arXiv subjects

J. E. Beckman

Publications and source records attributed to J. E. Beckman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2007

SN 2002cv: A Heavily Obscured Type Ia Supernova

We present VRIJHK photometry, and optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, of the heavily extinguished Type Ia supernova (SN) 2002cv, located in NGC 3190, which is also the parent galaxy of the Type Ia SN 2002bo. SN 2002cv, not visible in the blue, has a total visual extinction of 8.74 +- 0.21 mag. In spite of this we were able to obtain the light curves between -10 and +207 days from the maximum in the I band, and also to follow the spectral evolution, deriving its key parameters. We found the peak I-band brightness to be Imax = 16.57 +- 0.10 mag, the maximum absolute I magnitude to be MmaxI = -18.79 +- 0.20, and the parameter dm15(B) specifying the width of the B-band light curve to be 1.46 +- 0.17 mag. The latter was derived using the relations between this parameter and dm40(I) and the time interval dtmax(I) between the two maxima in the I-band light curve. As has been found for previously observed, highly extinguished SNe Ia, a small value of 1.59 +- 0.07 was obtained here for the ratio Rv of the total-to-selective extinction ratio for SN 2002cv, which implies a small mean size for the grains along the line of sight toward us. Since it was found for SN 2002bo a canonical value of 3.1, here we present a clear evidence of different dust properties inside NGC 3190.

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arXiv2007

Three Types of Galaxy Disks

We present our new scheme for the classification of radial stellar surface brightness profiles for disk galaxies. We summarize the current theoretical attempts to understand their origin and give an example of an application by comparing local galaxies with their counterparts at high redshift (z~1).

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arXiv2007

Galactic disc warps due to intergalactic accretion flows onto the disc

The accretion of the intergalactic medium onto the gaseous disc is used to explain the generation of galactic warps. A cup-shaped distortion is expected, due to the transmission of the linear momentum; but, this effect is small for most incident inflow angles and the predominant effect turns out to be the transmission of angular momentum, i.e. a torque giving an integral-sign shaped warp. The torque produced by a flow of velocity ~100 km/s and baryon density ~10^{-25} kg/m^3, which is within the possible values for the intergalactic medium, is enough to generate the observed warps and this mechanism offers quite a plausible explanation. The inferred rate of infall of matter, ~1 M_sun/yr, to the Galactic disc that this theory predicts agrees with the quantitative predictions of chemical evolution resolving key issues, notably the G-dwarf problem. Sanchez-Salcedo (2006) suggests that this mechanism is not plausible because it would produce a dependence of the scaleheight of the disc with the Galactocentric azimuth in the outer disc, but rather than being an objection this is another argument in favour of the mechanism because this dependence is actually observed in our Galaxy.

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arXiv2007

GHaFaS: Galaxy Halpha Fabry-Perot Spectrometer for the WHT

A new scanning Fabry-Perot system will soon be available at the Nasmyth focus of the 4,2m William Hershell Telescope (WHT). It has been designed by the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique Experimentale (LAE) in Montreal and is being built in collaboration with astronomers at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC). The instrument will see first light at the beginning of July 2007.

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arXiv2007

An Evolutionary Sequence of Expanding Hydrogen Shells in Galaxy Discs

Large HI shells, with diameters of hundreds of pc and expansion velocities of 10-20kms-1 are well observed features of local gas rich galaxies. These shells could well be predicted as a result of the impact of OB associations on the ISM, but doubt has been cast on this scenario by the apparent absence of OB stars close to the centres of a large fraction of these shells in recent observations of the SMC. Using Fabry-Perot scanned Halpha emission line mapping of nearby galaxy discs we have detected, in all the HII regions where the observations yield sufficient angular resolution and S:N ratio, dominant Halpha shells with radii a few tens of pc, expanding at velocities of 50-100kms-1. We have applied a simple dynamically consistent framework in which we can extrapolate the properties of the observed Halpha shells to a few 10^7yr after the formation of the OB stars. The framework includes the dynamical inputs of both winds and SNe on the surrounding ISM. The results give quantitative statistical support to the hypothesis that the Halpha emitting shells are generic progenitors of the HI shells. During the time taken for an expanding shell to reach the size of a typical HI shell, the OB association may well lose its most luminous stars so the absence of such stars near the centres of many of the HI shells is well explained in this scenario.

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arXiv2007

Chemical clocks for early-type galaxies

We present a detailed stellar population analysis of 27 massive elliptical galaxies within 4 very rich clusters at redshift z~0.2. We obtained accurate estimates of the mean luminosity-weighted ages and relative abundances of CN, Mg and Fe as functions of the galaxy velocity dispersion, sigma. Our results are compatible with a scenario in which the stellar populations of massive elliptical galaxies, independently of their environment and mass, had formation timescales shorter than ~1 Gyr. This result implies that massive elliptical galaxies have evolved passively since, at least, as long ago as z~2. For a given galaxy mass the duration of star formation is shorter in those galaxies belonging to more dense environments. Finally, we show that the abundance ratios [CN/Fe] and [Mg/Fe] are the key "chemical clocks" to infer the star formation history timescales in ellipticals. In particular, [Mg/Fe] provides an upper limit for those formation timescales, while [CN/Fe] apperars to be the most suitable parameter to resolve them in elliptical galaxies with sigma<300 km/s.

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arXiv2006

Stellar populations of massive elliptical galaxies in very rich clusters

We present a detailed stellar population analysis of 27 massive elliptical galaxies within 4 very rich clusters at redshift z~0.2: A115, A655, A963 and A2111. Using the new, high-resolution stellar populations models developed in our group, we obtained accurate estimates of the mean luminosity-weighted ages and relative abundances of CN, Mg and Fe. We have found that [CN/H] and [Mg/H] are correlated with sigma while [Fe/H] and Log(age) are not. In addition, both abundance ratios [CN/Fe] and [Mg/Fe] increase with sigma. Furthermore, the [CN/H]-sigma and [CN/Fe]-sigma slopes are steeper for galaxies in very rich clusters than those in the less dense Virgo and Coma clusters. On the other hand, [Mg/H]-sigma and [Mg/Fe]-sigma slopes keep constant as functions of the environment. Our results are compatible with a scenario in which the stellar populations of massive elliptical galaxies, independently of their environment and mass, had formation timescales shorter than ~1 Gyr. This result implies that massive elliptical galaxies have evolved passively since, at least, as long ago as z~2. For a given galaxy mass the duration of star formation is shorter in those galaxies belonging to more dense environments; whereas the mass-metallicity relation appears to be also a function of the cluster properties: the denser the environment is, the steeper are the correlations. Finally, we show that the abundance ratios [CN/Fe] and [Mg/Fe] are the key "chemical clocks" to infer the star formation history timescales in ellipticals. In particular, [Mg/Fe] provides an upper limit for those formation timescales, while [CN/Fe] apperars to be the most suitable parameter to resolve them in elliptical galaxies with sigma<300 km/s.

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arXiv2006

A composite HII region luminosity function in H alpha of unprecedented statistical weight

Context. Statistical properties of HII region populations in disk galaxies yield important clues to the physics of massive star formation. Aims. We present a set of HII region catalogues and luminosity functions for a sample of 56 spiral galaxies in order to derive the most general form of their luminosity function. Methods. HII region luminosity functions are derived for individual galaxies which, after photometric calibration, are summed to form a total luminosity function comprising 17,797 HII regions from 53 galaxies. Results. The total luminosity function, above its lower limit of completeness, is clearly best fitted by a double power law with a significantly steeper slope for the high luminosity portion of the function. This change of slope has been reported in the literature for individual galaxies, and occurs at a luminosity of log L = 38.6\pm0.1 (L in erg/s) which has been termed the Stromgren luminosity. A steep fall off in the luminosity function above log L = 40 is also noted, and is related to an upper limit to the luminosities of underlying massive stellar clusters. Detailed data are presented for the individual sample galaxies. Conclusions. The luminosity functions of HII regions in spiral galaxies show a two slope power law behaviour, with a significantly steeper slope for the high luminosity branch. This can be modelled by assuming that the high luminosity regions are density bounded, though the scenario is complicated by the inhomogeneity of the ionized interstellar medium. The break, irrespective of its origin, is of potential use as a distance indicator for disc galaxies.

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arXiv2006

CGCG 480-022: A distant lonesome merger?

We present a complete analysis, which includes morphology, kinematics, stellar populations and N-body simulations of CGCG 480-022, the most distant (cz=14317 km/s) isolated galaxy studied so far in such detail. The results all support the hypothesis that this galaxy has suffered a major merger event with a companion of ~0.1 times its mass. Morphology reveals the presence of a circumnuclear ring and possibly further ring debris. The radial velocity curve looks symmetrical, whilst the velocity dispersion increases with radius reaching values that do not correspond to a virialized system. Moreover, this galaxy deviates significantly from the Fundamental Plane and the Faber-Jackson relation. The stellar population analysis show that the ring is younger and more metal-rich, which suggest that it has undergone a fairly recent burst of star formation. Both morphological and dynamical results are in broad agreeement with our N-body simulations.

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arXiv2006

Energy balance in two phase models for temperature fluctuations in HII regions

Aims. The main objective of this article is to provide a simple physical framework with permits a quantitative comparison of measurements of the temperature fluctuations in the ionized interstellar medium with possible mechanisms which can produce them. Methods. We assume a generalized two phase ISM and derive expressions relating the mean amplitude of the temperature fluctuations to the temperatures of the phases and to the energy input, in excess of the basic component due to photoionization, required to maintain them. We apply these expressions to a set of limiting cases for the temperature and density differences between the phases. Finally we compare the most plausible case with the most complete data set available: the temperature fluctuations observed in the Orion Nebula. Results. We first list the cases considered and our general inferences: (a) Very hot tenuous substrate and warm moderately dense clouds; discarded as requiring too much excess energy input. (b) Two phases with equal densities but different temperatures, both warm; feasible but not general. (c) Two warm phases at moderately different temperatures and densities; the most probable case. This case is then used to quantify a specific hypothesis, reconnection of turbulent magnetic fields, as the source of the fluctuations observed in the Orion Nebula. Field strengths of a few hundred microG are required, not out of line with the limited observations available. Time variability on scales of months is a testable prediction of the scenario.

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arXiv2005

Temperature fluctuations in HII regions: ionization by Cosmic Rays as a key mechanism

We present a detailed model capable of explaining quantitatively the temperature fluctuations observed in luminous, large HII regions. The model is based on two assumptions which we justify on the basis of observations: that the major fraction of the hydrogen in the clouds that form the HII regions is not photoionized and is essentially HI, this HII is lightly ionized by fluxes of low energy cosmic rays (CR) produced by processes originating in the hot stars which illuminate the regions.

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arXiv2005

Effects of photon escape on diagnostic diagrams for HII regions

In this article we first outline the mounting evidence that a significant fraction of the ionizing photons emitted by OB stars within HII regions escape from their immediate surroundings and explain how an HII region structure containing high density contrast in homogeneities facilitates this escape. Next we describe sets of models containing inhomogeneities which are used to predict tracks in the commonly used diagnostic diagrams (based on ratios of emission lines) whose only independent variable is the photon escape fraction, xi. We show that the tracks produced by the models in two of the most cited of these diagrams conform well to the distribution of observed data points, with the models containing optically thick inhomogeneities ("CLUMPY" models) yielding somewhat better agreement than those with optically thin inhomogeneities ("FF" models). We show how variations in the ionization parameter U, derived from emission line ratios, could be due to photon escape. Using a rather wide range of assumptions about the filling factor of dense clumps we find, for a selected set of regions observed in M51 photon escape fraction ranging between 30% and 50%. We show, using oxygen as the test element, that models with different assumptions about the gas inhomogeneity will give variations in the abundance values derived from diagnostic diagrams, but do not claim here to have a fully developed set of diagnostic tools to improve abundance determinations made in this way. We finally propose a combination of line ratios with the absolute Halpha luminosity of a given HII region, which allows us to determine the photon escape fraction, and hence resolve the degeneracy between U and xi.

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arXiv2004

The internal dynamical equilibrium of HII regions: a statistical study

We present an analysis of the integrated Halpha emission line profiles for the HII region population of the spiral galaxies NGC 1530, NGC 6951 and NGC 3359. We show that 70% of the line profiles show two or three Gaussian components. The relations between the Halpha luminosity and non-thermal line width for the HII regions of the three galaxies are studied and compared with the relation found taken all the HII regions of the three galaxies as a single distribution. A clearer envelope in non-thermal line width is found when only those HII regions with non-thermal line width bigger than 13kms are considered. The linear fit for the envelope is logL=36.8+2.0*log(sigma). The masses of the HII regions on the envelope using the virial theorem and the mass estimates from the Halpha luminosity are comparable, which offers evidence that the HII regions on the envelope are virialized systems, while the remaining regions, the majority, are not in virial equilibrium.

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arXiv2004

Expansive components in H II regions

We study the presence of low intensity high velocity components, which we have termed wing features in the integrated Halpha emission line profiles of the HII region populations of the spiral barred galaxies NGC 1530, NGC 3359 and NGC 6951. We find that more than a third of the HII region line profiles in each galaxy show these components. The highest fraction is obtained in the galaxy whose line profiles show the best S:N, which suggests that wing features of this type may well exist in most, if not all, HII region line profiles. Applying selection criteria to the wing features, we obtain a sample of HII regions with clearly defined high velocity components in their profiles. Deconvolution of a representative sample of the line profiles eliminates any doubt that the wing features could possibly be due to instrumental effects. We present an analysis of the high velocity low intensity features fitting them with Gaussian functions; the emission measures, central velocities and velocity dispersions for the red and blue features take similar values. We interpret the features as signatures of expanding shells inside the HII regions. Up to a shell radius of R(shell)~0.2R(reg), the stellar winds from the central ionizing stars appear to satisfy the energy and momentum requirements for the formation and driving the shell. Several examples of the most luminous HII regions show that the shells appear to have larger radii; in these cases additional mechanisms may well be needed to explain the kinetic energies and momenta of the shells.

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arXiv2004

Stellar Disk Truncations: Where do we stand ?

In the light of several recent developments we revisit the phenomenon of galactic stellar disk truncations. Even 25 years since the first paper on outer breaks in the radial light profiles of spiral galaxies, their origin is still unclear. The two most promising explanations are that these 'outer edges' either trace the maximum angular momentum during the galaxy formation epoch, or are associated with global star formation thresholds. Depending on their true physical nature, these outer edges may represent an improved size characteristic (e.g., as compared to D_25) and might contain fossil evidence imprinted by the galaxy formation and evolutionary history. We will address several observational aspects of disk truncations: their existence, not only in normal HSB galaxies, but also in LSB and even dwarf galaxies; their detailed shape, not sharp cut-offs as thought before, but in fact demarcating the start of a region with a steeper exponential distribution of starlight; their possible association with bars; as well as problems related to the line-of-sight integration for edge-on galaxies (the main targets for truncation searches so far). Taken together, these observations currently favour the star-formation threshold model, but more work is necessary to implement the truncations as adequate parameters characterising galactic disks.

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arXiv2004

On the Environmental Dependence of Cluster Galaxy Assembly Timescale

We present estimates of CN and Mg overabundances with respect to Fe for early-type galaxies in 8 clusters over a range of richness and morphology. Spectra were taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR1, and from WHT and CAHA observations. Abundances were derived from absorption lines and single burst population models, by comparing galaxy spectra with appropriately broadened synthetic model spectra. We detect correlations between [Mg/CN] and [CN/Fe] and cluster X-ray luminosity. No correlation is observed for [Mg/Fe]. We also see a clear trend with the richness and morphology of the clusters. This is interpreted given varying formation timescales for CN, Mg and Fe, and a varying star formation history in early-type galaxies as a function of their environment: intermediate-mass early-type galaxies in more massive clusters are assembled on shorter timescales than in less massive clusters, with an upper limit of ~1 Gyr.

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arXiv2004

Propagation of ionizing radiation in HII regions: the effects of optically thick density fluctuations

The accepted explanation of the observed dichotomy of two orders of magnitude between in situ measurements of electron density in HII regions, derived from emission line ratios, and average measurements based on integrated emission measure, is the inhomogeneity of the ionized medium. This is expressed as a "filling factor", the volume ratio of dense to tenuous gas, measured with values of order 10^-3. Implicit in the filling factor model as normally used, is the assumption that the clumps of dense gas are optically thin to ionizing radiation. Here we explore implications of assuming the contrary: that the clumps are optically thick. A first consequence is the presence within HII regions of a major fraction of neutral hydrogen. We estimate the mean H^o/H^+ ratio for a population of HII regions in the spiral galaxy NGC 1530 to be the order of 10, and support this inference using dynamical arguments. The optically thick clumpy models allow a significant fraction of the photons generated by the ionizing stars to escape from their HII region. We show, by comparing model predictions with observations, that these models give an account at least as good as, and probably better than that of conventional models, of the radial surface brightness distribution and of selected spectral line diagnostics for physical conditions within HII regions. These models explain how an HII region can appear, from its line ratios, to be ionization bounded, yet permit a major fraction of its ionizing photons to escape.

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arXiv2003

The H alpha Galaxy Survey I. The galaxy sample, H alpha narrow-band observations and star formation parameters for 334 galaxies

We discuss the selection and observations of a large sample of nearby galaxies, which we are using to quantify the star formation activity in the local Universe. The sample consists of 334 galaxies across all Hubble types from S0/a to Im and with recession velocities of between 0 and 3000 km/s. The basic data for each galaxy are narrow band H alpha plus [NII] and R-band imaging, from which we derive star formation rates, H alpha plus [NII] equivalent widths and surface brightnesses, and R-band total magnitudes. A strong correlation is found between total star formation rate and Hubble type, with the strongest star formation in isolated galaxies occurring in Sc and Sbc types. More surprisingly, no significant trend is found between H alpha plus [NII] equivalent width and galaxy R-band luminosity. More detailed analyses of the data set presented here will be described in subsequent papers.

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