Non-thermal Emission Research Articles

Neural Network Constraints on the Cosmic-Ray Ionization Rate and Other Physical Conditions in NGC 253 with ALCHEMI Measurements of HCN and HNC

We use a neural network model and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of HCN and HNC to constrain the physical conditions, most notably the cosmic-ray ionization rate (CRIR, ζ), in the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) of the starburst galaxy NGC 253. Using output from the chemical code UCLCHEM, we train a neural network model to emulate UCLCHEM and derive HCN and HNC molecular abundances from a given set of physical conditions. We combine the neural network with radiative transfer modeling to generate modeled integrated intensities, which we compare to measurements of HCN and HNC from the ALMA Large Program ALCHEMI. Using a Bayesian nested sampling framework, we constrain the CRIR, molecular gas volume and column densities, kinetic temperature, and beam-filling factor across NGC 253's CMZ. The neural network model successfully recovers UCLCHEM molecular abundances with ∼3% error and, when used with our Bayesian inference algorithm, increases the parameter-inference speed tenfold. We create images of these physical parameters across NGC 253's CMZ at 50 pc resolution and find that the CRIR, in addition to the other gas parameters, is spatially variable with ζ ∼ a few ×10−14 s−1 at r ≳ 100 pc from the nucleus, increasing to ζ > 10−13 s−1 at its center. These inferred CRIRs are consistent within 1 dex with theoretical predictions based on nonthermal emission. Additionally, the high CRIRs estimated in NGC 253's CMZ can be explained by the large number of cosmic-ray-producing sources as well as a potential suppression of cosmic-ray diffusion near their injection sites.

SN 1885A and Supernova Remnants in the Centre of M31 with LOFAR

We present the first LOFAR image of the center of M31 at a frequency of 150 MHz. We clearly detect three supernova remnants, which, along with archival VLA data at 3 GHz and other published radio and X-ray data, allows us to characterize them in detail. Our observations also allow us to obtain upper limits of the historical SN 1885A, which is undetected even at a low frequency of 150 MHz. From analytical modeling, we find that SN 1885A will stay in its free-expansion phase for at least another couple of centuries. We find an upper limit of n H ≲ 0.04 cm−3 for the interstellar medium of SN 1885A, and that the SN ejecta density is not shallower than ∝r −9 (on average). From the 2.6σ tentative detection in X-ray, our analysis shows that nonthermal emission is expected to dominate the SN 1885A emission. Comparing our results with those on G1.9+0.3, we find that it is likely that the asymmetries in G1.9+0.3 make it a more efficient radio and X-ray emitter than SN 1885A. For Braun 80, 95, and 101, the other remnants in this region, we estimate ages of 5200, 8100, and 13,100 yr, and shock speeds of 1150, 880, and 660 km s−1, respectively. Based on this, the supernova rate in the central 0.5 kpc × 0.6 kpc of M31 is at least one per ∼3000 yr. We estimate radio spectral indices of −0.66 ± 0.05, −0.37 ± 0.03, and −0.50 ± 0.03 for the remnants, respectively, which match fairly well with previous studies.

X-ray Investigation of the Supernova Remnant Candidate G278.0+12.4 and Prospect of Future Missions

In this work, we analyze the X-ray data of supernova remnant (SNR) candidate G278.0+12.4. We examine its nature and the X-ray properties such as electron temperature kTe and abundances, using Suzaku data. We found that the X-ray emission is well represented by two-component model: an unabsorbed thermal plasma with about 5 keV and non-thermal components with a photon index 0.5-1. Our spectral analysis confirm that the G278.0+12.4 is likely to be an SNR. We found non-thermal X-ray emission from the spectra, which indicates that a Pulsar Wind Nebula scenario is possible for G278.0+12.4. In order to make predictions for future missions, we perform XRISM and Athena simulations. We present our results on the nature of G278.0+12.4.

Late-time non-thermal emission from mildly relativistic tidal ejecta of compact objects merger

Abstract Mergers of compact objects (binary neutron stars, BNS, or neutron star-black hole, NSBH) with a substantial mass ratio (q > 1.5) are expected to produce a mildly relativistic ejecta within ∼20○ from the equatorial plane. We present a semi-analytic approach to calculate the expected synchrotron emission observed from various viewing angles, along with the corresponding radio maps, that are produced by a collisionless shock driven by such ejecta into the interstellar medium. This method reproduces well (up to $\sim 30\%$ deviations) the observed emission produced by 2D numerical calculations of the full relativistic hydrodynamics. We consider a toroidal ejecta with an opening angle of 15○ ≤ θopen ≤ 30○ and broken power-law mass distribution, M( > γβ)∝(γβ)−s with s = sKN at γβ < γ0β0 and s = sft at γβ > γ0β0 (where γ is the Lorentz factor). The parameter values are chosen to characterize merger calculation results- a ”shallow” mass distribution, 1 < sKN < 3, for the bulk of the ejecta (at γβ ≈ 0.2), and a steep, sft > 5, ”fast tail” mass distribution. While the peak flux is dimmer by a factor of ∼2-3, and the peak time remains roughly the same (within $20\%$), for various viewing angles compared to isotropic equivalent ejecta (θopen = 90○) considered in preceding papers, the radio maps are significantly different from the spherical case. The semi-analytic method can provide information on the ejecta geometry and viewing angle from future radio map observations and, consequently, constrain the ejection mechanism. For NSBH mergers with a significant mass ejection (∼0.1M⊙), this late non-thermal signal can be observed to distances of ≲ 200Mpc for typical parameter values.

Measuring Sub-Kelvin Variations in Stellar Temperature with High-resolution Spectroscopy

The detection of stellar variability often relies on the measurement of selected activity indicators, such as coronal emission lines and nonthermal emissions. On the flip side, the effective stellar temperature is normally seen as one of the key fundamental parameters (with mass and radius) to understanding the basic physical nature of a star and its relation with its environment (e.g., planetary instellation). We present a novel approach for measuring disk-averaged temperature variations to sub-Kelvin accuracy inspired by algorithms developed for precision radial velocity (pRV). This framework uses the entire content of the spectrum, not just preidentified lines, and can be applied to existing data obtained with high-resolution spectrographs. We demonstrate the framework by recovering the known rotation periods and temperature modulation of Barnard star and AU Mic in data sets obtained in the infrared with SPIRou at CHFT and at optical wavelengths on ϵ Eridani with HARPS at ESO 3.6 m telescope. We use observations of the transiting hot Jupiter HD189733b, obtained with SPIRou, to show that this method can unveil the minute temperature variation signature expected during the transit event, an effect analogous to the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect but in temperature space. This method is a powerful new tool for characterizing stellar activity, and in particular temperature and magnetic features at the surfaces of cool stars, affecting both pRV and transit spectroscopic observations. We demonstrate this method in the context of high-resolution spectroscopy but it could be used at lower resolution.

Sources and Radiations of the Fermi Bubbles

Two enigmatic gamma-ray features in the galactic central region, known as Fermi Bubbles (FBs), were found from Fermi-LAT data. An energy release, (e.g., by tidal disruption events in the Galactic Center, GC), generates a cavity with a shock that expands into the local ambient medium of the galactic halo. A decade or so ago, a phenomenological model of the FBs was suggested as a result of routine star disruptions by the supermassive black hole in the GC which might provide enough energy for large-scale structures, like the FBs. In 2020, analytical and numerical models of the FBs as a process of routine tidal disruption of stars near the GC were developed; these disruption events can provide enough cumulative energy to form and maintain large-scale structures like the FBs. The disruption events are expected to be 10−4∼10−5yr−1, providing an average power of energy release from the GC into the halo of E˙∼3×1041 erg s−1, which is needed to support the FBs. Analysis of the evolution of superbubbles in exponentially stratified disks concluded that the FB envelope would be destroyed by the Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instabilities at late stages. The shell is composed of swept-up gas of the bubble, whose thickness is much thinner in comparison to the size of the envelope. We assume that hydrodynamic turbulence is excited in the FB envelope by the RT instability. In this case, the universal energy spectrum of turbulence may be developed in the inertial range of wavenumbers of fluctuations (the Kolmogorov–Obukhov spectrum). From our model we suppose the power of the FBs is transformed partly into the energy of hydrodynamic turbulence in the envelope. If so, hydrodynamic turbulence may generate MHD fluctuations, which accelerate cosmic rays there and generate gamma-ray and radio emission from the FBs. We hope that this model may interpret the observed nonthermal emission from the bubbles.

High-energy insights from an escaping coronal mass ejection with Solar Orbiter/STIX observations

Context. Solar eruptive events, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are typically characterised by energetically significant X-ray emissions from flare-accelerated electrons and hot thermal plasmas. However, the intense brightness of solar flares often overshadows high-coronal X-ray emissions from the associated eruptions due to the limited dynamic range of current instrumentation. Occulted events, where the main flare is blocked by the solar limb, provide an opportunity to observe and analyse the X-ray emissions specifically associated with CMEs. Aims. This study investigates the X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emissions associated with a large filament eruption and CME that occurred on February 15, 2022. This event was highly occulted from the three vantage points of Solar Orbiter (∼45° behind the limb), Solar–TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO-A), and Earth. Methods. We utilised X-ray observations from the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) and EUV observations from the Full Sun Imager (FSI) of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) on board Solar Orbiter, supplemented by multi-viewpoint observations from STEREO-A/Extreme-UltraViolet Imager (EUVI). This enabled a comprehensive analysis of the X-ray emissions in relation to the filament structure observed in the EUV. We used STIX’s imaging and spectroscopy capabilities to characterise the X-ray source associated with the eruption. Results. Our analysis reveals that the X-ray emissions associated with the occulted eruption originate from an altitude exceeding 0.3 R⊙ above the main flare site. The X-ray time profile shows a sharp increase and exponential decay, and consists of both a hot thermal component at 17 ± 2 MK and non-thermal emissions (> 11.4 ± 0.2 keV) characterised by an electron spectral index of 3.9 ± 0.2. Imaging analysis shows an extended X-ray source that coincides with the EUV emission as observed from EUI, and was imaged until the source grew to a size exceeding the STIX imaging limit (180″). Conclusions. Filament eruptions and associated CMEs have hot and non-thermal components, and the associated X-ray emissions are energetically significant. Our findings demonstrate that STIX combined with EUI provides a unique and powerful tool for examining the energetic properties of the CME component of solar energetic eruptions. Multi-viewpoint and multi-instrument observations are crucial for revealing such energetically significant sources in solar eruptions that might otherwise remain obscured.

The Thermal Emission in Short Gamma-Ray Bursts with Extended Emission Observed by Fermi/GBM

Short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs) with extended emission (EE) are composed of initial main emission (ME) with a short hard spike, followed by a long-lasting EE. Whether the ME and EE originated from the same origin or not, as well as the jet composition, remains an open question. In this paper, we present a systematic analysis of 36 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in our sample, which are identified as the category of SGRBs with EE as observed by Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor. By extracting time-integrated spectra of ME and EE with cutoff power-law or Band models for our sample, we find that 20 out of 36 SGRBs have α values that exceed the death line (e.g., −2/3) of synchrotron emission within either ME or EE phases, and we suggest that the quasi-thermal component should exist in the prompt emission. Then, we extract the time-resolved spectra of our samples, but only four GRBs are bright enough to extract the time-resolved spectra. We find that both thermal and nonthermal emissions do exist in the prompt emission of those four bright GRBs, which suggests that a hybrid jet (e.g., matter and Poynting-flux outflow) in GRBs should exist. Moreover, strong positive correlations (e.g., F tot–Γ and F tot–kT) in the time-resolved spectra of ME and EE for those four GRBs have been discovered. This indicates that the spectral evolution of both ME and EE seem to share similar behavior, possibly from the same physical origin.

Nonthermal GeV emission from the Nereides nebula: Confirming the nature of the supernova remnant G107.7−5.1

Context. Recently, the Nereides nebula was discovered through deep optical emission line observations and was classified as a supernova remnant (SNR) candidate, G107.7−5.1. Aims. Since very little is known about this SNR, we have looked at several archival datasets to better understand the environment and properties of the object. Methods. We present a detailed analysis of the gamma-ray emission detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope in the region of the nebula. A model of the nonthermal emission is presented that allows us to derive the particle distribution responsible for the gamma rays. We also use molecular gas and atomic hydrogen observations to try to constrain the source age and distance. Results. An extended (∼2°) GeV source coincident with the location of the nebula is found. The nonthermal emission has a hard spectrum and is detected up to ∼100 GeV, confirming the SNR nature of this object. The GeV properties of G107.7−5.1 are similar to those of other SNRs such as G150.3​ + ​4.5, and it likely expands in a relatively low-density medium. The Nereides nebula is one more example of a growing population of dim SNRs detected at high energies. A simple leptonic model is able to account for the gamma-ray emission. Standard SNR evolutionary models constrain the age to be in the 10 − 50 kyr range, which is consistent with estimates of the maximum particle energy obtained from GeV observations. However, more detailed observations of the source should be carried out to better understand its properties.

Contemporaneous high-angular-resolution imaging of the AGB star W Hya in vibrationally excited H2O lines and visible polarized light with ALMA and VLT/SPHERE-ZIMPOL

Aims. We present contemporaneous high-angular-resolution millimeter imaging and visible polarimetric imaging of the nearby asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star W Hya to better understand the dynamics and dust formation within a few stellar radii. Methods. The star W Hya was observed in two vibrationally excited H2O lines at 268 and 251 GHz with Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at a spatial resolution of 16 × 20 mas and at 748 and 820 nm at a resolution of 26 × 27 mas with the Very Large Telescope (VLT)/Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE)-Zurich Imaging Polarimeter (ZIMPOL). Results. ALMA’s high spatial resolution allowed us to image strong emission of the vibrationally excited H2O line at 268 GHz (v2 = 2, JKa, Kc = 65, 2–74, 3) over the stellar surface instead of absorption against the continuum, which is expected for thermal excitation. Strong, spotty emission was also detected along and just outside the stellar disk limb at an angular distance of ∼40 mas (∼1.9 R⋆), extending to ∼60 mas (∼2.9 R⋆). Another H2O line (v2 = 2, JKa, Kc = 92, 8–83, 5) at 251 GHz with a similar upper-level energy was tentatively identified, which shows absorption over the stellar surface. This suggests that the emission over the surface seen in the 268 GHz H2O line is suprathermal or even maser emission. The estimated gas temperature and H2O density are consistent with the radiatively pumped masers. The 268 GHz H2O line reveals global infall at up to ∼15 km s−1 within 2–3 R⋆, but outflows at up to ∼8 km s−1 are also present. The polarized intensity maps obtained in the visible reveal clumpy dust clouds forming within ∼40 mas (∼1.9 R⋆) with a particularly prominent cloud in the SW quadrant and a weaker cloud in the east. The 268 GHz H2O emission overlaps very well with the visible polarized intensity maps, which suggests that both the nonthermal and likely maser H2O emission and the dust originate from dense, cool pockets in the inhomogeneous atmosphere within ∼2–3 R⋆.

Effect of Time-varying X-Ray Emission from Stellar Flares on the Ionization of Protoplanetary Disks

X-rays have significant impacts on cold, weakly ionized protoplanetary disks by increasing the ionization rate and driving chemical reactions. Stellar flares are explosions that emit intense X-rays and are the unique source of hard X-rays with an energy of ≳10 keV in the protoplanetary disk systems. Hard X-rays should be carefully taken into account in models as they can reach the disk midplane as a result of scattering in the disk atmospheres. However, previous models are insufficient to predict the hard X-ray spectra because of simplifications in flare models. We develop a model of X-ray spectra of stellar flares based on observations and flare theories. The flare temperature and nonthermal electron emissions are modeled as functions of flare energy, which allows us to better predict the hard X-ray photon flux than before. Using our X-ray model, we conduct radiative transfer calculations to investigate the impact of flare hard X-rays on disk ionization, with a particular focus on the protoplanetary disk around a T Tauri star. We demonstrate that for a flare with an energy of 1035 erg, X-ray photons with ≳5 keV increase the ionization rates more than galactic cosmic rays down to z ≈ 0.1R. The contribution of flare X-rays to the ionization at the midplane depends on the disk parameters such as disk mass and dust settling. We also find that the 10 yr averaged X-rays from multiple flares could certainly contribute to the ionization. These results emphasize the importance of stellar flares on the disk evolution.

X-ray and optical observations of the millisecond pulsar binary PSR J1431–4715

We present the first X-ray observation of the energetic millisecond pulsar binary PSR J1431−4715, performed with XMM-Newton and complemented with fast optical multi-band photometry acquired with the ULTRACAM instrument at ESO-NTT. It is found as a faint X-ray source without a significant orbital modulation. This contrasts with the majority of systems that instead display substantial X-ray orbital variability. The X-ray spectrum is dominated by non-thermal emission and, due to the lack of orbital modulation, does not favour an origin in an intrabinary shock between the pulsar and companion star wind. While thermal emission from the neutron star polar cap cannot be excluded in the soft X-rays, the dominance of synchrotron emission favours an origin in the pulsar magnetosphere that we describe at both X-ray and gamma-ray energies with a synchro-curvature model. The optical multi-colour light curve folded at the 10.8 h orbital period is double-humped and dominated by ellipsoidal effects, but also affected by irradiation. The ULTRACAM light curves are fit with several models encompassing direct heating and a cold spot, or heat redistribution after irradiation either through convection or convection plus diffusion. Despite the inability to constrain the best irradiation models, the fits provide consistent system parameters, giving an orbital inclination of 59 ± 6° and a distance of 3.1 ± 0.3 kpc. The companion is found to be an F-type star, underfilling its Roche lobe (fRL = 73 ± 4%) with a mass of 0.20 ± 0.04 M⊙, confirming the redback status, but hotter than the majority of redbacks. The stellar dayside and nightside temperatures of 7500 K and 7400 K, respectively, indicate a weak irradiation effect on the companion, likely due to its high intrinsic luminosity. Although the pulsar mass cannot be precisely derived, a heavy (1.8−2.2 M⊙) neutron star is favoured.

The glow of axion quark nugget dark matter

Context. The existence of axion quark nuggets is a potential consequence of the axion field, which provides a possible solution to the charge-conjugation parity violation in quantum chromodynamics. In addition to explaining the cosmological discrepancy of matter-antimatter asymmetry and a visible-to-dark-matter ratio of Ωdark/Ωvisible ≃ 5, these composite compact objects are expected to represent a potentially ubiquitous electromagnetic background radiation by interacting with ordinary baryonic matter. We conducted an in-depth analysis of axion quark nugget-baryonic matter interactions in the environment of the intracluster medium in the constrained cosmological Simulation of the LOcal Web (SLOW). Aims. Here, we aim to provide upper limit predictions on electromagnetic counterparts of axion quark nuggets in the environment of galaxy clusters by inferring their thermal and non-thermal emission spectrum originating from axion quark nugget-cluster gas interactions. Methods. We analyzed the emission of axion quark nuggets in a large sample of 161 simulated galaxy clusters using the SLOW simulation. These clusters are divided into a sub-sample of 150 galaxy clusters, ordered in five mass bins ranging from 0.8 to 31.7 × 1014 M⊙, along with 11 cross-identified galaxy clusters from observations. We investigated dark matter-baryonic matter interactions in galaxy clusters in their present stage at the redshift of z = 0 by assuming all dark matter consists of axion quark nuggets. The resulting electromagnetic signatures were compared to thermal Bremsstrahlung and non-thermal cosmic ray (CR) synchrotron emission in each galaxy cluster. We further investigated individual frequency bands imitating the observable range of the WMAP, Planck, Euclid, and XRISM telescopes for the most promising cross-identified galaxy clusters hosting detectable signatures of axion quark nugget emission. Results. We observed a positive excess in the low- and high-energy frequency windows, where thermal and non-thermal axion quark nugget emission can significantly contribute to (or even outshine) the emission of the intracluster medium (ICM) in frequencies up to νT ≲ 3842.19 GHz and νT ϵ [3.97, 10.99] × 1010GHz, respectively. Emission signatures of axion quark nuggets are found to be observable if CR synchrotron emission of individual clusters is sufficiently low. The degeneracy in the parameters contributing to an emission excess makes it challenging to offer predictions with respect to pinpointing specific regions of a positive axion quark nugget excess; however, a general increase in the total galaxy cluster emission is expected based on this dark matter model. Axion quark nuggets constitute an increment of 4.80% of the total galaxy cluster emission in the low-energy regime of νT ≲ 3842.19 GHz for a selection of cross-identified galaxy clusters. We propose that the Fornax and Virgo clusters represent the most promising candidates in the search for axion quark nugget emission signatures. Conclusions. The results from our simulations point towards the possibility of detecting an axion quark nugget excess in galaxy clusters in observations if their signatures can be sufficiently disentangled from the ICM radiation. While this model proposes a promising explanation for the composition of dark matter, with the potential to have this outcome verified by observations, we propose further changes that are aimed at refining our methods. Our ultimate goal is to identify the extracted electromagnetic counterparts of axion quark nuggets with even greater precision in the near future.

The Peculiar Disk Evolution of 4U 1630-472 Observed by Insight-HXMT During its 2022 and 2023 Outbursts

We study the spectral properties of the black hole X-ray transient binary 4U 1630–472 during its 2022 and 2023 outbursts with Insight-HXMT observations. We find that the outbursts are in peculiar soft states. The effect of the hardening factor on the disk temperature is taken into account by the kerrbb model, and the flux and temperature of the disk are found to follow F∝Teff3.92±0.13 and F∝Teff4.91±1.00 for the two outbursts, respectively. The flux–temperature relation is roughly consistent with a standard disk. By fitting with a p-free model, the p-value, the exponent of the radial dependence of the disk temperature, is found to have an anticorrelation with disk temperature. Combining a joint diagnostic analysis with a diagram of the relation between the nonthermal fraction and luminosity, we find a possible scenario that the disk evolves from 2022 to 2023 toward a slim one with a decreasing radiation efficiency, where such an evolution may depend on the fraction of the nonthermal emission in the high soft state.

An alternative interpretation of magnetars’ traits deduced from the observational data on their outburst fluxes and spectra

ABSTRACT By applying the Efron–Petrosian method to the fluxes S and distances D of the magnetars listed in the Magnetar Outburst Online Catalogue, we show that the observational data are consistent with the dependence $S\propto D^{-3/2}$, which characterizes the emission from the superluminally moving current sheet in the magnetosphere of a non-aligned neutron star, at substantially higher levels of significance than they are with the dependence $S\propto D^{-2}$. This result agrees with that previously obtained by an analysis of the data in the McGill Online Magnetar Catalog and confirms that, contrary to the currently prevalent view, magnetars’ X-ray luminosities do not exceed their spin-down luminosities. The X-ray spectra of magnetars, moreover, are congruous with the spectral energy distribution (SED) of a broad-band non-thermal emission mechanism identical to that at play in rotation-powered pulsars: we show that the SED of the caustics that are generated in certain privileged directions by the magnetospheric current sheet single-handedly fits the observed spectra of 4U 0142+61, 1E 1841−045, and XTE J1810−197 over their entire breadths. Magnetars’ outbursts and their associated radio bursts are predicted to occur when, as a result of large-scale timing anomalies (such as glitches, quakes, or precession), one of the privileged directions along which the radiation from the current sheet decays more slowly than predicted by the inverse-square law either swings past or oscillates across the line of sight.

Unraveling the Hybrid Origins of the X-Ray Nonthermal Emission from IGR J17091–3624

We present a comprehensive study based on multiwavelength observations from the NuSTAR, NICER, Swift, Fermi, NEOWISE, and ATCA telescopes during the 2022 outburst of the black-hole X-ray binary IGR J17091–3624. Our investigation concentrates on the heartbeat-like variability in the X-ray emission, with the aim of using it as a tool to unravel the origin of the nonthermal emission during the heartbeat state. Through X-ray timing and spectral analysis, we observe that the heartbeat-like variability correlates with changes in the disk temperature, supporting the disk radiation pressure instability scenario. Moreover, in addition to a Comptonization component, our time-averaged and phase-resolved spectroscopy reveal the presence of a power-law component that varies independently from the disk component. Combined with the radio–X-ray spectral energy distribution fitting, our results suggest that the power-law component could originate from synchrotron self-Compton radiation in the jet, which requires a strong magnetic field of about B = (0.3–3.5) × 106 G. Additionally, assuming that IGR J17091-3624 and GRS 1915 + 105 share the same radio–X-ray correlation coefficient during both the hard and the heartbeat states, we obtain a distance of 13.7 ± 2.3 kpc for IGR J17091–3624.

Nonthermal Signatures of Radiative Supernova Remnants

The end of supernova remnant (SNR) evolution is characterized by a so-called “radiative” stage, in which efficient cooling of the hot bubble inside the forward shock slows expansion, leading to eventual shock breakup. Understanding SNR evolution at this stage is vital for predicting feedback in galaxies, since SNRs are expected to deposit their energy and momentum into the interstellar medium at the ends of their lives. A key prediction of SNR evolutionary models is the formation at the onset of the radiative stage of a cold, dense shell behind the forward shock. However, searches for these shells via their neutral hydrogen emission have had limited success. We instead introduce an independent observational signal of shell formation arising from the interaction between nonthermal particles accelerated by the SNR forward shock (cosmic rays) and the dense shell. Using a semi-analytic model of particle acceleration based on state-of-the-art simulations coupled with a high-resolution hydrodynamic model of SNR evolution, we predict the nonthermal emission that arises from this interaction. We demonstrate that the onset of the radiative stage leads to nonthermal signatures from radio to gamma rays, including radio and gamma-ray brightening by nearly 2 orders of magnitude. Such a signature may be detectable with current instruments, and will be resolvable with the next generation of gamma-ray telescopes (namely, the Cherenkov Telescope Array).

A Multiwavelength Study to Decipher the 2017 Flare of the Blazar OJ 287

In 2017 February, the blazar OJ 287 underwent a period of intense multiwavelength activity. It reached a new historic peak in the soft X-ray (0.3–10 keV) band, as measured by the Swift X-ray Telescope. This event coincides with a very-high-energy (VHE) γ-ray outburst that led VERITAS to detect emission above 100 GeV, with a detection significance of 10σ (from 2016 December 9 to 2017 March 31). The time-averaged VHE γ-ray spectrum was consistent with a soft power law (Γ = −3.81 ± 0.26) and an integral flux corresponding to ∼2.4% that of the Crab Nebula above the same energy. Contemporaneous data from multiple instruments across the electromagnetic spectrum reveal a complex flaring behavior, primarily in the soft X-ray and VHE bands. To investigate the possible origin of such an event, our study focuses on three distinct activity states: before, during, and after the 2017 February peak. The spectral energy distributions during these periods suggest the presence of at least two nonthermal emission zones, with the more compact one responsible for the observed flare. Broadband modeling results and observations of a new radio knot in the jet of OJ 287 in 2017 are consistent with a flare originating from a strong recollimation shock outside the radio core.

Distance estimation of gamma-ray-emitting BL Lac objects from imaging observations

The direct redshift determination of BL Lac objects is highly challenging as the emission in the optical and near-infrared bands is largely dominated by the non-thermal emission from the relativistic jet, which points very close to our line of sight. Therefore, the optical spectra of BL Lac objects often show no spectral lines from the host galaxy. In this work, we aim to overcome this difficulty by attempting to detect the host galaxy and derive redshift constraints based on assumptions on the galaxy magnitude (`imaging redshifts'). Imaging redshifts were derived by obtaining deep optical images under good seeing conditions, making it possible to detect the host galaxy as a weak extension of the point-like source. We then derived the imaging redshift by using the host galaxy as a standard candle, employing two different methods. We determine the imaging redshift for 9 out of 17 blazars that we observed as part of this programme. The redshift range of these targets is 0.28-0.60, and the two methods used to derive the redshift give very consistent results within the uncertainties. We also performed a detailed comparison of the imaging redshifts with those obtained using other methods, such as direct spectroscopic constraints or looking for groups of galaxies close to the blazar. We show that the constraints from the different methods are consistent and that combining the three constraints narrows down the redshift. For example, in the case of J2156.0+1818, which is the most distant source for which we detect the host galaxy, the redshift range is narrowed to $0.63<z<0.71$. This makes the source interesting for future studies of extragalactic background light in the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory era.

CHANG-ES. XXXII. Spatially Resolved Thermal–Nonthermal Separation from Radio Data Alone—New Probes into NGC 3044 and NGC 5775

We have carried out spatially resolved thermal–nonthermal separation on two edge-on galaxies, NGC 3044 and NGC 5775, using only radio data. Narrowband imaging within a frequency band that is almost contiguous from 1.25 to 7.02 GHz (L band, S band, and C band) has allowed us to fit spectra and construct thermal, nonthermal, and nonthermal spectral index maps. This method does not require any ancillary Hα and IR data or rely on dust corrections that are challenging in edge-on galaxies. For NGC 3044, at 15″ resolution, we find a median thermal fraction of ∼13% with an estimated uncertainty in this fraction of ∼50% at 4.13 GHz. This compares well with the Hα mixture method results. We uncovered evidence for a vertical outflow feature reaching at least z ∼ 3.5 kpc in projection above the plane, reminiscent of M82's starburst wind. For the higher star formation rate galaxy, NGC 5775, at 12″ resolution, we find a median thermal fraction of 44% at 4.13 GHz with an estimated error on this fraction of 17%. Both galaxies show a change of slope (flattening) in L band. These results suggest that a radio-only method for separating thermal from nonthermal emission is not only feasible, but able to reveal new features that might otherwise be obscured in edge-on disks.