arXiv subjects

D. Steeghs

Publications and source records attributed to D. Steeghs.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Mass constraints to Sco X-1 from Bowen flourescence and deep near-infrared spectroscopy

More than 50 years after the dawn of X-ray astronomy, the dynamical parameters of the prototypical X-ray binary Sco X-1 are still unknown. We combine a Monte Carlo analysis, which includes all the previously known orbital parameters of the system, along with the K-correction to set dynamical constraints to the masses of the compact object (M1<1.73 Msun) and the companion star (0.28 Msun<M2<0.70 Msun). For the case of a canonical neutron star mass of M1= 1.4 Msun, the orbital inclination is found to be lower than 40 degree. We also present the best near-infrared spectrum of the source to date. There is no evidence of donor star features on it, but we are able to constrain the veiling factor as a function of the spectral type of the secondary star. The combination of both techniques restricts the spectral type of the donor to be later than K4 and luminosity class IV. It also constrains the contribution of the companion light to the infrared emission of Sco X-1 to be lower than 33 percent. This implies that the accretion related luminosity of the system in the K band is larger than 4 x 10E35 erg/s.

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arXiv2014

Emission line tomography of the short period cataclysmic variables CC Scl and V2051 Oph

We present time-series spectroscopy of two short period cataclysmic variables, CC Scl and V2051 Oph, to test the efficiency of Doppler tomography-based methods in constraining orbital parameters of evolved cataclysmic variables. We find that the Ca~II triplet lines offer superior diagnostics, revealing emission components from the mass donors and sharp images of the accretion discs. Furthermore, we use Monte-Carlo methods to estimate the uncertainties from ensembles of Doppler maps. We compare our new methods against traditional radial velocity methods and show that they offer a valid route towards system parameter determination. Our analysis of CC Scl suggests a low mass ratio of $q=0.08\pm0.03$ with a primary velocity of $K_1=37\pm14$ km/s. This mass ratio is in between the pre- and post-period minimum status, however our $K_1$ solution favours a post-period minimum system. Our derived parameters for V2051 Oph ($q= 0.16\pm 0.03$, $K_1=97\pm10$ km/s) are in agreement with the eclipse solution ($q=0.19\pm0.03$), offering a direct validation of our methods.

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arXiv2014

A deep catalogue of classical Be stars in the direction of the Perseus Arm: spectral types and interstellar reddenings

We present a catalogue of 247 photometrically and spectroscopically confirmed fainter classical Be stars (13 < r < 16) in the direction of the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way (-1 < b < +4, 120 < l < 140). The catalogue consists of 181 IPHAS-selected new classical Be stars, in addition to 66 objects that were studied by Raddi et al. (2013) more closely, and 3 stars identified as classical Be stars in earlier work. This study more than doubles the number known in the region. Photometry spanning 0.6 to 5 micron, spectral types, and interstellar reddenings are given for each object. The spectral types were determined from low-resolution spectra (lambda / Delta-lambda ~ 800-2000), to a precision of 1-3 subtypes. The interstellar reddenings are derived from the (r - i) colour, using a method that corrects for circumstellar disc emission. The colour excesses obtained range from E(B-V) = 0.3 up to 1.6 - a distribution that modestly extends the range reported in the literature for Perseus-Arm open clusters. For around half the sample, the reddenings obtained are compatible with measures of the total sightline Galactic extinction. Many of these are likely to lie well beyond the Perseus Arm.

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arXiv2014

A Parallax Distance to the Microquasar GRS 1915+105 and a Revised Estimate of its Black Hole Mass

Using the Very Long Baseline Array, we have measured a trigonometric parallax for the micro quasar GRS 1915+105, which contains a black hole and a K-giant companion. This yields a direct distance estimate of 8.6 (+2.0,-1.6) kpc and a revised estimate for the mass of the black hole of 12.4 (+2.0,-1.8) Msun. GRS 1915+105 is at about the same distance as some HII regions and water masers associated with high-mass star formation in the Sagittarius spiral arm of the Galaxy. The absolute proper motion of GRS 1915+105 is -3.19 +/- 0.03 mas/y and -6.24 +/- 0.05 mas/y toward the east and north, respectively, which corresponds to a modest peculiar speed of 22 +/-24 km/s at the parallax distance, suggesting that the binary did not receive a large velocity kick when the black hole formed. On one observational epoch, GRS 1915+105 displayed superluminal motion along the direction of its approaching jet. Considering previous observations of jet motions, the jet in GRS 1915+105 can be modeled with a jet inclination to the line of sight of 60 +/- 5 deg and a variable flow speed between 0.65c and 0.81c, which possibly indicates deceleration of the jet at distances from the black hole >2000 AU. Finally, using our measurements of distance and estimates of black hole mass and inclination, we provisionally confirm our earlier result that the black hole is spinning very rapidly.

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arXiv2014

The Second Data Release of the INT Photometric H-Alpha Survey of the Northern Galactic Plane (IPHAS DR2)

The INT/WFC Photometric H-Alpha Survey of the Northern Galactic Plane (IPHAS) is a 1800 square degrees imaging survey covering Galactic latitudes |b| < 5 deg and longitudes l = 30 to 215 deg in the r, i and H-alpha filters using the Wide Field Camera (WFC) on the 2.5-metre Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) in La Palma. We present the first quality-controlled and globally-calibrated source catalogue derived from the survey, providing single-epoch photometry for 219 million unique sources across 92% of the footprint. The observations were carried out between 2003 and 2012 at a median seeing of 1.1 arcsec (sampled at 0.33 arcsec/pixel) and to a mean 5σ-depth of 21.2 (r), 20.0 (i) and 20.3 (H-alpha) in the Vega magnitude system. We explain the data reduction and quality control procedures, describe and test the global re-calibration, and detail the construction of the new catalogue. We show that the new calibration is accurate to 0.03 mag (rms) and recommend a series of quality criteria to select the most reliable data from the catalogue. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of the catalogue's unique (r-Halpha, r-i) diagram to (1) characterise stellar populations and extinction regimes towards different Galactic sightlines and (2) select H-alpha emission-line objects. IPHAS is the first survey to offer comprehensive CCD photometry of point sources across the Galactic Plane at visible wavelengths, providing the much-needed counterpart to recent infrared surveys.

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arXiv2014

HD314884: A Slowly Pulsating B star in a Close Binary

We present the results of a spectroscopic and photometric analysis of HD314884, a slowly pulsating B star (SPB) in a binary system with detected soft X-ray emission. We spectrally classify the B star as a B5V-B6V star with T$_{eff}$ = 15,490 $\pm$ 310 K, log $g$ = 3.75 $\pm$ 0.25 dex, and a photometric period of P$_{0}$ = 0.889521(12) days. A spectroscopic period search reveals an orbital period for the system of P$_{orb}$ = 1.3654(11) days. The discrepancy in the two periods and the identification of a second and third distinct frequency in the photometric fourier transform at P$_1$ = 3.1347(56) and P$_2$ = 1.517(28) days provides evidence that HD314884 is a slowly pulsating B star (SPB) with at least three oscillation frequencies. These frequencies appear to originate from higher-order, non-linear tidal pulsations. Using the dynamical parameters obtained from the radial velocity curve, we find the most probable companion mass to be M$_1$ = $\sim$0.8 M$_{\odot}$ assuming a typical mass for the B star and most probable inclination. We conclude that the X-ray source companion to HD314884 is most likely a coronally active G-type star or a white dwarf (WD), with no apparent emission lines in the optical spectrum. The mass probability distribution of the companion star mass spans 0.6-2.3 M$_{\odot}$ at 99$\%$ confidence which allows the possibility of a neutron star companion. The X-ray source is unlikely to be a black hole unless it is of a very low mass or low binary inclination.

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arXiv2014

Variability of Optical Counterparts in the Chandra Galactic Bulge Survey

We present optical lightcurves of variable stars consistent with the positions of X-ray sources identified with the Chandra X-ray Observatory for the Chandra Galactic Bulge Survey. Using data from the Mosaic-II instrument on the Blanco 4m Telescope at CTIO, we gathered time-resolved photometric data on timescales from $\sim2$ hr to 8 days over the $\frac{3}{4}$ of the X-ray survey containing sources from the initial GBS catalog. Among the lightcurve morphologies we identify are flickering in interacting binaries, eclipsing sources, dwarf nova outbursts, ellipsoidal variations, long period variables, spotted stars, and flare stars. $87\%$ of X-ray sources have at least one potential optical counterpart. $24\%$ of these candidate counterparts are detectably variable; a much greater fraction than expected for randomly selected field stars, which suggests that most of these variables are real counterparts. We discuss individual sources of interest, provide variability information on candidate counterparts, and discuss the characteristics of the variable population.

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arXiv2014

The VST Photometric Halpha Survey of the Southern Galactic Plane and Bulge (VPHAS+)

The VST Photometric Halpha Survey of the Southern Galactic Plane and Bulge (VPHAS+) is surveying the southern Milky Way in u, g, r, i and Halpha at 1 arcsec angular resolution. Its footprint spans the Galactic latitude range -5 < b < +5 at all longitudes south of the celestial equator. Extensions around the Galactic Centre to Galactic latitudes +/-10 bring in much of the Galactic Bulge. This ESO public survey, begun on 28th December 2011, reaches down to 20th magnitude (10-sigma) and will provide single-epoch digital optical photometry for around 300 million stars. The observing strategy and data pipelining is described, and an appraisal of the segmented narrowband Halpha filter in use is presented. Using model atmospheres and library spectra, we compute main-sequence (u - g), (g - r), (r - i) and (r - Halpha) stellar colours in the Vega system. We report on a preliminary validation of the photometry using test data obtained from two pointings overlapping the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. An example of the (u - g, g - r) and (r - Halpha, r - i) diagrams for a full VPHAS+ survey field is given. Attention is drawn to the opportunities for studies of compact nebulae and nebular morphologies that arise from the image quality being achieved. The value of the u band as the means to identify planetary-nebula central stars is demonstrated by the discovery of the central star of NGC 2899 in survey data. Thanks to its excellent imaging performance, the VST/OmegaCam combination used by this survey is a perfect vehicle for automated searches for reddened early-type stars, and will allow the discovery and analysis of compact binaries, white dwarfs and transient sources.

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arXiv2014

Two new AM Canum Venaticorum binaries from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III

The AM Canum Venaticorum (AM CVn) binaries are a rare group of ultra-short period, mass-transferring white dwarf binaries, some of which may be Type Ia supernova progenitors. More than a third of the total known population of AM CVn binaries have been discovered via the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Here, we discuss our search for new AM CVns in the SDSS spectroscopic data base, and present two new AM CVns discovered in SDSS-III spectroscopy, SDSS J113732.32+405458.3 and SDSS J150551.58+065948.7. The AM CVn binaries exhibit a connection between their spectral appearance and their orbital period, the spectra of these two new AM CVns suggest that they may be long period systems. Using the radial velocity variations of the emission lines, we measure a possible orbital period of 59.6 +/- 2.7 minutes for SDSS J113732.32+405458.3. Since our search of SDSS spectroscopy has revealed only these two new systems, it is unlikely that a large population of AM CVn binaries have been missed, and their discovery should have little effect on previous calculations of the AM CVn space density.

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arXiv2013

KIC11911480: the second ZZ Ceti in the $Kepler$ field

We report the discovery of the second pulsating hydrogen-rich (DA) white dwarf in the $Kepler$ field, KIC11911480. It was selected from the $Kepler$-INT Survey (KIS) on the basis of its colours and its variable nature was confirmed using ground-based time-series photometry. An atmosphere model fit to an intermediate-resolution spectrum of KIC11911480 places this DA white dwarf close to the blue edge of the empirical boundaries of the ZZ Ceti instability strip: $T_\mathrm{eff} = 12\,160 \pm 250$ K and $\log{g} = 7.94 \pm 0.10 $. Assuming a mass-radius relation and cooling models for DA white dwarfs, the atmospheric parameters yield: M$_{\rm WD}$ = 0.57 $\pm$ 0.06 M$_\odot$. We also obtained two quarters (Q12 and Q16) of nearly uninterrupted short-cadence $Kepler$ data on this star. We detect a total of six independent pulsation modes with a $\geq$ 3$σ$ confidence in its amplitude power spectrum. These pulsations have periods ranging between 172.9 s and 324.5 s, typical of the hotter ZZ Ceti stars. Our preliminary asteroseismic study suggest that KIC11911480 has a rotation rate of 3.5$\pm$0.5 days.

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arXiv2013

Near-infrared counterparts to the Galactic Bulge Survey X-ray source population

We report on the near-infrared matches, drawn from three surveys, to the 1640 unique X-ray sources detected by Chandra in the Galactic Bulge Survey (GBS). This survey targets faint X-ray sources in the Bulge, with a particular focus on accreting compact objects. We present all viable counterpart candidates and associate a false alarm probability (FAP) to each near-infrared match in order to identify the most likely counterparts. The false alarm probability takes into account a statistical study involving a chance alignment test, as well as considering the positional accuracy of the individual X-ray sources. We find that although the star density in the Bulge is very high, ~90% of our sources have a false alarm probability < 10%, indicating that for most X-ray sources, viable near-infrared counterparts candidates can be identified. In addition to the FAP, we provide positional and photometric information for candidate counterparts to ~95% of the GBS X-ray sources. This information in combination with optical photometry, spectroscopy and variability constraints will be crucial to characterize and classify secure counterparts.

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arXiv2013

The AM CVn binary SDSS J173047.59+554518.5

The AM Canum Venaticorum (AM CVn) binaries are a rare group of hydrogen-deficient, ultra-short period, mass-transferring white dwarf binaries, and are possible progenitors of type Ia supernovae. We present time-resolved spectroscopy of the recently-discovered AM CVn binary SDSS J173047.59+554518.5. The average spectrum shows strong double-peaked helium emission lines, as well as a variety of metal lines, including neon; this is the second detection of neon in an AM CVn binary, after the much brighter system GP Com. We detect no calcium in the accretion disc, a puzzling feature that has been noted in many of the longer-period AM CVn binaries. We measure an orbital period, from the radial velocities of the emission lines, of 35.2 +/- 0.2 minutes, confirming the ultra-compact binary nature of the system. The emission lines seen in SDSS J1730 are very narrow, although double-peaked, implying a low inclination, face-on accretion disc; using the measured velocities of the line peaks, we estimate i < 11 degrees. This low inclination makes SDSS J1730 an excellent system for the identification of emission lines.

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arXiv2013

CXOGBS~J173620.2--293338: A Candidate Symbiotic X-ray Binary Associated with a Bulge Carbon Star

The Galactic Bulge Survey is a wide but shallow X-ray survey of regions above and below the Plane in the Galactic Bulge. It was performed using the Chandra X-ray Observatory's ACIS camera. The survey is primarily designed to find and classify low luminosity X-ray binaries. The combination of the X-ray depth of the survey and the accessibility of optical and infrared counterparts makes this survey ideally suited to identification of new symbiotic X-ray binaries in the Bulge. We consider the specific case of the X-ray source CXOGBS J173620.2-293338. It is coincident to within 1 arcsec with a very red star, showing a carbon star spectrum and irregular variability in the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment data. We classify the star as a late C-R type carbon star based on its spectral features, photometric properties, and variability characteristics, although a low-luminosity C-N type cannot be ruled out. The brightness of the star implies it is located in the Bulge, and its photometric properties overall are consistent with the Bulge carbon star population. Given the rarity of carbon stars in the Bulge, we estimate the probability of such a close chance alignment of any Galactic Bulge Survey source with a carbon star to be <1e-3 suggesting that this is likely to be a real match. If the X-ray source is indeed associated with the carbon star, then the X-ray luminosity is around 9e32 erg/s. Its characteristics are consistent with a low luminosity symbiotic X-ray binary, or possibly a low accretion rate white dwarf symbiotic.

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arXiv2013

Identification of twenty-three accreting binaries in the Galactic Bulge Survey

(Abridged:) We present the identification of optical counterparts to 23 Galactic Bulge Survey X-ray sources. We report their accurate coordinates and optical spectra acquired at the VLT and Magellan. All sources are classified as accreting binaries according to their emission line characteristics. To distinguish accreting binaries from chromospherically active objects we develop and explain criteria based on Halpha and HeI 5786,6678 emission line properties available in the literature. The spectroscopic properties and photometric variability of all the objects are discussed and a classification of the source is given where possible. Among the 23 systems, at least 9 of them show an accretion-dominated optical spectrum (CX28, CX63, CX70, CX128, CX142, CX207, CX522, CX794, CX1011) and another 6 show photospheric lines from a late-type donor star in addition to accretion disc emission (CX44, CX93, CX137, CX154, CX377 and CX1004) indicating that they are probably accreting binaries in quiescence or in a low accretion rate state. Two sources are confirmed to be eclipsing: CX207 and CX794. CX207 shows a broad asymmetric Halpha profile blue-shifted by >300 km/s. Such line profile characteristics are consistent with a magnetic (Polar) CV. CX794 is an eclipsing nova-like CV in the period gap. Time-resolved photometry and the large broadening of the Halpha emission lines in CX446 (2100 km/s FWHM) suggest that this is also an eclipsing or high-inclination accreting binary. Finally, the low-accretion rate source CX1004 shows a double-peaked Halpha profile with a FWHM of 2100 km/s. This supports a high inclination or even eclipsing system. Whether the compact object is a white dwarf in an eclipsing CV or a black hole primary in a high-inclination LMXB remains to be established.

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arXiv2013

PSR J1723-2837: An Eclipsing Binary Radio Millisecond Pulsar

We present a study of PSR J1723-2837, an eclipsing, 1.86 ms millisecond binary radio pulsar discovered in the Parkes Multibeam survey. Radio timing indicates that the pulsar has a circular orbit with a 15 hr orbital period, a low-mass companion, and a measurable orbital period derivative. The eclipse fraction of ~15% during the pulsar's orbit is twice the Roche lobe size inferred for the companion. The timing behavior is significantly affected by unmodeled systematics of astrophysical origin, and higher-order orbital period derivatives are needed in the timing solution to account for these variations. We have identified the pulsar's (non-degenerate) companion using archival ultraviolet, optical, and infrared survey data and new optical photometry. Doppler shifts from optical spectroscopy confirm the star's association with the pulsar and indicate a pulsar-to-companion mass ratio of 3.3 +/- 0.5, corresponding to a companion mass range of 0.4 to 0.7 Msun and an orbital inclination angle range of between 30 and 41 degrees, assuming a pulsar mass range of 1.4-2.0 Msun. Spectroscopy indicates a spectral type of G for the companion and an inferred Roche-lobe-filling distance that is consistent with the distance estimated from radio dispersion. The features of PSR J1723-2837 indicate that it is likely a "redback" system. Unlike the five other Galactic redbacks discovered to date, PSR J1723-2837 has not been detected as a gamma-ray source with Fermi. This may be due to an intrinsic spin-down luminosity that is much smaller than the measured value if the unmeasured contribution from proper motion is large.

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arXiv2013

Identification of 5 Interacting Binaries in the Galactic Bulge Survey

We present optical lightcurves, spectroscopy, and classification of five X-ray sources in the Chandra Galactic Bulge Survey [CXOGBS J174009.1-284725 (CX5), CXOGBS J173935.7-272935 (CX18), CXOGBS J173946.9-271809 (CX28), CXOGBS J173729.1-292804 (CX37), CXOGBS J174607.6-261547 (CX561)]. These objects were selected based on bright optical counterparts which were quickly found to have emission lines in their optical spectra. This paper presents an illustration of GBS optical follow-up, targeting emission line objects. Of these five objects, four exhibit photometric variability in the Sloan r' band. CX5 shows a tentative period of 2.1 hours and is clearly an Intermediate Polar (IP). CX28 and CX37 both exhibit flickering with no clear period. Both are suggested to also be IPs. CX18 was observed to undergo 2 dwarf nova outbursts. Finally, CX561 shows no detectable variability, although its characteristics would be consistent with either a quiescent Low Mass X-ray Binary or Cataclysmic Variable.

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arXiv2013

The not-so-massive black hole in the microquasar GRS1915+105

We present a new dynamical study of the black hole X-ray transient GRS1915+105 making use of near-infrared spectroscopy obtained with X-shooter at the VLT. We detect a large number of donor star absorption features across a wide range of wavelengths spanning the H and K bands. Our 24 epochs covering a baseline of over 1 year permit us to determine a new binary ephemeris including a refined orbital period of P=33.85 +/- 0.16 d. The donor star radial velocity curves deliver a significantly improved determination of the donor semi-amplitude which is both accurate (K_2=126 +/- 1 km/s) and robust against choice of donor star template and spectral features used. We furthermore constrain the donor star's rotational broadening to vsini=21 +/-4 km/s, delivering a binary mass ratio of q=0.042 +/- 0.024. If we combine these new constraints with distance and inclination estimates derived from modelling the radio emission, a black hole mass of M_BH=10.1 +/- 0.6 M_sun is inferred, paired with an evolved mass donor of M_2=0.47 +/- 0.27 M_sun. Our analysis suggests a more typical black hole mass for GRS1915+105 rather than the unusually high values derived in the pioneering dynamical study by Greiner et al. (2001). Our data demonstrate that high-resolution infrared spectroscopy of obscured accreting binaries can deliver dynamical mass determinations with a precision on par with optical studies.

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arXiv2013

A 2 hour periodic variation in the low mass X-ray binary Ser X-1

Spectroscopy of the low mass X-ray binary Ser X-1 using the Gran Telescopio Canarias have revealed a ~2 hr periodic variability that is present in the three strongest emission lines. We tentatively interpret this variability as due to orbital motion, making it the first indication of the orbital period of Ser X-1. Together with the fact that the emission lines are remarkably narrow, but still resolved, we show that a main sequence K-dwarf together with a canonical 1.4Msun neutron star gives a good description of the system. In this scenario the most likely place for the emission lines to arise is the accretion disk, instead of a localized region in the binary (such as the irradiated surface or the stream-impact point), and their narrowness is due instead to the low inclination (<10 degrees) of Ser X-1.

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