arXiv subjects

Kulinder Pal Singh

Publications and source records attributed to Kulinder Pal Singh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Optical observations of the fast nova V1674 Herculis

We present the evolution of optical spectra and lightcurves of the fast nova V1674 Herculis during 150 days past its eruption. Using the post-eruption AAVSO light curve, we have calculated the orbital period of V1674 Her to be 0.153 days. There is no unambiguous white dwarf spin period in our data. The optical spectra show that the ionisation increases with time. A morpho-kinematic analysis of the H$α$ line profile indicates a bipolar morphology with polar blobs and an equatorial ring. Lyman beta fluorescence is found to be the dominant mechanism for the excitation of neutral oxygen. On day 19.87, [Ne III] & [Ne V] lines are present, indicating the presence of the ONe white dwarf. On day 147.66, the nebular lines are still present, implying that the nova had not gone into quiescence yet; this spectrum is accretion-dominated.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Survival of the accretion disk in LMC Recurrent Nova 1968-12a: UV--X-ray case study of the 2024 eruption

We report on UV and X-ray observations of the 2024 eruption of the recurrent nova LMCN 1968-12a, a rapidly recurring extragalactic system with a $\sim$4.3 year recurrence period and a massive white dwarf (WD). The eruption was discovered on 2024 August 1.8 by \textit{Swift}, and subsequently monitored using \textit{AstroSat}'s UVIT and SXT, along with Swift/UVOT and XRT. The multi-wavelength light curves reveal a rapid UV-optical decline, followed by a plateau phase exhibiting 1.26-day modulations consistent with the orbital period. The Supersoft (SSS) X-ray emission, that emerged by day 5, exhibited a double peak, suggesting variable obscuration that could be due to an inhomogeneous nova ejecta or due to a nova super-remnant along the line of sight. Time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy shows a blackbody component with T $\approx 10^6$ K. The SEDs obtained concurrently in the UV, peaking at T $\approx$ 20,000 K and with a source radius $\sim$2-3 R$_\odot$, are inconsistent with emission from the secondary star or nova photosphere alone. Instead, the UV emission is attributed to an irradiated accretion disk that survived the eruption. The persistent UV plateau and its temperature suggest that the accretion disk was not completely disrupted and resumed activity within days, consistent with recent findings in other rapidly recurring novae such as U~Sco and M31N~2008-12a.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Orbits and vertical height distribution of 4006 open clusters in the Galactic disk using Gaia DR3

Open clusters (OCs) in the Galaxy are excellent probes for tracing the structure and evolution of the Galactic disk. We present an updated catalog of parameters for 1,145 OCs, estimated using the Gaia DR3 data earlier listed in Cantat-Gaudin et al. (2020). This sample is complemented by 3,677 OCs from the catalog by Hunt & Reffert (2023). Using the Galaxy potential and the space velocities, orbits of 4,006 OCs were computed. We provide a catalog with orbital parameters such as eccentricity, perigalactic and apogalactic distance, and the maximum vertical height traced by OCs from the Galactic disk. The OCs were found to be distributed between 5-16 kpc from the Galactic center, with older OCs showing a radially extended distribution. The low number of old OCs in the inner Solar circle region likely suggests their destruction in this area. We derive a quantitative expression for the dependency of the maximum vertical height (Z_max) OCs can reach with the cluster's age and Galactocentric radius for the first time. The young and intermediate-age OCs show similar values of Z_max till 9 kpc, with the latter group having higher values beyond. OCs older than 1 Gyr show larger values of Z_max at all Galactocentric radii and significantly larger values beyond 9 kpc. Higher values of Z_max are found in the third Galactic quadrant, suggesting a link between these higher values and the Galactic warp. This sample shows that young OCs are also involved in the diagonal ridge formation in the solar neighborhood.

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arXiv2024

AstroSat observations of interacting galaxies NGC 7469 and IC 5283

We carry out deep near-ultraviolet (NUV) and far-ultraviolet (FUV) imaging of an interacting galaxy system, comprised of a Seyfert type 1 galaxy NGC 7469 and its companion IC 5283. Our aim is to resolve and map the star-forming regions in the outer arms and look for signs of interaction between the two galaxies. We used AstroSat Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) to obtain NUV and FUV images of NGC 7469 in a range of filters. We have carried out photometry of star-forming regions in the two galaxies and found their spatial distributions. We also obtained the distributions of star formation rates (SFR) in NGC 7469 and IC 5283 using the estimates obtained from the FUV and NUV bands. We also carried out Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests to look for differences in the SFRs in the two galaxies. We derived the spectral energy distribution (SED), leading to the determination of physical parameters, including the overall SFR, stellar mass ($\text{M}_{*}$), dust mass ($\text{M}_\text{Dust}$), and specific star formation rates (sSFRs) in both the galaxies. Our NUV and FUV images show the presence of an outer spiral arm that is better resolved. We have identified 33 new star-forming regions out of 51 total identified in the UVIT composite image. Enhanced star formation activity is observed to coincide with the interaction, and KS tests show that there are no significant differences in the SFR distributions of NGC 7469 and IC 5283, indicating that the interaction between the galaxies has not influenced their star formation processes differently. The SED plots and the photometric results demonstrate that most of the star formation activity is confined inside the central starburst (SB) ring.

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arXiv2024

Multi-wavelength observations of multiple eruptions of the recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a

We report the optical, UV, and soft X-ray observations of the $2017-2022$ eruptions of the recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a. We infer a steady decrease in the accretion rate over the years based on the inter-eruption recurrence period. We find a ``cusp'' feature in the $r'$ and $i'$ band light curves close to the peak, which could be associated to jets. Spectral modelling indicates a mass ejection of 10$^{-7}$ to 10$^{-8}$ M$_{\odot}$ during each eruption, and an enhanced Helium abundance of He/He$_{\odot}$ $\approx$ 3. The super-soft source (SSS) phase shows significant variability, which is anti-correlated to the UV emission, indicating a common origin. The variability could be due to the reformation of the accretion disk. A comparison of the accretion rate with different models on the $\rm M_{WD}$$-\dot{M}$ plane yields the mass of a CO WD, powering the ``H-shell flashes'' every $\sim$ 1 year to be $>1.36$ M$_{\odot}$ and growing with time, making M31N 2008-12a a strong candidate for the single degenerate scenario of Type Ia supernovae progenitor.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Shock-driven synchrotron radio emission from the 2021 outburst of RS Ophiuchi

We present low-frequency radio observations of the Galactic symbiotic recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi during its 2021 outburst. The observations were carried out with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) spanning a frequency range of 0.15$-$1.4 GHz during 23$-$287 days post the outburst. The average value of the optically thin spectral index is $α\sim$ $-$0.4 ($F_ν \propto ν^α$), indicating a non-thermal origin of the radio emission at the observed frequencies. The radio light curves are best represented by shock-driven synchrotron emission, initially absorbed by a clumpy ionized circumbinary medium. We estimate the mass-loss rate of the red giant companion star to be $\dot{M} \sim$ 7.5 $\times$ 10$^{-8}$ $M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$ for an assumed stellar wind velocity of 20 km/s. The 0.15--1.4 GHz radio light curves of the 2021 outburst are systematically brighter than those of the 2006 outburst. Considering similar shock properties between the two outbursts, this is indicative of a relatively higher particle number density in the synchrotron emitting plasma in the current outburst.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

Soft X-ray and FUV observations of Nova Her 2021 (V1674~Her) with AstroSat

Nova Her 2021 or V1674 Her was one of the fastest novae to be observed so far. We report here the results from our timing and spectral studies of the source observed at multiple epochs with AstroSat. We report the detection of a periodicity in the source in soft X-rays at a period of 501.4--501.5 s which was detected with high significance after the peak of the super-soft phase, but was not detected in the far ultraviolet (FUV) band of AstroSat. The shape of the phase-folded X-ray light curves has varied significantly as the nova evolved. The phase-resolved spectral studies reveal the likely presence of various absorption features in the soft X-ray band of 0.5--2 keV, and suggest that the optical depth of these absorption features may be marginally dependent on the pulse phase. Strong emission lines from Si, N and O are detected in the FUV, and their strength declined continuously as the nova evolved and went through a bright X-ray state.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

A Multi-wavelength Study of Swift J0503.7-2819: a Chimeric magnetic CV

We present multi-wavelength temporal and spectral characteristics of a magnetic cataclysmic variable (MCV) Swift J0503.7-2819, using far ultraviolet (FUV) and X-ray data from AstroSat, supplemented with optical data from the Southern African Large Telescope and X-ray data from the XMM-Newton and Swift observatories. The X-ray modulations at 4897.6657 s and 3932.0355 s are interpreted as the orbital ($P_Ω$) and spin ($P_ω$) period, respectively, and are consistent with prior reports. With a spin-orbit period ratio of 0.8 and $P_Ω$ falling below the period gap (2-3 hrs) of CVs, Swift J0503.7-2819 would be the newest addition to the growing population of nearly synchronous MCVs, which we call EX Hya-like systems. Hard X-ray luminosity of $<$ $2.5\times10^{32} erg s^{-1}$, as measured with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope, identifies it to be a low-luminosity intermediate polar, similar to other EX Hya-like systems. The phenomenology of the light curves and the spectral characteristics rule out a purely disc-fed/stream-fed model and instead reveal the presence of complex accretion structures around the white dwarf. We propose a ring-like accretion flow, akin to EX Hya, using period ratio, stability arguments, and observational features. An attempt is made to differentiate between the asynchronous polar/nearly-synchronous intermediate polar nature of Swift J0503.7-2819. Further, we note that with the advent of sensitive surveys, a growing population of MCVs that exhibit characteristics of both polars and intermediate polars is beginning to be identified, likely forming a genealogical link between the two conventional classes of MCVs.

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arXiv2023

Surface activity of rapidly rotating stars from simultaneous X-ray and UV observations with AstroSat

Our study focuses on analysing the coronal, transition and chromospheric activity of four rapidly rotating stars located within 50 pc in the solar neighbourhood. We have used the multi-wavelength capabilities of AstroSat, to investigate the outer atmospheres of AB Dor, BO Mic, DG CVn and GJ 3331. These stars, classified as M and K type active stars, are known for their short rotation periods, leading to increased surface magnetic activity. Our soft X-ray observations provide the coronal properties such as emission measures, temperatures and elemental coronal abundances. We report the detection of X-ray flares from AB Dor, BO Mic, and DG CVn, while UV light curves reveal flares in both BO Mic and DG CVn.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

X-ray Activity Variations and Coronal Abundances of the Star-Planet Interaction candidate HD 179949

We carry out detailed spectral and timing analyses of the $Chandra$ X-ray data of HD 179949, a prototypical example of a star with a close-in giant planet with possible star-planet interaction (SPI) effects. We find a low coronal abundance $A({\rm Fe})/A({\rm H}){\approx}0.2$ relative to the solar photospheric baseline of Anders & Grevesse (1989), and significantly lower than the stellar photosphere as well. We further find low abundances of high First Ionization Potential (FIP) elements $A({\rm O})/A({\rm Fe}){\lesssim}1$, $A({\rm Ne})/A({\rm Fe}){\lesssim}0.1$, but with indications of higher abundances of $A({\rm N})/A({\rm Fe}){\gg}1, A({\rm Al})/A({\rm Fe}){\lesssim}10$. We estimate a FIP bias for this star in the range $\approx{-0.3}$ to ${-0.1}$, larger than the ${\lesssim}-$0.5 expected for stars of this type, but similar to stars hosting close-in hot Jupiters. We detect significant intensity variability over time scales ranging from 100 s - 10 ks, and also evidence for spectral variability over time scales of 1-10 ks. We combine the $Chandra$ flux measurements with $Swift$ and XMM-$Newton$ measurements to detect periodicities and determine that the dominant signal is tied to the stellar polar rotational period, consistent with expectations that the corona is rotational-pole dominated. We also find evidence for periodicity at both the planetary orbital frequency and at its beat frequency with the stellar polar rotational period, suggesting the presence of a magnetic connection between the planet and the stellar pole. If these periodicities represent an SPI signal, it is likely driven by a quasi-continuous form of heating (e.g., magnetic field stretching) rather than sporadic, hot, impulsive flare-like reconnections.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

Dashing through the cluster: An X-ray to radio view of UGC 10420 undergoing ram-pressure stripping

We present multi-wavelength data and analysis, including new FUV AstroSat/UVIT observations of the spiral galaxy UGC 10420 (z=0.032), a member of the cluster Abell 2199. UGC 10420 is present on the edge of the X-ray emitting region of the cluster at a distance of ~ 680 kpc from the centre. The FUV data shows intense knots of star formation on the leading edge of the galaxy, accompanied by a tail of the same on the diametrically opposite side. Our analysis shows that the images of the galaxy disk in the optical and mid-infrared are much smaller in size than that in the FUV. While the broadband optical colours of UGC 10420 are typical of a post-starburst galaxy, the SFR derived from a UV-to-IR spectral energy distribution is at least a factor of nine higher than that expected for a star-forming field galaxy of similar mass at its redshift. A careful removal of the contribution of the diffuse intracluster gas shows that the significant diffuse X-ray emission associated with the inter-stellar medium of UGC 10420 has a temperature, T_X = 0.24^{+0.09}_{-0.06} keV (0.4-2.0 keV) and luminosity, L_X = 1.8+/-0.9 x 10^{40} erg/s, which are typical of the X-ray emission from late-type spiral galaxies. Our analysis favours a scenario where the interaction of a galaxy with the hot intra-cluster medium of the cluster, perturbs the gas in the galaxy causing starburst in the leading edge of the disk. On the other hand, the turbulence thus developed may also push some of the gas out of the disk. Interactions between the gas ejected from the galaxy and the intracluster medium can then locally trigger star formation in the wake of the galaxy experiencing ram-pressure stripping. Our data however does not rule out the possibility of a flyby encounter with a neighbouring galaxy, although no relevant candidates are observed in the vicinity of UGC 10420. (abridged)

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arXiv2022

Timescale-dependent X-ray to UV time lags of NGC 4593 using high-intensity XMM-Newton observations with Swift and AstroSat

We present a 140ks observation of NGC 4593 with XMM-Newton providing simultaneous and continuous PN X-ray and OM UV (UVW1 2910Å) lightcurves which sample short-timescale variations better than previous observations. These observations were simultaneous with 22d of Swift X-ray and UV/optical monitoring, reported previously, and 4d of AstroSat X-ray (SXT), far (FUV 1541Å), and near (NUV 2632Å) UV allowing lag measurements between them and the highly-sampled XMM. From the XMM we find that UVW1 lags behind the X-rays by 29.5$\pm$1.3ks, $\sim$half the lag previously determined from the Swift monitoring. Re-examination of the \textit{Swift} data reveals a bimodal lag distribution, with evidence for both the long and short lags. However if we detrend the Swift lightcurves by LOWESS filtering with a 5d width, only the shorter lag (23.8$\pm$21.2ks) remains. The NUV observations, compared to PN and SXT, confirm the $\sim$30ks lag found by XMM and, after 4d filtering is applied to remove the long-timescale component, the FUV shows a lag of $\sim$23ks. The resultant new UVW1, FUV, and NUV lag spectrum extends to the X-ray band without requiring additional X-ray to UV lag offset, which if the UV arises from reprocessing of X-rays, implies direct illumination of the reprocessor. By referencing previous Swift and HST lag measurements, we obtain an X-ray to optical lag spectrum which agrees with a model using the KYNreverb disc-reprocessing code, assuming the accepted mass of $7.63\times10^{6}M_{\odot}$ and a spin approaching maximum. Previously noted lag contribution from the BLR in the Balmer and Paschen continua are still prominent.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Deepest far ultraviolet view of a central field in the Coma cluster by AstroSat UVIT

We present analysis of the far ultraviolet (FUV) emission of sources in the central region of the Coma cluster (z=0.023) using the data taken by the UVIT aboard the multi-wavelength satellite mission AstroSat. We find a good correlation between the UVIT FUV flux and the fluxes in both wavebands of the Galex mission, for the common sources. We detect stars and galaxies, amongst which the brightest (r <= 17 mag) galaxies in the field of view are mostly members of the Coma cluster. We also detect three quasars (z = 0.38, 0.51, 2.31), one of which is likely the farthest object observed by the UVIT so far. In almost all the optical and UV colour-colour and colour-magnitude planes explored in this work, the Coma galaxies, other galaxies and bright stars could be separately identified, but the fainter stars and quasars often coincide with the faint galaxies. We have also investigated galaxies with unusual FUV morphology which are likely to be galaxies experiencing ram-pressure stripping in the cluster. Amongst others, two confirmed cluster members which were not investigated in the literature earlier, have been found to show unusual FUV emission. All the distorted sources are likely to have fallen into the cluster recently, and hence have not virialised yet. A subset of our data have optical spectroscopic information available from the archives. For these sources (~ 10% of the sample), we find that 17 galaxies identify as star-forming, 18 as composite and 13 as host galaxies for active galactic nuclei, respectively on the emission-line diagnostic diagram.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2022

The AstroSat Observatory

AstroSat is India's first Ultra-violet (UV) and X-ray astronomy observatory in space. The satellite was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on 28 September 2015 from Sriharikota Range north of Chennai on the eastern coast of India. AstroSat carries five scientific instruments and one auxiliary instrument. Four of these consist of co-aligned telescopes and detectors mounted on a common deck of the satellite to observe stars and galaxies simultaneously in the near- and far-UV wavelengths and a broad range of X-ray energies (0.3 to 80 keV). The fifth instrument consists of three X-ray detectors and is mounted on a rotating platform on a side that is oriented 90 degrees with respect to the other instruments to scan the sky for X-ray transients. An auxiliary instrument monitors the charged particle environment in the path of the satellite.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2021

The complex intracluster medium of Abell 1569 and its interaction with central radio galaxies

We present the first in-depth study of X-ray emission from a nearby ($z\sim0.0784$) galaxy cluster Abell 1569 using an archival $Chandra$ observation. A1569 consists of two unbound subclusters $-$ a northern subcluster (A1569N) hosting a double-lobed radio galaxy 1233+169 at its centre, and a southern subcluster (A1569S) harbouring a wide-angle-tailed (WAT) radio source 1233+168. X-ray emission from A1569N and A1569S extends to a radius $r\sim248$ kpc and $r\sim370$ kpc, respectively, indicating that the two gas clumps are group-scale systems. The two subclusters have low X-ray luminosities ($\sim10^{42-43}$ erg s$^{-1}$), average elemental abundances $\sim$1/4 Z$_\odot$, low average temperatures ($\sim2$ keV), and lack large ($r\gtrsim40-50$ kpc) cool cores associated with the intracluster gas. We detect a pair of cavities coincident with the radio lobes of 1233+169 in A1569N. The total mechanical power associated with the cavity pair is an order of magnitude larger than the X-ray radiative loss in the cavity-occupied region, providing corroborating evidence for cavity-induced heating of the intragroup gas in A1569N. A1569S exhibits possible evidence for a small-scale cluster-subcluster merger, as indicated by its high central entropy, and the presence of local gas elongation and a density discontinuity in between the bent radio tails of 1233+168. The discontinuity is indicative of a weak merger shock with Mach Number, $M\sim1.7$. The most plausible geometry for the ongoing interaction is a head-on merger occurring between A1569S and a subcluster falling in from the west along the line bisecting the WAT tails.

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arXiv2021

X-ray Observations of 1ES 1959+650 in its high activity state in 2016-2017 with AstroSat and Swift

We present a comprehensive multi-frequency study of the HBL 1ES 1959+650 using data from various facilities during the period 2016-2017, including X-ray data from {\it AstroSat} and {\it Swift} during the historically high X-ray flux state of the source observed until February 2021. The unprecedented quality of X-ray data from high cadence monitoring with the {\it AstroSat} during 2016-2017 enables us to establish a detailed description of X-ray flares in 1ES 1959+650. The synchrotron peak shifts significantly between different flux states, in a manner consistent with a geometric (changing Doppler factor) interpretation. A time-dependent leptonic diffusive-shock-acceleration and radiation transfer model is used to reproduce the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and X-ray light curves, to provide insight into the particle acceleration during the major activity periods observed in 2016 and 2017. The extensive data of {\it Swift}-XRT from December 2015 to February 2021 (Exp. = 411.3 ks) reveals a positive correlation between flux and peak position.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Science with the $AstroSat$ Soft X-ray Telescope: an overview

The Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) aboard the $AstroSat$ satellite is the first Indian X-ray telescope in space. It is a modest size X-ray telescope with a charge coupled device (CCD) camera in the focal plane, which provides X-ray images in the $\sim 0.3-8.0$ keV band. A forte of SXT is in providing undistorted spectra of relatively bright X-ray sources, in which it excels some current large CCD-based X-ray telescopes. Here, we highlight some of the published spectral and timing results obtained using the SXT data to demonstrate the capabilities and overall performance of this telescope.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

The Hercules cluster in X-rays with $XMM$-$Newton$ and $Chandra$

We present a detailed X-ray study of the central subcluster of the nearby ($z$ $\sim$0.0368) Hercules cluster (Abell 2151) identified as A2151C that shows a bimodal structure. A bright clump of hot gas with X-ray emission extending to radius $r$ $\sim$304 kpc and $L_X = 3.03_{-0.04}^{+0.02}\times10^{43}$ erg s$^{-1}$ in the 0.4$-$7.0 keV energy range is seen as a fairly regular subclump towards the west (A2151C(B)). An irregular, fainter and cooler subclump with radius $r$ $\sim$364 kpc is seen towards the east (A2151C(F)) and has $L_X=1.13\pm{0.02}\times10^{43}$ erg s$^{-1}$ in the 0.4$-$7.0 keV energy band. The average temperature and elemental abundance of A2151C(B) are $2.01\pm{0.05}$ keV and $0.43\pm{0.05}$ Z$_{\odot}$ respectively, while these values are $1.17\pm{0.04}$ keV and $0.13\pm{0.02}$ Z$_{\odot}$ for A2151C(F). Low temperature (${1.55}\pm{0.07}$ keV) and a short cooling time ($\sim$0.81 Gyr) within the central 15 arcsec region confirm the presence of a cool core in A2151C(B). We identify several compact groups of galaxies within A2151C(F). We find that A2151C(F) is a distinct galaxy group in the process of formation and likely not a ram-pressure stripped part of the eastern subcluster in Hercules (A2151E). X-ray emission from A2151C shows a region of overlap between A2151C(B) and A2151C(F) but without any enhancement of temperature or entropy in the two-dimensional (2D) projected thermodynamic maps that could have indicated an interaction due to merger between the two subclumps.

astro-ph.GA↗