Simulated Spectral Energy Distribution Research Articles

Panchromatic Simulated Galaxy Observations from the NIHAO Project

We present simulated galaxy spectral energy distributions (SEDs) from the far-ultraviolet (FUV) through the far-infrared (FIR), created using hydrodynamic simulations and radiative transfer calculations, suitable for the validation of SED modeling techniques. SED modeling is an essential tool for inferring star formation histories from nearby galaxy observations, but it is fraught with difficulty due to our incomplete understanding of stellar populations, chemical enrichment processes, and the nonlinear, geometry-dependent effects of dust on our observations. Our simulated SEDs will allow us to assess the accuracy of these inferences against galaxies with known ground truth. To create the SEDs, we use simulated galaxies from the Numerical Investigation of Hundred Astrophysical Objects suite and the radiative transfer code Stellar Kinematics Including Radiative Transfer. We explore different subgrid post-processing recipes, using color distributions and their dependence on axis ratios of galaxies in the nearby Universe to tune and validate them. We find that subgrid post-processing recipes that mitigate limitations in the temporal and spatial resolution of the simulations are required for producing FUV to FIR photometry that statistically reproduce the colors of galaxies in the nearby Universe. With this paper, we release resolved photometry and spatially integrated spectra for our sample galaxies, each from a range of different viewing angles. Our simulations predict that there is a large variation in attenuation laws among galaxies, and that from any particular viewing angle that energy balance between dust attenuation and re-emission can be violated by up to a factor of 3. These features are likely to affect SED modeling accuracy.

Mid-infrared blends and continuum signatures of dust drift and accretion in protoplanetary disks

Context. The mid-infrared (MIR) emission of molecules such as H2O, HCN, OH, CO2, and C2H2, has been identified in the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) spectra of many protoplanetary disks. According to the modelling results, the blend strengths are affected by different disk properties such as the gas mass and dust content in the disks. An observational correlation between HCN and water blend fluxes has been noted, specifically related to a changing disk gas mass. Aims. We aim to find out whether the explanation for the observed flux correlation between HCN and water in the MIR could also be attributed to other properties and processes taking place in disks, such as the evolution of dust grains. We also consider what the consequences of these results would be in relation to the disk evolution. Methods. We used pre-existing ProDiMo radiation thermal-chemical disk models exploring a range of properties such as the disk gas mass, disk inner radius, dust size power law distribution, and, finally, time-dependent dust evolution. From these models, we computed the MIR fluxes of HCN and H2O blends. Simultaneously, we derived the spectral indices from the simulated spectral energy distributions (SEDs) in the Spitzer IRS regime. Finally, we compared these quantities with the observed data. Results. The MIR blend fluxes correlation between HCN and water can be explained as a consequence of dust evolution, namely, changes in the dust MIR opacity. Other disk properties, such as the disk inner radius and the disk flaring angle, can only partially cover the dynamic range of the HCN and water blend observations. At the same time, the dynamic range of the MIR SED slopes is better reproduced by the disk structure (e.g. inner radius, flaring) than by the dust evolution. Our model series do not reproduce the observed trend between continuum flux at 850 µm and the MIR HCN/H2O blend ratio. However, our models show that this continuum flux is not a unique indicator of disk mass and it should therefore be used jointly with complementary observational data for optimal results. Conclusions. The presence of an anti-correlation between MIR H2O blend fluxes and the MIR SED is consistent with a scenario where dust evolves in disks, producing lower opacity and stronger features in the Spitzer spectral regime, while the gas eventually becomes depleted at a later stage, leaving behind an inner cavity in the disk.

Identification of large equivalent width dusty galaxies at 4 < z < 6 from sub-millimetre colours

Context. Infrared (IR), sub-millimetre (sub-mm), and millimetre (mm) databases contain a huge quantity of high-quality data. However, a large part of these data are photometric, and they are thought not to be useful to derive quantitative information on the nebular emission of galaxies. Aims. The aim of this project is first to identify galaxies at z ≳ 4–6 and in the epoch of reionisation from their sub-millimetre colours. We also aim to show that the colours can be used to try and derive physical constraints from photometric bands when accounting for the contribution from the IR fine structure lines to these photometric bands. Methods. We modelled the flux of IR fine structure lines with CLOUDY and added them to the dust continuum emission with CIGALE. Including (or not) emission lines in the simulated spectral energy distribution (SED) modifies the broad-band emission and colours. Results. The introduction of the lines allows us to identify strong star forming galaxies at z ≳ 4–6 from the [log10(PSW250μm)/(PMW350μm) versus log10(LABOCA870μm)/(PLW500μm)] colour-colour diagram. By comparing the relevant models to each observed galaxy colour, we are able to roughly estimate the fluxes of the lines and the associated nebular parameters. This method allows us to identify a double sequence in a plot built from the ionisation parameter and the gas metallicity. Conclusions. The HII and photodissociation region fine structure lines are an essential part of the SEDs. It is important to add them when modelling the spectra, especially at z ≳ 4–6, where their equivalent widths can be large. Conversely, we show that we can extract some information on strong-IR fine structure lines and on the physical parameters related to the nebular emission from IR colour-colour diagrams.

Impact of Ordered and Disordered Magnetic Fields on Multiwavelength Emission of Blazars

Abstract We present a detailed analysis of the effects of magnetic field topology on the spectral energy distribution (SED) and spectral variability patterns (SVPs) of blazars. In order to study these effects, we have extended our time-dependent leptonic jet model (in the internal shock scenario) to include the dependence of the synchrotron emissivity on the angle between the photon direction and the magnetic field in the plasma frame. We have explored the effects of different magnetic field geometries, such as parallel, perpendicular, oblique, toroidal, and helical, on the simulated SEDs and SVPs of a generic blazar for both purely ordered and disordered components of fields. These considerations provide either upper or lower limits to the impact on blazar emission, depending on the fraction of a disordered component present and the viewing angle. The results of our work point out some of the signatures that the orientations can leave on the SEDs and SVPs of a blazar. For example, in the case of a purely oblique field, if the magnetic field is aligned along the line of sight (in the plasma frame), it results in an annulment of the synchrotron component while keeping the flux level of the high-energy component intact. On the other hand, in the presence of a disordered component, the impact of an oblique field is reduced, and the same effect is not observed.

The high-redshift SFR–M* relation is sensitive to the employed star formation rate and stellar mass indicators: towards addressing the tension between observations and simulations

ABSTRACT There is a severe tension between the observed star formation rate (SFR)–stellar mass (M⋆) relations reported by different authors at z = 1–4. In addition, the observations have not been successfully reproduced by state-of-the-art cosmological simulations that tend to predict a factor of 2–4 smaller SFRs at a fixed M⋆. We examine the evolution of the SFR–M⋆ relation of z = 1–4 galaxies using the skirt simulated spectral energy distributions of galaxies sampled from the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments simulations. We derive SFRs and stellar masses by mimicking different observational techniques. We find that the tension between observed and simulated SFR–M⋆ relations is largely alleviated if similar methods are used to infer the galaxy properties. We find that relations relying on infrared wavelengths (e.g. 24 ${\rm \, \mu m}$, MIPS – 24, 70, and 160 ${\rm \, \mu m}$ or SPIRE – 250, 350, and 500 ${\rm \, \mu m}$) have SFRs that exceed the intrinsic relation by 0.5 dex. Relations that rely on the spectral energy distribution fitting technique underpredict the SFRs at a fixed stellar mass by −0.5 dex at z ∼ 4 but overpredict the measurements by 0.3 dex at z ∼ 1. Relations relying on dust-corrected rest-frame ultraviolet luminosities, are flatter since they overpredict/underpredict SFRs for low/high star-forming objects and yield deviations from the intrinsic relation from 0.10 to −0.13 dex at z ∼ 4. We suggest that the severe tension between different observational studies can be broadly explained by the fact that different groups employ different techniques to infer their SFRs.

Probing cosmic dawn: modelling the assembly history, SEDs, and dust content of selected z ∼ 9 galaxies

The presence of spectroscopically confirmed Balmer breaks in galaxy spectral energy distributions (SEDs) at $z>9$ provides one of the best probes of the assembly history of the first generations of stars in our Universe. Recent observations of the gravitationally lensed source, MACS 1149_JD1 (JD1), indicate that significant amounts of star formation likely occurred at redshifts as high as $z\simeq15$. The inferred stellar mass, dust mass, and assembly history of JD1, or any other galaxy at these redshifts that exhibits a strong Balmer break, can provide a strong test of our best theoretical models from high-resolution cosmological simulations. In this work, we present the results from a cosmological radiation-hydrodynamics simulation of the region surrounding a massive Lyman-break galaxy. For two of our most massive systems, we show that dust preferentially resides in the vicinity of the young stars thereby increasing the strength of the measured Balmer break such that the simulated SEDs are consistent with the photometry of JD1 and two other $z>9$ systems (GN-z10-3 and GN-z9-1) that have proposed Balmer breaks at high redshift. We find strong variations in the shape and luminosity of the SEDs of galaxies with nearly identical stellar and halo masses, indicating the importance of morphology, assembly history, and dust distribution in making inferences on the properties of individual galaxies at high redshifts. Our results stress the importance that dust may play in modulating the observable properties of galaxies, even at the extreme redshifts of $z>9$.

ERRATIC FLARING OF BL LAC IN 2012–2013: MULTIWAVELENGTH OBSERVATIONS

ABSTRACT BL Lac, the eponymous blazar, flared to historically high levels at millimeter, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths in 2012. We present observations made with Herschel, Swift, NuSTAR, Fermi, the Submillimeter Array, CARMA, and the VLBA in 2012–2013, including three months with nearly daily sampling at several wavebands. We have also conducted an intensive campaign of 30 hr with every-orbit observations by Swift and NuSTAR, accompanied by Herschel, and Fermi observations. The source was highly variable at all bands. Time lags, correlations between bands, and the changing shapes of the spectral energy distributions can be explained by synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton emission from nonthermal seed photons originating from within the jet. The passage of four new superluminal very long baseline interferometry knots through the core and two stationary knots about 4 pc downstream accompanied the high flaring in 2012–2013. The seed photons for inverse Compton scattering may arise from the stationary knots and from a Mach disk near the core where relatively slow-moving plasma generates intense nonthermal radiation. The 95 spectral energy distributions obtained on consecutive days form the most densely sampled, broad wavelength coverage for any blazar. The observed spectral energy distributions and multi-waveband light curves are similar to simulated spectral energy distributions and light curves generated with a model in which turbulent plasma crosses a conical shock with a Mach disk.

SEED PHOTON FIELDS OF BLAZARS IN THE INTERNAL SHOCK SCENARIO

We extend our approach of modeling spectral energy distribution (SED) and lightcurves of blazars to include external Compton (EC) emission due to inverse Compton scattering of an external anisotropic target radiation field. We describe the time-dependent impact of such seed photon fields on the evolution of multifrequency emission and spectral variability of blazars using a multi-zone time-dependent leptonic jet model, with radiation feedback, in the internal shock model scenario. We calculate accurate EC-scattered high-energy spectra produced by relativistic electrons throughout the Thomson and Klein-Nishina regimes. We explore the effects of varying the contribution of (1) a thermal Shakura-Sunyaev accretion disk, (2) a spherically symmetric shell of broad-line clouds, the broad line region (BLR), and (3) a hot infrared emitting dusty torus (DT), on the resultant seed photon fields. We let the system evolve to beyond the BLR and within the DT and study the manifestation of the varying target photon fields on the simulated SED and lightcurves of a typical blazar. The calculations of broadband spectra include effects of gamma-gamma absorption as gamma-rays propagate through the photon pool present inside the jet due to synchrotron and inverse Compton processes, but neglect gamma-gamma absorption by the BLR and DT photon fields outside the jet. Thus, our account of gamma-gamma absorption is a lower limit to this effect. Here, we focus on studying the impact of parameters relevant for EC processes on high-energy (HE) emission of blazars.

Constraining the location of gamma-ray emission in blazar jets

The location of γ -ray emission in blazar jets has remained elusive as wetry to understand jet emission despite the extensive multiwavelength campaigns and vigorous theoretical efforts to understand the multiwavelength spectra. The synergy between multiwavelength campaigns and VLBA studies has resulted in correlation between the majority of γ -ray events and disturbances propagating down the parsec-scale jet. This implies that the γ -ray emission might originate beyond the broad line region (BLR), perhaps on scales comparable to the size of the dusty torus. On the other hand, external Compton models in which γ -ray emission is limited to sites inside the BLR have been used to explain the high-energy emission of many blazars. Thus, comprehending the time-dependent impact of all the three external components of seed photon field, namely the accretion disk, the BLR, and the dusty torus, on the evolution of the spectral energy distribution (SED) can be used as an important tool for connecting the origin of γ -ray emission of a flare to its multiwavelength properties. Here, we use a multi-zone time-dependent leptonic jet model, with radiation feedback, to address this aspect of blazar jet emission. We let the system evolve to beyond the BLR and within the dusty torus. We explore the effects of varying the contribution of the disk, the BLR, and the dusty torus on the resultant seed photon field and their manifestation on the simulated SED of a typical blazar to gain insight on the location of the γ -ray emission region.

AN EXPANDING NEUTRAL HYDROGEN SUPERSHELL EVACUATED BY MULTIPLE SUPERNOVAE IN M101

Several neutral hydrogen (HI) cavities have been detected in the Milky Way and other nearby star forming galaxies. It has been suggested that at least a fraction of them may be expanding supershells driven by the combined mechanical feedback from multiple supernovae occurring in an OB association. Yet most extragalactic HI holes have neither a demonstrated expansion velocity, nor an identified OB association inside them. In this work, we report on the discovery of an unbroken expanding HI supershell in the nearby spiral galaxy M101, with an UV emitting OB association inside it. We measure its size (500 pc) and expansion velocity (20 km/s) by identifying both its approaching and receding components in the position-velocity space, using 21 cm emission spectroscopy. This provides us with an ideal system to test the theory of supershells driven by the mechanical feedback from multiple supernovae. The UV emission of the cluster inside the supershell is compared with simulated spectral energy distribution of synthetic clusters of the appropriate age (~15 Myr). The observed UV flux is found to be consistent with an association of the appropriate mass (~10^5 Solar Mass) and age required by the energy budget of the supershell. Properties of this supershell and another previously reported in the same galaxy are used to infer its neutral hydrogen scale height and mean neutral hydrogen density in the disk. The presence of another UV emitting stellar association in over-dense swept up gas is discussed in the context of propagating star formation.

TIME-DEPENDENT RADIATION TRANSFER IN THE INTERNAL SHOCK MODEL SCENARIO FOR BLAZAR JETS

We describe the time-dependent radiation transfer in blazar jets, within the internal shock model. We assume that the central engine, which consists of a black hole and an accretion disk, spews out relativistic shells of plasma with different velocity, mass, and energy. We consider a single inelastic collision between a faster (inner) and a slower (outer) moving shell. We study the dynamics of the collision and evaluate the subsequent emission of radiation via the synchrotron and synchrotron self Compton (SSC) processes after the interaction between the two shells has begun. The collision results in the formation of a forward shock (FS) and a reverse shock (RS) that convert the ordered bulk kinetic energy of the shells into magnetic field energy and accelerate the particles, which then radiate. We assume a cylindrical geometry for the emission region of the jet. We treat the self-consistent radiative transfer by taking into account the inhomogeneity in the photon density throughout the region. In this paper, we focus on understanding the effects of varying relevant input parameters on the simulated spectral energy distribution (SED) and spectral variability patterns.

UNDERSTANDING SPATIAL AND SPECTRAL MORPHOLOGIES OF ULTRACOMPACT H II REGIONS

The spatial morphology, spectral characteristics, and time variability of ultracompact H II regions provide strong constraints on the process of massive star formation. We have performed simulations of the gravitational collapse of rotating molecular cloud cores, including treatments of the propagation of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. We here present synthetic radio continuum observations of H II regions from our collapse simulations, to investigate how well they agree with observation, and what we can learn about how massive star formation proceeds. We find that intermittent shielding by dense filaments in the gravitationally unstable accretion flow around the massive star leads to highly variable H II regions that do not grow monotonically, but rather flicker, growing and shrinking repeatedly. This behavior appears able to resolve the well-known lifetime problem. We find that multiple ionizing sources generally form, resulting in groups of ultracompact H II regions, consistent with observations. We confirm that our model reproduces the qualitative H II region morphologies found in surveys, with generally consistent relative frequencies. We also find that simulated spectral energy distributions (SEDs) from our model are consistent with the range of observed H II region SEDs, including both regions showing a normal transition from optically thick to optically thin emission, and those with intermediate spectral slopes. In our models, anomalous slopes are solely produced by inhomogeneities in the H II region, with no contribution from dust emission at millimeter or submillimeter wavelengths. We conclude that many observed characteristics of ultracompact H II regions appear consistent with massive star formation in fast, gravitationally unstable, accretion flows.

Infrared Signatures of Protoplanetary Disk Evolution

We investigate the observational signatures of a straightforward evolutionary scenario for protoplanetary disks, in which the disk mass of small km) particles decreases homologously with time, but ([50 the disk structure and stellar parameters do not change. Our goal is to identify optimal infrared spectral indicators of the existence of disks, their structure, and mass evolution that may be tested with the upcoming SIRT F mission. We present simulated spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and colors over a wide range of masses, 10~8 Our Monte Carlo radiative equilibrium techniques M _ „ M disk „ 10~1 M _ . enable us to explore the wide range of optical depths of these disks and incorporate multiple, anisotropic dust scattering. The SED is most sensitive to disk mass in the far-IR and longer wavelengths, as is already known from millimeter and radio observations. As the disk mass decreases, the excess emission of the disk over the stellar photosphere diminishes more rapidly at the longest than at short wavelengths. At near-infrared wavelengths, the disk remains optically thick to stellar radiation over a wide range of disk masses, resulting in a slower decline in the SED in this spectral regime. Therefore, near-IR excesses (K[L ) provide a robust means of detecting disks in star clusters down to M disk D 10~7 M _ , while the far-IR excess probes the disk mass, the caveat being that large inner-disk holes can decrease the near-IR disk emission. Various other disk parameters (outer radius, —aring, and dust size distribution) alter the SED quantitatively, but do not change our general conclusions on the evolution of SEDs and colors with the mass of small particles in the disk. Reducing the disk mass results in a clear progression in color-color diagrams, with low-mass disks displaying the bluest colors. We interpret color-color diagrams for TaurusAuriga sources in the context of decreasing disk mass. DiUerent viewing angles yield degeneracies in the color-mass relationship, but highly inclined disks are very faint and red and are readily identi—ed in color-magnitude diagrams.