Near-infrared Flares Research Articles

An Update on Monitoring Stellar Orbits in the Galactic Center

Abstract Using 25 years of data from uninterrupted monitoring of stellar orbits in the Galactic Center, we present an update of the main results from this unique data set: a measurement of mass and distance to Sgr A*. Our progress is not only due to the eight-year increase in time base, but also to the improved definition of the coordinate system. The star S2 continues to yield the best constraints on the mass of and distance to Sgr A*; the statistical errors of 0.13 × 10 6 M ⊙ and 0.12 kpc have halved compared to the previous study. The S2 orbit fit is robust and does not need any prior information. Using coordinate system priors, the star S1 also yields tight constraints on mass and distance. For a combined orbit fit, we use 17 stars, which yields our current best estimates for mass and distance: M = 4.28 ± 0.10 ∣ stat . ± 0.21 ∣ sys × 10 6 M ⊙ and R 0 = 8.32 ± 0.07 ∣ stat . ± 0.14 ∣ sys kpc . These numbers are in agreement with the recent determination of R 0 from the statistical cluster parallax. The positions of the mass, of the near-infrared flares from Sgr A*, and of the radio source Sgr A* agree to within 1 mas. In total, we have determined orbits for 40 stars so far, a sample which consists of 32 stars with randomly oriented orbits and a thermal eccentricity distribution, plus eight stars that we can explicitly show are members of the clockwise disk of young stars, and which have lower-eccentricity orbits.

NIR triggered observations of Sgr A* at 43 GHz

AbstractThe compact radio and near-infrared (NIR) source Sagittarius A* has been observed in the context of two NIR triggered global VLT and VLBA campaigns at 43 GHz (7 mm) on May 16-18 2012 and October 4 2014. While on October 4 2014 Sgr A* remained in a quiescent state, a NIR flare on May 17 2012 is accompanied by an increase in flux density of 0.22 Jy at 7 mm delayed by 4.5±0.5 h. Additionally, Sgr A* seems to develop a weak secondary radio off-core component of 0.02 Jy at a position angle of 140° and an angular distance of 1.5 mas shortly before the peak of the flare. This spatial extension and the time delay are in the range of expected values for events casually connected by adiabatic expansion.

NO EVIDENCE OF INTRINSIC OPTICAL/NEAR-INFRARED LINEAR POLARIZATION FOR V404 CYGNI DURING ITS BRIGHT OUTBURST IN 2015: BROADBAND MODELING AND CONSTRAINT ON JET PARAMETERS

ABSTRACT We present simultaneous optical and near-infrared (NIR) polarimetric results for the black hole binary V404 Cyg spanning the duration of its seven-day-long optically brightest phase of its 2015 June outburst. The simultaneous R- and K s -band light curves showed almost the same temporal variation except for the isolated (∼30-minute duration) orphan K s -band flare observed at MJD 57193.54. We did not find any significant temporal variation of polarization degree (PD) and position angle (PA) in both R and K s bands throughout our observations, including the duration of the orphan NIR flare. We show that the observed PD and PA are predominantly interstellar in origin by comparing the V404 Cyg polarimetric results with those of the surrounding sources within the 7′ × 7′ field of view. The low intrinsic PD (less than a few percent) implies that the optical and NIR emissions are dominated by either disk or optically thick synchrotron emission, or both. We also present the broadband spectra of V404 Cyg during the orphan NIR flare and a relatively faint and steady state by including quasi-simultaneous Swift/XRT and INTEGRAL fluxes. By adopting a single-zone synchrotron plus inverse-Compton model as widely used in modeling of blazars, we constrained the parameters of a putative jet. Because the jet synchrotron component cannot exceed the Swift/XRT disk/corona flux, the cutoff Lorentz factor in the electron energy distribution is constrained to be <102, suggesting that particle acceleration is less efficient in this microquasar jet outburst compared to active galactic nucleus jets. We also suggest that the loading of the baryon component inside the jet is inevitable based on energetic arguments.

Wisps in the Galactic center: Near-infrared triggered observations of the radio source Sgr A* at 43 GHz

Context. The compact radio and near-infrared (NIR) source Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) associated with the supermassive black hole in the Galactic center was observed at 7 mm in the context of a NIR triggered global Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) campaign. Aims. Sgr A* shows variable flux densities ranging from radio through X-rays. These variations sometimes appear in spontaneous outbursts that are referred to as flares. Multi-frequency observations of Sgr A* provide access to easily observable parameters that can test the currently accepted models that try to explain these intensity outbursts. Methods. On May 16-18, 2012 Sgr A* has been observed with the VLBA at 7 mm (43 GHz) for 6 hours each day during a global multi-wavelength campaign. These observations were triggered by a NIR flare observed at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Accurate flux densities and source morphologies were acquired. Results. The total 7 mm flux of Sgr A* shows only minor variations during its quiescent states on a daily basis of 0.06 Jy. An observed NIR flare on May 17 was followed 4.5 hours later by an increase in flux density of 0.22 Jy at 43 GHz. This agrees well with the expected time delay of events that are casually connected by adiabatic expansion. Shortly before the peak of the radio flare, Sgr A* developed a secondary radio off-core feature at 1.5 mas toward the southeast. Even though the closure phases are too noisy to place actual constraints on this feature, a component at this scale together with a time delay of 4.5 +- 0.5 hours between the NIR and radio flare provide evidence for an adiabatically expanding jet feature.

THE INTRINSIC TWO-DIMENSIONAL SIZE OF SAGITTARIUS A*

We report the detection of the two-dimensional structure of the radio source associated with the Galactic Center black hole, Sagittarius A*, obtained from Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations at a wavelength of 7mm. The intrinsic source is modeled as an elliptical Gaussian with major axis size 35.4 x 12.6 R_S in position angle 95 deg East of North. This morphology can be interpreted in the context of both jet and accretion disk models for the radio emission. There is supporting evidence in large angular-scale multi-wavelength observations for both source models for a preferred axis near 95 deg. We also place a maximum peak-to-peak change of 15% in the intrinsic major axis size over five different epochs. Three observations were triggered by detection of near infrared (NIR) flares and one was simultaneous with a large X-ray flare detected by NuSTAR. The absence of simultaneous and quasi-simultaneous flares indicates that not all high energy events produce variability at radio wavelengths. This supports the conclusion that NIR and X-ray flares are primarily due to electron excitation and not to an enhanced accretion rate onto the black hole.

Near-infrared and gamma-ray monitoring of TANAMI gamma-ray bright sources

Spectral energy distribution and its variability are basic tools for understanding the physical processes operating in active galactic nuclei (AGN). In this paper we report the results of a one-year near infra red (NIR) and optical monitoring of a sample of 22 AGN known to be gamma-ray emitters, aimed at discovering correlations between optical and gamma-ray emission. We observed our objects with the Rapid Eye Mount (REM) telescope in J, H, K, and R bands nearly twice every month during their visibility window and derived light curves and spectral indexes. We also analyzed the gamma-ray data from the Fermi gamma-ray Space Telescope, making weekly averages. Six sources were never detected during our monitoring, proving to be fainter than their historical Two micron all sky survey (2MASS) level. All of the sixteen detected sources showed marked flux density variability, while the spectral indexes remained unchanged within our sensitivity limits. Steeper sources showed, on average, a larger variability. From the NIR light curves we also computed a variability speed index for each detected source. Only one source (PKS 0208-512) underwent an NIR flare during our monitoring. Half of the sources showed a regular flux density trend on a one-year time scale, but do not show any other peculiar characteristic. The broadband spectral index alpha_ro appears to be a good proxy of the NIR spectral index only for BL Lac objects. No clear correlation between NIR and gamma-ray data is evident in our data, save for PKS 0537-441, PKS 0521-360, PKS 2155-304, and PKS 1424-418. The gamma-ray/NIR flux ratio showed a large spread, QSO being generally gamma-louder than BL Lac, with a marked correlation with the estimated peak frequency nu_peak of the synchrotron emission.

Tilted black hole accretion disc models of Sagittarius A*: time-variable millimetre to near-infrared emission

High-resolution, multi-wavelength, and time-domain observations of the Galactic centre black hole candidate, Sgr A*, allow for a direct test of contemporary accretion theory. To date, all models have assumed alignment between the accretion disc and black hole angular momentum axes, but this is unjustified for geometrically thick accretion flows like that onto Sgr A*. Instead, we calculate images and spectra from a set of simulations of accretion flows misaligned ('tilted') by 15 degrees from the black hole spin axis and compare them with millimetre (mm) to near-infrared (NIR) observations. Non-axisymmetric standing shocks from eccentric fluid orbits dominate the emission, leading to a wide range of possible image morphologies. These effects invalidate previous parameter estimates from model fitting, including estimates of the dimensionless black hole spin, except possibly at low values of spin or tilt. At 1.3mm, the images have crescent morphologies, and the black hole shadow may still be accessible to future mm-VLBI observations. Shock heating leads to high energy electrons (T > 10^12 K), which can naturally produce the observed NIR flux, spectral index, and rapid variability ('flaring'). This NIR emission is uncorrelated with that in the mm, which also agrees with observations. These are the first models to self-consistently explain the time-variable mm to NIR emission of Sgr A*. Predictions of the model include significant structural changes observable with mm-VLBI on both the dynamical (hour) and Lense-Thirring precession (day-year) timescales; and ~30-50 microarcsecond changes in centroid position from extreme gravitational lensing events during NIR flares, detectable with the future VLT instrument GRAVITY. If the observed NIR emission is caused by shock heating in a tilted accretion disc, then the Galactic centre black hole has a positive, non-zero spin parameter (a > 0).

MULTI-WAVELENGTH CHARACTERIZATION OF STELLAR FLARES ON LOW-MASS STARS USING SDSS AND 2MASS TIME-DOMAIN SURVEYS

We present the first rates of flares from M dwarf stars in both red optical and near infrared (NIR) filters. We have studied ~50,000 M dwarfs from the SDSS Stripe 82 area, and 1,321 M dwarfs from the 2MASS Calibration Scan Point Source Working Database that overlap SDSS imaging fields. We assign photometric spectral types from M0 to M6 using (r-i) and (i-z) colors for every star in our sample. Stripe 82 stars each have 50-100 epochs of data, while 2MASS Calibration stars have ~1900 epochs. From these data we estimate the observed rates and theoretical detection thresholds for flares in eight photometric bands as a function of spectral type. Optical flare rates are found to be in agreement with previous studies, while the frequency per hour of NIR flare detections is found to be more than two orders of magnitude lower. An excess of small amplitude flux increases in all bands exhibits a power-law distribution, which we interpret as the result of flares below our detection thresholds. In order to investigate the recovery efficiency for flares in each filter, we extend a two-component flare model into the NIR. Quiescent M0-M6 spectral templates were used with the model to predict the photometric response of flares from u to Ks. We determine that red optical filters are sensitive to flares with u-band amplitudes >2 mag, and NIR filters to flares with delta u>4.5 mag. Our model predicts that M0 stars have the best color-contrast for J-band detections, but M4-M6 stars should show the highest rate of NIR flares with amplitudes of delta J ~0.01 mag. Characterizing flare rates and photometric variations at longer wavelengths is important for predicting the signatures of M dwarf variability in next-generation surveys, and we discuss their impact on surveys such as LSST.

Near-Infrared and X-Ray Observations of XSS J12270−4859

Abstract XSS J12270 $-$ 4859 (J12270) is an enigmatic source of unknown nature. Previous studies revealed that the source has unusual X-ray temporal characteristics, including repetitive short-term flares, followed by spectral hardening, non-periodic dips, and dichotomy in activity; i.e., intervals filled with flares and those without. Together with a power-law X-ray spectrum, it is suggested to be a low-mass X-ray binary. In order to better understand the object, we present the results of our near-infrared (NIR) photometry and linear polarimetry observations as well as X-ray spectroscopy observations, which overlap with each other partially in time, taken respectively with the InfraRed Survey Facility (IRSF) and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). We detected several simultaneous NIR and X-ray flares for the first time. No significant NIR polarization was obtained. We assembled data taken with IRSF, RXTE, Suzaku, Swift, and other missions in the literature and compared the flare profile and the spectral energy distribution (SED) with some representative high-energy sources. Based on some similarities of the repetitive NIR and X-ray flaring characteristics and the broad SED, we argue that J12270 is reminiscent of microquasars with a synchrotron jet, which is at a very low-luminosity state of $\approx$ 10 $^{-4}$ Eddington luminosity for a stellar mass black hole or neutron star at a reference distance of 1 kpc.

Optical and near-infrared flares in GRB afterglows

AbstractAmong the diversities in the very early evolution of GRB afterglows are bright optical/near-infrared flares before or superimposed onto an otherwise smoothly decaying afterglow light curve. A lot has been learned about GRBs by using an optical flare or lack thereof as a diagnostic of the emission mechanisms and outflow conditions. In this contribution I will review the observational properties of rising and decaying light-curves in GRB afterglows, discuss their possible physical origins, and highlight in which way they help in understanding GRB and afterglows physics.

TIME-DEPENDENT MODELS OF FLARES FROM SAGITTARIUS A*

The emission from Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole in the Galactic Center, shows order of magnitude variability ("flares") a few times a day that is particularly prominent in the near-infrared (NIR) and X-rays. We present a time-dependent model for these flares motivated by the hypothesis that dissipation of magnetic energy powers the flares. We show that episodic magnetic reconnection can occur near the last stable circular orbit in time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic simulations of black hole accretion - the timescales and energetics of these events are broadly consistent with the flares from Sgr A*. Motivated by these results, we present a spatially one-zone time-dependent model for the electron distribution function in flares, including energy loss due to synchrotron cooling and adiabatic expansion. Synchrotron emission from transiently accelerated particles can explain the NIR/X-ray lightcurves and spectra of a luminous flare observed 4 April 2007. A significant decrease in the magnetic field strength during the flare (coincident with the electron acceleration) is required to explain the simultaneity and symmetry of the simultaneous lightcurves. Our models predict that the NIR and X-ray spectral indices differ by 0.5 and that there is only modest variation in the spectral index during flares. We also explore implications of this model for longer wavelength (radio-submm) emission seemingly associated with X-ray and NIR flares; we argue that a few hour decrease in the submm emission is a more generic consequence of large-scale magnetic reconnection than delayed radio emission from adiabatic expansion.

Coordinated NIR/mm observations of flare emission from Sagittarius A*

We report on a successful, simultaneous observation and modelling of the millimeter (mm) to near-infrared (NIR) flare emission of the Sgr A* counterpart associated with the supermassive black hole at the Galactic centre (GC). We present a mm/sub-mm light curve of Sgr A* with one of the highest quality continuous time coverages and study and model the physical processes giving rise to the variable emission of Sgr A*.

OPTICAL/INFRARED FLARES OF GRB 080129 FROM LATE INTERNAL SHOCKS

Strong optical and near-infrared (NIR) flares were discovered in the afterglow of GRB 080129. Their temporal behaviors, the sudden emergence and the quick disappearance, are rather similar to that of many X-ray flares (for instance, the giant flare of GRB 050502B). We argue that the optical/NIR flares following GRB 080129 are a low energy analogy of the X-ray flares and the most likely interpretation is the "late internal shock model". In this model, both the very sharp decline and the very small ratio between the duration and the occurrence time of the optical/NIR flares in GRB 080129 can be naturally interpreted. The initial Lorentz factor of the flare outflow is found to be $\sim 30$, consistent with the constraint $\leq 120$ set by the forward shock afterglow modeling. Other possibilities, like the reverse shock emission or the radiation from the continued but weaker and weaker collision between the initial GRB outflow material, are disfavored.

Simultaneous NIR/sub-mm observation of flare emission from Sagittarius A*

Context. We report on a successful, simultaneous observation and modeling of the sub-millimeter to near-infrared flare emission of the Sgr A* counterpart associated with the super-massive (4 106 ) black hole at the Galactic center.

Coordinated multi-wavelength observations of Sgr A*

We report on recent near-infrared (NIR) and X-ray observations of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the electromagnetic manifestation of the ∼4x106M⊙ super-massive black hole (SMBH) at the Galactic Center. The goal of these coordinated multi-wavelength observations is to investigate the variable emission from Sgr A* in order to obtain a better understanding of the underlying physical processes in the accretion flow/outflow. The observations have been carried out using the NACO adaptive optics (AO) instrument at the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (July 2005, May 2007) and the ACIS-I instrument aboard the Chandra X-ray Observatory (July 2005). We report on a polarized NIR flare synchronous to a 8x1033 erg/s X-ray flare in July 2005, and a further flare in May 2007 that shows the highest sub-flare to flare contrast observed until now. The observations can be interpreted in the framework of a model involving a temporary disk with a short jet. In the disk component flux density variations can be explained due to hot spots on relativistic orbits around the central SMBH. The variations of the sub-structures of the May 2007 flare are interpreted as a variation of the hot spot structure due to differential rotation within the disk.

Near-infrared polarimetry setting constraints on the orbiting spot model for Sgr A* flares

Context. Recent near-infrared polarization measurements of Sgr A* show that its emission is significantly polarized during flares and consists of a non- or weakly polarized main flare with highly polarized sub-flares. The flare activity suggests a quasi-periodicity of ∼20 min in agreement with previous observations. Aims. By simultaneous fitting of the lightcurve fluctuations and the time-variable polarization angle, we address the question of whether these changes are consistent with a simple hot spot/ring model, in which the interplay of relativistic effects plays the major role, or whether some more complex dependency of the intrinsic emissivity is required. Methods. We discuss the significance of the 20 min peak in the periodogram of a flare from 2003. We consider all general relativistic effects that imprint on the polarization degree and angle and fit the recent polarimetric data, assuming that the synchrotron mechanism is responsible for the intrinsic polarization and considering two different magnetic field configurations. Results. Within the quality of the available data, we think that the model of a single spot in addition to an underlying ring is favoured. In this model the broad near-infrared flares of Sgr A* are due to a sound wave that travels around the MBH once while the sub-flares, superimposed on the broad flare, are due to transiently heated and accelerated electrons which can be modeled as a plasma blob. Within this model it turns out that a strong statement about the spin parameter is difficult to achieve, while the inclination can be constrained to values ≥35° on a 3σ level.

The orbiting spot model gives constraints on the parameters of the supermassive black hole in the Galactic Center

AbstractWe report on recent polarimetric observations of the 18± 3 min quasi-periodicity present in near-infrared flares from Sagittarius A*. Observations in the K-band allow us a detailed investigation of the flares and their interpretation within the hot spot model. The interplay of relativistic effects plays a major role. By simultaneous fitting of the lightcurve fluctuations and the time-variable polarization angle, we give constraints to the parameters of the hot spot model, in particular, the dimensionless spin parameter of the black hole and its inclination. We consider all general relativistic effects that influence the polarization lightcurves. The synchrotron mechanism is most likely responsible for the intrinsic polarization. We consider two different magnetic field configurations as approximations to the complex structure of the magnetic field in the accretion flow. Considering the quality of the fit, we suggest that the spot model is a good description of the origin for the QPOs in NIR flares.

Variable and polarized emission from SgrA*

AbstractThe super-massive black hole in the Galactic Center (Sagittarius A*) is one of the most exciting targets in the sky. At a distance of ∼ 8 kpc it is about one hundred times closer than the second nearest nucleus of a similar galaxy, M31, and therefore the closest galactic nucleus that we can study. Here we report on the modeling of polarized near-infrared flare emission from SgrA* using a model in which a hot spot is moving on a relativistic orbit around the massive black hole. We also summarize the results from simultaneous radio/near-infrared/X-ray measurements of flare emission.

Polarimetry of near-infrared flares from Sagittarius A*

Context.We report new polarization measurements of the variable near-infrared emission of the SgrA* counterpart associated with the massive 3– Black Hole at the Galactic Center.

Variations in the Spectral Slope of Sagittarius A* during a Near-Infrared Flare

We have observed a bright flare of Sgr A* in the near infrared with the adaptive optics assisted integral field spectrometer SINFON. Within the uncertainties, the observed spectrum is featureless and can be described by a power law. Our data suggest that the spectral index is correlated with the instantaneous flux and that both quantities experience significant changes within less than one hour. We argue that the near infrared flares from Sgr A* are due to synchrotron emission of transiently heated electrons, the emission being affected by orbital dynamics and synchrotron cooling, both acting on timescales of ~20 minutes.