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M. C. Baglio

Publications and source records attributed to M. C. Baglio.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Fast optical spectroscopic observations of PSR J1023+0038 over one orbital period

Transitional millisecond pulsars (tMSPs) are neutron-star binaries that switch between rotation-powered and accretion-powered states, providing a key link between low-mass X-ray binaries and millisecond radio pulsars. In their sub-luminous disc state, these systems exhibit complex variability whose origin is still debated. We present high-time-resolution optical spectroscopic observations of the tMSP PSR J1023+0038 obtained during its sub-luminous disc state. Our dataset covers for the first time a full orbital cycle at minute-timescale cadence. We detect significant variability in the main properties of the optical emission lines, including the equivalent width (EW) and full width at half maximum (FWHM), on timescales of minutes. A comparison between the temporal evolution of these quantities reveals indications of correlated behaviour, with some FWHM minima coinciding with decreases in the EW. This may point to episodes of matter ejection from the inner regions of the accretion disc, possibly associated with switches to low modes. The Doppler tomography of the H$α$ and H$β$ emission lines suggests the presence of asymmetric emission structures, consistent with a scenario in which part of the accreting material is expelled from the system. In addition, the optical continuum shows variability consistent with a possible orbital modulation associated with the irradiated companion star, although its characterisation is limited by the observing conditions. Our results provide new constraints on the short-timescale behaviour of tMSPs in the sub-luminous disc state and support scenarios in which accretion and outflow processes coexist. Further multiwavelength observations, particularly including simultaneous X-ray coverage, will be crucial to establish a direct link between the observed optical variability and the high/low mode switches.

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Spectropolarimetric detection of baryonic mass loading in a transient relativistic jet: application to the black hole X-ray binary Swift J1727.8$-$1613

Radio emission during X-ray binary outbursts is dominated by synchrotron radiation from relativistic jets, but is usually studied through total-intensity diagnostics such as flux density, spectra, variability, and proper motion. Radio spectropolarimetry provides a complementary probe of the magneto-ionic plasma through Faraday rotation and depolarisation. When the Faraday rotating material is local to the source, these effects can constrain the jet plasma composition and mass content, but this approach is rarely applied to transient jetted sources. We present MeerKAT L-band spectropolarimetry of the black hole X-ray binary \src\ during its 2023 outburst, focusing on the brightest radio flaring interval, when relativistic jets were being launched intermittently. Using multiple spectropolarimetric techniques, we identify transient Faraday-complex structure coincident with the major radio flares. The close temporal association with the flaring activity, together with the stability of the foreground Faraday screen, favours an origin local to the jet rather than in the ISM or in a separate local screen external to the emitting plasma. Since internal Faraday rotation is suppressed in a pure electron--positron plasma, the data favour a dominant electron--proton component. Interpreting the characteristic Faraday thickness as internal rotation, and anchoring the magnetic-field and size scales with synchrotron self-absorption arguments, we infer a characteristic Faraday-rotating mass of order $M_{\rm rot}\sim10^{21}{\rm\,g}$, corresponding to only a small fraction, $f_{\rm rot}\sim10^{-3}$, of the accreted mass available during the flare. These results show that time-domain spectropolarimetry can turn transient Faraday complexity into a diagnostic of jet composition, mass loading, and plasma evolution in X-ray binary outbursts, and potentially other transient jetted sources.

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A FAST search for radio pulsations during the dormant state of the AMSPs IGR J00291+5934 and MAXI J1957+032

Accreting millisecond pulsars (AMSPs) and transitional millisecond pulsars (tMSPs) are neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries which can evolve into "recycled" radio millisecond pulsars. In both types of systems, X-ray pulsations have been detected during phases of X-ray activity when matter accretion through a disc is turned on. On the other hand, when accretion stops, and these systems enter the quiescent, low-luminosity X-ray state, only tMSPs become visible as radio pulsars. Despite several attempts, radio pulsations have never been detected in quiescent AMSPs, except for IGR J18245$-$2452. In this manuscript, we present the results of two observational campaigns performed on the AMSPs IGR J00291+5934 and MAXI J1957+032 with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope ($\it{FAST}$) in L-band (1-1.5 GHz). Both sources have most likely been observed in quiescence, as suggested by the upper limits on their X-ray and optical flux obtained with Swift and the Las Cumbres Observatory, respectively. We have performed a deep search for coherent periodicities in radio but found no significant candidate signal, either at the known spin frequency of those sources or at other frequencies. Assuming a pulse duty cycle of 10%, we derive upper limits on the pulsed radio flux density of 3.3 $μ$Jy and 5.6 $μ$Jy for IGR J00291+5934 and MAXI J1957+032, respectively, which are the most stringent limits so far for any known persistent AMSP.

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Multi-wavelength outburst activity from EP J174942.2-384834: a very faint X-ray transient discovered by Einstein Probe

We report the discovery and multi-wavelength characterization of the Galactic transient EP J174942.2$-$384834, first detected by the Einstein Probe during a faint X-ray outburst in March 2025. Coordinated follow-up observations revealed two major outbursts and a rebrightening over a seven-month period. Broadband X-ray spectral modeling shows that the outburst emission was dominated by thermal Comptonization of very soft seed photons. The absence of a detected thermal disk component, together with the low inferred seed-photon temperature, is consistent with a cool and possibly truncated accretion disk. The X-ray spectrum remained consistently hard throughout the outburst activity, with a power-law photon index of $Γ\approx 1$-2, gradually softening as the flux declined. The optical/UV counterpart brightened in tandem with the X-ray emission and exhibited a blue continuum with broad Balmer absorption features. Together with the optical/UV - X-ray luminosity correlation, this supports a disk-dominated origin of the optical/UV outburst emission, with viscous heating likely playing a major role and irradiation possibly contributing, especially in the UV. No radio counterpart was detected, implying at most very faint jet activity. Taken together, the observed properties support the classification of EP J174942.2$-$384834 as a very faint X-ray transient black hole candidate. This study demonstrates the ability of Einstein Probe to uncover and characterize the faintest accreting compact objects in the Galaxy.

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Aql X-1 from dawn 'til dusk: the early rise, fast state transition and decay of its 2024 outburst

Transient Low-Mass X-ray Binaries (LMXBs) are usually first detected by all-sky X-ray monitors when they enter new outbursts, typically at X-ray luminosities above $\sim$10$^{36}$ erg/s. Observations of these sources during the early rise of the outbursts have so far been very limited. However, the launch of the Einstein Probe (EP) has greatly improved our ability to detect fainter X-ray activity, unlocking access to the outburst early rise. In September 2024, EP detected the early onset of a new outburst from the neutron star LMXB Aql X-1, catching the source at a luminosity below 10$^{35}$ erg/s. In this paper we present results from a comprehensive, multi-wavelength campaign of this event, combining data from EP, NICER, NuSTAR, Swift and Las Cumbres Observatory covering the full outburst from its early rise through its decay. By comparing X-ray and optical light curves obtained with Las Cumbres Observatory during the initial rise, we show that the start of the X-ray emission lagged the optical rise by, at most, 13 days. Time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy revealed how the geometry and the physical properties of the accretion flow evolve during this early stage of the outburst, as well as at higher luminosities as the source transitioned through the canonical X-ray spectral states - hard, intermediate and soft. These data show that the source underwent a very rapid, about 12-h long, transition from the hard to the soft state about two weeks after the optical onset of the outburst. The evolution of the temperature and physical sizes of both the inner region of the disk and a black body near the NS surface suggest that at the state transition, a boundary and spreading layer likely formed. We discuss these results in the context of time-scales for outburst evolution and state transitions in accreting neutron stars and black holes.

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Exotic optical variability in the black hole X-ray binary IGR J17091-3624

IGR J17091-3624 is a distinctive black hole X-ray binary exhibiting exotic variability, including complex "heartbeat" oscillations in its X-ray light curves, similar to those observed in GRS 1915+105, a system renowned for its structured, rapid X-ray variability but heavily obscured at optical wavelengths. In contrast, IGR J17091-3624 is less obscured, making it a more accessible target for optical investigations. Due to its weak radio emission, optical and infrared data are essential to probe the jet and outer disc behavior of IGR J17091-3624. This study presents the first long-term optical monitoring of IGR J17091-3624, using data from the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) over its 2011, 2016, and 2022 outbursts. We combine these observations with quasi-simultaneous X-ray data from Swift/XRT, RXTE, and NICER, employing light curve and variability analysis, spectral energy distributions, color-magnitude diagrams, and optical/X-ray correlations to investigate optical emission mechanisms. We find that the optical and X-ray fluxes are significantly correlated, following a power-law relation with the index 0.40\pm0.04, suggesting that the optical emission in IGR J17091-3624 is dominated by an X-ray-irradiated accretion disk. Based on optical spectral slope constraints, we estimate the extinction toward IGR J17091-3624 A_V = 4.3 to 6.6 mag. The global optical/X-ray correlation suggests a distance estimate of 8-17 kpc, in line with previous findings. High-cadence optical observations show tentative evidence of optical oscillations that may arise from reprocessed X-ray modulations, although confirming this will require higher time-resolution optical data.

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Accretion and Ejection Physics at High Time Resolution

Accretion onto compact objects is one of the most fundamental phenomena in the astrophysics, powering some of the most luminous objects in the sky. Along with this, accretion has also a key impact on the evolution of the Universe, through the launch of powerful outflows that affect the surrounding medium. In the last years sub-second optical-infrared observations of accreting X-ray binaries have opened a new window in the study of inflow-outflow connection, discovering a wide range of previously unkown phenomena. Here we review the key open questions in accretion and ejection physics and discuss how a dedicated facility, equipped with photon-counting detectors and high spectral resolution from the UV to the mid-infrared, can enable transformative advances in our understanding of accretion processes.

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Why the Northern Hemisphere Needs a 30-40 m Telescope and the Science at Stake: Time-domain astronomy

We outline the science case for a 30-40 m optical/infrared telescope in the Northern Hemisphere, optimised for transformative time-domain astronomy in the 2040s. Upcoming multi-wavelength and multi-messenger facilities will reveal fast, faint, rapidly evolving Northern transients whose earliest phases carry decisive diagnostics. A Northern ELT with rapid response, broad wavelength coverage, high time resolution, polarimetric capabilities, and diffraction-limited imaging is essential to capture these phases and secure deep spectroscopy and photometry as transients fade. These capabilities will enable recovery of key physical information and detailed characterisation of transient environments, while also enabling unprecedented studies of accretion phenomena at all scales. Among potential sites, La Palma uniquely combines atmospheric stability, complementary longitude to ESO's ELT, protected dark skies, and robust infrastructure to host this facility.

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Flashing fast: characterising the 2025 outburst of MAXI J1957+032

MAXI J1957+032 is an accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar that shows brief, recurrent outbursts in an ultra-compact ~1 h orbit. We characterise the 2025 outburst using X-ray timing and spectroscopy from XMM-Newton and Swift (and a late-time NuSTAR observation), together with contemporaneous optical photometry from LCO, and compare the spin frequency with the 2022 outburst. Timing searches detect coherent pulsations at ~313.6 Hz with no measurable frequency derivative during the XMM-Newton exposure. Relative to its 2022 outburst, we measure a long-term spin-down of ~-2x10^-14 Hz s^-1, consistent with magnetic-dipole braking in quiescence. The pulse profile is nearly sinusoidal, with significant power at the fundamental, second, and fifth harmonics; the fractional amplitude decreases with increasing flux and shows soft lags up to a few keV. The 0.5-10 keV spectrum is well described by absorbed thermal Comptonisation (photon index ~2.4) plus a cool blackbody (kT ~0.23 keV) consistent with emission from a surface hotspot; no reflection or Fe-line features are detected. Requiring R_m \leq R_co implies B_s ~(0.5-3)x10^8 G for d=(5 \pm 2) kpc and ξ=0.3-0.5, below the upper limit from the secular spin-down (B_p \leq 10^9 G), possibly indicating a mildly leaky propeller. The optical emission lies on the neutron-star branch of the L_OIR-L_X relation, consistent with reprocessing in a compact disc. The optical SEDs are broadly flat, while an early red excess suggests a transient jet contribution during the initial hard X-ray phase; an optical peak delayed relative to the X-rays may trace an outward-propagating heating front and rapid disc evolution in these short-lived outbursts.

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The multiple facets of millisecond pulsar binaries

Millisecond pulsar (MSP) binaries are unique laboratories for studying matter and radiation under extreme conditions that are unattainable on Earth. Recent detections of optical millisecond pulsations from three systems in distinct evolutionary stages have opened an entirely new observational window to investigate particle acceleration, pulsar-disk interplay, and intrabinary wind interactions. These discoveries reveal unexpectedly diverse emission mechanisms across accretion regimes, with optical efficiencies in some systems far exceeding those predicted by rotation-powered models. Despite decades of research, key questions remain unresolved: are optical pulsations a universal property of MSPs? How does the presence of an accretion disk boost the conversion of spin-down power into coherent optical emission? What physical processes drive the observed fast variability, and how do pulsar and companion winds regulate mass transfer and binary evolution? Addressing these fundamental problems requires high-time-resolution optical observations, rapid-response observing capabilities, and time-resolved spectroscopy at moderate spectral resolution to map disk and intrabinary-shock variability. Future facilities dedicated to time domain astronomy present a unique opportunity to perform a systematic exploration of optical pulsars across all MSP evolutionary stages for the first time and answer the above-mentioned fundamental questions.

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Tracking optical variability and outflows across the accretion states of the black hole transient MAXI J1820+070

We present a study of the minute-timescale optical variability and spectroscopic outflow signatures in the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst and re-brightenings. Minute-cadence, multi-filter optical light curves were obtained with the Las Cumbres Observatory network and the Al Sadeem Observatory (UAE) over 2018-2020, complemented by X-ray data from Swift/BAT, XRT, and MAXI. We also acquired contemporaneous low-resolution optical spectra with the 2.1 m OAN San Pedro Martir and OAGH Cananea telescopes (Mexico) and the 1.5 m G.D. Cassini telescope at Loiano (Italy). The optical fractional rms peaks in the hard state and is dominated by short-timescale flickering that strengthens toward longer wavelengths, suggesting that the variability is jet-driven. In this scenario, inflow fluctuations inject velocity perturbations at the jet base (internal shock model). The variability is quenched in the soft state, with any residual signal likely linked to accretion-flow fluctuations. This behaviour supports the accretion-ejection coupling in black hole binaries and shows that the jet's variability signature extends to optical wavelengths in all hard states. In the faintest hard states, residual optical variability may instead trace cyclo-synchrotron emission from the hot flow. The spectra show double-peaked emission lines and tentative cold-wind signatures during the hard state. Such winds were reported during the main 2018 outburst; here we find evidence of their presence also in later re-brightenings. Their absence in the soft state likely reflects stronger disc ionisation from the higher X-ray flux, suppressing low-ionisation optical features.

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Infrared Synchrotron Emission in the Soft State of GX 339-4 and the Mid-Infrared/X-ray Luminosity Plane of Black Hole X-ray Binaries

Progress in understanding the growth of accreting black holes remains hampered by a lack of sensitive coordinated multiwavelength observations. In particular, the mid-infrared (MIR) regime remains ill-explored except for jet-dominant states. Here, we present comprehensive follow-up of the black hole X-ray binary GX 339-4 during a disc-dominated state in its 2023/24 outburst as part of a multi-wavelength campaign coordinated around JWST/MIRI. The X-ray properties are fairly typical of soft accretion states, with a high-energy Comptonised tail. The source is significantly detected between 5-10$μ$m, albeit at a faint flux level requiring MIR compact jet emission to be quenched by a factor of $\sim$300 or more relative to previous hard-state detections. The MIRI spectrum can be described as a simple power-law with slope $α$ = +0.39$\pm$0.07 ($F_ν$ $\propto$ $ν^α$), but surprisingly matches neither the radio/sub-mm nor the optical broadband slopes. Significant MIR stochastic variability is detected. Synchrotron radiation from the same medium responsible for high-energy Comptonisation can self-consistently account for the observed MIRI spectral-timing behaviour, offering new constraints on the physical conditions in the soft-state accretion disc atmosphere/corona. Alternative explanations, including a circumbinary disc or emission from a warm wind, fail to cleanly explain either the spectral properties or the variability. Multiwavelength timing cross-correlations show a puzzlingly long MIR lag relative to the optical, though at limited significance. We compile archival MIR and X-ray luminosities of transient black hole systems, including previously unreported detections of GX 339-4. These trace the evolution of the MIR-to-X-ray flux ratio with accretion state, and also reveal high MIR luminosities for GX 339-4 across all states. (abridged)

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An ultraviolet burst oscillation candidate from the low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676

X-ray burst oscillations are quasi-coherent periodic signals at frequencies close to the neutron star spin frequency. They are observed during thermonuclear Type I X-ray bursts from a number of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) hosting a fast-spinning, weakly magnetic neutron star. Besides measuring the spin frequencies, burst oscillations hold the potential to accurately measure neutron star mass and radius, thus providing constraints on the equation of state of matter at nuclear densities. Based on far-ultraviolet (FUV) observations of the X-ray binary EXO 0748-676 taken with the Hubble Space Telescope in 2003, we report a possible indication of ultraviolet burst oscillations at the neutron star spin frequency ($\sim$552 Hz), potentially the first such case for an LMXB. The candidate signal is observed during an $\sim$8 s interval in the rising phase of an FUV burst, which occurred $\sim$4 s after a Type I X-ray burst. Through simulations, we estimated that the probability of detecting the observed signal power from pure random noise is 3.7$\%$, decreasing to 0.3$\%$ if only the burst rise interval is considered, during which X-ray burst oscillations had already been observed in this source. The background-subtracted folded pulse profile of the candidate FUV oscillations in the (120-160 nm) band is nearly sinusoidal with a $\sim$16$\%$ pulsed fraction, corresponding to a pulsed luminosity of $\sim$8$\times$10$^{33}$ erg/s. Interpreting the properties of this candidate FUV burst oscillations in the light of current models for optical-ultraviolet emission from neutron star LMXBs faces severe problems. If signals of this kind are confirmed in future observations, they might point to an unknown coherent emission process as the origin of the FUV burst oscillations observed in EXO 0748-676.

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Polarized multiwavelength emission from pulsar wind - accretion disk interaction in a transitional millisecond pulsar

Transitional millisecond pulsars (tMSPs) bridge the evolutionary gap between accreting neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries and millisecond radio pulsars. These systems exhibit a unique subluminous X-ray state characterized by the presence of an accretion disk and rapid switches between high and low X-ray emission modes. The high mode features coherent millisecond pulsations spanning from the X-ray to the optical band. We present multiwavelength polarimetric observations of the tMSP PSR J1023+0038 aimed at conclusively identifying the physical mechanism powering its emission in the subluminous X-ray state. During the high mode, we detect polarized emission in the 2-6 keV energy range, with a polarization degree of 12% +/- 3% and a polarization angle of -2deg +/- 9deg (1sigma) measured counterclockwise from the North celestial pole towards East. At optical wavelengths, we find a polarization degree of 1.41% +/- 0.04% and a polarization angle aligned with that in the soft X-rays, suggesting a common physical mechanism operating across these bands. Remarkably, the polarized flux spectrum matches the pulsed emission spectrum from optical to X-rays. The polarization properties differ markedly from those observed in other accreting neutron stars and isolated rotation-powered pulsars and are also inconsistent with an origin in a compact jet. Our results provide direct evidence that the polarized and pulsed emissions both originate from synchrotron radiation at the shock formed where the pulsar wind interacts with the inner regions of the accretion disk.

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On the nature of the X-ray binary transient MAXI J1834-021: clues from its first observed outburst

MAXI J1834-021 is a new X-ray transient that was discovered in February 2023. We analysed the spectral and timing properties of MAXI J1834-021 using NICER, NuStar and Swift data collected between March and October 2023. The light curve showed a main peak followed by a second activity phase. The majority of the spectra extracted from the individual NICER observations could be adequately fitted with a Comptonisation component alone, while a few of them required an additional thermal component. The spectral evolution is consistent with a softening trend as the source gets brighter in X-rays. We also analysed the broadband spectrum combining data from simultaneous NICER and NuStar observations on 2023 March 10. This spectrum can be fitted with a disc component with a temperature at the inner radius of $kT_{\rm in} \sim 0.4$ keV and a Comptonisation component with a power-law photon index of $Γ\sim 1.8$. By including a reflection component in the modelling, we obtained a 3$σ$ upper limit for the inner disc radius of 11.4 gravitational radii. We also detected a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO), whose central frequency varies with time (from 2 Hz to $\sim$0.9 Hz) and anti-correlates with the hardness ratio. Based on the observed spectral-timing properties, MAXI J1834-021, can be classified as a low-mass X-ray binary in outburst. However, we are not able to draw a definitive conclusion on the nature of the accreting compact object, which at the moment could as well be a black hole or a neutron star.

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Disentangling the stellar atmosphere and the focused wind in different accretion states of Cygnus X-1

In high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs), the compact object accretes the strong stellar wind of an O-B supergiant companion star. X-ray flux variations alter the stellar wind's ionization state and optical line profiles, which are key in the determination of the orbital parameters of the system. Using the method of Fourier Disentangling, we decomposed the spectral contributions from the stellar atmosphere close to the photosphere and the accreted stream of matter (i.e. the focused wind). High-resolution optical spectroscopy of Cyg X-1 in its hard and soft-intermediate X-ray states revealed state-dependent variability in the line profiles. In both states, we detect H-alpha and He II in both the focused wind and the stellar photosphere, whereas He I is not detected in the focused wind. Additionally, we observe an X-ray/optical anticorrelation, where the lines' intensity decreases in the soft-intermediate state and the lines are more absorbed at the inferior conjunction of the star. These results suggest a stronger wind in the low-hard state and the presence of high-density clumps in the line of sight at the conjunction.

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Multi-band study of the flaring mode emission in the transitional millisecond pulsar PSR J1023+0038

We present a comprehensive study of the flaring mode of the transitional millisecond pulsar (tMSP) PSR J1023+0038 during its X-ray sub-luminous state, using strictly simultaneous X-ray, UV, optical, and radio observations. The X-ray flares exhibit UV and optical counterparts and coincide with the brightest radio flare observed in the past decade, reaching 1.2 mJy at 6 GHz and lasting ~1 hour. During the flare, the optical polarization drops from ~1.4% to ~0.5%, indicating the emergence of an unpolarized component. We propose that the thickening of the disc, which enlarges the shock region between the pulsar wind and the accretion flow and may drive the X-ray flaring observed in tMSPs, enhances the ionization level of the disc, thereby generating an increased number of free electrons. These electrons could then be channelled by magnetic field lines into the jet. This increased jet mass-loading could drive the associated radio and optical variability. The radio spectral evolution during flares is consistent with synchrotron self-absorption in jet ejecta or internal shocks within the compact jet. We infer radio polarization upper limits (<8.7%, <2.3%, and <8.2%, before, during, and after the radio flare) that further support a compact jet origin but do not rule out discrete ejections. Our findings suggest that tMSPs could serve as essential laboratories for investigating jet-launching mechanisms, mainly because they operate under very low mass accretion rates. This accretion regime has not been explored before in the context of the accretion-ejection coupling.

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State-dependent signatures of jets and winds in the optical and infrared spectrum of the black hole transient GX 339$-$4

GX 339$-$4 is one of the prototypical black hole X-ray transients, exhibiting recurrent outbursts that allow detailed studies of black hole accretion and ejection phenomena. In this work we present four epochs of optical and near-infrared spectroscopy obtained with X-shooter at the Very Large Telescope. The dataset includes two hard state spectra, collected during the 2013 and 2015 outbursts, and two soft state spectra observed during the 2021 outburst. Strong Balmer, Paschen, He I and He II emission lines are consistently observed in all spectra, while Brackett transitions and the Bowen blend are only prominent in the soft state. Although P-Cygni profiles are not identified, the presence of wind signatures, such as extended emission wings, flat-top and asymmetric red-skewed profiles, is consistently observed through most emission lines, suggesting the presence of wind-type ejecta. These features are particularly evident in the hard state, but they are also observed in the soft state, especially in the near-infrared. This strengthens the case for state-independent winds in black hole transients and increases the evidence for wind signatures in low-to-intermediate orbital inclination systems. We also study the spectral energy distribution, which provides evidence for the presence of synchrotron emission during the hard state. The jet significantly affects the near-infrared continuum, greatly diluting the emission features produced in the accretion flow. The simultaneous identification of both jet and wind signatures during the hard state reinforces the idea of a complex outflow scenario, in which different types of ejecta coexist.

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