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M. Bremer

Publications and source records attributed to M. Bremer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Early Multiwavelength Observations of AT 2026fgk: The Luminous Afterglow to Sub-luminous GRB 260310A, Identified Independently of a Gamma-ray Trigger

The origins of sub-luminous ($L_\mathrm{\gamma,\mathrm{iso}} < 10^{49.5}$\,erg\,s$^{-1}$) gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) associated with broad-lined Type~Ic supernovae (Ic-BL SNe) are poorly understood, in part due to the low discovery rate and faint afterglows. Here we present the identification of the optical afterglow of Fermi-GBM-detected GRB\,260310A (AT\,2026fgk) as a rapidly rising ($>1\,$mag\,d$^{-1}$), red ($g-r=0.4$\,mag) transient using the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observatory, Large Array Survey Telescope, and Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) data streams. We present multiwavelength follow-up observations from the first 50\,days, which reveal that GRB 260310A/AT\,2026fgk was sub-luminous ($L_\mathrm{\gamma,iso}=10^{48.8}\,$erg\,s$^{-1}$); it was the most nearby ($z=0.153$) afterglow identified blindly by an optical survey; and that it is one of the brightest afterglows ever observed at X-ray, optical, and radio (cm to mm) wavelengths. We spectroscopically confirm an underlying Ic-BL SN with properties typical of GRB-SNe ($M_\mathrm{ej}\approx3\,M_\odot$, $E_{\rm K}\approx 10^{52}\,$erg). With basic modeling of the afterglow, including the long optical rise ($\approx10^{3}\,$s), we infer either a low initial Lorentz factor ($\Gamma_0\approx40$) or a slightly off-axis viewing angle ($\lesssim3^\circ$). The host galaxy's mass and star formation rate are similar to the hosts of other sub-luminous GRBs. ZTF's flux-limited survey gives a volumetric rate of AT\,2026fgk-like events of $0.30^{+1.37}_{-0.29}\,$Gpc\,$^{-3}$\,yr$^{-1}$, which is consistent with the on-axis, high luminosity ($L_{\rm \gamma,iso}>10^{49.5}$\,erg\,s$^{-1}$) long-GRB rate. The similarity in the rates strongly constrains the prevalence of low-$\Gamma_0$ bursts and the beaming of the initial relativistic material in GRBs.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2026

STILTS-NLI: A Natural Language Interface for STILTS

The Starlink Tables Infrastructure Library Tool Set (STILTS) is a powerful suite for astronomical data analysis, particularly useful when dealing with large datasets. However, like other software suites in astronomy its comprehensive syntax creates a significant learning curve to new users. To address this, we present STILTS-NLI, a natural language interface that generates STILTS commands from user prompts, with agentic support for a user-friendly experience. We developed STILTS-NLI by fine-tuning a compact, open-source Large Language Model (LLM) on a synthetically generated dataset. This dataset was curated and validated to ensure both comprehensive coverage of key STILTS functionalities and the syntactic correctness of the resulting commands. Our results demonstrate that this specialised model generates valid commands that match and in some cases outperform larger proprietary models. By leveraging small, open-source models, STILTS-NLI provides an accessible, low-resource solution that lowers the barrier to entry for using STILTS.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2025

Shared-optical-path VLBI frequency phase transfer from 86 to 258 GHz on an 8600 km baseline: Demonstrated with the APEX and IRAM 30 m telescopes

The receiver N3AR operating at a frequency range between 67 and 116 GHz has been commissioned at the APEX telescope in October 2024. This adds a new low-frequency band for APEX, with the capability of simultaneous dual-frequency observations using a dichroic beamsplitter. The 3 mm receiver also allows APEX to join the existing 3 mm global VLBI network. One of our commissioning goals was to perform simultaneous dual-band VLBI observations at 86 and 258 GHz using receivers with shared-optical-paths (SOP) to correct the atmospheric phase fluctuations using the frequency phase transfer (FPT) technique. This was possible together with the IRAM 30 m telescope, which has already developed such a capability. We aimed to verify the expected phase coherence and sensitivity improvement at the higher frequency achievable by applying FPT. With the dual-band, single baseline data, we applied the FPT method, which uses the lower frequency data to correct the simultaneously observed higher-frequency data. We evaluate the improvement compared to the conventional single-band observing mode by analyzing the coherence factor in the higher frequency data. Our results show that the phase fluctuations at the two bands are well correlated. After applying FPT, the interferometric phases at the higher frequency vary much slower and the coherence factor is significantly improved. Our analysis confirms the feasibility of applying FPT to frequencies above 250 GHz with SOP receivers. Future observations in this mode could dramatically improve the sensitivity and imaging fidelity of high-frequency VLBI.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2024

Rocking the BOAT: the ups and downs of the long-term radio light curve for GRB 221009A

We present radio observations of the long-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) 221009A which has become known to the community as the Brightest Of All Time or the BOAT. Our observations span the first 475 days post-burst and three orders of magnitude in observing frequency, from 0.15 to 230GHz. By combining our new observations with those available in the literature, we have the most detailed radio data set in terms of cadence and spectral coverage of any GRB to date, which we use to explore the spectral and temporal evolution of the afterglow. By testing a series of phenomenological models, we find that three separate synchrotron components best explain the afterglow. The high temporal and spectral resolution allows us to conclude that standard analytical afterglow models are unable to explain the observed evolution of GRB 221009A. We explore where the discrepancies between the observations and the models are most significant and place our findings in the context of the most well-studied GRB radio afterglows to date. Our observations are best explained by three synchrotron emitting regions which we interpret as a forward shock, a reverse shock and an additional shock potentially from a cocoon or wider outflow. Finally, we find that our observations do not show any evidence of any late-time spectral or temporal changes that could result from a jet break but note that any lateral structure could significantly affect a jet break signature.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2024

HI and CO spectroscopy of the unusual host of GRB 171205A: A grand design spiral galaxy with a distorted HI field

GRBs produced by the collapse of massive stars are usually found near the most prominent star-forming regions of star-forming galaxies. GRB 171205A happened in the outskirts of a spiral galaxy, a peculiar location in an atypical GRB host. In this paper we present a highly-resolved study of the molecular gas of this host, with CO(1-0) observations from ALMA. We compare with GMRT atomic HI observations, and with data at other wavelengths to provide a broad-band view of the galaxy. The ALMA observations have a spatial resolution of 0.2" and a spectral resolution of 10 km/s, observed when the afterglow had a flux density of ~53 mJy. This allowed a molecular study both in emission and absorption. The HI observations allowed to study the host galaxy and its extended environment. The CO emission shows an undisturbed spiral structure with a central bar, and no significant emission at the location of the GRB. Our CO spectrum does not reveal any CO absorption, with a column density limit of < 10^15 cm^-2. This argues against the progenitor forming in a massive molecular cloud. The molecular gas traces the galaxy arms with higher concentration in the regions dominated by dust. The HI gas does not follow the stellar light or the molecular gas and is concentrated in two blobs, with no emission towards the centre of the galaxy, and is slightly displaced towards the southwest of the galaxy, where the GRB exploded. Within the extended neighbourhood of the host galaxy, we identify another prominent HI source at the same redshift, at a projected distance of 188 kpc. Our observations show that the progenitor of this GRB is not associated to a massive molecular cloud, but more likely related to low-metallicity atomic gas. The distortion in the HI gas field is indicator of an odd environment that could have triggered star formation and could be linked to a past interaction with the companion galaxy.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2024

Broadband Multi-wavelength Properties of M87 during the 2018 EHT Campaign including a Very High Energy Flaring Episode

The nearby elliptical galaxy M87 contains one of the only two supermassive black holes whose emission surrounding the event horizon has been imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). In 2018, more than two dozen multi-wavelength (MWL) facilities (from radio to gamma-ray energies) took part in the second M87 EHT campaign. The goal of this extensive MWL campaign was to better understand the physics of the accreting black hole M87*, the relationship between the inflow and inner jets, and the high-energy particle acceleration. Understanding the complex astrophysics is also a necessary first step towards performing further tests of general relativity. The MWL campaign took place in April 2018, overlapping with the EHT M87* observations. We present a new, contemporaneous spectral energy distribution (SED) ranging from radio to very high energy (VHE) gamma-rays, as well as details of the individual observations and light curves. We also conduct phenomenological modelling to investigate the basic source properties. We present the first VHE gamma-ray flare from M87 detected since 2010. The flux above 350 GeV has more than doubled within a period of about 36 hours. We find that the X-ray flux is enhanced by about a factor of two compared to 2017, while the radio and millimetre core fluxes are consistent between 2017 and 2018. We detect evidence for a monotonically increasing jet position angle that corresponds to variations in the bright spot of the EHT image. Our results show the value of continued MWL monitoring together with precision imaging for addressing the origins of high-energy particle acceleration. While we cannot currently pinpoint the precise location where such acceleration takes place, the new VHE gamma-ray flare already presents a challenge to simple one-zone leptonic emission model approaches, and emphasises the need for combined image and spectral modelling.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2024

Ordered magnetic fields around the 3C 84 central black hole

3C84 is a nearby radio source with a complex total intensity structure, showing linear polarisation and spectral patterns. A detailed investigation of the central engine region necessitates the use of VLBI above the hitherto available maximum frequency of 86GHz. Using ultrahigh resolution VLBI observations at the highest available frequency of 228GHz, we aim to directly detect compact structures and understand the physical conditions in the compact region of 3C84. We used EHT 228GHz observations and, given the limited (u,v)-coverage, applied geometric model fitting to the data. We also employed quasi-simultaneously observed, multi-frequency VLBI data for the source in order to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the core structure. We report the detection of a highly ordered, strong magnetic field around the central, SMBH of 3C84. The brightness temperature analysis suggests that the system is in equipartition. We determined a turnover frequency of $\nu_m=(113\pm4)$GHz, a corresponding synchrotron self-absorbed magnetic field of $B_{SSA}=(2.9\pm1.6)$G, and an equipartition magnetic field of $B_{eq}=(5.2\pm0.6)$G. Three components are resolved with the highest fractional polarisation detected for this object ($m_\textrm{net}=(17.0\pm3.9)$%). The positions of the components are compatible with those seen in low-frequency VLBI observations since 2017-2018. We report a steeply negative slope of the spectrum at 228GHz. We used these findings to test models of jet formation, propagation, and Faraday rotation in 3C84. The findings of our investigation into different flow geometries and black hole spins support an advection-dominated accretion flow in a magnetically arrested state around a rapidly rotating supermassive black hole as a model of the jet-launching system in the core of 3C84. However, systematic uncertainties due to the limited (u,v)-coverage, however, cannot be ignored.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2023

Multi-band analyses of the bright GRB 230812B and the associated SN2023pel

GRB~230812B is a bright and relatively nearby ($z =0.36$) long gamma-ray burst (GRB) that has generated significant interest in the community and has thus been observed over the entire electromagnetic spectrum. We report over 80 observations in X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and sub-millimeter bands from the GRANDMA (Global Rapid Advanced Network for Multi-messenger Addicts) network of observatories and from observational partners. Adding complementary data from the literature, we then derive essential physical parameters associated with the ejecta and external properties (i.e. the geometry and environment) of the GRB and compare with other analyses of this event. We spectroscopically confirm the presence of an associated supernova, SN2023pel, and we derive a photospheric expansion velocity of v $\sim$ 17$\times10^3$ km s$^{-1}$. We analyze the photometric data first using empirical fits of the flux and then with full Bayesian Inference. We again strongly establish the presence of a supernova in the data, with a maximum (pseudo-)bolometric luminosity of $5.75 \times 10^{42}$ erg/s, at $15.76^{+0.81}_{-1.21}$ days (in the observer frame) after the trigger, with a half-max time width of 22.0 days. We compare these values with those of SN1998bw, SN2006aj, and SN2013dx. Our best-fit model favours a very low density environment ($\log_{10}({n_{\rm ISM}/{\rm cm}^{-3}}) = -2.38^{+1.45}_{-1.60}$) and small values for the jet's core angle $\theta_{\rm core} = 1.54^{+1.02}_{-0.81} \ \rm{deg}$ and viewing angle $\theta_{\rm obs} = 0.76^{+1.29}_{-0.76} \ \rm{deg}$. GRB 230812B is thus one of the best observed afterglows with a distinctive supernova bump.

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arXiv2023

NIKA2 observations of 3 low-mass galaxy clusters at $z \sim 1$: pressure profile and $Y_{\rm SZ}$-$M$ relation

Three galaxy clusters selected from the XXL X-ray survey at high redshift and low mass ($z\sim1$ and $M_{500} \sim 1-2 \times 10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$) were observed with NIKA2 to image their Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZ) signal. They all present an SZ morphology, together with the comparison with X-ray and optical data, that indicates dynamical activity related to merging events. Despite their disturbed intracluster medium, their high redshifts, and their low masses, the three clusters follow remarkably well the pressure profile and the SZ flux-mass relation expected from standard evolution. This suggests that the physics that drives cluster formation is already in place at $z \sim 1$ down to $M_{500} \sim 10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2023

The XXL Survey LI. Pressure profile and $Y_{\rm SZ}$-$M$ scaling relation in three low-mass galaxy clusters at $z\sim1$ observed with NIKA2

The thermodynamical properties of the intracluster medium (ICM) are driven by scale-free gravitational collapse, but they also reflect the rich astrophysical processes at play in galaxy clusters. At low masses ($\sim 10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$) and high redshift ($z \gtrsim 1$), these properties remain poorly constrained observationally, due to the difficulty in obtaining resolved and sensitive data. This paper aims at investigating the inner structure of the ICM as seen through the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect in this regime of mass and redshift. Focus is set on the thermal pressure profile and the scaling relation between SZ flux and mass, namely the $Y_{\rm SZ} - M$ scaling relation. The three galaxy clusters XLSSC~072 ($z=1.002$), XLSSC~100 ($z=0.915$), and XLSSC~102 ($z=0.969$), with $M_{500} \sim 2 \times 10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$, were selected from the XXL X-ray survey and observed with the NIKA2 millimeter camera to image their SZ signal. XMM-Newton X-ray data were used in complement to the NIKA2 data to derive masses based on the $Y_X - M$ relation and the hydrostatic equilibrium. The SZ images of the three clusters, along with the X-ray and optical data, indicate dynamical activity related to merging events. The pressure profile is consistent with that expected for morphologically disturbed systems, with a relatively flat core and a shallow outer slope. Despite significant disturbances in the ICM, the three high-redshift low-mass clusters follow remarkably well the $Y_{\rm SZ}-M$ relation expected from standard evolution. These results indicate that the dominant physics that drives cluster evolution is already in place by $z \sim 1$, at least for systems with masses above $M_{500} \sim 10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2023

The first JWST spectrum of a GRB afterglow: No bright supernova in observations of the brightest GRB of all time, GRB 221009A

We present JWST and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of the afterglow of GRB 221009A, the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever observed. This includes the first mid-IR spectra of any GRB, obtained with JWST/NIRSPEC (0.6-5.5 micron) and MIRI (5-12 micron), 12 days after the burst. Assuming that the intrinsic spectral slope is a single power-law, with $F_{\nu} \propto \nu^{-\beta}$, we obtain $\beta \approx 0.35$, modified by substantial dust extinction with $A_V = 4.9$. This suggests extinction above the notional Galactic value, possibly due to patchy extinction within the Milky Way or dust in the GRB host galaxy. It further implies that the X-ray and optical/IR regimes are not on the same segment of the synchrotron spectrum of the afterglow. If the cooling break lies between the X-ray and optical/IR, then the temporal decay rates would only match a post jet-break model, with electron index $p<2$, and with the jet expanding into a uniform ISM medium. The shape of the JWST spectrum is near-identical in the optical/nIR to X-shooter spectroscopy obtained at 0.5 days and to later time observations with HST. The lack of spectral evolution suggests that any accompanying supernova (SN) is either substantially fainter or bluer than SN 1998bw, the proto-type GRB-SN. Our HST observations also reveal a disc-like host galaxy, viewed close to edge-on, that further complicates the isolation of any supernova component. The host galaxy appears rather typical amongst long-GRB hosts and suggests that the extreme properties of GRB 221009A are not directly tied to its galaxy-scale environment.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2020

A new lepto-hadronic model applied to the first simultaneous multiwavelength data set for Cygnus X--1

Cygnus X--1 is the first Galactic source confirmed to host an accreting black hole. It has been detected across the entire electromagnetic spectrum from radio to GeV $γ$-rays. The source's radio through mid-infrared radiation is thought to originate from the relativistic jets. The observed high degree of linear polarisation in the MeV X-rays suggests that the relativistic jets dominate in this regime as well, whereas a hot accretion flow dominates the soft X-ray band. The origin of the GeV non-thermal emission is still debated, with both leptonic and hadronic scenarios deemed to be viable. In this work, we present results from a new semi-analytical, multi-zone jet model applied to the broad-band spectral energy distribution of Cygnus X--1 for both leptonic and hadronic scenarios. We try to break this degeneracy by fitting the first-ever high-quality, simultaneous multiwavelength data set obtained from the CHOCBOX campaign (Cygnus X--1 Hard state Observations of a Complete Binary Orbit in X-rays). Our model parameterises dynamical properties, such as the jet velocity profile, the magnetic field, and the energy density. Moreover, the model combines these dynamical properties with a self-consistent radiative transfer calculation including secondary cascades, both of leptonic and hadronic origin. We conclude that sensitive TeV $γ$-ray telescopes like Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) will definitively answer the question of whether hadronic processes occur inside the relativistic jets of Cygnus X--1.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2020

ALMA unveils wider environment of distant red protocluster core

We report observations with the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) of six submillimetre galaxies (SMGs) within 3 arcmin of the Distant Red Core (DRC) at $z=4.0$, a site of intense cluster-scale star formation, first reported by Oteo et al. (2018). We find new members of DRC in three SMG fields; in two fields, the SMGs are shown to lie along the line of sight towards DRC; one SMG is spurious. Although at first sight this rate of association is consistent with earlier predictions, associations with the bright SMGs are rarer than expected, which suggests caution when interpreting continuum over-densities. We consider the implications of all 14 confirmed DRC components passing simultaneously through an active phase of star formation. In the simplest explanation, we see only the tip of the iceberg in terms of star formation and gas available for future star formation, consistent with our remarkable finding that the majority of newly confirmed DRC galaxies are not the brightest continuum emitters in their immediate vicinity. Thus while ALMA continuum follow-up of SMGs identifies the brightest continuum emitters in each field, it does not necessarily reveal all the gas-rich galaxies. To hunt effectively for protocluster members requires wide and deep spectral-line imaging to uncover any relatively continuum-faint galaxies that are rich in atomic or molecular gas. Searching with short-baseline arrays or single-dish facilities, the true scale of the underlying gas reservoirs may be revealed.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2020

The XXL Survey. XLI. Radio AGN luminosity functions based on the GMRT $610 \ \mathrm{MHz}$ continuum observations

We study the space density evolution of active galactic nuclei (AGN) using the $610 \ \mathrm{MHz}$ radio survey of the XXL-North field, performed with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). The survey covers an area of $30.4 \ \mathrm{deg}^2$, with a beamsize of $6.5 \ \mathrm{arcsec}$. The survey is divided into two parts, one covering an area of $11.9 \ \mathrm{deg}^2$ with $1 σ$ rms noise of $200\ \mathrm{μJy \ beam^{-1}}$ and the other spanning $18.5 \ \mathrm{deg}^2$ with rms noise of $45\ \mathrm{μJy \ beam^{-1}}$. We extracted the catalog of radio components above $7 σ$. The catalog was cross-matched with a multi-wavelength catalog of the XXL-North field (covering about $80 \%$ of the radio XXL-North field) using a likelihood ratio method, which determines the counterparts based on their positions and their optical properties. The multi-component sources were matched visually with the aid of a computer code: Multi-Catalog Visual Cross-Matching (MCVCM). A flux density cut above $1\ \mathrm{mJy}$ selects AGN hosts with a high purity in terms of star formation contamination based on the available source counts. After cross-matching and elimination of observational biases arising from survey incompletenesses, the number of remaining sources was $1150$. We constructed the rest-frame $1.4 \ \mathrm{GHz}$ radio luminosity functions of these sources using the maximum volume method. This survey allows us to probe luminosities of $ 23 \lesssim \log(L_{1.4 \ \mathrm{GHz}}[\mathrm{W/Hz}]) \lesssim 28$ up to redshifts of $z \approx 2.1$. Our results are consistent with the results from the literature in which AGN are comprised of two differently evolving populations, where the high luminosity end of the luminosity functions evolves more strongly than the low-luminosity end.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2020

SCUBA-2 overdensities associated with candidate protoclusters selected from Planck data

We measure the 850-$μ$m source densities of 46 candidate protoclusters selected from the Planck High-z catalogue (PHz) and the Planck Catalogue of Compact Sources (PCCS) that were followed up with Herschel-SPIRE and SCUBA-2. This paper aims to search for overdensities of 850-$μ$m sources in order to select the fields that are most likely to be genuine protoclusters. Of the 46 candidate protoclusters, 25 have significant overdensities ($>$5 times the field counts), 11 have intermediate overdensities (3--5 times the field counts) and 10 have no overdensity ($<$3 times the field counts) of 850-$μ$m sources. We find that the enhanced number densities are unlikely to be the result of sample variance. Compared with the number counts of another sample selected from Planck's compact source catalogues, this [PHz+PCCS]-selected sample has a higher fraction of candidate protoclusters with significant overdensities, though both samples show overdensities of 850-$μ$m sources above intermediate level. Based on the estimated star-formation rate densities (SFRDs), we suggest that both samples can efficiently select protoclusters with starbursting galaxies near the redshift at which the global field SFRD peaks ($2 < z < 3$). Based on the confirmation of overdensities found here, future follow-up observations on other PHz targets may greatly increase the number of genuine DSFG-rich clusters/protoclusters.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2020

The XXL Survey XLIV. Sunyaev-Zel'dovich mapping of a low-mass cluster at z~1: a multi-wavelength approach

In this paper, we present resolved observations of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect, obtained with the NIKA2 camera, towards the cluster of galaxies XLSSC102, a relatively low-mass system ($M_{500} \sim 2 \times 10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$) at $z = 0.97$ detected from the XXL survey. We combine NIKA2 SZ data, XMM-Newton X-ray data, and Megacam optical data to explore, respectively, the spatial distribution of the gas electron pressure, the gas density, and the galaxies themselves. We find significant offsets between the X-ray peak, the SZ peak, the brightest cluster galaxy, and the peak of galaxy density. Additionally, the galaxy distribution and the gas present elongated morphologies. This is interpreted as the sign of a recent major merging event, which induced a local boost of the gas pressure towards the north of XLSSC102 and stripped the gas out of the galaxy group. The NIKA2 data are also combined with XXL data to construct the thermodynamic profiles of XLSSC102, obtaining relatively tight constraints up to about $\sim r_{500}$, and revealing properties that are typical of disturbed systems. We also explore the impact of the cluster centre definition and the implication of local pressure substructure on the recovered profiles. Finally, we derive the global properties of XLSSC102 and compare them to those of high-mass-and-low-redshift systems, finding no strong evidence for non-standard evolution. We also use scaling relations to obtain alternative mass estimates from our profiles. The variation between these different mass estimates reflects the difficulty to accurately measure the mass of low-mass clusters at z$\sim$1, especially with low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) data and for a disturbed system. However, it also highlights the strength of resolved SZ observations alone and in combination with survey-like X-ray data.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2020

SYMBA: An end-to-end VLBI synthetic data generation pipeline

Realistic synthetic observations of theoretical source models are essential for our understanding of real observational data. In using synthetic data, one can verify the extent to which source parameters can be recovered and evaluate how various data corruption effects can be calibrated. These studies are important when proposing observations of new sources, in the characterization of the capabilities of new or upgraded instruments, and when verifying model-based theoretical predictions in a comparison with observational data. We present the SYnthetic Measurement creator for long Baseline Arrays (SYMBA), a novel synthetic data generation pipeline for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations. SYMBA takes into account several realistic atmospheric, instrumental, and calibration effects. We used SYMBA to create synthetic observations for the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a mm VLBI array, which has recently captured the first image of a black hole shadow. After testing SYMBA with simple source and corruption models, we study the importance of including all corruption and calibration effects. Based on two example general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD) model images of M87, we performed case studies to assess the attainable image quality with the current and future EHT array for different weather conditions. The results show that the effects of atmospheric and instrumental corruptions on the measured visibilities are significant. Despite these effects, we demonstrate how the overall structure of the input models can be recovered robustly after performing calibration steps. With the planned addition of new stations to the EHT array, images could be reconstructed with higher angular resolution and dynamic range. In our case study, these improvements allowed for a distinction between a thermal and a non-thermal GRMHD model based on salient features in reconstructed images.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2019

SCUBA-2 observations of candidate starbursting protoclusters selected by Planck and Herschel-SPIRE

We present SCUBA-2 850-$μ$m observations of 13 candidate starbursting protoclusters selected using Planck and Herschel data. The cumulative number counts of the 850-$μ$m sources in 9/13 of these candidate protoclusters show significant overdensities compared to the field, with the probability $<$10$^{-2}$ assuming the sources are randomly distributed in the sky. Using the 250-, 350-, 500- and 850-$μ$m flux densities, we estimate the photometric redshifts of individual SCUBA-2 sources by fitting spectral energy distribution (SED) templates with an MCMC method. The photometric redshift distribution, peaking at $2 2$ protoclusters and the peak of the cosmic star-formation rate density (SFRD). We find that the 850-$μ$m sources in our candidate protoclusters have infrared luminosities of $L_{\mathrm{IR}}\gtrsim$10$^{12}L_{\odot}$ and star-formation rates of SFR=(500-1,500)$M_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$. By comparing with results in the literature considering only Herschel photometry, we conclude that our 13 candidate protoclusters can be categorised into four groups: six of them being high-redshift starbursting protoclusters, one being a lower-redshift cluster/protocluster, three being protoclusters that contain lensed DSFG(s) or are rich in 850-$μ$m sources, and three regions without significant Herschel or SCUBA-2 source overdensities. The total SFRs of the candidate protoclusters are found to be comparable or higher than those of known protoclusters, suggesting our sample contains some of the most extreme protocluster population. We infer that cross-matching Planck and Herschel data is a robust method for selecting candidate protoclusters with overdensities of 850-$μ$m sources.

astro-ph.GA↗