arXiv subjects

Aldo Treves

Publications and source records attributed to Aldo Treves.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Gamma-ray quasi-periodicities of blazars. A cautious approach

The availability of about a decade of uninterrupted sky monitoring by the Fermi satellite has made possible to study long-term quasi-periodicities for high-energy sources. It is therefore not a surprise that for several blazars in the recent literature claims for such periodicities, with various level of confidence, have been reported. The confirmation of these findings could be of tremendous importance for the physical description of this category of sources and have consequences for the gravitational wave background interpretation. In this work we carry out a temporal analysis of the Fermi light curves for several of the sources mentioned in recent literature by means of a homogeneous procedure and find that, globally, no strong cases for blazar year-long quasi-periodicities can be confirmed. The computed power spectral densities are all essentially consistent with being generated by red-noise only. We further discuss the meaning and the limitations of the present analysis.

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arXiv2018

Pulsar Timing Constraints on the Fermi Massive Black-Hole Binary Blazar Population

Blazars are a sub-population of quasars whose jets are nearly aligned with the line-of-sight, which tend to exhibit multi-wavelength variability on a variety of timescales. Quasi-periodic variability on year-like timescales has been detected in a number of bright sources, and has been connected to the orbital motion of a putative massive black hole binary. If this were indeed the case, those blazar binaries would contribute to the nanohertz gravitational-wave stochastic background. We test the binary hypothesis for the blazar population observed by the \textit{Fermi} Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, which consists of BL Lacertae objects and flat-spectrum radio quasars. Using mock populations informed by the luminosity functions for BL Lacertae objects and flat-spectrum radio quasars with redshifts $z \le 2$, we calculate the expected gravitational wave background and compare it to recent pulsar timing array upper limits. The two are consistent only if a fraction $\lesssim 10^{-3}$ of blazars hosts a binary with orbital periods $<5$ years. We therefore conclude that binarity cannot significantly explain year-like quasi-periodicity in blazars.

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arXiv2018

Quasi-periodicities of BL Lac Objects

We review the reports of possible year-long quasi-periodicities of BL Lac objects in the $γ$-ray and optical bands, and present a homogeneous time analysis of the light curves of PKS2155$-$304, PG1553+113, and BL Lac. Based on results from a survey covering the entire Fermi $γ$-ray sky we have estimated the fraction of possible quasi-periodic BL Lac objects. We compared the cyclical behaviour in BL Lac objects with that derived from the search of possible optical periodicities in quasars, and find that at z$\lesssim$1 the cosmic density of quasi-periodic BL Lac objects is larger than that of quasi-periodic quasars. If the BL Lac quasi-periodicities were due to a supermassive binary black hole (SBBH) scenario, there could be a tension with the upper limits on the gravitational wave background measured by the pulsar timing array. The argument clearly indicates the difficulties of generally associating quasi-periodicities of BL Lac objects with SBBHs.

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arXiv2018

The redshift of the BL Lac object TXS 0506+056

The bright BL Lac object TXS 0506+056 is a most likely counterpart of the IceCube neutrino event EHE 170922A. The lack of this redshift prevents a comprehensive understanding of the modeling of the source. We present high signal-to-noise optical spectroscopy, in the range 4100-9000 $\textrmÅ$, obtained at the 10.4m Gran Telescopio Canarias. The spectrum is characterized by a power law continuum and is marked by faint interstellar features. In the regions unaffected by these features, we found three very weak (EW $\sim$ 0.1 $\textrmÅ$) emission lines that we identify with [O II] 3727 $\textrmÅ$, [O III] 5007 $\textrmÅ$, and [N II] 6583 $\textrmÅ$, yielding the redshift z = 0.3365$\pm$0.0010.

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arXiv2017

Circum-galactic medium in the halo of quasars

The properties of circum-galactic gas in the halo of quasar host galaxies are investigated analyzing Mg II 2800 and C IV 1540 absorption-line systems along the line of sight close to quasars. We used optical spectroscopy of closely aligned pairs of quasars (projected distance $\leq$ 200 kpc, but at very different redshift) obtained at the VLT and Gran Telescopio Canarias to investigate the distribution of the absorbing gas for a sample of quasars at z$\sim$1. Absorption systems of EW $\geq$ 0.3 $\rmÅ$ associated with the foreground quasars are revealed up to 200 kpc from the centre of the host galaxy, showing that the structure of the absorbing gas is patchy with a covering fraction quickly decreasing beyond 100 kpc. In this contribution we use optical and near-IR images obtained at VLT to investigate the relations between the properties of the circum-galactic medium of the host galaxies and of the large scale galaxy environments of the foreground quasars.

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arXiv2017

Overdensity of galaxies in the environment of quasar pairs

We report on a study of the galaxy environments of low redshift physical quasars pairs. We selected 20 pairs having projected separation $<$ 0.5 Mpc and difference of systemic velocity $<$ 800 km s$^{-1}$. Using Sloan Digital Sky Survey images we evaluated the galaxy overdensity around these quasars in pairs and then compare it with that of a sample of isolated quasars with same redshift and luminosity. It is found that on average there is a systematic larger overdensity of galaxies around quasars in pairs with respect to that of isolated quasars. This may represent a significant link between nuclear activity and galaxy environment. However, at odds with that, the closest quasar pairs seem to inhabit poorer environments. Implications of present results and perspectives for future work are briefly discussed.

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arXiv2017

Optical spectroscopic survey of a sample of Unidentified Fermi objects

We present optical spectroscopy secured at the 10m Gran Telescopio Canarias of the counterparts of 20 extragalactic gamma-ray sources detected by the Fermi satellite. The observations allow us to investigate the nature of these sources and to determine their redshift. We find that all optical counterparts have a spectrum that is consistent with a BL Lac object nature. We are able to determine the redshift for 11 objects and set spectroscopic redshift limits for five targets. Only for four sources the optical spectrum is found featureless. In the latter cases we can set lower limits on the redshift based on the assumption that they are hosted by a typical massive elliptical galaxy whose spectrum is diluted by the non thermal continuum. The observations allow us to unveil the nature of these gamma-ray sources and provide a sanity check of a tool to discover the counterparts of gamma-ray emitters/blazars based on their multiwavelength emission.

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arXiv2017

An optical view of extragalactic gamma-ray emitters

The Fermi Gamma-ray Observatory discovered about a thousand extragalactic sources emitting energy from 100 MeV to 100 GeV. The majority of these sources belong to the class of blazars characterized by a quasi-featureless optical spectrum (BL Lac Objects). This hampers the determination of their redshift and therefore hinders the characterization of this class of objects. To investigate the nature of these sources and to determine their redshift, we are carrying out an extensive campaign using the 10m Gran Telescopio Canarias to obtain high S/N ratio optical spectra. These observations allow us to confirm the blazar nature of the targets, to find new redshifts or to set stringent limits on the redshift based on the minimum equivalent width of specific absorption features that can be measured in the spectrum and are expected from their host galaxy, assuming it is a massive elliptical galaxy. These results are of importance for the multi-frequencies emission models of the blazars, to test their extreme physics, to shed light on their cosmic evolution and abundance in the far Universe. These gamma emitters are also of great importance for the characterization of the extragalactic background light through the absorption by the IR-optical background photons.

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arXiv2017

Spectroscopy of 10 gamma-ray BL Lac objects at high redshift

We present high S/N optical spectra of 10 BL Lac objects detected at GeV energies by Fermi satellite (3FGL catalog), for which previous observations suggested that they are at relatively high redshift. The new observations, obtained at the 10 m Gran Telescopio Canarias, allowed us to find the redshift for J0814.5+2943 (z = 0.703) and we can set spectroscopic lower limit for J0008.0+4713 (z>1.659) and J1107.7+0222 (z>1.0735) on the basis of Mg II intervening absorption features. In addition we confirm the redshifts for J0505.5+0416 (z=0.423) and for J1450+5200 (z>2.470). Finally we contradict the previous z estimates for five objects (J0049.7+0237, J0243.5+7119, J0802.0+1005, J1109.4+2411, and J2116.1+3339).

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arXiv2017

Quasi-Periodicities at Year Time Scales in Blazars

We examine the 2008-2016 gamma-ray and optical light curves of a number of bright Fermi blazars. In a fraction of them, the periodograms show possible evidence of quasi-periodicities related in the two bands. This coincidence strengthens their physical meaning. Comparing with results from the periodicity search of quasars, the presence of quasi-periodicities in blazars suggests that the basic condition for its observability is related to the relativistic jet in the observer direction, but the overall picture remains uncertain.

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arXiv2017

On the redshift of TeV BL Lac objects

We report results of a spectroscopic campaign carried out at the 10 m Gran Telescopio Canarias for a sample of 22 BL Lac objects detected (or candidates) at TeV energies, aimed to determine or constrain their redshift. This is of fundamental importance for the interpretation of their emission models, for population studies and also mandatory to study the interaction of high energy photons with the extragalactic background light using TeV sources. High signal-to-noise optical spectra in the range 4250 - 10000 Å were obtained to search for faint emission and/or absorption lines from both the host galaxy or the nucleus. We determine a new redshift for PKS 1424+240 (z = 0.604) and a tentative one for 1ES 0033+595 (z = 0.467). We are able to set new spectroscopic redshift lower limits for other three sources on the basis of Mg II and Ca II intervening absorption features: BZB J1243+3627 (z > 0.483), BZB J1540+8155 (z > 0.672), and BZB 0J2323+4210 (z > 0.267). We confirm previous redshift estimates for four blazars: S3 0218+357 (z = 0.944), 1ES 1215+303 (z = 0.129), W Comae (z = 0.102), and MS 1221.8+2452 (z = 0.218). For the remaining targets, in seven cases (S2 0109+22, 3C 66A, VER J0521+211, S4 0954+65, BZB J1120+4214, S3 1227+25, BZB J2323+4210), we do not validate the proposed redshift. Finally for all sources of still unknown redshift, we set a lower limit based on the minimum equivalent width of absorption features expected from the host galaxy.

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arXiv2016

Dynamics of wide binary stars: A case study for testing Newtonian dynamics in the low acceleration regime

Extremely wide binary stars represent ideal systems to probe Newtonian dynamics in the low acceleration regimes (<10e-10 m/s/s) typical of the external regions of galaxies. Here we present a study of 60 alleged wide binary stars with projected separation ranging from 0.004 to 1 pc, probing gravitational accelerations well below the limit were dark matter or modified dynamics theories set in. Radial velocities with accuracy ~100 m/s were obtained for each star, in order to constrain their orbital velocity, that, together with proper motion data, can distinguish bound from unbound systems. It was found that about half of the observed pairs do have velocity in the expected range for bound systems, out to the largest separations probed here. In particular, we identified five pairs with projected separation >0.15 pc that are useful for the proposed test. While it would be premature to draw any conclusion about the validity of Newtonian dynamics at these low accelerations, our main result is that very wide binary stars seem to exist in the harsh environment of the solar neighborhood. This could provide a tool to test Newtonian dynamics versus modified dynamics theories in the low acceleration conditions typical of galaxies. In the near future the GAIA satellite will provide data to increase significantly the number of wide pairs that, with the appropriate follow up spectroscopic observations, will allow the implementation of this experiment with unprecedented accuracy.

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arXiv2016

On the redshift of the very high energy γ-ray BL Lac object S2 0109+22

The determination of the redshift of extragalactic gamma ray sources is of fundamental importance for the interpretation of their emission models and extragalactic population studies, AGN classification schemes, and to study the interaction with the extragalactic background light. Here we focus on the BL Lac S2 0109+22, recently detected at very high energies. We obtained a high signal-to-noise optical spectrum at Gran Telescopio Canarias for the source over the spectral range 4000-10000 Angstrom, to search for spectral features of the host galaxy and/or of the nuclear source and it was compared with previous observations in order to confirm and/or dispute its redshift determination. We find the S2 0109+22 optical spectrum is well represented by a power law continuum without any absorption or emission feature of Equivalent Width >0.1 Angstrom. Based on the new optical spectrum we are able to set a redshift lower limit z>0.35, assuming the source is hosted by a massive elliptical galaxy typical for this class of sources. The redshift z=0.265 proposed in the literature for this object is most probably referred to a r=18.3 galaxy at 15" from S2 0109. This galaxy could belong to a group of faint galaxies located at z~0.26.

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arXiv2015

Gamma-ray and optical oscillations in the blazar PKS 0537-441

We have considered the \textit{Fermi} $γ$-ray light curve of the blazar PKS 0537-441 during a high state extending from 2008/08/10 to 2011/08/27. The periodogram exhibits a peak at T $\sim$ 280 d, with a significance of $\sim$ 99.7 \%. A peak of similar relevance at $\frac{1}{2}$ T is found in the optical light curves. Considering the entire duration of the \textit{ Fermi} light curve 2008-2015, no significant peak is revealed, while the optical one remains meaningful. Comparing with recent observations of PKS 2155-304 and PG 1553+113 it seems that month-year oscillations can characterize some blazars. Month-scale oscillations can also show up only during phases of enhanced or bursting emission like in the case of PKS 0537-441.

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arXiv2015

Quasi-periodicities at year-like timescales in Blazars

We searched for quasi-periodicities on year-like timescales in the light curves of 6 blazars in the optical - near infrared bands and we made a comparison with the high energy emission. We obtained optical/NIR light curves from REM photometry plus archival SMARTS data and we accessed the Fermi light curves for the $γ$-ray data. The periodograms often show strong peaks in the optical and gamma-ray bands, which in some cases may be inter-related. The significance of the revealed peaks is then discussed, taking into account that the noise is frequency dependent. Quasi-periodicities on a year-like timescale appear to occur often in blazars. No straightforward model describing these possible periodicities is yet available, but some plausible interpretations for the physical mechanisms causing periodic variabilities of these sources are examined.

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arXiv2015

New XMM-Newton observation of the thermally emitting isolated neutron star 2XMM J104608.7-594306

The isolated neutron star (INS) 2XMM J104608.7-594306 is one of the only two to be discovered through their thermal emission since the ROSAT era. In a first dedicated XMM-Newton observation of the source, we found intriguing evidence of a very fast spin period. We re-observed 2XMM J104608.7-594306 with XMM-Newton to better characterise the spectral energy distribution of the source, confirm the candidate spin period, and possibly constrain the pulsar spin-down. Statistically acceptable spectral fits and meaningful physical parameters for the source are only obtained when the purely thermal spectrum is modified by at least one line in absorption. The implied distance is consistent with a location in (or in front of) the Carina nebula, and radiation radii are compatible with emission originating on most of the surface. Non-thermal X-ray emission is ruled out at levels above 0.5% of the source luminosity. Unfortunately, the second XMM-Newton observation proved inconclusive in terms of confirming (discarding) the fast candidate spin, providing an upper limit on the pulsed fraction of the source that is very close to the limiting sensitivity for detecting the modulation found previously. In the absence of an unambiguous period determination and an estimate of the magnetic field, the nature of the source remains open to interpretation. Its likely association with the Carina cluster and its overall spectral properties (only shared by a handful of other peculiar INSs) disfavour a standard evolutionary path, or one in which the source was previously recycled by accretion in a binary system. The INS 2XMM J104608.7-594306 may be similar to Calvera (1RXS J141256.0+792204), a neutron star for which the scenario of an evolved `anti-magnetar' has been discussed. A better age estimate and deeper radio and gamma-ray limits are required to further constrain the evolutionary state of the neutron star.

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arXiv2014

Quasi-periodicities of PKS 2155-304

We have searched for periodicities in our VRIJHK photometry of PKS 2155-304, which covers the years 2005-2012. A peak of the Fourier spectrum with high significance is found at T$\sim$315 days, confirming the recent findings by \cite{Zhang2014}. The examination of the gamma-ray light curves from the\textit{ Fermi} archives yields a significant signal at $\sim$ 2T, which, while nominally significant, involves data spanning only $\sim$ 6T. Assuming a black hole mass of $10^{9}\ M_{\odot}$ the Keplerian distance corresponding to the quasi-period T is $\sim10^{16}$ cm, about 50 Schwarzschild radii.

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arXiv2014

An Optical View of BL Lacertae Objects

BL Lac objects are active nuclei, hosted in massive elliptical galaxies, the emission of which is dominated by a relativistic jet closely aligned with the line of sight. This implies the existence of a parent population of sources with a misaligned jet, that have been identified with low-power radiogalaxies. The spectrum of BL Lacs, dominated by non-thermal emission over the whole electromagnetic range, together with bright compact radio cores, high luminosities, rapid and large amplitude flux variability at all frequencies and strong polarization make these sources an optimal laboratory for high energy astrophysics. A most distinctive characteristic of the class is the weakness or absence of spectral lines, that historically hindered the identification of their nature and ever thereafter proved to be a hurdle in the determination of their distance. In this paper we review the main observational facts that contribute to the present basic interpretation of this class of active galaxies. We overview the history of the BL Lac objects research field and their population as it emerged from multi-wavelength surveys. The properties of the flux variability and polarization, compared with those at radio, X-ray and gamma-ray frequencies, are summarized together with the present knowledge of the host galaxies, their environments, and central black hole masses. We focus this review on the optical observations, that played a crucial role in the early phase of BL Lacs studies, and, in spite of extensive radio, X-ray, and recently gamma-ray observations, could represent the future major contribution to the unveiling of the origin of these sources. In particular they could provide a firm conclusion on the long debated issue of the cosmic evolution of this class of active galactic nuclei and on the connection between formation of supermassive black holes and relativistic jets.

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