Tian Ma Radio Telescope Research Articles

Simultaneous 2.25/8.60 GHz observations of the newly discovered magnetar –Swift J1818.0–1607

ABSTRACTSwift J1818.0–1607 discovered in early 2020 is not only the fifth magnetar known with periodic radio pulsations but also the fastest rotating one. Simultaneous 2.25/8.60 GHz observations of Swift J1818.0–1607 were carried out with Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope (TMRT) from MJD 58936 to 59092. The spin-frequency ν and first-order derivative $\dot{\nu }$ of this magnetar were obtained with piecewise fitting method because of its instable timing properties. We found that the amplitude of short-term $\dot{\nu }$ fluctuations decreased with time, and the long-term declining trend of ν discovered previously continued in our observations. The best fit long-term $\dot{\nu }$ were about $-2.25\times 10^{-11} \, \mathrm{s}^{-2}$ using our observation data spanning 156 d. The derived characteristic age was about 522 yr, supporting the recent viewpoint that this magnetar may be older than initially thought shortly after its discovery. The flux density of this magnetar was increased at both 2.25 and 8.60 GHz during our observations, and its radio spectrum became flatter at the same time. We also detected bright-quiet type emission mode switching in Swift J1818.0–1607.

Pulse Profile Variations Associated with the Glitch of PSR B2021+51

Abstract We reported the first glitch of PSR B2021+51 detected with the Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope that occurred around MJD 58289.1 (2018 June 20). The spin frequency and its derivative suffered a jump of about 7.04 × 10−10 Hz and 2.6 × 10−18 s−2, respectively. The pulse width at the 10% intensity level (W 10) of the mean pulse profile significantly decreased right before the glitch and then increased after the glitch, accompanied by an enhancement in the trailing peak of the normalized profile. The mean pulse profiles were decomposed into three Gaussian components, i.e., C1, C2, and C3 from left to right by peak phase. The width of C3 (w 3) had an apparent maximum right before the glitch and its weighted mean value became slightly smaller than the pre-glitch value after the glitch, while the weighted mean values of both w 1 and w 2 had no apparent change. The significant decrease of the mean pulse width right before the glitch is mainly due to the movement of C3 toward C1 and C2, while the increase of the mean pulse width after the glitch results from the movement of C2 toward C3. Changes in the widths of mean pulse profiles and in the widths and phase separations of Gaussian components associated with the glitch convinced us of a connection between the changes in characteristics of the pulsar emission zone and the glitch activity. We discuss a possible interpretation invoking the movements of flux tubes in the emission zone.

Carbon-chain molecule survey toward four low-mass molecular outflow sources

We performed a carbon-chain molecule (CCM) survey toward four low-mass outflow sources, IRAS 04181+2655 (I04181), HH211, L1524, and L1598, using the 13.7 m telescope at the Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO) and the 65 m Tian Ma Radio telescope at the Shanghai Observatory. We observed the following hydrocarbons (C2H, C4H, c–C3H2), HC2n+1N (n = 1, 2), CnS (n = 2, 3), and SO, HNC, N2H+. Hydrocarbons and HC3N were detected in all the sources, except for L1598, which had a marginal detection of C4H and a non-detection of HC3N (J = 2–1). HC5N and CCCS were only detected in I04181 and L1524, whereas SO was only detected in HH211. L1598 exhibits the lowest detection rate of CCMs and is generally regarded to be lacking in CCMs source. The ratio of N(HC3N/N(N2H+)) increases with evolution in low-mass star-forming cores. I04181 and L1524 are carbon-chain-rich star-forming cores that may possibly be characterized by warm carbon-chain chemistry. In I04181 and L1524, the abundant CCCS can be explained by shocked carbon-chain chemistry. In HH211, the abundant SO suggests that SO is formed by sublimated S+. In this study, we also mapped HNC, C4H, c–C3H2, and HC3N with data from the PMO. We also find that HNC and NH3 are concentrated in L1524S and L1524N, respectively. Furthermore, we discuss the chemical differences between I04181SE and I04181W. The co-evolution between linear hydrocarbon and cyanopolyynes can be seen in I04181SE.

New Ammonia Masers in the High-mass Star-forming Region Sgr B2(N)

Abstract We report a systemic search for nonmetastable NH3 masers toward a high-mass star-forming region Sgr B2(N) using the Shanghai 65 m Tianma radio telescope with its Ku-band (12–18 GHz) and K-band (18–26.5 GHz) receivers. A total of 18 maser emission transitions were detected, and eight of these are newly identified NH3 maser transitions in interstellar space. Most (five) of the new maser transitions were found from the Ku-band observations which were absent from previous searches. Rotation diagram analysis for the 18 quasi-thermal transitions derived a high gas kinematic temperature (∼400 K) and an extremely high H2 column density (∼5 × 1025 cm−2). Such conditions suggest that the NH3 masers are likely pumped by vibrational excitation. Compared with quiet maser activity observed more than 20 yr ago, NH3 masers may be bursting in our observation time when the gas kinematic temperature might increase from ∼150 to ∼400 K. As extreme conditions (either high gas kinematic temperature and/or high gas column density) are required to excite nonmetastable NH3 masers, it can be argued that the detected NH3 maser outburst may be linked to a more intensive accretion-burst event from an high-mass young stellar object in the Sgr B2(N) region.

New timing measurement results of 16 pulsars

Abstract A pulsar’s position, proper motion, and parallax are important parameters in timing equations. It is challenging to fit astrometric parameters accurately through pulsar timing, especially for pulsars that show irregular timing properties. With the fast development of related techniques, it is possible to measure astrometric parameters of more and more pulsars in a model-independent manner with very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI). In this work we select 16 normal pulsars, whose parallax and proper motion have not been successfully fitted with timing observations or show obvious differences from the corresponding latest VLBI solutions, and do further studies on their timing properties. After updating the astrometric parameters in pulsar ephemerides with the latest VLBI measurements, we derive the latest rotation solutions of these pulsars with observation data in the S and C bands obtained from the Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope. Compared with the spin frequency ν inferred from previous rotation solutions, the newly fitted ν show differences larger than 10−9 Hz for most pulsars. The contribution of the Shklovsky effect to the period derivative $\dot{P}$ can be properly removed by taking advantage of the accurate proper motion and distance of target pulsars measured by VLBI astrometry. This further leads to a precise estimate of the intrinsic characteristic age τc. The differences between the newly measured τc and corresponding previous results are as large as 2% for some pulsars. VLBI astrometric parameter solutions also lead to better measurements of timing irregularities. For PSR B0154+61, the glitch epoch (MJD 58279.5) measured with a previous ephemeris is about 13 d later than the result (MJD 58266.4) obtained with VLBI astrometric parameter solutions.

A 4–6 GHz Radio Recombination Line Survey in the Milky Way

We performed a radio recombination line (RRL) survey to construct a high-mass star-forming region (HMSFR) sample in the Milky Way based on the all-sky Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer ($\textit{All-WISE}$) point source catalog. The survey was observed with the Shanghai 65m Tianma radio telescope (TMRT) covering 10 hydrogen RRL transitions ranging from H98$\alpha$ to H113$\alpha$ (corresponding to the rest frequencies of 4.5$-$6.9 GHz) simultaneously. Out of 3348 selected targets, we identified an HMSFR sample consisting of 517 sources traced by RRLs, a large fraction of this sample (486) locate near the Galactic plane ($|$$\textit{b}$$|$ $<$ 2 deg). In addition to the hydrogen RRLs, we also detected helium and carbon RRLs towards 49 and 23 sources respectively. We cross-match the RRL detections with the 6.7 methanol maser sources built up in previous works for the same target sample, as a result, 103 HMSFR sources were found to harbor both emissions. In this paper, we present the HMSFR catalog accompanied by the measured RRL line properties and a correlation with our methanol maser sample, which is believed to tracer massive stars at earlier stages. The construction of an HMSFR sample consisting of sources in various evolutionary stages indicated by different tracers is fundamental for future studies of high-mass star formation in such regions.

A Radio Molecular Line Search for Evidence of an O-rich Environment Around Binary in Silicate Carbon Stars

Abstract We report observations of oxygen-rich (O-rich) radio molecular line tracers, including H2CO, H2O, and HCO+ toward 28 silicate carbon stars (SCSs). SCSs are special evolved star systems that consist of a carbon star associated with peculiar O-rich circumstellar material. Absorption in the 6 cm transition was detected from seven SCSs using the Shanghai 65 m Tianma radio telescope. In order to further investigate their O-rich material, several 3 mm molecular lines including HCO+ and CO were also observed with the Purple Mountain Observatory 13.7 m telescope. Double-peak profiles in some of these lines suggest the possible presence of a companion in the SCS system. A negative association between H2O masers and H2CO absorption was found in our sample of SCSs. The maser sources may correspond to an earlier evolutionary stage when the circumstellar envelope (CSE) material is O-rich and limited to a compact and denser region. As the star evolves the CSE gradually expands and carbon abundance is enhanced, resulting in the masers disappearing and H2CO absorption arising.

Chemical Properties of Two Dense Cores in a Planck Galactic Cold Clump G168.72-15.48

Abstract To deepen our understanding of the chemical properties of the Planck Galactic Cold Clump (PGCC) G168.72-15.48, we performed observations of nine molecular species, namely, c-C3H, H2CO, HC5N, HC7N, SO, CCH, N2H+, CH3OH, and CH3CCH, toward two dense cores in PGCC G168.72-15.48 using the Tianma Radio Telescope and Purple Mountain Observatory Telescope. We detected c-C3H, H2CO, HC5N, N2H+, CCH, and CH3OH in both G168-H1 and G168-H2 cores, whereas HC7N and CH3CCH were detected only in G168-H1 and SO was detected only in G168-H2. Mapping observations reveal that the CCH, N2H+, CH3OH, and CH3CCH emissions are well coupled with the dust emission in G168-H1. Additionally, N2H+ exhibits an exceptionally weak emission in the denser and more evolved G168-H2 core, which may be attributed to the N2H+ depletion. We suggest that the N2H+ depletion in G168-H2 is dominated by N2 depletion, rather than the destruction by CO. The local thermodynamic equilibrium calculations indicate that the carbon-chain molecules of CCH, HC5N, HC7N, and CH3CCH are more abundant in the younger G168-H1 core. We found that starless core G168-H1 may have the properties of cold dark clouds based on its abundances of carbon-chain molecules. While, the prestellar core G168-H2 exhibits lower carbon-chain molecular abundances than the general cold dark clouds. With our gas-grain astrochemical model calculations, we attribute the observed chemical differences between G168-H1 and G168-H2 to their different gas densities and different evolutionary stages.

Investigation on peculiar SNR variation at TianMa radio telescope

Chinese lunar spacecraft Chang’E-3 (CE3) and Chang’E5-T1 (CE5T1) were launched in 2013 and 2014, respectively and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations were performed. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the Tianma (TM) station experienced peculiar variation, whereas SNRs of other stations were rather stable. Further, it happened only when observing spacecraft, and showed no such variation when performing astronomical observations. Moreover, it was distinctive on X band signals, whereas it was not noticed on S band signals. Analysis showed that the SNR variation was closely related with changing rate of elevation angle. Further investigations discovered that there were two sets of antenna control software at TM station, and the SNR variation originated from a bug in elevation control software used for observing spacecraft, not for astronomical observations. The bug caused big pointing error (around ± 30 as) on elevation angle of TM, which resulted in the peculiar SNR variation. It was not noticed on S band signals due to its relatively wide and flat main beam comparing with ± 30 as pointing error. However, the bug was fixed in software update in July, 2016, and the SNR of TM showed no such variation in 2017 and 2018.

A Q‐band compact high‐performance double‐ridged orthomode transducer

In this article, a Q-band compact waveguide orthomode transducer (OMT) based on a stepped double-ridged waveguide is presented. By using a symmetrical structure, good output return losses of above 20 dB are obtained from 35 to 50 GHz. In particular, the measured insertion losses are as low as 0.15 to 0.4 dB over the entire band for both polarization channels with an improved assembly configuration. The measured cross-polarization levels are well below −37 dB, while the circular-polarized output port isolation is less than −20 dB combined with a feed horn and a differential phase shifter. The developed OMTs have been used in a Q-band two-beam cryogenic receiver on the Tianma Radio Telescope, contributing only 1 to 2 K noise at an operating temperature around 20 K.

Radio recombination line observations towards Spitzer infrared bubbles with the TianMa radio telescope

ABSTRACT Many of the Spitzer infrared bubbles identified by the Milky Way Project (MWP) are suggested to be $\rm{H \small {II}} $ regions in nature. More than 70 per cent of the ∼5000 known bubbles do not have radio recombination line (RRL) observations, hence have not been confirmed as $\rm{H \small {II}} $ regions. A systematic RRL survey should be helpful to identify the nature of the bubbles. With the Shanghai TianMa 65-m radio telescope, we searched for RRLs towards 216 selected Spitzer bubbles by simultaneously observing 19 RRLs in the C band (4–8 GHz). RRLs are detected in the directions of 75 of the 216 targets. 31 of the 75 RRL sources are classified as new detections, which are possibly from new $\rm{H \small {II}} $ regions or diffuse warm ionized medium; 36 of them are probably from the outskirts of nearby bright $\rm{H \small {II}} $ regions, rather than bubble-encircled ionized gas; and the detected RRLs towards 8 bubbles are identified from known $\rm{H \small {II}} $ regions. For 58 of the 75 RRL sources, we obtained their distances after resolving the kinematic distance ambiguity by combining the results of the H2CO absorption method, the $\rm{H \small {I}} $ emission/absorption method, and the $\rm{H \small {I}} $ self-absorption method. The low detection rate of new $\rm{H \small {II}} $ regions implies that a number of MWP bubbles in the DR1 catalogue are too faint if they are $\rm{H \small {II}} $ regions.

Improvement of the pointing precision of the Tianma radio telescope with an inclinometer measurement system

To assure high pointing precision of the Tianma radio telescope (TMRT), new models based on a inclinometer measurement system are added to the classical pointing model. This involves four main tasks. Firstly, the inclinometer measurement system is set up and its precision is evaluated. Secondly, a feedback control strategy for pointing error for the turbulences of uneven azimuth track and thermal deformations of alidade is implemented. Thirdly, after removing the linear effect of uneven track, sine fitting inclinometer data obtains the model of nonlinear effect of azimuth-track-level unevenness. The nonlinear effect is less than ±5 arc-sec. The azimuth angles associated with large pointing error show a good agreement with those corresponding to poor track unevenness. Finally, the TMRT inclinometers monitor the effect of thermal deformations of alidade on the pointing precision of elevation from stow position, to observing almost motionless radio source, to arbitrary postures of radio telescope. The measured data after subtracting other affected factors of inclinometer including intrinsic drift, azimuth-track unevenness, variation of the center of gravity have similar tendency with the simulated results of finite element model (FEM). Applying established real-time modified model to observe the radio source 2334 + 8226, the checking results show that the pointing precision improved 65%.

Carbon-chain molecules in molecular outflows and Lupus I region – new producing region and new forming mechanism

Abstract Using the new equipment of the Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope, we have searched for carbon-chain molecules (CCMs) towards five outflow sources and six Lupus I starless dust cores, including one region known to be characterized by warm carbon-chain chemistry (WCCC), Lupus I-1 (IRAS 15398-3359), and one TMC-1 like cloud, Lupus I-6 (Lupus-1A). Lines of HC3N J = 2 − 1, HC5N J = 6 − 5, HC7N J = 14 − 13, 15 − 14, 16 − 15, and C3S J = 3 − 2 were detected in all the targets except in the outflow source L1660 and the starless dust core Lupus I-3/4. The column densities of nitrogen-bearing species range from 1012 to 1014 cm−2 and those of C3S are about 1012 cm−2. Two outflow sources, I20582+7724 and L1221, could be identified as new carbon-chain-producing regions. Four of the Lupus I dust cores are newly identified as early quiescent and dark carbon-chain-producing regions similar to Lup I-6, which together with the WCCC source, Lup I-1, indicate that carbon-chain-producing regions are popular in Lupus I which can be regard as a Taurus-like molecular cloud complex in our Galaxy. The column densities of C3S are larger than those of HC7N in the three outflow sources I20582, L1221, and L1251A. Shocked carbon-chain chemistry is proposed to explain the abnormal high abundances of C3S compared with those of nitrogen-bearing CCMs. Gas-grain chemical models support the idea that shocks can fuel the environment of those sources with enough S+ thus driving the generation of S-bearing CCMs.

In-orbit pointing calibration of the 4.2 m antennaon CE4 relay star satellite

This paper mainly discusses the in-orbit pointing calibration of the 4.2-meter antenna of the CE4 relay star by the Tianma 65-meter (TM65 m) radio telescope. Firstly, the pointing calibration scheme of the antenna in space is introduced. Then the feasibility of the method is demonstrated. The performance, advantages of the TM65 m antenna, scanning method and the aspects which should be careful are described. The stability of the receiver system is verified by satellite beacon and radio source signal. The solving methods are introduced in detail. Finally, the results of several measurements are given which show that the Tianma radio telescope can effectively calibrate the pointing of the space antenna. The error is no more than 0.05°. The successful practice of this method will provide an empirical reference for the in-orbit pointing calibration of space antennas in the future.

One large glitch in PSR B1737−30 detected with the TMRT

One large glitch was detected in PSR B1737–30 using data spanning from MJD 57999 to 58406 obtained with the newly built Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope (TMRT). The glitch took place at the time around MJD 58232.4 when the pulsar underwent an increase in the rotation frequency of Δν about 1.38× 10−6 Hz, corresponding to a fractional step change of Δν/ν ∼ 8.39× 10−7. Post-glitch ν gradually decreased to the pre-glitch value. The frequency derivative was observed to undergo a step change of about −9× 10−16 s−2. Since July 1987, there have been 36 glitches already reported in PSR B1737−30 including this one. According to our analysis, the glitch size distribution is well described by a power law with an index of 1.13. The distribution of the interval between two adjacent glitches (waiting time ΔT) follows a Poisson probability density function. For PSR B1737−30, the interval is prone to be long after a large glitch. However, no correlation is found between glitch size and the interval since the previous glitch.

A 6.7 GHz Methanol Maser Survey. II. Low Galactic Latitudes

Abstract We report the results of our systematic survey for Galactic 6.7 GHz Class II CH3OH maser emission toward a sample of young stellar objects. The survey was conducted with the Shanghai Tianma Radio Telescope (TMRT). The sample consists of 3348 sources selected from the all-sky Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) point-source catalog. We discussed the selection criteria in detail and the detection results of those at high Galactic latitudes (i.e., ) in a previous paper (Yang et al. 2017). Here, we present the results from the survey of those at low Galactic latitudes, i.e., . Of 1875 selected WISE point sources, 291 positions that were actually associated with 224 sources that were detected with CH3OH maser emission. Among them, 32 are newly detected. A majority of the newly detected sources are associated with bright WISE sources. The majority of the detected sources (209/224 = 93.3%) are quite close to the Galactic Plane ( ) and lie on the inner spiral arms with positive local standard of rest velocities. The detection rate and the color–color distribution of our detection are all matched with our anticipation. Combining with detections from previous surveys, we compile a catalog of 1085 sources with 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser emission in our Galaxy.

5.0 GHz TMRT Observations of 71 Pulsars

Abstract We present integrated pulse profiles at 5 GHz for 71 pulsars, including eight millisecond pulsars (MSPs), obtained using the Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope. Mean flux densities and pulse widths are measured. For 19 normal pulsars and one MSP, these are the first detections at 5 GHz—and for a further 19, including five MPSs, the profiles have a better signal-to-noise ratio than previous observations. Mean flux density spectra between 400 MHz and 9 GHz are presented for 27 pulsars and correlations of power-law spectral index are found with characteristic age, radio pseudo-luminosity, and spin-down luminosity. Mode changing was detected in five pulsars. The separation between the main pulse and interpulse is shown to be frequency independent for six pulsars, but a frequency dependence of the relative intensity of the main pulse and interpulse is found. The frequency dependence of component separations is investigated for 20 pulsars, and three groups are found: in seven cases, the separation between the outmost leading and trailing components decreases with frequency, roughly in agreement with radius-to-frequency mapping; in 11 cases, the separation is nearly constant; in the remaining two cases, the separation between the outmost components increases with frequency. We obtain the correlations of pulse widths with pulsar period and estimate the core widths of 23 multicomponent profiles and conal widths of 17 multicomponent profiles at 5.0 GHz using Gaussian fitting, and we discuss the width-period relationship at 5 GHz compared with the results at at 1.0 and 8.6 GHz.

Searching for Gamma-Ray Millisecond Pulsars: Selection of Candidates Revisited

We are starting a project to find γ -ray millisecond pulsars (MSPs) among the unidentified sources detected by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope (Fermi), by radio observations. The selection of good candidates from analysis of the LAT data is an important part of the project. Given that there is more than 10 years worth of LAT data and the advent of the newly released LAT 8-year point source list (FL8Y), we have conducted a selection analysis, on the basis of our previous analysis, and report the results here. Setting the requirements for the unidentified sources in FL8Y of Galactic latitudes | b | &gt; 5 ∘ and curvature significances &gt;3 σ , there are 202 sources with detection signficances &gt;6 σ . We select 57 relatively bright ones (detection significances &gt;15 σ ) and analyze their 10.2 years of LAT data. Their variability is checked to exclude variable sources (likely blazars), test statistic maps are constructed to avoid contaminated sources, and curvature significances are re-obtained and compared to their γ -ray spectra to exclude non-significant sources. In the end, 48 candidates are found. Based on the available information, mostly from multi-wavelength studies, we discuss the possible nature of several of the candidates. Most of these candidates are currently being observed with the 65-meter Shanghai Tian Ma Radio Telescope.

Measuring and analyzing thermal deformations of the primary reflector of the Tianma radio telescope

The primary reflector of the Tianma Radio Telescope (TMRT) distorts due to the varying thermal conditions, which dramatically reduces the aperture efficiency of Q-band observations. To evaluate and overcome the thermal effects, a thermal deformations measurement system has been established based on the extended Out-of-Focus holography (e-OOF). The thermal deformations can be measured in approximately 20 min with an illumination-weighted surface root mean square (RMS) accuracy of approximately 50 μm. We have measured the thermal deformations when the backup and front structure were heated by the sun respectively, and used the active surface system to correct the thermal deformations immediately to confirm the measurements. The thermal deformations when the backup structure is heated are larger than those when the front structure is heated. The values of half power beam width (HPBW) are related to the illumination-weighted surface RMS, and can be used to check the thermal deformations. When the backup structure is heated, the aperture efficiencies can remain above 90% of the maximum efficiency at 40 GHz for approximately two hours after one adjustment. While the front structure is heated, the aperture efficiencies can remain above 90% of the maximum efficiency at 40 GHz, and above 95% after one adjustment in approximately three hours.

Correcting Gravitational Deformation at the Tianma Radio Telescope

The primary reflector of the Tianma Radio Telescope (TMRT) distorts due to gravity, which dramatically reduces the aperture efficiency of high-frequency observations. A technique known as out-of-focus holography (OOF) has been developed to measure gravitational deformation. However, the TMRT has a shaped dual-reflector optical system, so the OOF technique cannot be used directly. An extended OOF (e-OOF) technique that can be used for a shaped telescope is proposed. A new calculation method is developed to calculate the extra phase and illumination. A new measurement strategy is proposed that uses only one feed, reduces the length of the scan pattern, and allows the telescope to scan smoothly at low speed. At the TMRT, the time required for each measurement is under 20 min, the achieved accuracy is approximately 50 $\mu \text{m}$ , and the repeatability is sufficient. We have acquired a model for the gravitational deformation of the TMRT. After applying the model, there is a 150%–400% improvement in the aperture efficiency at low and high elevations. The model flattens the gain curve between 15°–80° elevations with an aperture efficiency of approximately 52%. The final weighted root-mean-square error is approximately 270 $\mu \text{m}$ . The e-OOF technique reduces the constraints on the telescopes.