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J. M. Wrobel

Publications and source records attributed to J. M. Wrobel.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2012

Discovery of a Flat-Spectrum Radio Nucleus in NGC 3115

The early-type galaxy NGC 3115, at a distance of 10.2 Mpc, hosts the nearest billion-solar-mass black hole. Wong et al. recently inferred a substantial Bondi accretion rate near the black hole. Bondi-like accretion is thought to fuel outflows, which can be traced through their radio emission. This paper reports the discovery of a radio nucleus in NGC 3115, with a diameter less that 0.17 arcsec (8.4 pc), a luminosity at 8.5 GHz of 3.1 x 10^35 ergs/s and a flat spectrum (alpha = -0.23+/-0.20, flux density ~ frequency^alpha). The radio source coincides with the galaxy's photocenter and candidate X-ray nucleus. The emission is radio-loud, suggesting the presence of an outflow on scales less than 10 pc. On such scales, the Bondi accretion could be impeded by heating due to disruption of the outflow.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2012

The absence of radio emission from the globular cluster G1

The detections of both X-ray and radio emission from the cluster G1 in M31 have provided strong support for existing dynamical evidence for an intermediate mass black hole (IMBH) of mass 1.8 +/- 0.5 x 10^4 solar masses at the cluster center. However, given the relatively low significance and astrometric accuracy of the radio detection, and the non-simultaneity of the X-ray and radio measurements, this identification required further confirmation. Here we present deep, high angular resolution, strictly simultaneous X-ray and radio observations of G1. While the X-ray emission (L_X = 1.74^{+0.53}_{-0.44} x 10^{36} (d/750 kpc)^2 erg/s in the 0.5-10 keV band) remained fully consistent with previous observations, we detected no radio emission from the cluster center down to a 3-sigma upper limit of 4.7 microJy/beam. Our favored explanation for the previous radio detection is flaring activity from a black hole low mass X-ray binary (LMXB). We performed a new regression of the Fundamental Plane of black hole activity, valid for determining black hole mass from radio and X-ray observations of sub-Eddington black holes, finding log M_{BH} = (1.638 +/- 0.070)log L_R - (1.136 +/- 0.077)log L_X - (6.863 +/- 0.790), with an empirically-determined uncertainty of 0.44 dex. This constrains the mass of the X-ray source in G1, if a black hole, to be <9700 solar masses at 95% confidence, suggesting that it is a persistent LMXB. This annuls what was previously the most convincing evidence from radiation for an IMBH in the Local Group, though the evidence for an IMBH in G1 from velocity dispersion measurements remains unaffected by these results.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2011

A Kiloparsec-Scale Binary Active Galactic Nucleus Confirmed by the Expanded Very Large Array

We report the confirmation of a kpc-scale binary active galactic nucleus (AGN) with high-resolution radio images from the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA). SDSS J150243.1+111557 is a double-peaked [O III] AGN at z = 0.39 selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Our previous near-infrared adaptive optics imaging reveals two nuclei separated by 1.4" (7.4 kpc), and our optical integral-field spectroscopy suggests that they are a type-1--type-2 AGN pair. However, these data alone cannot rule out the single AGN scenario where the narrow emission-line region associated with the secondary is photoionized by the broad-line AGN in the primary. Our new EVLA images at 1.4, 5.0, and 8.5 GHz show two steep-spectrum compact radio sources spatially coincident with the optical nuclei. The radio power of the type-2 AGN is an order-of-magnitude in excess of star-forming galaxies with similar extinction-corrected [O II] 3727 luminosities, indicating that the radio emission is powered by accretion. Therefore, SDSS J150243.1+111557 is one of the few confirmed kpc-scale binary AGN systems. Spectral-energy-distribution modeling shows that SDSS J150243.1+111557 is a merger of two ~10^{11} M_sun galaxies. With both black hole masses around 10^8 Msun, the AGNs are accreting at ~10 times below the Eddington limit.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2011

The Candidate Intermediate-Mass Black Hole in the Globular Cluster M54

Ibata et al. reported evidence for density and kinematic cusps in the Galactic globular cluster M54, possibly due to the presence of a 9400 solar-mass black hole. Radiative signatures of accretion onto M54's candidate intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) could bolster the case for its existence. Analysis of new Chandra and recent Hubble Space Telescope astrometry rules out the X-ray counterpart to the candidate IMBH suggested by Ibata et al. If an IMBH exists in M54, then it has an Eddington ratio of L(0.3-8 keV) / L(Edd) < 1.4 x 10^(-10), more similar to that of the candidate IMBH in M15 than that in G1. From new imaging with the NRAO Very Large Array, the luminosity of the candidate IMBH is L(8.5 GHz) < 3.6 x 10^29 ergs/s (3 sigma). Two background active galaxies discovered toward M54 could serve as probes of its intracluster medium.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2011

The Expanded Very Large Array -- a New Telescope for New Science

Since its commissioning in 1980, the Very Large Array (VLA) has consistently demonstrated its scientific productivity. However, its fundamental capabilities have changed little since 1980, particularly in the key areas of sensitivity, frequency coverage, and velocity resolution. These limitations have been addressed by a major upgrade of the array, which began in 2001 and will be completed at the end of 2012. When completed, the Expanded VLA -- the EVLA -- will provide complete frequency coverage from 1 to 50 GHz, a continuum sensitivity of typically 1 microJy/beam (in 9 hours with full bandwidth), and a modern correlator with vastly greater capabilities and flexibility than the VLA's. In this paper we describe the goals of the EVLA project, its current status, and the anticipated expansion of capabilities over the next few years. User access to the array through the OSRO and RSRO programs is described. The following papers in this special issue, derived from observations in its early science period, demonstrate the astonishing breadth of this most flexible and powerful general-purpose telescope.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2010

Parsec-Scale Localization of the Quasar SDSS J1536+0441A, a Candidate Binary Black Hole System

The radio-quiet quasar SDSS J1536+0441A shows two broad-line emission systems, recently interpreted as a binary black hole (BBH) system with a subparsec separation; as a double-peaked emitter; or as both types of systems. The NRAO VLBA was used to search for 8.4 GHz emission from SDSS J1536+0441A, focusing on the optical localization region for the broad-line emission, of area 5400 mas^2 (0.15 kpc^2). One source was detected, with a diameter of less than 1.63 mas (8.5 pc) and a brightness temperature T_b > 1.2 x 10^7 K. New NRAO VLA photometry at 22.5 GHz, and earlier photometry at 8.5 GHz, gives a rising spectral slope of alpha = 0.35+/-0.08. The slope implies an optically thick synchrotron source, with a radius of about 0.04 pc, and thus T_b ~ 5 x 10^10 K. The implied radio-sphere at rest frame 31.2 GHz has a radius of 800 gravitational radii, just below the size of the broad line region in this object. Observations at higher frequencies can probe whether or not the radio-sphere is as compact as expected from the coronal framework for the radio emission of radio-quiet quasars.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2009

Discovery of Radio Emission from the Quasar SDSS J1536+0441, a Candidate Binary Black-Hole System

The radio-quiet quasar SDSS J1536+0441 shows two broad-line emission systems that Boroson & Lauer interpret as a candidate binary black-hole system with a separation of 0.1 pc (0.02 mas). From new VLA imaging at 8.5 GHz, two faint sources, separated by 0.97 arcsec (5.1 kpc), have been discovered within the quasar's optical localization region. Each radio source is unresolved, with a diameter of less than 0.37 arcsec (1.9 kpc). A double radio structure is seen in some other radio-quiet quasars, and the double may be energized here by the candidate 0.1-pc binary black-hole system. Alternatively, the radio emission may arise from a binary system of quasars with a projected separation of 5.1 kpc, and the two quasars may produce the two observed broad-line emission systems. Binary active galactic nuclei with a kpc scale separation are known from radio and X-ray observations, and a few such system are expected in the Boroson & Lauer sample based on the observed clustering of quasars down to the 10 kpc scale. Future observations designed to distinguish between the 0.1 pc and 5 kpc scales for the binary system are suggested.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2008

Steep-Spectrum Radio Emission from the Low-Mass Active Galactic Nucleus GH 10

GH 10 is a broad-lined active galactic nucleus (AGN) energized by a black hole of mass 800,000 Solar masses. It was the only object detected by Greene et al. in their Very Large Array (VLA) survey of 19 low-mass AGNs discovered by Greene & Ho. New VLA imaging at 1.4, 4.9, and 8.5 GHz reveals that GH 10's emission has an extent of less than 320 pc, has an optically-thin synchrotron spectrum with a spectral index -0.76+/-0.05, is less than 11 percent linearly polarized, and is steady - although poorly sampled - on timescales of weeks and years. Circumnuclear star formation cannot dominate the radio emission, because the high inferred star formation rate, 18 Solar masses per year, is inconsistent with the rate of less than 2 Solar masses per year derived from narrow Halpha and [OII] 3727 emission. Instead, the radio emission must be mainly energized by the low-mass black hole. GH 10's radio properties match those of the steep-spectrum cores of Palomar Seyfert galaxies, suggesting that, like those Seyferts, the emission is outflow-driven. Because GH 10 is radiating close to its Eddington limit, it may be a local analog of the starting conditions, or seeds, for supermassive black holes. Future imaging of GH 10 at higher resolution thus offers an opportunity to study the relative roles of radiative versus kinetic feedback during black-hole growth.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2007

Outflow-Dominated Emission from the Quiescent Massive Black Holes in NGC 4621 and NGC 4697

The nearby elliptical galaxies NGC 4621 and NGC 4697 each host a supermassive black hole with a mass more than 1e8 Solar masses. Analysis of archival Chandra data and new NRAO Very Large Array data shows that each galaxy contains a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (LLAGN), identified as a faint, hard X-ray source that is astrometrically coincident with a faint 8.5-GHz source. The latter has a diameter less than 0.3 arcsec (26 pc for NGC 4621, 17 pc for NGC 4697). The black holes energizing these LLAGNs have Eddington ratios L(2-10 keV) / L(Edd) ~ 1e-9, placing them in the so-called quiescent regime. The emission from these quiescent black holes is radio-loud, with log Rx = log nuLnu(8.5 GHz) / L(2-10 keV) ~ -2, suggesting the presence of a radio outflow. Also, application of the radio-X-ray-mass relation from Yuan & Cui for quiescent black holes predicts the observed radio luminosities nuLnu(8.5 GHz) to within a factor of a few. Significantly, that relation invokes X-ray emission from the outflow rather than from an accretion flow. The faint, but detectable, emission from these two massive black holes is therefore consistent with being outflow-dominated. Observational tests of this finding are suggested.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2006

Radio Emission on Sub-Parsec Scales from the Intermediate-Mass Black Hole in NGC 4395

The Seyfert 1 nucleus of NGC 4395 is energized by a black hole of 360,000 Solar masses (Peterson et al.), making it one of only two nuclear black holes of intermediate mass, one thousand to one million Solar masses, detected in the radio regime. Building upon UV and X-ray evidence for outflows from this Seyfert nucleus, the VLBI High Sensitivity Array was used at 1.4 GHz to search for extended structure on scales greater than 5 mas (0.1 pc). Elongated emission was discovered, extending over 15 mas (0.3 pc) and suggesting an outflow on sub-parsec scales from this intermediate-mass black hole. The Seyfert nucleus is located at the center of an elliptical star cluster, and the elongation position angle of the sub-parsec radio structure is only 19 degrees from the star cluster's minor axis.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2005

Faint Radio Sources in the NOAO Bootes Field. VLBA Imaging and Optical Identifications

As a step toward investigating the parsec-scale properties of faint extragalactic radio sources, the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) was used at 5.0 GHz to obtain phase-referenced images of 76 sources in the NOAO Bootes field. These 76 sources were selected from the FIRST catalog to have peak flux densities above 10 mJy at 5 arcsec resolution and deconvolved major diameters of less than 3 arcsec at 1.4 GHz. Fifty-seven of these faint radio sources were identified with accretion-powered radio galaxies and quasars brighter than 25.5 mag in the optical I band. On VLA scales at 1.4 GHz, a measure of the compactness of the faint sources (the ratio of the peak flux density from FIRST to the integrated flux density from the NVSS catalog) spans the full range of possibilites arising from source-resolution effects. Thirty of the faint radio sources, or 39 +9/-7%, were detected with the VLBA at 5.0 GHz with peak flux densities above 6 sigma ~2 mJy at 2 mas resolution. The VLBA detections occur through the full range of compactness ratios. The stronger VLBA detections can themselves serve as phase-reference calibrators, boding well for opening up much of the radio sky to VLBA imaging. For the adopted cosmology, the VLBA resolution correponds to 17 pc or finer. Most VLBA detections are unresolved or slightly resolved but one is diffuse and five show either double or core-jet structures; the properties of these latter six are discussed in detail. Three VLBA detections are unidentified and fainter than 25.5 mag in the optical I band; their properties are highlighted because they likely mark optically-obscured active nuclei at high redshift.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2005

Discovering the microJy Radio VLBI Sky via "Full-beam" Self-calibration

We demonstrate that at 1.4 GHz the combined response of sources detected serendipitously in deep, wide-field VLBI images is sufficient to permit self-calibration techniques to be employed. This technique of "full-beam" VLBI self-calibration permits coherent VLBI observations to be successfully conducted in any random direction on the sky, thereby enabling very faint radio sources to be detected. Via full-beam self-calibration, Global VLBI observations can equal and indeed surpass the level of sensitivity achieved by connected arrays. This technique will enable large-scale VLBI surveys of the faint radio source population to be conducted, in addition to targeted observations of faint sources of special interest (e.g. GRBs, SNe, SNR and low-luminosity AGN).

astro-ph↗
arXiv2004

Deep VLBI Imaging of Faint Radio Sources in the NOAO Bootes Field

We have conducted a deep, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observation at 1.4 GHz of an area of sky located within the NOAO Bootes field, using the NRAO VLBA and 100-m Green Bank Telescope. Applying wide-field VLBI techniques, a total of 61 sources, selected from a WSRT image, were surveyed simultaneously with a range of different sensitivities and resolutions. The inner 0-2', of the field reached an unprecedented 1-sigma rms noise level ~ 9 uJy/beam and yielded 2 detections. A further 7 sources were detected in the rest of the field. All of the sources have a brightness temperature in excess of 10^5 K; suggesting they are AGN. Optical identifications are available for 8 of the 9 VLBI detections - only VLBI J142906.6095 remains unidentified (I > 25.6m). Two sources are not detected in K-band (K > 18.5m) suggesting that some significant fraction of these compact radio sources may be located at z > 1. The VLBI detection rate for sub-mJy radio sources is 8^{+4}_{-5} %. The VLBI detection rate for mJy sources is higher, 29^{+11}_{-12}%. This trend is expected if the radio emission associated with fainter sub-mJy and microJy sources increasingly arises from extended regions of star formation. The 9 VLBI detections pin-point the precise location of AGN or candidate AGN, and their VLBI positions can help to anchor the NOAO Bootes field to the ICRF. The simultaneous detection of several sub-mJy and mJy radio sources, in a single observation, suggest that their combined response may be used to self-calibrate wide-field VLBI data. Future VLBI observations of faint sub-mJy and microJy radio sources can take full advantage of this "full-beam" calibration technique.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2004

VLBA Astrometry of Compact Radio Sources in the Spitzer First-Look Survey

The NRAO Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) was used at 1.4 GHz to image 20 compact sources in the inner 1-degree radius of the Spitzer VLA First-Look Survey. Twelve sources were detected with the VLBA, with peak flux densities above 2 mJy at 9-mas resolution. The positions of these VLBA detections have been measured in the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) to 1-sigma accuracies of 8 mas East-West and 4 mas North-South. These positions can help anchor ancillary data for the First-Look Survey to the ICRF and are being reported quickly to the community.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2004

21st Century VLBI: Deep Wide-Field Surveys

A 20-hour VLBI observation with the NRAO VLBA and GBT in the NOAO Bootes field reaches an rms noise of 9 microJy per beam at 1.4 GHz. Three sources were detected at 10-milliarcsecond resolution within the GBT primary beam of FWHM 8.6', including the 20-milliJy calibrator and two sub-milliJy sources. By tapering the visibility data, portions of the VLBA primary beam of FWHM 29' were imaged at poorer sensitivity and resolution to yield five further detections. New developments at JIVE will permit deeper and wider VLBI surveys at full sensitivity and resolution, enabling new types of survey science.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2003

An Attempt to Probe the Radio Jet Collimation Regions in NGC 4278, NGC 4374 (M84), and NGC 6166

NRAO Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations of NGC 4278, NGC 4374 (M84), NGC 6166, and M87 (NGC 4486) have been made at 43 GHz in an effort to image the jet collimation region. This is the first attempt to image the first three sources at 43 GHz using Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) techniques. These three sources were chosen because their estimated black hole mass and distance implied a Schwarzschild radius with large angular size, giving hope that the jet collimation regions could be studied. Phase referencing was utilize for the three sources because of their expected low flux densities. M87 was chosen as the calibrator for NGC 4374 because it satisfied the phase referencing requirements: nearby to the source and sufficiently strong. Having observed M87 for a long integration time, we have detected its sub-parsec jet, allowing us to confirm previous high resolution observations made by Junor, Biretta & Livio, who have indicated that a wide opening angle was seen near the base of the jet. Phase referencing successfully improved our image sensitivity, yielding detections and providing accurate positions for NGC 4278, NGC 4374 and NGC 6166. These sources are point dominated, but show suggestions of extended structure in the direction of the large-scale jets. However, higher sensitivity will be required to study their sub-parsec jet structure.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2003

The Deepest and Widest VLBI Survey yet: VLBA+GBT 1.4 GHz observations in Bootes

We present preliminary results from the deepest VLBI observations yet conducted. VLBA+GBT 1.4 GHz observations of a region within NOAO-N, reach an r.m.s. noise level of 9 microJy per beam. Three sources are clearly detected (> 7 sigma) within the inner 2 arcmins of the GBT primary beam, including two sub-mJy sources and the ``in-beam'' calibrator. In addition, by tapering the data, we map out a much larger area of sky, reaching well beyond the half-power point of the GBT primary beam. An additional 6 sources are detected in the extended field. We comment briefly on the scientific motivation for even deeper and wider VLBI surveys, and note that the summed response of sources in the field will permit self-calibration techniques to be employed in any region of the radio sky, including so-called ``blank'' fields.

astro-ph↗