Showing papers by "European Southern Observatory published in 1998"

Observational Evidence from Supernovae for an Accelerating Universe and a Cosmological Constant

Abstract: We present spectral and photometric observations of 10 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in the redshift range 0.16 " z " 0.62. The luminosity distances of these objects are determined by methods that employ relations between SN Ia luminosity and light curve shape. Combined with previous data from our High-z Supernova Search Team and recent results by Riess et al., this expanded set of 16 high-redshift supernovae and a set of 34 nearby supernovae are used to place constraints on the following cosmo- logical parameters: the Hubble constant the mass density the cosmological constant (i.e., the (H 0 ), () M ), vacuum energy density, the deceleration parameter and the dynamical age of the universe ) " ), (q 0 ), ) M \ 1) methods. We estimate the dynamical age of the universe to be 14.2 ^ 1.7 Gyr including systematic uncer- tainties in the current Cepheid distance scale. We estimate the likely e†ect of several sources of system- atic error, including progenitor and metallicity evolution, extinction, sample selection bias, local perturbations in the expansion rate, gravitational lensing, and sample contamination. Presently, none of these e†ects appear to reconcile the data with and ) " \ 0 q 0 " 0.

Discovery of a supernova explosion at half the age of the Universe

Abstract: The ultimate fate of the Universe, infinite expansion or a big crunch, can be determined by using the redshifts and distances of very distant supernovae to monitor changes in the expansion rate. We can now find1 large numbers of these distant supernovae, and measure their redshifts and apparent brightnesses; moreover, recent studies of nearby type Ia supernovae have shown how to determine their intrinsic luminosities2,3,4—and therefore with their apparent brightnesses obtain their distances. The >50 distant supernovae discovered so far provide a record of changes in the expansion rate over the past several billion years5,6,7. However, it is necessary to extend this expansion history still farther away (hence further back in time) in order to begin to distinguish the causes of the expansion-rate changes—such as the slowing caused by the gravitational attraction of the Universe's mass density, and the possibly counteracting effect of the cosmological constant8. Here we report the most distant spectroscopically confirmed supernova. Spectra and photometry from the largest telescopes on the ground and in space show that this ancient supernova is strikingly similar to nearby, recent type Ia supernovae. When combined with previous measurements of nearer supernovae2,5, these new measurements suggest that we may live in a low-mass-density universe.

The High-Z Supernova Search: Measuring Cosmic Deceleration and Global Curvature of the Universe Using Type Ia Supernovae*

Abstract: The High-Z Supernova Search is an international collaboration to discover and monitor Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) at z > 0.2 with the aim of measuring cosmic deceleration and global curvature. Our collaboration has pursued a basic understanding of supernovae in the nearby universe, discovering and observing a large sample of objects and developing methods to measure accurate distances with SNe Ia. This paper describes the extension of this program to z ≥ 0.2, outlining our search techniques and follow-up program. We have devised high-throughput filters that provide accurate two-color rest frame B and V light curves of SNe Ia, enabling us to produce precise, extinction-corrected luminosity distances in the range 0.25 M=-0.2 -->−0.8+1.0 if ΩΛ = 0. For a spatially flat universe composed of normal matter and a cosmological constant, we find Ω -->M=0.4 -->−0.4+0.5, Ω${Λ}$ -->=0.6 -->−0.5+0.4. We demonstrate that with a sample of ~30 objects, we should be able to determine relative luminosity distances over the range 0 < z < 0.5 with sufficient precision to measure ΩM with an uncertainty of ±0.2.

What Powers Ultraluminous IRAS Galaxies

Abstract: We present an ISO SWS and ISOPHOT-S, mid-infrared spectroscopic survey of 15 ultraluminous IRAS galaxies (LIR ≥ 1012 L☉). We combine the survey results with a detailed case study, based on arcsecond resolution, near-IR, and millimeter imaging spectroscopy, of one of the sample galaxies (UGC 5101). We compare the near- and mid-IR characteristics of these ultraluminous galaxies to ISO and literature data of 30 starburst and active galactic nuclei (AGN) template galaxies. We find the following: 1. Of the ultraluminous IRAS galaxies in our sample, 70%-80% are predominantly powered by recently formed massive stars, and 20%-30% are powered by a central AGN. These conclusions are based on a new infrared diagnostic diagram involving the ratio of high- to low-excitation mid-IR emission lines on the one hand, and the strength of the 7.7 μm PAH feature on the other hand. 2. At least half of the sources probably have simultaneously an active nucleus and starburst activity in a 1-2 kpc diameter circumnuclear disk/ring. 3. The mid-IR emitting regions are highly obscured [Av(screen) ~ 5-50 or Av(mixed) ~ 50-1000]. In a model where star-forming regions and dense molecular clouds are fully mixed, the ISO-derived, V-band dust extinctions approach the dust column densities inferred from CO millimeter measurements. After correction for these extinctions, we estimate that the star-forming regions in ultraluminous infrared galaxies have ages between 107 and 108 yr, similar to but somewhat larger than those found in lower luminosity starburst galaxies. 4. In the sample we have studied there is no obvious trend for the AGN component to dominate in the most compact, and thus most advanced mergers. Instead, at any given time during the merger evolution, the time-dependent compression of the circumnuclear interstellar gas, the accretion rate onto the central black hole, and the associated radiation efficiency may determine whether star formation or AGN activity dominates the luminosity of the system.

Supernova limits on the cosmic equation of state

Abstract: We use Type Ia supernovae studied by the High-z Supernova Search Team to constrain the properties of an energy component that may have contributed to accelerating the cosmic expansion. We find that for a flat geometry the equation-of-state parameter for the unknown component, αx = Px/ρx, must be less than -0.55 (95% confidence) for any value of Ωm, and it is further limited to αx < -0.60 (95% confidence) if Ωm is assumed to be greater than 0.1. These values are inconsistent with the unknown component being topological defects such as domain walls, strings, or textures. The supernova (SN) data are consistent with a cosmological constant (αx = -1) or a scalar field that has had, on average, an equation-of-state parameter similar to the cosmological constant value of -1 over the redshift range of z ≈ 1 to the present. SN and cosmic microwave background observations give complementary constraints on the densities of matter and the unknown component. If only matter and vacuum energy are considered, then the current combined data sets provide direct evidence for a spatially flat universe with Ωtot = Ωm + ΩΛ = 0.94 ± 0.26 (1 σ).

A hypernova model for the supernova associated with the gamma ray burst of 25 April 1998

Abstract: The discovery of the unusual supernova SN1998bw, and its possible association with the γ-ray burst GRB 9804251,2,3, provide new insights into the explosion mechanism of very massive stars and the origin of some classes of γ-ray bursts. Optical spectra indicate that SN1998bw is a type Ic supernova3,4, but its peak luminosity is unusually high compared with typical type Ic supernovae3. Here we report our findings that the optical spectra and the light curve of SN1998bw can be well reproduced by an extremely energetic explosion of a massive star composed mainly of carbon and oxygen (having lost its hydrogen and helium envelopes). The kinetic energy of the ejecta is as large as +(2–5)× 1052 erg, more than ten times that of previously observed supernovae. This type of supernova could therefore be termed ‘hypernova’. The extremely large energy suggests the existence of a new mechanism of massive star explosion that can also produce the relativistic shocks necessary to generate the observed γ-rays.

Constraints on Cosmological Models from Hubble Space Telescope Observations of High-z Supernovae

Abstract: We have coordinated Hubble Space Telescope (HST) photometry with ground-based discovery for three supernovae: Type Ia supernovae near z ≈ 0.5 (SN 1997ce, SN 1997cj) and a third event at z = 0.97 (SN 1997ck). The superb spatial resolution of HST separates each supernova from its host galaxy and leads to good precision in the light curves. We use these light curves and relations between luminosity, light-curve shape, and color calibrated from low-z samples to derive relative luminosity distances that are accurate to 10% at z ≈ 0.5 and 20% at z = 1. When the HST sample is combined with the distance to SN 1995K (z = 0.48), analyzed by the same precepts, we find that matter alone is insufficient to produce a flat universe. Specifically, for Ωm+ΩΛ = 1, Ωm is less than 1 with more than 95% confidence, and our best estimate of Ωm is -0.1±0.5 if ΩΛ = 0. Although this result is based on a very small sample whose systematics remain to be explored, it demonstrates the power of HST measurements for high-redshift supernovae.

The Deuterium Abundance toward Q1937–1009

Abstract: We present a new measurement of the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio (D/H) in the Lyman limit absorption system at z = 3.572 toward Q1937-1009. Tytler, Fan & Burles (TFB) made the first extragalactic detection of deuterium in this absorption system, which remains the best location for a high-accuracy measurement of primordial D/H. Their detailed analysis of Keck spectra gave a low value of D/H = 2.3 ± 0.3 ± 0.3 × 10-5 (1 σ statistical and systematic errors). Now we present a new method to measure D/H in QSO absorption systems. We avoid many of the assumptions adopted by TFB; we allow extra parameters to treat the continuum uncertainties, include a variety of new absorption models that allow for undetected velocity structure, and use the improved measurement of the total hydrogen column density by Burles & Tytler. We find that all models, including contamination, give an upper limit of D/H < 3.9 × 10-5 (95% confidence). Both this and previous analyses find contamination to be unlikely in this absorption system: a χ2 analysis in models without contamination gives D/H = 3.3 ± 0.3 × 10-5 (67% confidence), which is higher but consistent with the earlier results of TFB, and a second measurement of D/H toward Q1009+2956. With calculations of standard big bang nucleosynthesis (SBBN) and the assumption that this measurement of D/H is representative of the primordial value, we find a high baryon-to-photon ratio, η = 5.3 ± 0.4 × 10-10. This is consistent with primordial abundance determinations of 4He in H II regions and 7Li in the atmospheres of warm metal-poor Population II stars. We find a high value for the present-day baryon density, Ωbh2 = 0.0193 ± 0.0014, which is consistent with other inventories of baryonic matter, from low to high redshift: clusters of galaxies, the Lyman alpha forest & the cosmic microwave background.

The ROSAT Deep Cluster Survey: The X-Ray Luminosity Function out to z = 0.8

Abstract: We present the X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of the ROSAT Deep Cluster Survey sample over the redshift range 0.05-0.8. Our results are derived from a complete flux-limited subsample of 70 galaxy clusters, representing the brightest half of the total sample, which have been spectroscopically identified down to the flux limit of 4×10 -->−14 ergs m-2 s-1 (0.5-2.0 keV) and have been selected via a serendipitous search in ROSAT PSPC pointed observations. The redshift baseline is large enough that evolutionary effects can be studied within the sample. The local XLF (z≤0.25) is found to be in excellent agreement with previous determinations using ROSAT All-Sky Survey data. The XLF at higher redshifts, when combined with the deepest number counts constructed to date (f>2×10 -->−14 ergs cm -->−2 s -->−1), reveals no significant evolution at least out to z=0.8, over a luminosity range of 2 × 1042 to 3 × 1044 ergs s -->−1 in the 0.5-2 keV band. These findings extend the study of cluster evolution to the highest redshifts and the faintest fluxes probed so far in X-ray surveys. They complement and do not necessarily conflict with those of the Einstein Extended Medium-Sensitivity Survey, leaving open the possibility of negative evolution of the brightest end of the XLF at high redshifts.

The Nature and Evolution of Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies:A Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Survey

Abstract: We report the first results of a low-resolution mid-infrared spectroscopic survey of an unbiased, far-infrared-selected sample of 60 ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) (LIR${r IR}$ -->$t SUBgt {r IR}t/SUBgt $ --> > 10 -->12 L?) using ISOPHOT-S on board the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). We use the ratio of the 7.7 ?m polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission feature to the local continuum as a discriminator between starburst and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity. About 80% of all ULIRGs are found to be predominantly powered by star formation, but the fraction of AGN-powered objects increases with luminosity. Whereas only about 15% of ULIRGs at luminosities below 2 ? 10 -->12 L? are AGN powered, this fraction increases to about half at higher luminosity. Observed ratios of the PAH features in ULIRGs differ slightly from those in lower luminosity starbursts. This can be plausibly explained by the higher extinction and/or different physical conditions in the interstellar medium of ULIRGs. The PAH feature-to-continuum ratio is anticorrelated with the ratio of feature-free 5.9 ?m continuum to the IRAS 60 ?m continuum, confirming suggestions that strong mid-infrared continuum is a prime AGN signature. The location of starburst-dominated ULIRGs in such a diagram is consistent with previous ISO-Short Wavelength Spectrograph spectroscopy, which implies significant extinction even in the mid-infrared. We have searched for indications that ULIRGs that are advanced mergers might be more AGN-like, as postulated by the classical evolutionary scenario. No such trend has been found among those objects for which near-infrared images are available to assess their likely merger status.

Birth kicks as the origin of pulsar rotation

Abstract: Radio pulsars are thought to born with spin periods of 0.02–0.5 s and space velocities of 100–1,000 kms^(-1), and they are inferred to have initial dipole magnetic fields of 10^(11)–10^(13) G. The average space velocity of their progenitor stars is less than 15 kms^(-1), which means that pulsars must receive a substantial ‘kick’ at birth. Here we propose that the birth characteristics of pulsars have a simple physical connection with each other. Magnetic fields maintained by differential rotation between the core and envelope of the progenitor would keep the whole star in a state of approximately uniform rotation until 10 years before the explosion. Such a slowly rotating core has 1,000 times less angular momentum than required to explain the rotation of pulsars. The specific physical process that ‘kicks’ the neutron star at birth has not been identified, but unless its force is exerted exactly head-on it will also cause the neutron star to rotate. We identify this process as the origin of the spin of pulsars. Such kicks may cause a correlation between the velocity and spin vectors of pulsars. We predict that many neutron stars are born with periods longer than 2 s, and never become radio pulsars.

The Galaxy Luminosity Function at z ≤ 0.05: Dependence on Morphology

Abstract: We investigate the dependence of the local galaxy luminosity function on morphology using 5404 galaxies from the recently enlarged Second Southern Sky Redshift Survey (SSRS2). Over the range -22 ≤ MB ≤ -14 (H0 = 100 km s-1 Mpc-1), the luminosity function of early-type galaxies is well fitted by a Schechter function with parameters M -->*=-19.37 -->−0.11+0.10, α=-1.00 -->−0.09+0.09, and * = 4.4 ± 0.8 × 10-3 Mpc-3. The spiral luminosity function is very similar and is well fitted by the parameters M -->*=-19.43 -->−0.08+0.08, α=-1.11 -->−0.06+0.07, and * = 8.0 ± 1.4 × 10-3 Mpc-3 over the same range in absolute magnitude. The flat faint end of the early-type luminosity function is consistent with earlier measurements from the CfA Redshift Survey (Marzke et al.) but is significantly steeper than the slope measured in the Stromlo-APM survey (Loveday et al.). Combined with the increased normalization of the overall LF measured from intermediate-redshift surveys, the flat faint-end slope of the E/S0 LF produces no-evolution models that reproduce the deep Hubble Space Telescope (HST) counts of early-type galaxies remarkably well. However, the observed normalization of the SSRS2 LF is consistent with the low value measured in other local redshift surveys. The cause of this low-redshift anomaly remains unknown. The luminosity function of irregular and peculiar galaxies in the SSRS2 is very steep: M -->*=-19.78 -->−0.50+0.40, α=-1.81 -->−0.24+0.24, and * = 0.2 ± 0.08 × 10-3 Mpc-3. The steep slope at the faint end is consistent with the LFs measured for Sm-Im galaxies in the CfA survey, UV-selected galaxies (Treyer et al.), star-forming field galaxies (Bromley et al.), and the bluest galaxies in the SSRS2 (Marzke & da Costa). As shown by Driver, Windhorst, & Griffiths, the steep LF reduces the observed excess of faint irregulars over no-evolution predictions but cannot explain it entirely.

The Deep X-Ray Radio Blazar Survey. I. Methods and First Results*

Abstract: We have undertaken a survey, the Deep X-Ray Radio Blazar Survey (DXRBS), of archived, pointed ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter data for blazars by correlating the ROSAT WGACAT database with several publicly available radio catalogs, restricting our candidate list to serendipitous flat radio spectrum sources (αr ≤ 0.70, where Sν ∝ ν). We discuss our survey methods, identification procedure, and first results. Our survey is found to be ~95% efficient at finding flat-spectrum radio-loud quasars (FSRQs; 59 of our first 85 identifications) and BL Lacertae objects (22 of our first 85 identifications), a figure that is comparable to or greater than that achieved by other radio and X-ray survey techniques. The identifications presented here show that all previous samples of blazars (even when taken together) did not representatively survey the blazar population, missing critical regions of (LX, LR) parameter space within which large fractions of the blazar population lie. Particularly important is the identification of a large population of FSRQs (25% of DXRBS FSRQs) with ratios of X-ray to radio luminosity 10-6 (αrx 0.78). In addition, as a result of our greater sensitivity, the DXRBS has already more than doubled the number of FSRQs in complete samples with 5 GHz (radio) luminosities between 1031.5 and 1033.5 ergs s-1 Hz-1, and fills in the region of parameter space between X-ray–selected and radio-selected samples of BL Lac objects. The DXRBS is the very first sample to contain statistically significant numbers of blazars at low luminosities, approaching what should be the lower end of the FSRQ luminosity function.

EROS and MACHO combined limits on planetary-mass dark matter in the galactic halo

Abstract: The EROS and MACHO collaborations have each published upper limits on the amount of planetary-mass dark matter in the Galactic halo obtained from gravitational microlensing searches. In this Letter, the two limits are combined to give a much stronger constraint on the abundance of low-mass MACHOs. Specifically, objects with masses 10−7 Mm10−3 M make up less than 25% of the halo dark matter for most models considered, and less than 10% of a standard spherical halo is made of MACHOs in the 3.5×10−7 M

The Southern Sky Redshift Survey

Abstract: We report redshifts, magnitudes, and morphological classifications for 5369 galaxies with mB ≤ 15.5 and for 57 galaxies fainter than this limit, in two regions covering a total of 1.70 sr in the southern celestial hemisphere. The galaxy catalog is drawn primarily from the list of nonstellar objects identified in the Hubble Space Telescope Guide Star Catalog (GSC). The galaxies have positions accurate to ~1'' and magnitudes with an rms scatter of ~0.3 mag. We compute magnitudes (mSSRS2) from the relation between instrumental GSC magnitudes and the photometry by Lauberts & Valentijn. From a comparison with CCD photometry, we find that our system is homogeneous across the sky and corresponds to magnitudes measured at the isophotal level ~26 mag arcsec-2. The precision of the radial velocities is ~40 km s-1, and the redshift survey is more than 99% complete to the mSSRS2 = 15.5 mag limit. This sample is in the direction opposite that of the CfA2; in combination the two surveys provide an important database for studies of the properties of galaxies and their large-scale distribution in the nearby universe.

Performance of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Adaptive Optics Bonnette

Abstract: Extensive results from the commissioning phase of PUEO, the adaptive optics instrument adaptor for the Canada‐France‐Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), are presented and discussed. Analyses of more than 750 images recorded with a CCD and a near‐IR camera on 16 nights in wavelengths from B to H are used to derive the properties of the compensated wavefront and images in a variety of conditions. The performance characteristics of the system are analyzed and presented in several ways, in terms of delivered Strehl ratios, full width half‐maxima (FWHM), and quantities describing the improvements of both. A qualitative description is given of how the properties of the corrected images result from the structure function of the compensated phase. Under median seeing conditions, PUEO delivers essentially diffraction‐limited images at H and K and images with FWHM ∼ 0 \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepac...

The Peculiar Type II Supernova 1997D: A Case for a Very Low 56Ni Mass

Abstract: SN 1997D in NGC 1536 is possibly the least luminous and energetic Type II supernova discovered to date. The entire light curve is subluminous, never reaching MV=-14.65. The radioactive tail follows the 56Co decay slope. In the case of a nearly complete trapping of the γ-rays, the 56Ni mass derived from the tail brightness is extremely small, ~0.002 M☉. At discovery, the spectra showed a red continuum and line velocities on the order of 1000 km s−1. The luminosity and the photospheric expansion velocity suggest that the explosion occurred about 50 days before discovery and that a plateau probably followed. Model light curves and spectra of the explosion of a 26 M☉ star successfully fitted the observations. Low-mass models are inconsistent with the observations. The radius of the progenitor, constrained by the prediscovery upper limits, is R0 300 R☉. A low explosion energy of ~4 × 1050 ergs is then required in the modeling. The strong Ba II lines in the photospheric spectra are reproduced with a solar abundance and low Teff. A scenario in which the low 56Ni mass observed in SN 1997D is due to fallback of material onto the collapsed remnant of the explosion of a 25-40 M☉ star appears to be favored over the case of the explosion of an 8-10 M☉ star with low 56Ni production.

Cluster versus Field Elliptical Galaxies and Clues on Their Formation

Abstract: Using new observations for a sample of 931 early-type galaxies, we investigate whether the Mg2-σ0 relation shows any dependence on the local environment. The galaxies have been assigned to three different environments depending on the local overdensity (clusters, groups, and field); we used our complete redshift database to guide the assignment of galaxies. It is found that cluster, group, and field early-type galaxies follow almost identical Mg2-σ0 relations, with the largest Mg2 zero-point difference (clusters minus field) being only 0.007±0.002 mag. No correlation of the residuals is found with the morphological type or the bulge-to-disk ratio. Using stellar population models in a differential fashion, this small zero-point difference implies a luminosity-weighted age difference of only ~1 Gyr between the corresponding stellar populations, with field galaxies being younger. The mass-weighted age difference could be significantly smaller if minor events of late star formation took place preferentially in field galaxies. We combine these results with the existing evidence for the bulk of stars in cluster early-type galaxies having formed at very high redshift and conclude that the bulk of stars in galactic spheroids had to form at high redshifts (z3), no matter whether such spheroids now reside in low- or high-density regions. The cosmological implications of these findings are briefly discussed.

The Hubble Space Telescope Quasar Absorption Line Key Project. XIV. The Evolution of Lyα Absorption Lines in the Redshift Interval z = 0-1.5*

Abstract: We present the results of an analysis of the rate of evolution of the Lyα absorption lines in the redshift interval 0.0 to ~1.5 based upon a sample of 987 Lyα absorption lines identified in the spectra of 63 QSOs obtained with the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). These spectra were obtained as part of the QSO Absorption Line Survey, an HST Key Project during the first four years of observations with the telescope. Fits to the evolution of the number of absorbers per unit redshift (dN/dz) of the form dN/dz = A × (1 + z)γ continue to yield values of γ in the range 0.1-0.3, decidedly flatter than results from ground-based data pertaining to the redshift range z > 1.7. These results are consistent with our previous results based on a much smaller sample of lines, but the uncertainties in the fit have been greatly reduced. The combination of the HST and ground-based data suggest a marked transition in the rate of evolution of the Lyα lines at a redshift of about 1.7. The 19 Lyα lines from an additional higher redshift QSO from our sample for which tentative line identifications are available (UM 18; zem = 1.89) support the suggestion of a rapid increase at around this redshift. We derive the cumulative distribution of the full sample of Lyα lines and show that the distribution in redshift can indeed be well represented by a power law of the form (1 + z)γ. For this same sample, the distribution of equivalent widths of the Lyα absorbers above a rest equivalent width of 0.1 A is fit quite well by an exponential. Comparing samples of Lyα lines, one set of which has redshifts the same as, or very near to, the redshifts of ions from heavy elements and another set in which no ions from heavy elements have been identified, we find that the Lyα systems with heavy element detections have a much steeper slope than the high rest equivalent width portion of the Lyman-only sample. We argue that this result is not likely to be due to either line misidentification or incomplete spectral coverage. Considering the insensitivity of the equivalent width to large changes in the column density for saturated lines, we suggest that this result is probably attributable to rapid evolution of the very highest column density systems, rather than real differences in metallicity. We find evidence that the rate of evolution increases with increasing equivalent width. We compare our results for the variation of line density with redshift to recent numerical simulations of Lyα absorbers, in particular, to those of Riediger, Petitjean, & Mucket, which extend to zero redshift. We find fairly good agreement between these simulations and our results, though the rapid evolution we find in the Lyα systems containing heavy element ions is not predicted in their models. We speculate that these heavy element-containing Lyα systems involve those clouds closely associated with galaxies, whose column densities are too high and whose sizes are too small to be included in the Riediger et al. simulations. Our results for Lyα lines at the high end of our equivalent width distribution are compatible with the recent analysis of the absorber-galaxy correlation by Chen et al. For the weaker lines, however, our results suggest that whatever association exists between absorbers and galaxies is different from that for the stronger lines. We conclude with some suggestions for further observations.

The Resolved Stellar Population of the Poststarburst Galaxy NGC 1569

Abstract: We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) photometry of the resolved stellar population in the poststarburst galaxy NGC 1569 The color-magnitude diagram (CMD) derived in the F439W and F555W photometric bands contains ~2800 stars with a photometric error of ≤02 mag down to mF439, mF555 26 and is complete for mF555 23 Adopting the literature-distance modulus and reddening, our CMD samples stars more massive than ~4 M☉, allowing us to study the star formation (SF) history over the last ~015 Gyr The data are interpreted using theoretical simulations based on stellar evolutionary models The synthetic diagrams include photometric errors and incompleteness factors Testing various sets of tracks, we find that the ability of the models to reproduce the observed features in the CMD is strictly related to the shape of the blue loops of the sequences with masses around 5 M☉ The field of NGC 1569 experienced a global SF burst of 01 Gyr duration, ending ~5-10 Myr ago During the burst, the SF rate was approximately constant, and, if quiescent periods occurred, they lasted less than ~10 Myr The level of the SF rate was very high; for a single-slope initial mass function (IMF) ranging from 01 to 120 M☉, we find values of 3, 1, and 05 M☉ yr-1 for α = 3, 26, and 235 (Salpeter), respectively When scaled for the surveyed area, these rates are approximately 100 times larger than found in the most active dwarf irregulars in the Local Group The data are consistent with a Salpeter IMF, though our best models indicate slightly steeper exponents We discuss the implications of our results in the general context of the evolution of dwarf galaxies

Southern Sky Redshift Survey: Clustering of Local Galaxies

Abstract: We use the two-point correlation function to calculate the clustering properties of the recently completed SSRS2 survey, which probes two well-separated regions of the sky, allowing one to evaluate the sensitivity of sample-to-sample variations. Taking advantage of the large number of galaxies in the combined sample, we also investigate the dependence of clustering on the internal properties of galaxies. The redshift-space correlation function for the combined magnitude-limited sample of the SSRS2 is given by ?(s) = [s/(5.85 h-1 Mpc)]-1.60 for separations in the range 2 h-1 Mpc ? s ? 11 h-1 Mpc, while our best estimate for the real-space correlation function is ?(r) = [r/(5.36 h-1 Mpc)]-1.86. Both are comparable with previous measurements using surveys of optical galaxies over much larger and independent volumes. By comparing the correlation function calculated in redshift and real space, we find that the redshift distortion on intermediate scales is small. This result implies that the observed redshift-space distribution of galaxies is close to that in real space and that ? = ?0.6/b L*) are more clustered than sub-L* galaxies and that the luminosity segregation is scale-independent. We also find that early types are more clustered than late types. However, in the absence of rich clusters, the relative bias between early and late types in real space, bE+S0/bS ~ 1.2, is not as strong as previously estimated. Furthermore, both morphologies present a luminosity-dependent bias, with the early types showing a slightly stronger dependence on luminosity. We also find that red galaxies are significantly more clustered than blue ones, with a mean relative bias of bR/bB ~ 1.4, stronger than that observed for morphology. Finally, by comparing our results with the measurements obtained from the infrared-selected galaxies, we determine that the relative bias between optical and IRAS galaxies in real space is bo/bI ~ 1.4.

The Recent Star Formation History of GR 8 from Hubble Space Telescope Photometry of the Resolved Stars

Abstract: ?????We have used the Hubble Space Telescope to observe the resolved stars in the dwarf irregular galaxy GR 8 (DDO 155, UGC 8091). The data consisted of dithered Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images in three bands: F439W (1 hr), F555W (30 minutes), and F814W (30 minutes). The stellar photometry was extracted with a modified version of DoPHOT. Artificial star tests showed the data to be 50% complete to V = 26.3, B = 25.4, and I = 25.2. The color-magnitude diagrams contain well-defined populations, including a very young main sequence (MS) (<10 Myr), and a red giant branch as old as several Gyr. These features align well with stellar evolution models of the appropriate metallicity. The distance based on the tip of the red giant branch is in excellent agreement with the Cepheid determination of ? = 26.75 ? 0.35 (2.2 Mpc), which we adopted. An extended stellar halo was discovered well beyond the H I. Based on the MS and blue HeB luminosity function, we calculated the star formation rate (SFR) over the past 500 Myr. The SFR has been fairly constant, at 400 M? Myr-1 kpc-2 with up to 60% variations. The blue HeB stars were used as a tracer for the location of star formation over this time period. The star formation occurred in superassociation size regions (100?200 pc), which lasted ~100 Myr. These regions come and go with no obvious pattern, except that they seem to concentrate in the current locations of H I clumps. This suggested that the H I clumps are long-lived features that support several star-forming events over time. The most likely explanation is that the star-forming regions are gravitationally bound. We estimated the gas-to-star conversion efficiency to be 6%. We compared our results with those of three other dI galaxies: Sextans A, Pegasus DIG, and Leo A. There is a trend of higher SFR per area with larger MH I/LB. Also, the star formation pattern is similar in all four galaxies. Finally, none of the four dI galaxies contained a large starburst, comparable to those in BCD galaxies. Combining the histories of all four galaxies, this implies that less than 5% of dI galaxies are hosting a strong burst of star formation at any given time. Observations of more galaxies are needed to improve this statistic.

A Very Low Mass of 56Ni in the Ejecta of SN 1994W

Abstract: We present spectroscopic and photometric observations of the luminous narrow-line Type IIP (plateau) supernova 1994W. After the plateau phase (t 120 days), the light curve dropped by ~3.5 mag in V in only 12 days. Between 125 and 197 days after explosion, the supernova faded substantially faster than the decay rate of 56Co, and by day 197 it was 3.6 mag less luminous in R than SN 1987A. The low R luminosity could indicate 0.0026+ 0.0017−0.0011 M☉ of 56Ni ejected at the explosion. The emission between 125 and 197 days would in this case be dominated by diffusion of emission from the mantle region, or by an additional power source, presumably circumstellar interaction. Alternatively, the late light curve could have been dominated by 56Co decay. In this case, the mass of the ejected 56Ni would have been 0.015+ 0.012−0.008 M☉, and the rapid fading between 125 and 197 days most likely due to dust formation. Although this value of the mass is higher than in the first case, it is still lower than estimated for any previous Type II supernova. Only progenitors with MZAMS ~ 8-10 M☉ and MZAMS 25 M☉ are expected to eject such low masses of 56Ni. If MZAMS ~ 8-10 M☉, the plateau phase indicates a low explosion energy, while for a progenitor with MZAMS 25 M☉, the energy can be the canonical ~1051 ergs. As SN 1994W was unusually luminous, the low-mass explosion may require an uncomfortably high efficiency in converting explosion energy into radiation. This favors a MZAMS 25 M☉ progenitor. The supernova's narrow (~1000 km s-1) emission lines were excited by the hot supernova spectrum, rather than by a circumstellar shock. The thin shell from which the lines originated was most likely accelerated by radiation from the supernova.

APM 08279+5255: An Ultraluminous Broad Absorption Line Quasar at a Redshift z = 3.87

Abstract: We report on the discovery of a highly luminous, broad absorption line quasar at a redshift of z = 3.87, which is positionally coincident, within 1'', with the IRAS Faint Source Catalog source F08279+5255. A chance alignment of the quasar and the IRAS source is extremely unlikely, and we argue that the optical and far-infrared flux are different manifestations of the same object. With an R-band magnitude of 15.2 and an IRAS 60 μm flux of 0.51 Jy, APM 08279+5255 is (apparently) easily the most intrinsically luminous object known, with LBol ~ 5 × 1015 L☉. Optical CCD photometry of the system, taken in good seeing, shows evidence that the system is slightly elongated. Although these data are consistent with the superposition of the quasar on a vastly luminous galaxy, we argue that a more likely scenario is that the optical image implies the presence of two unresolved point sources. Such a configuration suggests that gravitational lensing may play a significant role in amplifying the intrinsic properties of the system. Point-spread function fitting of two discrete sources gives a separation of ~04 and an intensity ratio ~1.1. The optical spectrum of the quasar clearly reveals the presence of three potential lensing galaxies, Mg II absorption systems at z = 1.18 and z = 1.81, and a damped Lyα absorption system at z = 3.07. Additional, as yet unseen, lensing galaxies may also be present. We estimate the total amplification of the optical component to be ≈ 40 but, owing to the larger scale of the emitting region, would expect the infrared amplification to be significantly less. Even making the conservative assumption that all wavelengths are amplified by a factor 40, APM 08279+5255 still possesses a phenomenal luminosity of 1014 L☉, indicating that it belongs to a small but significant population of high-redshift, hyperluminous objects with copious infrared emission.

High-resolution spectra of very low-mass stars

Abstract: We present the results of high-resolution (1–0.4 A) optical spectroscopy of a sample of very low-mass stars. These data are used to examine the kinematics of the stars at the bottom of the hydrogen-burning main sequence. No evidence is found for a significant difference between the kinematics of the stars in our sample with I − K > 3.5 (Mbol ≳ 12.8) and those of more massive M dwarfs (Mbol ≈ 7–10). A spectral atlas at high (0.4-A) resolution for M8–M9+ stars is provided, and the equivalent widths of Cs I, Rb I and Hα lines present in our spectra are examined. We analyse our data to search for the presence of rapid rotation, and find that the brown dwarf LP 944-20 is a member of the class of ‘inactive, rapid rotators’. Such objects seem to be common at and below the hydrogen-burning main sequence. It seems that in low-mass/low-temperature dwarf objects either the mechanism that heats the chromosphere, or the mechanism that generates magnetic fields, is greatly suppressed.

Understanding the Cool DA White Dwarf Pulsator, G29-38

Abstract: The white dwarfs are promising laboratories for the study of cosmochronology and stellar evolution. Through observations of the pulsating white dwarfs, we can measure their internal structures and compositions, critical to understanding post-main-sequence evolution, along with their cooling rates, which will allow us to calibrate their ages directly. The most important set of white dwarf variables to measure are the oldest of the pulsators, the cool DA variables (DAVs), which have not been explored previously through asteroseismology due to their complexity and instability. Through a time-series photometry data set spanning 10 yr, we explore the pulsation spectrum of the cool DAV, G29-38 and find an underlying structure of 19 (not including multiplet components) normal-mode, probably l=1 pulsations amidst an abundance of time variability and linear combination modes. Modeling results are incomplete, but we suggest possible starting directions and discuss probable values for the stellar mass and hydrogen layer size. For the first time, we have made sense out of the complicated power spectra of a large-amplitude DA pulsator. We have shown that its seemingly erratic set of observed frequencies can be understood in terms of a recurring set of normal-mode pulsations and their linear combinations. With this result, we have opened the interior secrets of the DAVs to future asteroseismological modeling, thereby joining the rest of the known white dwarf pulsators.

The nature of the optical–radio correlations for powerful radio galaxies

Abstract: The nature of the optical–radio correlations for powerful radio galaxies is investigated using spectroscopic observations of a complete sample of southern 2-Jy radio sources. In line with previous work, we find that significant correlations exist between the luminosities of the [O III]λ 5007, [O II]λ 3727 and Hβ emission lines and the radio luminosity. However, our observations are not easily reconciled with the idea that these correlations are caused by the increase in the power of the photoionizing quasar as the jet power increases, with average ISM properties not changing appreciably with redshift or radio power: not only do we find that the scatter in the L[O iii] versus Lradio correlation is significantly larger than in L[O ii] versus Lradio and LHβ versus Lradio correlations, but the ionization state deduced from the emission lines does not increase with radio power as predicted by the simple, constant ISM, photoionization model. We conclude that (a) there exists a considerable range in the quasar ionizing luminosity at a given redshift, and (b) the mean density of the emission-line clouds is larger in the high-redshift/high-power radio sources. The latter density enhancement may be either a consequence of the increased importance of jet–cloud interactions or, alternatively, the result of a higher pressure in the confining hot ISM, in the high-redshift objects. Apart from the general scatter in the correlations, we identify a distinct group of objects with [O III]λ 5007 luminosities which are more than an order of magnitude lower than in the general population radio galaxies at similar redshift. These weak-line radio galaxies (WLRGs) are likely to be sources in which the central ionizing quasars are particularly feeble. Deep spectra show that many of the sources in our sample are broad-line radio galaxies (BLRGs). The fact that the BLRGs are observed out to the redshift limit of the survey, overlapping in redshift with the quasars, argues against the idea that BLRGs are simply the low-radio-power counterparts of high-power, high-redshift quasars. Either there exists a considerable range in the intrinsic luminosities of the broad-line AGN for a given redshift or radio power, or the BLRGs represent partially obscured quasars. The degree of scatter present in the L[Oiii] versus Lradio correlation supports the former possibility.

Explosion Diagnostics of Type Ia Supernovae from Early Infrared Spectra

Abstract: Models of infrared spectra of Type Ia supernovae around maximum light are presented. The underlying dynamic models are delayed detonation explosions in Chandrasekhar mass carbon/oxygen white dwarfs. In combination with the radiative transport codes employed here, these models provide plausible fits to the optical spectra of "normal" Type Ia supernovae. Two independent radiative transport codes are used, one that assumes LTE and one that computes non-LTE excitations and ionization. The models are compared with the infrared data available in the literature. The independent codes give a reasonable representation of the data and provide physical explanations for their origin independent of the detailed assumptions of the radiative transfer. The infrared gives an especially powerful diagnostic of the dynamic model because it probes different depths at the same epoch within the exploded white dwarf with strongly variable line-blanketing opacity. The velocity of the transition zone between explosive oxygen and carbon burning can be directly determined. The velocity at which the burning to nickel stops can also be probed. These velocities are very sensitive to the explosion physics.

Galactic Indigestion: Numerical Simulations of the Milky Way's Closest Neighbor

Abstract: Are dwarf spheroidal galaxies dark matter dominated? We present N-body simulations of the interaction between the Milky Way and its closest companion, the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy, constrained by new kinematic, distance, and surface density observations (detailed in a companion paper). It is shown that there is no possible self-consistent solution to the present existence of the Sagittarius dwarf if its distribution of luminous matter traces the underlying distribution of mass. The luminous component of the dwarf galaxy must therefore be shielded within a small dark matter halo. Although at present we are unable to construct a fully self-consistent model that includes both the stellar and dark matter components, it is shown numerically that it is possible that a pure dark matter model, approximating the dark matter halo deduced for the Sagittarius dwarf from analytical arguments, may indeed survive the Galactic tides. The orbit of the Sagittarius dwarf around the Milky Way is considered, taking into account the perturbative effects of the Magellanic Clouds. It is shown that at the present time, the orbital period must be short, ~0.7 Gyr; the initial orbital period for a 109 M☉ model will have been ~1 Gyr. It is found that a close encounter with the Magellanic Clouds may have occurred, although the chances of such an interaction affecting the orbit of the Sagittarius dwarf are negligible.

Proton Capture Chains in Globular Cluster Stars. III. Abundances of Giants in the Second-Parameter Globular Cluster NGC 7006

Abstract: High-resolution spectra have been obtained of six red giants in the globular cluster NGC 7006 using the HIRES instrument on the Keck I Telescope. The [iron-peak/Fe] and [α-nuclei/Fe] elemental ratios are similar to those found in other halo globular clusters. Significant, but modest, star-to-star abundance differences are found for the elements O, Na, and Al, with the [O/Fe] abundance ratio being anticorrelated with both [Na/Fe] and [Al/Fe]. These anticorrelations indicate that O → N processed material, within which Ne has also been converted to Na and Mg to Al by proton addition reactions, has been brought to the surface of the cluster giants via a deep-mixing mechanism that cycles material through the O → N burning zone just outside the main hydrogen-burning shell. Despite the significant [Al/Fe] differences among the NGC 7006 giants, there is very little accompanying difference in [Mg/Fe]. This result, however, is not inconsistent with a deep-mixing origin for the [Al/Fe] enhancements; because Mg is initially much more abundant than Al, conversion of only a small fraction of Mg into Al can still produce a large percentage increase in the Al abundance. Plots of [Na/Fe] versus [O/Fe] and [Al/Fe] versus [Mg/Fe] indicate that the amount of proton-capture–processed material that has been mixed into the envelopes of the NGC 7006 giants is less extreme than within some giants of the globular clusters M13 and M15. In particular, unlike the NGC 7006 giants, most giants in M13 and some in M15 exhibit significantly reduced [O/Fe] and [Mg/Fe] ratios and very high [Al/Fe]. This difference in the [Mg/Fe] behavior may be related to differences in horizontal-branch morphology between M13 and NGC 7006. Within some M13 giants, it is possible that deep mixing has accessed regions in which not only has Mg been converted to Al but significant amounts of helium have also been produced from hydrogen burning. Deep mixing in such stars may not only significantly reduce the surface [Mg/Fe] ratio but may also increase the [He/H] ratio by amounts that will affect the zero-age horizontal-branch (HB) position that a giant will eventually occupy. This could explain the extension of the M13 HB to very blue colors. By contrast, giants in NGC 7006 experience modest amounts of interior mixing that may be deep enough to detectably alter the surface [Al/Fe] ratio, but not the [Mg/Fe] and [He/H] ratios. These stars will have a relatively low [He/H] ratio and so will adopt relatively red positions when they evolve onto the horizontal branch; the HB of NGC 7006 does indeed comprise a large percentage of stars redder than the RR Lyrae gap. In this scenario, deep mixing within cluster red giants may be one of the second parameters that affects horizontal-branch morphology.