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Kishalay De

Publications and source records attributed to Kishalay De.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A data processing pipeline for the WINTER near-infrared surveyor using the $\texttt{mirar}$ framework

We present the data reduction and transient detection pipeline for the Wide-field Infrared Transient Explorer (WINTER) surveyor and report its on-sky performance. The WINTER camera utilizes cost-effective InGaAs sensors as alternatives to traditional IR sensors, and is mounted on a dedicated 1-m robotic telescope at Palomar Observatory. The WINTER camera has six detectors producing a combined field-of-view of 1.2 sq. deg. equipped with y, J, and shortened-H bands. WINTER saw first light in June 2023 and has been operating robotically since. The WINTER data processing pipeline ($\texttt{winterdrp}$) has been implemented within the broader framework $\texttt{mirar}$: a modular, open-source $\texttt{python}$ package developed for realtime processing of images from time-domain surveys. $\texttt{winterdrp}$ performs end-to-end data processing implementing data reduction and image subtraction to go from raw dithered WINTER images to transient alerts in the $\texttt{avro}$ format, which are then sent to $\texttt{SkyPortal}$ for vetting and follow-up. During a year of observations in 2024, WINTER achieved J-band median 5-$\sigma$ depths ranging from $18.1-18.8$ mag (AB) on its six detectors in 960 second integrations as part of its survey, with an astrometric accuracy of $\approx0.2$ arcsec (a fifth of a pixel) and a detector-performance limited photometric accuracy ranging from $\approx0.09-0.18$ mag for its six detectors. We present early science results from WINTER, which include the identification of a stellar merger in M31, dust-enshrouded outbursting young stellar objects and classical novae in the Galactic plane, NIR followup of known supernovae, and multi-messenger follow-up of neutrinos, gravitational waves, fast X-ray transients and gamma-ray bursts.

astro-ph.IM

Multi-Wavelength Identification of a Luminous Mid-Infrared Supernova Powered by Circumstellar Interaction with Binary-Driven Pre-supernova Mass Loss

Terminal mass-loss in massive stars is commonly reconstructed from observations of circumstellar interaction in core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe); however, such signatures can be easily missed depending on the phase when they appear. In this paper, we present a multi-wavelength study of SN\,2022yyz, a nearby CCSN selected by its luminous late-time mid-infrared (MIR) excess in NEOWISE at $> 500$ days after the discovery. Classified as a Type II SN at discovery, it reached a peak bolometric luminosity of $1.3^{+0.7}_{-0.4}\times10^{43}$ erg s$^{-1}$ before fading away with a light-curve drop at $\sim 300$ days. We present late-time HST/WFC3 ultraviolet (UV) imaging and Keck/LRIS spectroscopy at $\sim 1200$ days, which reveal clear signs of circumstellar-medium (CSM) interaction via a UV excess consistent with a strong MgII contribution and a flat-topped H$\alpha$ profile. We show that the bolometric light curve and the late-time UV luminosity can be explained using a semi-analytic CSM interaction model involving a broken power-law density profile: with $\sim 2.7~M_\odot$ of nearby, dense CSM within a radius of $\sim 10^{16}$ cm surrounded by wind-like outer CSM with a mass-loss rate of $\sim 10^{-4} {\rm ~M_\odot~yr}^{-1}$. The broken density profile indicates $\gtrsim 100\times$ mass-loss rate enhancement starting a few hundred years before explosion, pointing to a possible common-envelope ejection in a binary system. Despite being overlooked for follow-up at such proximity, our results demonstrate that IR photometric selection methods provide a powerful way of mapping terminal mass-loss in massive stars - laying the groundwork for the Roman Space Telescope surveys.

astro-ph.HE

Extreme AGN Variability in WISE: Powerful Flares and Candidate Tidal Disruption Events in AGN

We present first results from a systematic study of extreme mid-infrared variability of active galaxies across the $>10$-year baseline of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission. WISE, which observed the full sky with a six-month cadence, is sensitive to transient events in both unobscured and obscured galaxies. This paper focuses on extreme flares in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Previous studies identified flares such as tidal disruption events (TDEs) in inactive galaxies, typically from optical or X-ray surveys. However, flares are also expected in AGN and optical/X-ray searches are insensitive to events in dust-enshrouded AGN. In this pilot study, we present flares in two AGN identified from extreme mid-infrared color variability. One flare was also detected at optical wavelengths. While both events showed broadened H$\alpha$ emission several years after the flare peak, more recent spectroscopy reveals continued broadened emission only from the source with the optical flare. After considering several potential physical causes of the flares, including supernovae and micro-lensing, we suggest both events are TDEs in AGN. Intriguingly, the optical flare decays much faster than the expected $t^{-5/3}$ fallback rate expected for TDEs in quiescent galaxies, suggesting either a partial disruption or the tidal disruption of a star by an intermediate mass black hole embedded in the accretion disk of an AGN. This work demonstrates the power of WISE to identify the full census of TDEs, including events in dust-obscured AGN. Mid-infrared data probes the nature of the event and provides a bolometric measure of the flare energetics.

astro-ph.HE

A Suppressed Volumetric Rate of High-Luminosity Mid-Infrared Selected Tidal Disruption Events

Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs) serve as direct probes of the population of supermassive black holes in the center of galaxies and are nowadays regularly detected in optical wide-field time-domain sky surveys. Recent studies have demonstrated that a large fraction of TDEs can be uniquely identified in the infrared (IR) waveband, but these studies have to date been limited to relatively nearby events. In this work, we searched for highly luminous IR-bright TDEs that are rare and thus missed by searches in the local universe. We performed a systematic search of the NEOWISE archive and developed a new selection criterion based on the evolution of the W1-W2 color to select TDE candidates. We identified 10 IR bright TDEs with peak luminosities above $L_{\rm peak\, W2} \simeq 3 \times 10^{43}$ erg s$^{-1}$ and estimated an event rate of $1.2^{+0.5}_{-0.4}\times10^{-10}$ Mpc$^{-3}$year$^{-1}$ for the luminosity range of our sample. Compared to the existing local luminosity function of lower luminosity events, we detect a suppressed rate for these highly luminous events. This turn-over in the luminosity function can be naturally explained by the suppressed amount of TDEs taking place in systems with larger black hole masses, thereby confirming the TDE nature of our sources.

astro-ph.HE

V7995 Sgr: A New FU Orionis Accretion Outburst Near NGC 6589/6590

We announce a new FU Orionis type outburst that reached peak brightness in late 2024, following a steep 4.6 month photometric rise of -2.85 mag in the $r$ band. This rapid brightening at all wavelengths was preceeded in the infrared by a much shallower rise over 4 years. The progenitor object was an unstudied young stellar object having a flat-spectrum type spectral energy distribution, and extended nebulosity. We present multi-wavelength lightcurves covering the photometric low-state, the outburst, and early post-outburst epochs. Optical imaging shows a concurrent brightening of the extended nebular environment. We also present follow-up optical/near-infrared spectroscopy taken 1.5 years after the inferred photometric peak. The spectra confirm an FU Ori type outburst. The outburst source exhibits a mixed-temperature absorption spectrum, formed in an accretion disk, and it shows several line species with blueshifted absorption profiles that are formed in a strong wind.

astro-ph.SR

TESS detection of periodic brightness variations during the rise of classical nova PGIR22akgylf

Classical novae are transient events powered by thermonuclear burning in a layer of hydrogen-rich material accreted by a white dwarf from its binary companion. Most classical novae reach optical maximum within ~1 d, but a rare few rise far more slowly. We probe the envelope structure and ejection mechanism of the slowly-rising nova PGIR22akgylf with TESS photometry spanning 3 to 16 d after the nova discovery, supplemented by ground-based observations that cover its full ~133 d ascent to maximum. We detect a 0.1802 +/-0.0012 d periodic brightness modulation with a peak-to-peak amplitude of ~0.02 mag, identified with PGIR22akgylf via temporal and spatial coincidence. The period is stable over the two weeks of TESS coverage, suggesting an orbital origin. Whether this period corresponds to the full or half orbital period, it implies a dwarf donor companion. At the time of the TESS observations the nova was >~6 mag above quiescence (but still 4 mag below peak), so its light should be dominated by the expanding photosphere. We interpret the periodic signal as arising from the binary orbital motion distorting the nova envelope while its size remains comparable to the binary separation. This interpretation points to common-envelope interaction as a contributor to shell ejection in PGIR22akgylf and demonstrates that the slow-rise phenomenon is not exclusive to thermonuclear eruptions in symbiotic binaries, where the large orbital separation of the giant companion inhibits such interaction.

astro-ph.SR

SN~2018erx: A fast-evolving, dust-reddened Type Icn supernova with broad C II emission lines

We present the discovery and characterization of SN~2018erx (ZTF18abkmbpy), a fast-evolving, unusually red, interacting stripped-envelope supernova. Spectroscopically, SN~2018erx shows broad \ion{C}{2} emission with characteristic widths of $\sim\!3800$~km~s$^{-1}$, consistent with interaction with carbon-rich circumstellar material and a Type~Icn core-collapse SN classification. Photometrically, it evolves rapidly, rising from half-maximum to peak in 2.1~d and declining back in 3.1~d. Semi-analytical CSM-interaction modeling favors a compact, shell-like CSM with $M_{\rm CSM}\approx0.3\,M_\odot$, $R_0\approx0.7$~AU, and a low ejecta mass of $M_{\rm ej}\approx0.11\,M_\odot$. The radioactive yield is also small, with $M_{\rm Ni}\lesssim(3$--$5)\times10^{-3}\,M_\odot$, placing SN~2018erx at the low end of the H-poor distribution. At +29~d after peak, we detect a near-infrared excess consistent with pre-existing local circumstellar dust, with $M_{\rm d}\sim10^{-6}$--$10^{-5}\,M_\odot$. Together, the rapid evolution, strong local reddening, carbon-rich emission, and dust point to a multi-component circumstellar environment: a dense inner interaction region from enhanced pre-SN mass loss and an outer dusty layer from an earlier mass-loss episode roughly $10$--$200$~yr before core collapse. These properties favor an ultra-stripped core-collapse explosion of a low-mass He star in a binary system, with fallback-modified Wolf--Rayet collapse or merger-driven mass loss remaining possible alternatives. SN~2018erx provides rare insight into the mass-loss history of stripped-envelope SNe and suggests that dust-enshrouded explosions of this kind may be underrepresented in optical surveys.

astro-ph.HE

Low-Luminosity Type IIP Supernovae from the Zwicky Transient Facility Census of the Local Universe. I: Luminosity Function, Volumetric Rate

We present the luminosity function and volumetric rate of a sample of Type IIP supernovae (SNe) from the Zwicky Transient Facility Census of the Local Universe survey (CLU). This is the largest sample of Type IIP SNe from a systematic volume-limited survey to-date. The final sample includes 330 Type IIP SNe and 36 low-luminosity Type II (LLIIP) SNe with $M_{\textrm{r,peak}}>-16$ mag, which triples the literature sample of LLIIP SNe. The fraction of LLIIP SNe is $19^{+3}_{-4}\%$ of the total CLU Type IIP SNe population ($8^{+1}_{-2}\%$ of all core-collapse SNe). This implies that while LLIIP SNe likely represent the fate of core-collapse SNe of $8-12$ \Msun\ progenitors, they alone cannot account for the fate of all massive stars in this mass range. To derive an absolute rate, we estimate the ZTF pipeline efficiency as a function of the apparent magnitude and the local surface brightness. We derive a volumetric rate of $(3.9_{-0.4}^{+0.4}) \times 10^{4}\ \textrm{Gpc}^{-3}\ \textrm{yr}^{-1}$ for Type IIP SNe and $(7.3_{-0.6}^{+0.6}) \times 10^{3}\ \textrm{Gpc}^{-3}\ \textrm{yr}^{-1}$ for LLIIP SNe. Now that the rate of LLIIP SNe is robustly derived, the unresolved discrepancy between core-collapse SN rates and star-formation rates cannot be explained by LLIIP SNe alone.

astro-ph.HE

Characterizing the host galaxies and delay times of Ca-rich gap transients vs 91bg-like SNe and normal Type Ia SNe

Calcium-rich gap transients are a faint, fast-evolving class of supernovae that show strong nebular Ca emission lines. Their progenitor systems are uncertain, but they are often associated with old and quiescent host galaxies. In this work, we compare the properties of the hosts of hydrogen-poor Ca-rich gap transients to the hosts of 3 other classes of supernova (SNe): normal Type Ia, 91bg-like, and Type II. We use data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) Census of the Local Universe (CLU) experiment to build up our 4 SNe samples and identify the host galaxies. A combination of precomputed host properties from the CLU catalog and those derived from SED fitting are used to characterize each host's stellar mass, star formation rate, and specific star formation rate (sSFR). We find that the hosts of Ca-rich gap transients and 91bg-like SNe occupy a similar parameter space of mass and sSFR, and are more massive and quiescent compared to the hosts of Type Ia and Type II SNe. Additionally, we construct delay time distributions (DTDs) for our 4 samples, finding that Ca-rich gap transients and 91bg-like SNe have the longest peak delay times $\sim 10^4$ Myr, compared to the peak delay times of Type Ia SNe ($\sim 10^3$ Myr) and Type II SNe ($\sim 10$ Myr). The similarity of host environment and DTDs for Ca-rich gap transients and 91bg-like SNe motivates further analysis of the relationship of these two transient classes.

astro-ph.HE

Discovery of Quasar Variability and Early Accretion Disk Signatures at Cosmic Dawn

In the nearby universe, quasars are well known to exhibit variability in their brightness over time, offering a powerful tool to probe the physics of accretion onto the SMBH and directly measure the mass of the SMBH. However, detecting variability in early quasars remains challenging. Here, we report the detection of multi-wavelength infrared and X-ray variability in a quasar observed just 850 million years after the Big Bang. The infrared variability spans five filters, tracing rest-frame ultraviolet and optical emission from the accretion disk, while the X-ray variability probes the corona. The variable spectrum reveals that the accretion disk has a geometrically thin, optically thick structure. This provides observational constraints on the accretion disk structure at early times, when quasars are accreting at high Eddington ratios and reside in extreme environments. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of characterizing accretion physics using variability in the early universe, laying the groundwork for studies exploiting upcoming facilities such as the Rubin Observatory and Roman Space Telescope. These facilities will discover large samples of variable high-redshift quasars, enabling population-level variability studies of accretion physics and black hole masses, filling key missing ingredients in understanding early SMBH growth.

astro-ph.GA

Radial Velocity Evidence for a Post-Mass-Transfer Massive Binary System NaSt1

We present multi-epoch high-resolution optical spectroscopy ($R \simeq 80{,}000$) of the emission-line object NaSt1 to test its proposed binary nature, along with long-term multiband photometry, mid-infrared spectroscopy, and spatially resolved integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy to probe the circumstellar kinematics of the system. We detect two groups of 36 emission lines showing radial velocity (RV) variation with a mean period of 311 $\pm$ 5 d, but varying in opposite phase. We associate these two groups with the optically thick wind of the stripped primary star and the wind-wind collision region with the companion star, providing strong evidence for binarity. The RV and light curve (LC) periods are consistent within the uncertainties, ruling out ellipsoidal modulation, which would require an orbital period of about 620 d. The RV-LC phase relationship and high-ionization lines favor binary interaction over pulsations. We model the 1--5~$\mu$m spectrum of NaSt1 and find two optically thin dust components: hot $T_{\rm h} \simeq 1230$ K, $M_{\rm h} \simeq 2 \times 10^{-10} M_{\odot}$ and warm $T_{\rm c} \simeq 660$ K, $M_{\rm c} \simeq 3 \times 10^{-8} M_{\odot}$. IFU spectroscopy spatially resolves the circumstellar medium in the [\ion{N}{2}] $\lambda6548$ and $\lambda6584$ emission lines, showing a deprojected expansion velocity of $\sim31$ km~s$^{-1}$, implying a dynamical age of $\sim40$ yr. This short timescale suggests that the nebula was produced by recent mass loss. The system may represent a Galactic analog of a massive binary undergoing a mass-loss process to become a stripped-envelope supernova progenitor.

astro-ph.SR

Ghosts of eruptions past: Searching for historical Galactic supernovae using variable thermal dust echoes and machine learning

The Galactic core-collapse supernova (SN) rate is estimated at $\approx 1-3$ per century; however, no optically visible SN has been discovered in the past 400 years. Although records of the last optically detected SN (Cassiopeia A) are debated, it is revealed today via its bright, variable mid-infrared (MIR) dust echoes -- offering the possibility of identifying dust-obscured, missed events via their dust echoes. We present the first all-sky, untargeted search for thermal dust echoes of luminous Galactic transients using difference imaging on 12 years of time-resolved NEOWISE co-adds (spanning $2009-2022$) followed by statistical detection of variable extended sources. We use echo features around Cas A, together with archival catalogs to train a convolutional neural network to classify transient candidates as dust echoes, point sources, artifacts, and high proper motion stars. Our model achieves $\approx 94$% accuracy in distinguishing echoes from other variable sources. Applying the classifier to $\approx 11$ million transient candidates, we search for spatial over-densities of echoes across the Galactic plane. We find that Cas A is the only region exhibiting echoes at the WISE sensitivity threshold of $W2$ surface brightness of $\approx 20$ Vega mag arcsec$^{-2}$ -- reflecting its unique combination of young age and luminous shock breakout. We present the largest catalog of time-resolved echo positions of Cas A (20477 within 10$^\circ$) that are being used for studies of the surrounding interstellar medium with the James Webb Space Telescope. Our results lay the groundwork for the imminent Roman space telescope surveys -- which will achieve $\approx 100\times$ higher sensitivity and $\approx 30\times$ better spatial resolution at wavelengths of $\lesssim 2.5\,\mu$m.

astro-ph.HE

The rise of the black hole X-ray binary AT2019wey observed with TESS

Black hole X-ray binaries (BHXRBs) have traditionally been discovered by X-ray surveys with cadences of hours to days. However, large optical time-domain surveys now provide novel avenues for early detection and insights into their elusive outburst triggering mechanisms. We present early-time light curves of the BHXRB AT 2019wey serendipitously observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The TESS images are sampled at 30 minute cadence from $\approx2$ d prior to $\approx25$ d after outburst, providing the highest time resolution optical rising phase observations of any known BHXRB. We fit a piece-wise power law to the rising light curve, finding an outburst onset time of MJD $58817.86\pm0.09$ and power-law rise index $n=0.74\pm0.04$. The onset time precedes all ground-based optical detections, and suggests that the optical rise began after the start of the faint X-ray brightening in MAXI data. We search for periodic high frequency modulation and detect none exceeding amplitude $\approx0.48$ mJy at periods of $\gtrsim1$ h at 90% confidence.

astro-ph.HE

Fading into darkness: A weak mass ejection and low-efficiency fallback accompanying black hole formation in M31-2014-DS1

Stellar-mass black holes (BHs) can form from the near-complete collapse of massive stars, causing them to abruptly disappear. The star M31-2014-DS1 in the Andromeda galaxy was reported to exhibit such a disappearance between 2014 and 2022, with properties consistent with the failed explosion of a $\approx 12 - 13$ M$_\odot$ yellow supergiant leading to the formation of a $\approx 5$ M$_\odot$ BH. We present mid-infrared (MIR) observations of the remnant obtained with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and X-ray observations from the Chandra X-ray Observatory in 2024. The JWST MIRI/NIRSpec data reveal an extremely red source, showing strong blueshifted absorption from molecular gas (CO, CO$_2$, H$_2$O, SO$_2$) and deep silicate dust features. Modeling the dust continuum confirms continued bolometric fading of the central source to $\log(L/L_\odot)\approx3.88$ ($\approx7-8$% of the progenitor luminosity), surrounded by a dust shell spanning $\approx40-200$ au. Modeling of the molecular gas indicates $\sim 0.1$ M$_\odot$ of gas expanding at $\approx 100$ km s$^{-1}$ near the inner edge of the dust shell. No X-ray source is detected down to a luminosity limit of $L_X\lesssim1.5\times10^{35}$ erg s$^{-1}$. We show that the panchromatic observations are explained by (i) a low-energy ($\approx10^{46}$ erg) ejection of the outer H-rich progenitor envelope and (ii) a fading central BH powered by inefficient ($\sim0.1$% in mass) accretion of loosely bound fallback material. The analysis robustly establishes the bolometric fading of M31-2014-DS1 and provides the first cohesive insights into BH formation via low-energy explosions and long-term fallback.

astro-ph.SR

Disappearance of a massive star in the Andromeda Galaxy due to formation of a black hole

When a massive star reaches the end of its lifetime, its core collapses and releases neutrinos that drive a shock into the outer layers (stellar envelope). A sufficiently strong shock ejects the envelope, producing a supernova. If the shock fails to eject it, the envelope is predicted to fall back onto the collapsing core, producing a stellar-mass black hole (BH) and causing the star to disappear. We report observations of M31-2014-DS1, a hydrogen-depleted supergiant in the Andromeda Galaxy. In 2014 it brightened in the mid-infrared. From 2017 to 2022 it faded by factors of $\gtrsim10^4$ in optical light, becoming undetectable, and $\gtrsim10$ in total light. We interpret these observations, and those of a previous event in NGC 6946, as evidence for failed supernovae forming stellar-mass BHs.

astro-ph.HE

SPHEREx as a frontier for infrared transients: Classification of new Galactic FU Ori outbursts and classical novae

We demonstrate proof-of-concept of a new strategy for studying infrared (IR) transients enabled by the newly launched SPHEREx space mission, by leveraging its synergy with the NEOWISE space mission. With its fifteen year baseline and all-sky mid-IR coverage, NEOWISE provides an excellent avenue to discover thousands of slowly evolving infrared outbursts. With its all-sky spectro-photometric coverage and mid-IR sensitivity matching NEOWISE, SPHEREx is uniquely positioned to provide low-resolution IR spectra for the vast majority of these outbursts, several of which are too obscured for ground-based spectroscopic classification. As a demonstration of this approach, we present SPHEREx spectra for eight Galactic transients identified in NEOWISE. This sample includes two previously known FU Orionis-type (FUOr) outbursts whose SPHEREx spectra exhibit clear signatures of cool molecular absorption and three known classical novae showing strong emission lines in SPHEREx. Using these sources as templates, we identify two new FUOrs and one previously missed Galactic nova. Our results highlight the potential of SPHEREx for systematic explorations of the relatively underexplored dynamic infrared sky.

astro-ph.SR

The WINTER Observatory: A One-Degree InGaAs Survey Camera to study the Transient Infrared Sky

The Wide-field Infrared Transient Explorer (WINTER) is a near-infrared time-domain survey instrument operating on a dedicated 1-meter robotic telescope at Palomar Observatory. The project takes advantage of recent technology advances in time-domain astronomy, robotic telescopes, large-format sensors, and rapid data reduction and alert software for timely follow up of events. Since June of 2023, WINTER robotically surveys the sky each night to a median depth of J_AB = 18.5 mag, balancing a variety of science programs including searching for kilonovae from gravitational-wave alerts, blind surveys to study galactic and extragalactic transients and variables, and building up reference images of the near-infrared sky. The project also serves as a technology demonstration for new large-format Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) sensors for wide-field science in the near infrared without cryogenically cooled optics or detectors. WINTER's custom camera combines six InGaAs sensors with a novel tiled fly's-eye optical design to cover a >1 deg^2 field of view with 1 arcsecond pixels in the Y-, J-, and shortened-H-band filters (0.9 - 1.7 micron). This paper presents the design, performance, and early on-sky science of the WINTER observatory.

astro-ph.IM

Testing the Association of Supermassive Black Hole Infrared Flares and High-energy Neutrinos

The physical origin of the observed cosmic neutrinos remains an open question and the subject of active research. While matter accretion onto supermassive black holes is long thought to accelerate particles to high energies, it has recently been suggested that tidal disruption events, and accretion flares in general, with prominent IR echoes can account for a fraction of the diffuse high-energy neutrino signal. Motivated by this result, we compile a sample of nearby accretion flares detected in the NEOWISE survey featuring strong IR echoes, and we cross-match it with the latest catalog of neutrino alerts, IceCat-1. We recover only a single spatial coincidence between the two catalogs, consistent with a chance coincidence. We find no temporal and spatial coincidences between the two samples, which, given the properties of our sample, appears to challenge previous conclusions. We discuss the physical implications of our results and potential future explorations.

astro-ph.HE