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A. Kvammen

Publications and source records attributed to A. Kvammen.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Stochastic modeling of multiwavelength variability of the classical BL Lac object OJ 287 on timescales ranging from decades to hours

We present the results of our power spectral density analysis for the BL Lac object OJ\,287, utilizing the {\it Fermi}-LAT survey at high-energy $γ$-rays, {\it Swift}-XRT in X-rays, several ground-based telescopes and the {\it Kepler} satellite in the optical, and radio telescopes at GHz frequencies. The light curves are modeled in terms of continuous-time auto-regressive moving average (CARMA) processes. Owing to the inclusion of the {\it Kepler} data, we were able to construct \emph{for the first time} the optical variability power spectrum of a blazar without any gaps across $\sim6$ dex in temporal frequencies. Our analysis reveals that the radio power spectra are of a colored-noise type on timescales ranging from tens of years down to months, with no evidence for breaks or other spectral features. The overall optical power spectrum is also consistent with a colored noise on the variability timescales ranging from 117 years down to hours, with no hints of any quasi-periodic oscillations. The X-ray power spectrum resembles the radio and optical power spectra on the analogous timescales ranging from tens of years down to months. Finally, the $γ$-ray power spectrum is noticeably different from the radio, optical, and X-ray power spectra of the source: we have detected a characteristic relaxation timescale in the {\it Fermi}-LAT data, corresponding to $\sim 150$\,days, such that on timescales longer than this, the power spectrum is consistent with uncorrelated (white) noise, while on shorter variability timescales there is correlated (colored) noise.

astro-ph.HE

Discovery of a variable lead-rich hot subdwarf: UVO 0825+15

UVO0825+15 is a hot bright helium-rich subdwarf which lies in {\it K2} Field 5 and in a sample of intermediate helium-rich subdwarfs observed with {\it Subaru/HDS}. The {\it K2} light curve shows low-amplitude variations, whilst the {\it Subaru} spectrum shows Pb{\sc iv} absorption lines, indicative of a very high lead overabundance. UVO0825+15 also has a high proper motion with kinematics typical for a thick disk star. Analyses of ultraviolet and intermediate dispersion optical spectra rule out a short-period binary companion, and provide fundamental atmospheric parameters of $T_{\rm off}=38\,900\pm270$\,K, $\log g/{\rm cm\,s^{-2}}=5.97\pm0.11$, $\log n_{\rm He}/n_{\rm H}=-0.57\pm0.01$, $E_{B-V}\approx0.03$, and angular radius $θ= 1.062\pm0.006\times10^{-11}$ radians (formal errors). The high-resolution spectrum shows that carbon is $>2$ dex subsolar, iron is approximately solar and all other elements heavier than argon are at least 2 -- 4 dex overabundant, including germanium, yttrium and lead. Approximately 150 lines in the blue-optical spectrum remain unidentified. The chemical structure of the photosphere is presumed to be determined by radiatively-dominated diffusion. The {\it K2} light curve shows a dominant period around 10.8\,h, with a variable amplitude, its first harmonic, and another period at 13.3\,h. The preferred explanation is multi-periodic non-radial oscillation due to g-modes with very high radial order, although this presents difficulties for pulsation theory. Alternative explanations fail for lack of radial-velocity evidence. UVO0825+15 represents the fourth member of a group of hot subdwarfs having helium-enriched photospheres and 3--4 dex overabundances of trans-iron elements, and is the first lead-rich subdwarf to show evidence of pulsations.

astro-ph.SR

Primary black hole spin in OJ287 as determined by the General Relativity centenary flare

OJ287 is a quasi-periodic quasar with roughly 12 year optical cycles. It displays prominent outbursts which are predictable in a binary black hole model. The model predicted a major optical outburst in December 2015. We found that the outburst did occur within the expected time range, peaking on 2015 December 5 at magnitude 12.9 in the optical R-band. Based on Swift/XRT satellite measurements and optical polarization data, we find that it included a major thermal component. Its timing provides an accurate estimate for the spin of the primary black hole, chi = 0.313 +- 0.01. The present outburst also confirms the established general relativistic properties of the system such as the loss of orbital energy to gravitational radiation at the 2 % accuracy level and it opens up the possibility of testing the black hole no-hair theorem with a 10 % accuracy during the present decade.

astro-ph.HE