arXiv subjects

M. A. Gurwell

Publications and source records attributed to M. A. Gurwell.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2022

New Tests of Millilensing in the Blazar PKS 1413+135

Symmetric Achromatic Variability (SAV) is a rare form of radio variability in blazars that has been attributed to gravitational millilensing by a ~$10^2 - 10^5$ $M_\odot$ mass condensate. Four SAVs have been identified between 1980 and 2020 in the long-term radio monitoring data of the blazar PKS 1413+135. We show that all four can be fitted with the same, unchanging, gravitational lens model. If SAV is due to gravitational millilensing, PKS 1413+135 provides a unique system for studying active galactic nuclei with unprecedented microarcsecond resolution, as well as for studying the nature of the millilens itself. We discuss two possible candidates for the putative millilens: a giant molecular cloud hosted in the intervening edge-on spiral galaxy, and an undetected dwarf galaxy with a massive black hole. We find a significant dependence of SAV crossing time on frequency, which could indicate a fast shock moving in a slower underlying flow. We also find tentative evidence for a 989-day periodicity in the SAVs, which, if real, makes possible the prediction of future SAVs: the next three windows for possible SAVs begin in August 2022, May 2025, and February 2028.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

Identifying changing jets through their radio variability

Supermassive black holes launch highly relativistic jets with velocities reaching Lorentz factors as high as $Γ>50$. How the jets accelerate to such high velocities and where along the jet do they reach terminal velocity are open questions that are tightly linked to their structure, launching and dissipation mechanisms. Changes in the beaming factor along the jets could potentially reveal jet acceleration, deceleration, or bending. We aim to (1) quantify the relativistic effects in multiple radio frequencies and (2) study possible jet velocity--viewing angle variations at parsec scales. We used the state-of-the-art code Magnetron to model light curves from the University of Michigan Radio Observatory and the Metsähovi Radio Observatory's monitoring programs in five frequencies covering about 25 years of observations in the 4.8-37~GHz range for 61 sources. We supplement our data set with high-frequency radio observations in the 100-340~GHz range from ALMA, CARMA, and SMA. For each frequency we estimate the Doppler factor which we use to quantify possible changes in the relativistic effects along the jets. The majority of our sources do not show any statistically significant difference in their Doppler factor across frequencies. This is consistent with constant velocity in a conical jet, as expected at parsec scales. However, our analysis reveals 17 sources where relativistic beaming changes as a function of frequency. In the majority of cases the Doppler factor increases towards lower frequencies. Only 1253-053 shows the opposite behavior. By exploring their jet properties we find that the jet of 0420-014 is likely bent across the 4.8-340~GHz range. For 0212+735 the jet is likely parabolic, and still accelerating in the 4.8-37~GHz range. We discuss possible interpretations for the trends found in the remaining sources.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Constraining particle acceleration in Sgr A* with simultaneous GRAVITY, Spitzer, NuSTAR and Chandra observations

We report the time-resolved spectral analysis of a bright near-infrared and moderate X-ray flare of Sgr A*. We obtained light curves in the $M$-, $K$-, and $H$-bands in the mid- and near-infrared and in the $2-8~\mathrm{keV}$ and $2-70~\mathrm{keV}$ bands in the X-ray. The observed spectral slope in the near-infrared band is $νL_ν\propto ν^{0.5\pm0.2}$; the spectral slope observed in the X-ray band is $νL_ν\propto ν^{-0.7\pm0.5}$. We tested synchrotron and synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) scenarios. The observed near-infrared brightness and X-ray faintness, together with the observed spectral slopes, pose challenges for all models explored. We rule out a scenario in which the near-infrared emission is synchrotron emission and the X-ray emission is SSC. A one-zone model in which both the near-infrared and X-ray luminosity are produced by SSC and a model in which the luminosity stems from a cooled synchrotron spectrum can explain the flare. In order to describe the mean SED, both models require specific values of the maximum Lorentz factor $γ_{max}$, which however differ by roughly two orders of magnitude: the SSC model suggests that electrons are accelerated to $γ_{max}\sim 500$, while cooled synchrotron model requires acceleration up to $γ_{max}\sim5\times 10^{4}$. The SSC scenario requires electron densities of $10^{10}~\mathrm{cm^{-3}}$ much larger than typical ambient densities in the accretion flow, and thus require in an extraordinary accretion event. In contrast, assuming a source size of $1R_s$, the cooled synchrotron scenario can be realized with densities and magnetic fields comparable with the ambient accretion flow. For both models, the temporal evolution is regulated through the maximum acceleration factor $γ_{max}$, implying that sustained particle acceleration is required to explain at least a part of the temporal evolution of the flare.

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arXiv2021

Rapid Variability of Sgr A* across the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) is the variable radio, near-infrared (NIR), and X-ray source associated with accretion onto the Galactic center black hole. We have analyzed a comprehensive submillimeter (including new observations simultaneous with NIR monitoring), NIR, and 2-8 keV dataset. Submillimeter variations tend to lag those in the NIR by $\sim$30 minutes. An approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) fit to the X-ray first-order structure function shows significantly less power at short timescales in the X-rays than in the NIR. Less X-ray variability at short timescales combined with the observed NIR-X-ray correlations means the variability can be described as the result of two strictly correlated stochastic processes, the X-ray process being the low-pass-filtered version of the NIR process. The NIR--X-ray linkage suggests a simple radiative model: a compact, self-absorbed synchrotron sphere with high-frequency cutoff close to NIR frequencies plus a synchrotron self-Compton scattering component at higher frequencies. This model, with parameters fit to the submillimeter, NIR, and X-ray structure functions, reproduces the observed flux densities at all wavelengths, the statistical properties of all light curves, and the time lags between bands. The fit also gives reasonable values for physical parameters such as magnetic flux density $B\approx13$ G, source size $L \approx2.2R_{S}$, and high-energy electron density $n_{e}\approx4\times10^{7}$ cm$^{-3}$. An animation illustrates typical light curves, and we make public the parameter chain of our Bayesian analysis, the model implementation, and the visualization code.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

The Relativistic Jet Orientation and Host Galaxy of the Peculiar Blazar PKS 1413+135

PKS 1413+135 is one of the most peculiar blazars known. Its strange properties led to the hypothesis almost four decades ago that it is gravitationally lensed by a mass concentration associated with an intervening galaxy. It exhibits symmetric achromatic variability, a rare form of variability that has been attributed to gravitational milli-lensing. It has been classified as a BL Lac object, and is one of the rare objects in this class with a visible counterjet. BL Lac objects have jet axes aligned close to the line of sight. It has also been classified as a compact symmetric object, which have jet axes not aligned close to the line of sight. Intensive efforts to understand this blazar have hitherto failed to resolve even the questions of the orientation of the relativistic jet, and the host galaxy. Answering these two questions is important as they challenge our understanding of jets in active galactic nuclei and the classification schemes we use to describe them. We show that the jet axis is aligned close to the line of sight and PKS 1413+135 is almost certainly not located in the apparent host galaxy, but is a background object in the redshift range $0.247 < z < 0.5$. The intervening spiral galaxy at $z = 0.247$ provides a natural host for the putative lens responsible for symmetric achromatic variability and is shown to be a Seyfert 2 galaxy. We also show that, as for the radio emission, a "multizone" model is needed to account for the high-energy emission.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

Multiwavelength behaviour of the blazar 3C279: decade-long study from $γ$-ray to radio

We report the results of decade-long (2008-2018) $γ$-ray to 1 GHz radio monitoring of the blazar 3C 279, including GASP/WEBT, $\it{Fermi}$ and $\it{Swift}$ data, as well as polarimetric and spectroscopic data. The X-ray and $γ$-ray light curves correlate well, with no delay > 3 hours, implying general co-spatiality of the emission regions. The $γ$-ray-optical flux-flux relation changes with activity state, ranging from a linear to a more complex dependence. The behaviour of the Stokes parameters at optical and radio wavelengths, including 43 GHz VLBA images, supports either a predominantly helical magnetic field or motion of the radiating plasma along a spiral path. Apparent speeds of emission knots range from 10 to 37c, with the highest values requiring bulk Lorentz factors close to those needed to explain $γ$-ray variability on very short time scales. The Mg II emission line flux in the `blue' and `red' wings correlates with the optical synchrotron continuum flux density, possibly providing a variable source of seed photons for inverse Compton scattering. In the radio bands we find progressive delays of the most prominent light curve maxima with decreasing frequency, as expected from the frequency dependence of the $τ=1$ surface of synchrotron self-absorption. The global maximum in the 86 GHz light curve becomes less prominent at lower frequencies, while a local maximum, appearing in 2014, strengthens toward decreasing frequencies, becoming pronounced at $\sim5$ GHz. These tendencies suggest different Doppler boosting of stratified radio-emitting zones in the jet.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

Investigating the multiwavelength behaviour of the flat spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 during 2013-2017

We present a multiwavelength study of the flat-spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 during 2013-2017. We use radio-to-optical data obtained by the Whole Earth Blazar Telescope, 15 GHz data from the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, 91 and 103 GHz data from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, near-infrared data from the Rapid Eye Monitor telescope, as well as data from the Swift (optical-UV and X-rays) and Fermi ($γ$ rays) satellites to study flux and spectral variability and the correlation between flux changes at different wavelengths. Unprecedented $γ$-ray flaring activity was observed during 2016 November-2017 February, with four major outbursts. A peak flux of (2158 $\pm$ 63)$\times$10$^{-8}$ ph cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, corresponding to a luminosity of (2.2 $\pm$ 0.1)$\times$10$^{50}$ erg s$^{-1}$, was reached on 2016 December 28. These four $γ$-ray outbursts have corresponding events in the near-infrared, optical, and UV bands, with the peaks observed at the same time. A general agreement between X-ray and $γ$-ray activity is found. The $γ$-ray flux variations show a general, strong correlation with the optical ones with no time lag between the two bands and a comparable variability amplitude. This $γ$-ray/optical relationship is in agreement with the geometrical model that has successfully explained the low-energy flux and spectral behaviour, suggesting that the long-term flux variations are mainly due to changes in the Doppler factor produced by variations of the viewing angle of the emitting regions. The difference in behaviour between radio and higher energy emission would be ascribed to different viewing angles of the jet regions producing their emission.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

Sub-arcsecond (sub)millimeter imaging of the massive protocluster G358.93-0.03: Discovery of 14 new methanol maser lines associated with a hot core

We present (sub)millimeter imaging at 0.5'' resolution of the massive star-forming region G358.93-0.03 acquired in multiple epochs at 2 and 3 months following the recent flaring of its 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission. Using SMA and ALMA, we have discovered 14 new Class II methanol maser lines ranging in frequency from 199 GHz to 361 GHz, which originate mostly from vt=1 torsionally-excited transitions and include one vt=2 transition. The latter detection provides the first observational evidence that Class II maser pumping involves levels in the vt=2 state. The masers are associated with the brightest continuum source (MM1), which hosts a line-rich hot core. The masers present a consistent curvilinear spatial velocity pattern that wraps around MM1, suggestive of a coherent physical structure 1200 au in extent. In contrast, the thermal lines exhibit a linear pattern that crosses MM1 but at progressive position angles that appear to be a function of either increasing temperature or decreasing optical depth. The maser spectral profiles evolved significantly over one month, and the intensities dropped by factors of 3.0 to 7.2, with the vt=2 line showing the largest change. A small area of maser emission from only the highest excitation lines closest to MM1 has disappeared. There are seven additional dust continuum sources in the protocluster, including another hot core (MM3). We do not find evidence for a significant change in (sub)millimeter continuum emission from any of the sources during the one month interval, and the total protocluster emission remains comparable to prior single dish measurements.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

An intense thermospheric jet on Titan

Winds in Titan's lower and middle atmosphere have been determined by a variety of techniques, including direct measurements from the Huygens Probe over 0-150 km, Doppler shifts of molecular spectral lines in the optical, thermal infrared and mm ranges, probing altogether the ~100-450 km altitude range, and inferences from thermal field over 10 mbar - 10 -3 mbar (i.e. ~100-500 km) and from central flashes in stellar occultation curves. These measurements predominantly indicated strong prograde winds, reaching maximum speeds of ~150-200 m/s in the upper stratosphere, with important latitudinal and seasonal variations. However, these observations provided incomplete atmospheric sounding; in particular, the wind regime in Titan's upper mesosphere and thermosphere (500- 1200 km) has remained unconstrained so far. Here we report direct wind measurements based on Doppler shifts of six molecular species observed with ALMA. We show that unlike expectations, strong prograde winds extend up to the thermosphere, with the circulation progressively turning into an equatorial jet regime as altitude increases, reaching ~340 m/s at 1000 km. We suggest that these winds may represent the dynamical response of forcing by waves launched at upper stratospheric/mesospheric levels and/or magnetospheric-ionospheric interaction. We also demonstrate that the HNC distribution is restricted to Titan's thermosphere above ~870 km altitude.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2018

Multiwavelength Light Curves of Two Remarkable Sagittarius A* Flares

Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole (SMBH) at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy, is known to be a variable source of X-ray, near-infrared (NIR), and submillimeter (submm) radiation and therefore a prime candidate to study the electromagnetic radiation generated by mass accretion flow onto a black hole and/or a related jet. Disentangling the power source and emission mechanisms of this variability is a central challenge to our understanding of accretion flows around SMBHs. Simultaneous multiwavelength observations of the flux variations and their time correlations can play an important role in obtaining a better understanding of possible emission mechanisms and their origin. This paper presents observations of two flares that both apparently violate the previously established patterns in the relative timing of submm/NIR/X-ray flares from Sgr A*. One of these events provides the first evidence of coeval structure between NIR and submm flux increases, while the second event is the first example of the sequence of submm/X-ray/NIR flux increases all occurring within ~1 hr. Each of these two events appears to upend assumptions that have been the basis of some analytic models of flaring in Sgr A*. However, it cannot be ruled out that these events, even though unusual, were just coincidental. These observations demonstrate that we do not fully understand the origin of the multiwavelength variability of Sgr A*, and show that there is a continued and important need for long-term, coordinated, and precise multiwavelength observations of Sgr A* to characterize the full range of variability behavior.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2017

Herschel and Hubble study of a lensed massive dusty starbursting galaxy at $z\sim3$

We present the results of combined deep Keck/NIRC2, HST/WFC3 near-infrared and Herschel far infrared observations of an extremely star forming dusty lensed galaxy identified from the Herschel Astrophysical Terahertz Large Area Survey (H-ATLAS J133542.9+300401). The galaxy is gravitationally lensed by a massive WISE identified galaxy cluster at $z\sim1$. The lensed galaxy is spectroscopically confirmed at $z=2.685$ from detection of $\rm {CO (1 \rightarrow 0)}$ by GBT and from detection of $\rm {CO (3 \rightarrow 2)}$ obtained with CARMA. We use the combined spectroscopic and imaging observations to construct a detailed lens model of the background dusty star-forming galaxy (DSFG) which allows us to study the source plane properties of the target. The best-fit lens model provide magnification of $μ_{\rm star}=2.10\pm0.11$ and $μ_{\rm dust}=2.02\pm0.06$ for the stellar and dust components respectively. Multi-band data yields a magnification corrected star formation rate of $1900(\pm200)\,M_{\odot}{\rm yr^{-1}}$ and stellar mass of $6.8_{-2.7}^{+0.9}\times10^{11}\,M_{\odot}$ consistent with a main sequence of star formation at $z\sim2.6$. The CO observations yield a molecular gas mass of $8.3(\pm1.0)\times10^{10}\,M_{\odot}$, similar to the most massive star-forming galaxies, which together with the high star-formation efficiency are responsible for the intense observed star formation rates. The lensed DSFG has a very short gas depletion time scale of $\sim40$ Myr. The high stellar mass and small gas fractions observed indicate that the lensed DSFG likely has already formed most of its stellar mass and could be a progenitor of the most massive elliptical galaxies found in the local Universe.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

Symmetric Achromatic Variability in Active Galaxies -- A Powerful New Gravitational Lensing Probe?

We report the discovery of a rare new form of long-term radio variability in the light-curves of active galaxies (AG) --- Symmetric Achromatic Variability (SAV) --- a pair of opposed and strongly skewed peaks in the radio flux density observed over a broad frequency range. We propose that SAV arises through gravitational milli-lensing when relativistically moving features in AG jets move through gravitational lensing caustics created by $10^3-10^6 \;{\rm M}_{\odot}$ subhalo condensates or black holes located within intervening galaxies. The lower end of this mass range has been inaccessible with previous gravitational lensing techniques. This new interpretation of some AG variability can easily be tested and if it passes these tests, will enable a new and powerful probe of cosmological matter distribution on these intermediate mass scales, as well as provide, for the first time, micro-arcsecond resolution of the nuclei of AG --- a factor of 30--100 greater resolution than is possible with ground-based millimeter VLBI.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2017

The peculiar light-curve of J1415+1320: A case study in extreme scattering events

The radio light-curve of J1415+1320 (PKS 1413+135) shows time-symmetric and recurring U-shaped features across the cm-wave and mm-wave bands. The symmetry of these features points to lensing by an intervening object as the cause. U-shaped events in radio light curves in the cm-wave band have previously been attributed to Extreme scattering events (ESE). ESEs are thought to be the result of lensing by compact plasma structures in the Galactic interstellar medium, but the precise nature of these plasma structures remains unknown. Since the strength of a plasma lens evolves with wavelength $λ$ as $λ^2$, the presence of correlated variations at over a wide wavelength range casts doubt on the canonical ESE interpretation for J1415+1320. In this paper, we critically examine the evidence for plasma lensing in J1415+1320. We compute limits on the lensing strength, and the associated free-free opacity of the putative plasma lenses. We compare the observed and model ESE light curves, and also derive a lower limit on the lens distance based on the effects of parallax due to the Earth's orbit around the Sun. We conclude that plasma lensing is not a viable interpretation for J1415+1320's light curves and that symmetric U-shaped features in the radio light curves of extragalactic sources do not present {\em prima facie} evidence for ESEs. The methodology presented here is generic enough to be applicable to any plasma lensing candidate.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2016

What can the 2008/10 broadband flare of PKS 1502+106 tell us? Nuclear opacity, magnetic fields, and the location of gamma rays

Context. The origin of blazar variability, seen from radio up to gamma rays, is still a heavily debated matter and broadband flares offer a unique testbed towards a better understanding of these extreme objects. Such an energetic outburst was detected by Fermi/LAT in 2008 from the blazar PKS 1502+106. The outburst was observed from gamma rays down to radio frequencies. Aims. Through the delay between flare maxima at different radio frequencies, we study the frequency-dependent position of the unit-opacity surface and infer its absolute position with respect to the jet base. This nuclear opacity profile enables the magnetic field tomography of the jet. We also localize the gamma-ray emission region and explore the mechanism producing the flare. Methods. The radio flare of PKS 1502+106 is studied through single-dish flux density measurements at 12 frequencies in the range 2.64 to 226.5 GHz. To quantify it, we employ both a Gaussian process regression and a discrete cross-correlation function analysis. Results. We find that the light curve parameters (flare amplitude and cross-band delays) show a power-law dependence on frequency. Delays decrease with frequency, and the flare amplitudes increase up to about 43 GHz and then decay. This behavior is consistent with a shock propagating downstream the jet. The self-absorbed radio cores are located between about 10 and 4 pc from the jet base and their magnetic field strengths range between 14 and 176 mG, at the frequencies 2.64 to 86.24 GHz. Finally, the gamma-ray active region is located at (1.9 +/- 1.1) pc away from the jet base.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Early Science with the Large Millimeter Telescope: CO and [C II] Emission in the z=4.3 AzTEC J095942.9+022938 (COSMOS AzTEC-1)

Measuring redshifted CO line emission is an unambiguous method for obtaining an accurate redshift and total cold gas content of optically faint, dusty starburst systems. Here, we report the first successful spectroscopic redshift determination of AzTEC J095942.9+022938 ("COSMOS AzTEC-1"), the brightest 1.1mm continuum source found in the AzTEC/JCMT survey (Scott et al. 2008), through a clear detection of the redshifted CO (4-3) and CO (5-4) lines using the Redshift Search Receiver on the Large Millimeter Telescope. The CO redshift of $z=4.3420\pm0.0004$ is confirmed by the detection of the redshifted 158 micron [C II] line using the Submillimeter Array. The new redshift and Herschel photometry yield $L_{FIR}=(1.1\pm0.1)\times 10^{13} L_\odot$ and $SFR = 1300\, M_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$. Its molecular gas mass derived using the ULIRG conversion factor is $1.4\pm0.2 \times 10^{11} M_\odot$ while the total ISM mass derived from the 1.1mm dust continuum is $3.7\pm0.7 \times 10^{11} M_\odot$ assuming dust temperature of 35 K. Our dynamical mass analysis suggests that the compact gas disk ($r\approx 1.1$ kpc, inferred from dust continuum and SED analysis) has to be nearly face-on, providing a natural explanation for the uncommonly bright, compact stellar light seen by the HST. The [C II] line luminosity $L_{[C~II]} = 7.8\pm1.1 \times 10^9 L_\odot$ is remarkably high, but it is only 0.04 per cent of the total IR luminosity. AzTEC COSMOS-1 and other high redshift sources with a spatially resolved size extend the tight trend seen between [C II]/FIR ratio and $Σ_{FIR}$ among IR-bright galaxies reported by Diaz-Santos et al. (2013) by more than an order of magnitude, supporting the explanation that the higher intensity of the IR radiation field is responsible for the "[C II] deficiency" seen among luminous starburst galaxies.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

Early Science with the Large Millimeter Telescope: Observations of dust continuum and CO emission lines of cluster-lensed submillimetre galaxies at z=2.0-4.7

We present Early Science observations with the Large Millimeter Telescope, AzTEC 1.1 mm continuum images and wide bandwidth spectra (73-111 GHz) acquired with the Redshift Search Receiver, towards four bright lensed submillimetre galaxies identified through the Herschel Lensing Survey-snapshot and the SCUBA-2 Cluster Snapshot Survey. This pilot project studies the star formation history and the physical properties of the molecular gas and dust content of the highest redshift galaxies identified through the benefits of gravitational magnification. We robustly detect dust continuum emission for the full sample and CO emission lines for three of the targets. We find that one source shows spectroscopic multiplicity and is a blend of three galaxies at different redshifts (z=2.040, 3.252 and 4.680), reminiscent of previous high-resolution imaging follow-up of unlensed submillimetre galaxies, but with a completely different search method, that confirm recent theoretical predictions of physically unassociated blended galaxies. Identifying the detected lines as 12CO (J_up=2-5) we derive spectroscopic redshifts, molecular gas masses, and dust masses from the continuum emission. The mean H_2 gas mass of the full sample is (2.0 +- 0.2) x 10^11 M_sun/μ, and the mean dust mass is (2.0+-0.2) x 10^9 M_sun/μ, where μ=2-5 is the expected lens amplification. Using these independent estimations we infer a gas-to-dust ratio of δ_GDR=55-75, in agreement with other measurements of submillimetre galaxies. Our magnified high-luminosity galaxies fall on the same locus as other high-redshift submillimetre galaxies, extending the L'_CO - L_FIR correlation observed for local luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies to higher FIR and CO luminosities.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

Unveiling the nature of the gamma-ray emitting AGN PKS 0521-36

PKS 0521-36 is an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) with uncertain classification. We investigate the properties of this source from radio to gamma rays. The broad emission lines in the optical and UV bands and steep radio spectrum indicate a possible classification as an intermediate object between broad-line radio galaxies (BLRG) and steep spectrum radio quasars (SSRQ). On pc-scales PKS 0521-36 shows a knotty structure similar to misaligned AGN. The core dominance and the gamma-ray properties are similar to those estimated for other SSRQ and BLRG detected in gamma rays, suggesting an intermediate viewing angle with respect to the observer. In this context the flaring activity detected from this source by Fermi-LAT between 2010 June and 2012 February is very intriguing. We discuss the gamma-ray emission of this source in the framework of the structured jet scenario, comparing the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the flaring state in 2010 June with that of a low state. We present three alternative models corresponding to three different choices of the viewing angles theta_v = 6, 15, and 20 deg. We obtain a good fit for the the first two cases, but the SED obtained with theta_v = 15 deg if observed at a small angle does not resemble that of a typical blazar since the synchrotron emission should dominate by a large factor (about 100) the inverse Compton component. This suggests that a viewing angle between 6 and 15 deg is preferred, with the rapid variability observed during gamma-ray flares favouring a smaller angle. However, we cannot rule out that PKS 0521-36 is the misaligned counterpart of a synchrotron-dominated blazar.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Rapid Variability of Blazar 3C 279 during Flaring States in 2013-2014 with Joint Fermi-LAT, NuSTAR, Swift, and Ground-Based Multi-wavelength Observations

We report the results of a multi-band observing campaign on the famous blazar 3C 279 conducted during a phase of increased activity from 2013 December to 2014 April, including first observations of it with NuSTAR. The $γ$-ray emission of the source measured by Fermi-LAT showed multiple distinct flares reaching the highest flux level measured in this object since the beginning of the Fermi mission, with $F(E > 100\,{\rm MeV})$ of $10^{-5}$ photons cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, and with a flux doubling time scale as short as 2 hours. The $γ$-ray spectrum during one of the flares was very hard, with an index of $Γ_γ= 1.7 \pm 0.1$, which is rarely seen in flat spectrum radio quasars. The lack of concurrent optical variability implies a very high Compton dominance parameter $L_γ/L_{\rm syn} > 300$. Two 1-day NuSTAR observations with accompanying Swift pointings were separated by 2 weeks, probing different levels of source activity. While the 0.5$-$70 keV X-ray spectrum obtained during the first pointing, and fitted jointly with Swift-XRT is well-described by a simple power law, the second joint observation showed an unusual spectral structure: the spectrum softens by $ΔΓ_{\rm X} \simeq 0.4$ at $\sim$4 keV. Modeling the broad-band SED during this flare with the standard synchrotron plus inverse Compton model requires: (1) the location of the $γ$-ray emitting region is comparable with the broad line region radius, (2) a very hard electron energy distribution index $p \simeq 1$, (3) total jet power significantly exceeding the accretion disk luminosity $L_{\rm j}/L_{\rm d} \gtrsim 10$, and (4) extremely low jet magnetization with $L_{\rm B}/L_{\rm j} \lesssim 10^{-4}$. We also find that single-zone models that match the observed $γ$-ray and optical spectra cannot satisfactorily explain the production of X-ray emission.

astro-ph.HE↗