growth. Data suggest that if mergers occurred, as models expect, these would involve less massive satellites, with only a moderate impact on the internal interstellar medium of W0410-0913, which is sustained by a rotationally-supported fast-rotating molecular disk, as Atacama Large Millimeter Array observations suggest.

PASSAGES: the Large Millimeter Telescope and ALMA observations of extremely luminous high-redshift galaxies identified by the Planck

ABSTRACT The Planck All-Sky Survey to Analyze Gravitationally-lensed Extreme Starbursts project aims to identify a population of extremely luminous galaxies using the Planck all-sky survey and to explore the nature of their gas fuelling, induced starburst, and the resulting feedback that shape their evolution. Here, we report the identification of 22 high-redshift luminous dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) at z = 1.1–3.3 drawn from a candidate list constructed using the Planck Catalogue of Compact Sources and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer all-sky survey. They are confirmed through follow-up dust continuum imaging and CO spectroscopy using AzTEC and the Redshift Search Receiver on the Large Millimeter Telescope Alfonso Serrano. Their apparent infrared luminosities span (0.1–3.1) × 1014 L⊙ (median of 1.2 × 1014 L⊙), making them some of the most luminous galaxies found so far. They are also some of the rarest objects in the sky with a source density of ≲0.01 deg−2. Our Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array 1.1 mm continuum observations with θ ≈ 0.4 arcsec resolution show clear ring or arc morphologies characteristic of strong lensing. Their lensing-corrected luminosity of LIR ≳ 1013 L⊙ (star-formation rate ≳ 103 M⊙ yr−1) indicates that they are the magnified versions of the most intrinsically luminous DSFGs found at these redshifts. Our spectral energy distribution analysis finds little detectable active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity despite their enormous luminosity, and any AGN activity present must be extremely heavily obscured.

3D Monte-Carlo simulation of Ganymede’s water exosphere

In this paper we present ab initio 3D Monte-Carlo simulations of Ganymede’s surface sputtered and sublimated H2O exosphere. As inputs, we include surface water content maps and temperature distribution maps based on Galileo and Very Large Telescope (VLT) observations. For plasma precipitation, we use hybrid model results for thermal H+ and O+, energetic H+, O++, S+++, and electrons, with unprecedented energy resolution. Our results show that up to a solar zenith angle of ∼60° and up to ∼600 km altitude, sublimated H2O dominates the atmosphere by up to four orders of magnitudes in number density, while sputtering dominates elsewhere. Sputtering is mainly induced by the impinging O+, O++, and S+++ ions, while protons (H+) and electrons only add about 1% of the total sputtered H2O molecules to the atmosphere. Electrons are thus not important for the generation of the atmosphere, but they are important for spectroscopic observability of the atmosphere since they are the main inducer of the Lyman-α and O I emission lines. The extended H2O atmosphere at altitudes ≳1 Ganymede radius is mainly the result of sputtering by thermal O+ ions, which is the only ion species with substantial fluxes in the low-energy range (10 eV–10 keV), i.e., is the only species that efficiently induces nuclear sputtering. Most released H2O molecules return to the surface where they immediately adsorb, not forming a thermalized atmosphere. The morphology of Ganymede’s magnetosphere, and the resulting dichotomies in the surface fluxes of the precipitating magnetospheric particles (polar fluxes > equatorial fluxes and leading equatorial fluxes > trailing equatorial fluxes), are thus well discernible in the sputtered atmosphere, persisting up to altitudes of a few thousand kilometers. In-situ measurements, as they are planned for the upcoming JUpiter ICy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, will mainly probe this sputtered atmosphere, except for encounters with the near-surface atmosphere on Ganymede’s day-side, where the sublimated atmosphere will be probed instead. Finally, we compare our model results to the first observational evidence for a sublimated H2O atmosphere on Ganymede, and find a very good agreement.

Large binocular telescope observations of new six compact star-forming galaxies with [Ne v] λ3426 Å emission

ABSTRACT We report the discovery of [Ne v] λ3426 emission, in addition to He ii λ4686 emission, in six compact star-forming galaxies. These observations considerably increase the sample of eight such galaxies discovered earlier by our group. For four of the new galaxies, the optical observations are supplemented by near-infrared spectra. All galaxies, but one, have H ii regions that are dense, with electron number densities of ∼ 300–700 cm−3. They are all characterized by high H β equivalent widths EW(H β) ∼ 190–520 Å and high O32 = [O iii] λ5007/[O ii] λ3727 ratios of 10–30, indicating young starburst ages and the presence of high ionization radiation. All are low-metallicity objects with 12 + logO/H = 7.46–7.88. The spectra of all galaxies show a low-intensity broad component of the H α line and five of six objects show Wolf–Rayet features. Comparison with photoionization models shows that pure stellar ionization radiation from massive stars is not hard enough to produce such strong [Ne v] and He ii emission in our galaxies. The [Ne v] λ3426/He ii λ4686 flux ratio of ∼1.2 in J1222+3602 is consistent with some contribution of active galactic nucleus ionizing radiation. However, in the remaining five galaxies, this ratio is considerably lower, $\lesssim$ 0.4. The most plausible models are likely to be non-uniform in density, where He ii and [Ne v] lines are emitted in low-density channels made by outflows and illuminated by harder ionizing radiation from radiative shocks propagating through these channels, whereas [O iii] emission originates in denser regions exposed to softer stellar ionizing sources.

Particle acceleration in low-power hotspots: modelling the broad-band spectral energy distribution

ABSTRACT The acceleration and radiative processes active in low-power radio hotspots are investigated by means of new deep near-infrared (NIR) and optical Very Large Telescope (VLT) observations, complemented with archival, high-sensitivity VLT, radio Very Large Array (VLA), and X-ray Chandra data. For the three studied radio galaxies (3C 105, 3C 195, and 3C 227), we confirm the detection of NIR/optical counterparts of the observed radio hotspots. We resolve multiple components in 3C 227 West and in 3C 105 South and characterize the diffuse NIR/optical emission of the latter. We show that the linear size of this component (≳4 kpc) makes 3C 105 South a compelling case for particles’ re-acceleration in the post-shock region. Modelling of the radio-to-X-ray spectral energy distribution (SED) of 3C 195 South and 3C 227 W1 gives clues on the origin of the detected X-ray emission. In the context of inverse Compton models, the peculiarly steep synchrotron curve of 3C 195 South sets constraints on the shape of the radiating particles’ spectrum that are testable with better knowledge of the SED shape at low (≲GHz) radio frequencies and in X-rays. The X-ray emission of 3C 227 W1 can be explained with an additional synchrotron component originating in compact (&amp;lt;100 pc) regions, such those revealed by radio observations at 22 GHz, provided that efficient particle acceleration (γ ≳ 107) is ongoing. The emerging picture is that of systems in which different acceleration and radiative processes co-exist.

Successful application of PSF-R techniques to the case of the globular cluster NGC 6121 (M 4)

Context. Precise photometric and astrometric measurements on astronomical images require an accurate knowledge of the point spread function (PSF). When the PSF cannot be modelled directly from the image, PSF-reconstruction techniques become the only viable solution. So far, however, their performance on real observations has rarely been quantified. Aims. In this Letter, we test the performance of a novel hybrid technique, called PRIME, on Adaptive Optics-assisted SPHERE/ZIMPOL observations of the Galactic globular cluster NGC 6121. Methods. PRIME couples PSF-reconstruction techniques, based on control-loop data and direct image fitting performed on the only bright point-like source available in the field of view of the ZIMPOL exposures, with the aim of building the PSF model. Results. By exploiting this model, the magnitudes and positions of the stars in the field can be measured with an unprecedented precision, which surpasses that obtained by more standard methods by at least a factor of four for on-axis stars and by up to a factor of two on fainter, off-axis stars. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate the power of PRIME in recovering precise magnitudes and positions when the information directly coming from astronomical images is limited to only a few point-like sources and, thus, paving the way for a proper analysis of future Extremely Large Telescope observations of sparse stellar fields or individual extragalactic objects.

The cold neutral phase of the interstellar medium in high redshift galaxies

We present the results of spectroscopic analysis of seven new H2-bearing damped Ly- systems in redshift range z=2.5 − 3. These systems were originally selected from SDSS catalog using a direct search for H2 and followed up with X-SHOOTER spectrograph at 8-m Very Large Telescope observatory. We measured the column densities of HI, H2 on various rotational levels, and metals species in different ionization stages and excitation levels. We used the rotational excitation of H2 molecules together with the fine-structure levels of neutral carbon to constrain the physical conditions in the associated medium. We found typical values for the kinetic temperature T ∼ 80 − 120 K, hydrogen density nH ∼ 30 − 400 cm−3 and UV radiation field ξUV ∼ 0.4 − 5 times of the Draine field. These values along with estimated thermal pressure are in agreement with expected values from the theoretical calculation of the cold neutral interstellar medium.

Subsonic islands within a high-mass star-forming infrared dark cloud

High-mass star forming regions are typically thought to be dominated by supersonic motions. We present combined Very Large Array and Green Bank Telescope (VLA+GBT) observations of NH3 (1,1) and (2,2) in the infrared dark cloud (IRDC) G035.39-00.33, tracing cold and dense gas down to scales of 0.07 pc. We find that, in contrast to previous, similar studies of IRDCs, more than a third of the fitted ammonia spectra show subsonic non-thermal motions (mean line width of 0.71 km s−1), and sonic Mach number distribution peaks around ℳ = 1. As possible observational and instrumental biases would only broaden the line profiles, our results provide strong upper limits to the actual value of ℳ, further strengthening our findings of narrow line widths. This finding calls for a re-evaluation of the role of turbulent dissipation and subsonic regions in massive-star and cluster formation. Based on our findings in G035.39, we further speculate that the coarser spectral resolution used in the previous VLA NH3 studies may have inhibited the detection of subsonic turbulence in IRDCs. The reduced turbulent support suggests that dynamically important magnetic fields of the 1 mG order would be required to support against possible gravitational collapse. Our results offer valuable input into the theories and simulations that aim to recreate the initial conditions of high-mass star and cluster formation.

PHL 6625: A Minor Merger-associated QSO Behind NGC 247

Abstract PHL 6625 is a luminous quasi-stellar object (QSO) at z = 0.3954 located behind the nearby galaxy NGC 247 (z = 0.0005). Hubble Space Telescope observations revealed an arc structure associated with it. We report on spectroscopic observations with the Very Large Telescope and multiwavelength observations from the radio to the X-ray band for the system, suggesting that PHL 6625 and the arc are a close pair of merging galaxies, instead of a strong gravitational lens system. The QSO host galaxy is estimated to be (4–28) × 1010 M ☉ and the mass of the companion galaxy is estimated to be M * = (6.8 ± 2.4) × 109 M ☉, suggesting that this is a minor merger system. The QSO displays typical broad emission lines, from which a black hole mass of about (2–5) × 108 M ☉ and an Eddington ratio of about 0.01–0.05 can be inferred. The system represents an interesting and rare case where a QSO is associated with an ongoing minor merger, analogous to Arp 142.

Test of the FLRW Metric and Curvature with Strong Lens Time Delays

Abstract We present a new model-independent strategy for testing the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric and constraining cosmic curvature, based on future time-delay measurements of strongly lensed quasar-elliptical galaxy systems from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and supernova observations from the Dark Energy Survey. The test only relies on geometric optics. It is independent of the energy contents of the universe and the validity of the Einstein equation on cosmological scales. The study comprises two levels: testing the FLRW metric through the distance sum rule (DSR) and determining/constraining cosmic curvature. We propose an effective and efficient (redshift) evolution model for performing the former test, which allows us to concretely specify the violation criterion for the FLRW DSR. If the FLRW metric is consistent with the observations, then on the second level the cosmic curvature parameter will be constrained to ∼0.057 or ∼0.041 (1σ), depending on the availability of high-redshift supernovae, which is much more stringent than current model-independent techniques. We also show that the bias in the time-delay method might be well controlled, leading to robust results. The proposed method is a new independent tool for both testing the fundamental assumptions of homogeneity and isotropy in cosmology and for determining cosmic curvature. It is complementary to cosmic microwave background plus baryon acoustic oscillation analyses, which normally assume a cosmological model with dark energy domination in the late-time universe.

TheChandraDeep Field South as a test case for Global Multi Conjugate Adaptive Optics

The era of the next generation of giant telescopes requires not only the advent of new technologies but also the development of novel methods, in order to exploit fully the extraordinary potential they are built for. Global Multi Conjugate Adaptive Optics (GMCAO) pursues this approach, with the goal of achieving good performance over a field of view of a few arcmin and an increase in sky coverage. In this article, we show the gain offered by this technique to an astrophysical application, such as the photometric survey strategy applied to the Chandra Deep Field South as a case study. We simulated a close-to-real observation of a 500 x 500 arcsec^2 extragalactic deep field with a 40-m class telescope that implements GMCAO. We analysed mock K-band images of 6000 high-redshift (up to z = 2.75) galaxies therein as if they were real to recover the initial input parameters. We attained 94.5 per cent completeness for source detection with SEXTRACTOR. We also measured the morphological parameters of all the sources with the two-dimensional fitting tools GALFIT. The agreement we found between recovered and intrinsic parameters demonstrates GMCAO as a reliable approach to assist extremely large telescope (ELT) observations of extragalactic interest.

CHAOS. III. GAS-PHASE ABUNDANCES IN NGC 5457

ABSTRACT We present Large Binocular Telescope observations of 109 H ii regions in NGC 5457 (M101) obtained with the Multi-Object Double Spectrograph. We have robust measurements of one or more temperature-sensitive auroral emission lines for 74 H ii regions, permitting the measurement of “direct” gas-phase abundances. Comparing the temperatures derived from the different ionic species, we find: (1) strong correlations of T[N ii] with T[S iii] and T[O iii], consistent with little or no intrinsic scatter; (2) a correlation of T[S iii] with T[O iii], but with significant intrinsic dispersion; (3) overall agreement between T[N ii], T[S ii], and T[O ii], as expected, but with significant outliers; (4) the correlations of T[N ii] with T[S iii] and T[O iii] match the predictions of photoionization modeling while the correlation of T[S iii] with T[O iii] is offset from the prediction of photoionization modeling. Based on these observations, which include significantly more observations of lower excitation H ii regions, missing in many analyses, we inspect the commonly used ionization correction factors (ICFs) for unobserved ionic species and propose new empirical ICFs for S and Ar. We have discovered an unexpected population of H ii regions with a significant offset to low values in Ne/O, which defies explanation. We derive radial gradients in O/H and N/O which agree with previous studies. Our large observational database allows us to examine the dispersion in abundances, and we find intrinsic dispersions of 0.074 ± 0.009 in O/H and 0.095 ± 0.009 in N/O (at a given radius). We stress that this measurement of the intrinsic dispersion comes exclusively from direct abundance measurements of H ii regions in NGC 5457.

OBSCURED AGNs IN BULGELESS HOSTS DISCOVERED BY WISE: THE CASE STUDY OF SDSS J1224+5555

ABSTRACT There is mounting evidence that supermassive black holes (SMBHs) form and grow in bulgeless galaxies. However, a robust determination of the fraction of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in bulgeless galaxies, an important constraint to models of SMBH seed formation and merger-free models of AGN fueling, is unknown, since optical studies have been shown to be incomplete for AGNs in low-mass galaxies. In a recent study using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, we discovered hundreds of bulgeless galaxies that display mid-infrared signatures of extremely hot dust suggestive of powerful accreting massive black holes, despite having no signatures of black hole activity at optical wavelengths. Here we report X-ray follow-up observations of J122434.66+555522.3, a nearby (z = 0.052) isolated bulgeless galaxy that contains an unresolved X-ray source detected at the 3σ level by XMM-Newton with an observed luminosity uncorrected for intrinsic absorption of erg s−1. Ground-based near-infrared spectroscopy with the Large Binocular Telescope and multiwavelength observations from ultraviolet to millimeter wavelengths together suggest that J1224+5555 harbors a highly absorbed AGN with an intrinsic absorption of cm−2. The hard X-ray luminosity of the putative AGN corrected for absorption is erg s−1, which, depending on the bolometric correction factor, corresponds to a bolometric luminosity of the AGN of −3 × 1044 and a lower mass limit for the black hole of , based on the Eddington limit. While enhanced X-ray emission and hot dust can be produced by star formation in extremely low metallicity environments typical in dwarf galaxies, J1224+5555 has a stellar mass of and an above solar metallicity (12 + = 9.11), typical of our WISE-selected bulgeless galaxy sample. While collectively these observations suggest the presence of an AGN, we caution that identifying obscured AGNs in the low-luminosity regime is challenging and often requires multiwavelength observations. These observations suggest that low-luminosity AGNs can be heavily obscured and reside in optically quiescent galaxies, adding to the growing body of evidence that the fraction of bulgeless galaxies with accreting black holes may be significantly underestimated based on optical studies.

VLT/SPHERE deep insight of NGC 3603’s core: Segregation or confusion?

We present new near-infrared photometric measurements of the core of the young massive cluster NGC 3603 obtained with extreme adaptive optics. The data were obtained with the SPHERE instrument mounted on ESO Very Large Telescope, and cover three fields in the core of this cluster. We applied a correction for the effect of extinction to our data obtained in the J and K broadband filters and estimated the mass of detected sources inside the field of view of SPHERE/IRDIS, which is 13.5"x13.5". We derived the mass function (MF) slope for each spectral band and field. The MF slope in the core is unusual compared to previous results based on Hubble space telescope (HST) and very large telescope (VLT) observations. The average slope in the core is estimated as -1.06^{+0.26}_{-0.26} for the main sequence stars with 3.5 Msun < M < 120 Msun.Thanks to the SPHERE extreme adaptive optics, 814 low-mass stars were detected to estimate the MF slope for the pre-main sequence stars with 0.6 Msun< M < 3.5 Msun , Gamma = -0.54^{+0.11}_{-0.11} in the K-band images in two fields in the core of the cluster. For the first time, we derive the mass function of the very core of the NGC 3603 young cluster for masses in the range 0.6 - 120 Msun. Previous studies were either limited by crowding, lack of dynamic range, or a combination of both.

Very Large Telescope observations of Gomez’s Hamburger: Insights into a young protoplanet candidate

Planets are thought to form in the gas and dust disks around young stars. In particular, it has been proposed that giant planets can form through the gravitational instability of massive extended disks around intermediate-mass stars. However, we still lack direct observations to constrain this mechanism. We have spatially resolved the 8.6 and 11.2 $\mu$m emission of a massive protoplanetary disk seen edge on around an A star, Gomez's Hamburger (GoHam), using VISIR at the Very Large Telescope. A compact region situated at a projected distance of $350\pm50$ AU south of the central star is found to have a reduced emission.This asymmetry is fully consistent with the presence of a cold density structure, or clump, identified in earlier CO observations, and we derive physical characteristics consistent with those observations: a mass of 0.8-11.4 Jupiter masses (for a dust-to-gas mass ratio of 0.01), a radius of about 10$^2$ astronomical units, and a local density of about $10^{7}$ cm$^{-3}$. Based on this evidence, we argue that this clump, which we call GoHam b, is a promising candidate for a young protoplanet formed by gravitational instability that might be representative of the precursors of massive planets observed around A stars, such as HR 8799 or Beta pictoris. More detailed studies at high angular resolution are needed to better constrain the physical properties of this object to confirm this proposal.