arXiv subjects

A. Luna

Publications and source records attributed to A. Luna.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Early Science with the Large Millimetre Telescope: Fragmentation of molecular clumps in the Galaxy

Sensitive, imaging observations of the 1.1 mm dust continuum emission from a 1 deg^2 area collected with the AzTEC bolometer camera on the Large Millimeter Telescope are presented. A catalog of 1545 compact sources is constructed based on a Wiener-optimization filter. These sources are linked to larger clump structures identified in the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey. Hydrogen column densities are calculated for all sources and mass and mean volume densities are derived for the subset of sources for which kinematic distances can be assigned. The AzTEC sources are localized, high density peaks within the massive clumps of molecular clouds and comprise 5-15% of the clump mass. We examine the role of the gravitational instability in generating these fragments by comparing the mass of embedded AzTEC sources to the Jeans' mass of the parent BGPS object. For sources with distances less than 6 kpc the fragment masses are comparable to the clump Jeans' mass, despite having isothermal Mach numbers between 1.6 and 7.2. AzTEC sources linked to ultra-compact HII regions have mass surface densities greater than the critical value implied by the mass-size relationship of infrared dark clouds with high mass star formation while AzTEC sources associated with Class II methanol masers have mass surface densities greater than 0.7 g cm^{-2} that approaches the proposed threshold required to form massive stars.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

The molecular cloud S242: physical environment and star formation activities

We present a multi-wavelength study to probe the star formation (SF) processes on a larger scale (~1.05 deg x 0.56 deg) around the S242 site. The S242 molecular cloud is depicted in a velocity range from -3.25 to 4.55 km/s and has spatially elongated appearance. Based on the virial analysis, the cloud is prone to gravitational collapse. The cloud harbors an elongated filamentary structure (EFS; length ~25 pc) evident in the Herschel column density map and the EFS has an observed mass per unit length of ~200 M_sun/pc exceeding the critical value of ~16 M_sun/pc (at T = 10 K). The EFS contains a chain of Herschel clumps (M_clump ~150 to 1020 M_sun), revealing the evidence of fragmentation along its length. The most massive clumps are observed at both the EFS ends, while the S242 HII region is located at one EFS end. Based on the radio continuum maps at 1.28 and 1.4 GHz, the S242 HII region is ionized by a B0.5V - B0V type star and has a dynamical age of ~0.5 Myr. The photometric 1 - 5 microns data analysis of point-like sources traces young stellar objects (YSOs) toward the EFS and the clusters of YSOs are exclusively found at both the EFS ends, revealing the SF activities. Considering the spatial presence of massive clumps and YSO clusters at both the EFS ends, the observed results are consistent with the prediction of a SF scenario of the end-dominated collapse driven by the higher accelerations of gas.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

The star formation law in Galactic high-mass star-forming molecular clouds

We study the star formation (SF) law in 12 Galactic molecular clouds with ongoing high-mass star formation (HMSF) activity, as traced by the presence of a bright IRAS source and other HMSF tracers. We define the molecular cloud (MC) associated to each IRAS source using 13CO line emission, and count the young stellar objects (YSOs) within these clouds using GLIMPSE and MIPSGAL 24 micron Spitzer databases.The masses for high luminosity YSOs (Lbol>10~Lsun) are determined individually using Pre Main Sequence evolutionary tracks and the evolutionary stages of the sources, whereas a mean mass of 0.5 Msun was adopted to determine the masses in the low luminosity YSO population. The star formation rate surface density (sigsfr) corresponding to a gas surface density (siggas) in each MC is obtained by counting the number of the YSOs within successive contours of 13CO line emission. We find a break in the relation between sigsfr and siggas, with the relation being power-law (sigsfr ~ siggas^N) with the index N varying between 1.4 and 3.6 above the break. The siggas at the break is between 150-360 Msun/pc^2 for the sample clouds, which compares well with the threshold gas density found in recent studies of Galactic star-forming regions. Our clouds treated as a whole lie between the Kennicutt (1998) relation and the linear relation for Galactic and extra-galactic dense star-forming regions. We find a tendency for the high-mass YSOs to be found preferentially in dense regions at densities higher than 1200 Msun/pc^2 (~0.25 g/cm^2).

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

Perturbative spacetimes from Yang-Mills theory

The double copy relates scattering amplitudes in gauge and gravity theories. In this paper, we expand the scope of the double copy to construct spacetime metrics through a systematic perturbative expansion. The perturbative procedure is based on direct calculation in Yang-Mills theory, followed by squaring the numerator of certain perturbative diagrams as specified by the double-copy algorithm. The simplest spherically symmetric, stationary spacetime from the point of view of this procedure is a particular member of the Janis-Newman-Winicour family of naked singularities. Our work paves the way for applications of the double copy to physically interesting problems such as perturbative black-hole scattering.

hep-th↗

arXiv2017

Early Science with the Large Millimetre Telescope: Molecules in the Extreme Outflow of a proto-Planetary Nebula

Extremely high velocity emission likely related to jets is known to occur in some proto-Planetary Nebulae. However, the molecular complexity of this kinematic component is largely unknown. We observed the known extreme outflow from the proto-Planetary Nebula IRAS 16342-3814, a prototype water fountain, in the full frequency range from 73 to 111 GHz with the RSR receiver on the Large Millimetre Telescope. We detected the molecules SiO, HCN, SO, and $^{13}$CO. All molecular transitions, with the exception of the latter are detected for the first time in this source, and all present emission with velocities up to a few hundred km s$^{-1}$. IRAS 16342-3814 is therefore the only source of this kind presenting extreme outflow activity simultaneously in all these molecules, with SO and SiO emission showing the highest velocities found of these species in proto-Planetary Nebulae. To be confirmed is a tentative weak SO component with a FWHM $\sim$ 700 km s$^{-1}$. The extreme outflow gas consists of dense gas (n$_{\rm H_2} >$ 10$^{4.8}$--10$^{5.7}$ cm$^{-3}$), with a mass larger than $\sim$ 0.02--0.15 M$_{\odot}$. The relatively high abundances of SiO and SO may be an indication of an oxygen-rich extreme high velocity gas.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

Next-to-soft corrections to high energy scattering in QCD and gravity

We examine the Regge (high energy) limit of 4-point scattering in both QCD and gravity, using recently developed techniques to systematically compute all corrections up to next-to-leading power in the exchanged momentum i.e. beyond the eikonal approximation. We consider the situation of two scalar particles of arbitrary mass, thus generalising previous calculations in the literature. In QCD, our calculation describes power-suppressed corrections to the Reggeisation of the gluon. In gravity, we confirm a previous conjecture that next-to-soft corrections correspond to two independent deflection angles for the incoming particles. Our calculations in QCD and gravity are consistent with the well-known double copy relating amplitudes in the two theories.

hep-th↗

arXiv2016

The physical environment around IRAS 17599-2148: infrared dark cloud and bipolar nebula

We present a multi-scale and multi-wavelength study to investigate the star formation process around IRAS 17599$-$2148 that is part of an elongated filamentary structure (EFS) (extension $\sim$21 pc) seen in the {\it Herschel} maps. Using the {\it Herschel} data analysis, at least six massive clumps (M$_{clump}$ $\sim$777 -- 7024 M$_{\odot}$) are found in the EFS with a range of temperature and column density of $\sim$16--39~K and $\sim$0.6--11~$\times$~10$^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$ (A$_{V}$ $\sim$7--117 mag), respectively. The EFS hosts cold gas regions (i.e. infrared dark cloud) without any radio detection and a bipolar nebula (BN) linked with the H\,{\sc ii} region IRAS 17599$-$2148, tracing two distinct environments inferred through the temperature distribution and ionized emission. Based on virial analysis and higher values of self-gravitating pressure, the clumps are found unstable against gravitational collapse. We find 474 young stellar objects (YSOs) in the selected region and $\sim$72\% of these YSOs are found in the clusters distributed mainly toward the clumps in the EFS. These YSOs might have spontaneously formed due to processes not related to the expanding H\,{\sc ii} region. At the edges of BN, four additional clumps are also associated with YSOs clusters, which appear to be influenced by the expanding H\,{\sc ii} region. The most massive clump in the EFS contains two compact radio sources traced in the GMRT 1.28 GHz map and a massive protostar candidate, IRS~1 prior to an ultracompact H\,{\sc ii} phase. Using the VLT/NACO near-infrared images, IRS~1 is resolved with a jet-like feature within a 4200~AU scale.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

Multi-wavelength study of the star-formation in the S237 H II region

We present a detailed multi-wavelength study of observations from X-ray, near-infrared to centimeter wavelengths to probe the star formation processes in the S237 region. Multi-wavelength images trace an almost sphere-like shell morphology of the region, which is filled with the 0.5--2 keV X-ray emission. The region contains two distinct environments - a bell-shaped cavity-like structure containing the peak of 1.4 GHz emission at center, and elongated filamentary features without any radio detection at edges of the sphere-like shell - where {\it Herschel} clumps are detected. Using the 1.4 GHz continuum and $^{12}$CO line data, the S237 region is found to be excited by a radio spectral type of B0.5V star and is associated with an expanding H{\sc ii} region. The photoionized gas appears to be responsible for the origin of the bell-shaped structure. The majority of molecular gas is distributed toward a massive {\it Herschel} clump (M$_{clump}$ $\sim$260 M$_{\odot}$), which contains the filamentary features and has a noticeable velocity gradient. The photometric analysis traces the clusters of young stellar objects (YSOs) mainly toward the bell-shaped structure and the filamentary features. Considering the lower dynamical age of the H\,{\sc ii} region (i.e. 0.2-0.8 Myr), these clusters are unlikely to be formed by the expansion of the H\,{\sc ii} region. Our results also show the existence of a cluster of YSOs and a massive clump at the intersection of filamentary features, indicating that the collisions of these features may have triggered cluster formation, similar to those found in Serpens South region.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

A New Overview of Secular Period Changes of RR Lyrae stars inM5

Secular period variations, $β=\dot{P}$, in 76 RR Lyrae stars in the globular cluster M5 are analysed using our most recent CCD $V$ photometry and the historical photometric database available in the literature since 1889. This provides a time baseline of up to 118 years for these variables. The analysis was performed using two independent approaches: first, the classical $O-C$ behaviour of the time of maximum light, and second, via a grid $(P,β)$, where the solution producing the minimum scatter in the phased light curve is chosen. The results of the two methods agree satisfactorily. This allowed a new interpretation of the nature of the period changes in many RR Lyrae stars in M5. It is found that in $96\%$ of the stars studied no irregular or stochastic variations need to be claimed, but that $66\%$ of the population shows steady period increases or decreases, and that $34\%$ of the periods seem to have been stable over the last century. The lack of systematic positive or negative period variations in RR Lyrae stars in other globular clusters is addressed, and the paradigm of period changes being a consequence of stellar evolution is discussed in terms of chemical variations near the stellar core and of multiple stellar populations. In M5 we found a small positive average value of $β$ and a small surplus of RRab stars with a period increase. Nevertheless, in M5 we have been able to isolate a group of likely evolved stars that systematically show positive, and in some cases large, period change rates.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Star formation activity in the neighbourhood of W-R 1503-160L star in the mid-infrared bubble N46

In order to investigate star formation (SF) processes in extreme environments, we have carried out a multi-wavelength analysis of the mid-infrared bubble N46, which hosts a WN7 Wolf-Rayet (W-R) star. We have used 13CO line data to trace an expanding shell surrounding the W-R star containing about five condensations within the molecular cloud associated with the bubble. The W-R star is associated with a powerful stellar wind having a mechanical luminosity of ~4 x 10^37 ergs/s. A deviation of the H-band starlight mean polarization angles around the bubble has also been traced, indicating the impact of stellar wind on the surroundings. The Herschel temperature map shows a temperature range of ~18 - 24 K toward the five molecular condensations. The photometric analysis reveals that these condensations are associated with the identified clusters of young stellar objects, revealing ongoing SF process. The densest among these five condensations (peak N(H_2) ~9.2 x 10^22 cm^-2 and A_V ~ 98 mag) is associated with a 6.7 GHz methanol maser, an infrared dark cloud, and the CO outflow, tracing active massive SF within it. At least five compact radio sources (crss) are physically linked with the edges of the bubble and each of them is consistent with the radio spectral class of a B0V - B0.5V type star. The ages of the individual infrared counterparts of three crss (~1 - 2 Myr) and a typical age of WN7 W-R star (~4 Myr) indicate that the SF activities around the bubble are influenced by the feedback of the W-R star.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

RR Lyrae stars and the horizontal branch of NGC 5904 (M5)

We report the distance and [Fe/H] value for the globular cluster NGC 5904 (M5) derived from the Fourier decomposition of the light curves of selected RRab and RRc stars. The aim in doing this was to bring these parameters into the homogeneous scales established by our previous work on numerous other globular clusters, allowing a direct comparison of the horizontal branch luminosity in clusters with a wide range of metallicities. Our CCD photometry of the large variable star population of this cluster is used to discuss light curve peculiarities, like Blazhko modulations, on an individual basis. New Blazhko variables are reported. From the RRab stars we found [Fe/H]$_{\rm UVES} = -1.335 \pm 0.003{\rm(statistical)} \pm 0.110{\rm(systematic)}$, and a distance of $7.6\pm 0.2$ kpc, and from the RRc stars we found [Fe/H]$_{\rm UVES}$ = $-1.39 \pm 0.03{\rm(statistical)} \pm 0.12{\rm(systematic)}$ and a distance of $7.5 \pm 0.3$ kpc. The results for RRab and RRc stars should be considered independent since they come from different calibrations and zero points. Absolute magnitudes, radii and masses are also reported for individual RR Lyrae stars. The distance to the cluster was calculated by alternative methods like the P-L relation of SX Phe and the luminosity of the stars at the tip of the red giant branch; we obtained $7.7 \pm 0.4$ and $7.2-7.5$ kpc respectively. The distribution of RR Lyrae stars in the instability strip is discussed and compared with other clusters in connection with the Oosterhoff and horizontal branch type. The Oosterhoff type II clusters systematically show a RRab-RRc segregation about the instability strip first-overtone red edge, while the Oosterhoff type I clusters may or may not display this feature. A group of RR Lyrae stars is identified in an advanced evolutionary stage, and two of them are likely binaries with unseen companions.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

A multi-wavelength study of star formation activity in the S235 complex

We have carried out an extensive multi-wavelength study to investigate the star formation process in the S235 complex. The S235 complex has a sphere-like shell appearance at wavelengths longer than 2 $μ$m and harbors an O9.5V type star approximately at its center. Near-infrared extinction map traces eight subregions (having A$_{V}$ $>$ 8 mag), and five of them appear to be distributed in an almost regularly spaced manner along the sphere-like shell surrounding the ionized emission. This picture is also supported by the integrated $^{12}$CO and $^{13}$CO intensity maps and by Bolocam 1.1 mm continuum emission. The position-velocity analysis of CO reveals an almost semi-ring like structure, suggesting an expanding H\,{\sc ii} region. We find that the Bolocam clump masses increase as we move away from the location of the ionizing star. This correlation is seen only for those clumps which are distributed near the edges of the shell. Photometric analysis reveals 435 young stellar objects (YSOs), 59\% of which are found in clusters. Six subregions (including five located near the edges of the shell) are very well correlated with the dust clumps, CO gas, and YSOs. The average values of Mach numbers derived using NH$_{3}$ data for three (East~1, East~2, and Central~E) out of these six subregions are 2.9, 2.3, and 2.9, indicating these subregions are supersonic. The molecular outflows are detected in these three subregions, further confirming the on-going star formation activity. Together, all these results are interpreted as observational evidence of positive feedback of a massive star.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

The classical double copy for Taub-NUT spacetime

The double copy is a much-studied relationship between gauge theory and gravity amplitudes. Recently, this was generalised to an infinite family of classical solutions to Einstein's equations, namely stationary Kerr-Schild geometries. In this paper, we extend this to the Taub-NUT solution in gravity, which has a double Kerr-Schild form. The single copy of this solution is a dyon, whose electric and magnetic charges are related to the mass and NUT charge in the gravity theory. Finally, we find hints that the classical double copy extends to curved background geometries.

hep-th↗

arXiv2015

Physical environment of massive star-forming region W42

We present an analysis of multi-wavelength observations from various datasets and Galactic plane surveys to study the star formation process in the W42 complex. A bipolar appearance of W42 complex is evident due to the ionizing feedback from the O5-O6 type star in a medium that is highly inhomogeneous. The VLT/NACO adaptive-optics K and L' images (resolutions ~0".2-0".1) resolved this ionizing source into multiple point-like sources below ~5000 AU scale. The position angle ~15 deg of W42 molecular cloud is consistent with the H-band starlight mean polarization angle which in turn is close to the Galactic magnetic field, suggesting the influence of Galactic field on the evolution of the W42 molecular cloud. Herschel sub-millimeter data analysis reveals three clumps located along the waist axis of the bipolar nebula, with the peak column densities of ~3-5 x10^{22} cm^{-2} corresponding to visual extinctions of AV ~32-53.5 mag. The Herschel temperature map traces a temperature gradient in W42, revealing regions of 20 K, 25 K, and 30-36 K. Herschel maps reveal embedded filaments (length ~1-3 pc) which appear to be radially pointed to the denser clump associated with the O5-O6 star, forming a hub-filament system. 512 candidate young stellar objects (YSOs) are identified in the complex, ~40% of which are present in clusters distributed mainly within the molecular cloud including the Herschel filaments. Our datasets suggest that the YSO clusters including the massive stars are located at the junction of the filaments, similar to those seen in Rosette Molecular Cloud.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

New variables in M5 (NGC 5904) and some identification corrections

We report twelve variables not previously detected in the globular cluster M5 (NGC 5904); one SX Phe and eleven semi-regular variables (SR). Their identifications, equatorial coordinates, ephemerides, and light curves are given. Furthermore, we have explored the light curves of a group of stars whose variability has not been confirmed and that are marked as probable non- variables in the CVSGC. Finally, we offer detailed identifications for some of the known variables in crowded regions that were misidentified in previous studies. We shall also address the cases of the cataclysmic variable or U Gem type V101 and of the variable blue straggler V159.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

Massive young stellar object W42-MME: The discovery of an infrared jet using VLT/NACO near-infrared images

We report on the discovery of an infrared jet from a deeply embedded infrared counterpart of 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission (MME) in W42 (i.e. W42-MME). We also investigate that W42-MME drives a parsec-scale H2 outflow, with detection of bow shock feature at ~0.52 pc to the north. The inner ~0.4 pc part of the H2 outflow has a position angle of ~18 deg and the position angle of ~40 deg is found farther away on either side of outflow from W42-MME. W42-MME is detected at wavelengths longer than 2.2 microns and is a massive young stellar object, with the estimated stellar mass of 19+-4 Msun. We map the inner circumstellar environment of W42-MME using VLT/NACO adaptive optics Ks and L' observations at resolutions ~0.2 arcsec and ~0.1 arcsec, respectively. We discover a collimated jet in the inner 4500 AU using the L' band, which contains prominent Br alpha line emission. The jet is located inside an envelope/cavity (extent ~10640 AU) that is tapered at both ends and is oriented along the north-south direction. Such observed morphology of outflow cavity around massive star is scarcely known and is very crucial for understanding the jet-outflow formation process in massive star formation. Along the flow axis, which is parallel to the previously known magnetic field, two blobs are found in both the NACO images at distances of ~11800 AU, located symmetrically from W42-MME. The observed W42-MME jet-outflow configuration can be used to constrain the jet launching and jet collimation models in massive star formation.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

The behavior of the pitch angle of spiral arms depending on optical wavelength

Based on integral field spectroscopy data from the CALIFA survey, we investigate the possible dependence of spiral arm pitch angle with optical wavelength. For three of the five studied objects, the pitch angle gradually increases at longer wavelengths. This is not the case for two objects where the pitch angle remains constant. This result is confirmed by the analysis of SDSS data. We discuss the possible physical mechanisms to explain this phenomenon, as well as the implications of the results.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2010

The discovery of a molecular cavity in the Norma near arm associated to H.E.S.S gamma-ray source located in the direction of Westerlund 1

We report on the discovery of a molecular cavity in the Norma near arm in the general direction of Westerlund 1 (Wd1), but not associated with it. The cavity has a mean radial velocity of -91.5 kms^{-1}, which differs by as much as ~40 kms^{-1} from the mean radial velocity of the Wd1 stars. The cavity is surrounded by a fragmented molecular shell of an outer diameter of about 100 pc and 10^{6} M_odot, which is expanding at velocities of 6 to 8 kms^{-1}. The amount of kinetic energy involved in the expanding shell is ~10^{51} erg. Inside this cavity the atomic HI gas surface density is also the lowest. Structure of the extended Very High Energetic (VHE) gamma-ray emission, recently reported by the H.E.S.S. collaboration Ohm et al. 2009, coincides with the cavity. The observed morphology suggests that the inner wall of the molecular shell is the zone of the gamma-ray emission, and not the dense gas surrounding massive stars of Wd1 as had been speculated by the H.E.S.S. collaboration. A likely candidate responsible for creating the observed cavity and the gamma-ray emission is the pulsar PSR J1648-4611.

astro-ph.GA↗