arXiv subjects

Mahito Sasada

Publications and source records attributed to Mahito Sasada.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Tracking down the broadband polarimetric properties of PG 1553+113

We report on a nine-month monitoring campaign of the blazar PG 1553+113, relying on three observations carried out in 2025 with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and supported by multi-wavelength facilities. The source displayed pronounced variability across the electromagnetic spectrum, with X-ray flux changes by up to a factor of $\sim5$ and complex evolution of the optical polarization properties, including one of the largest (exceeding $150^{\circ}$) and fastest rotations in the electric vector position angle (EVPA) ever recorded. This swing of the EVPA was also accompanied by a temporary drop of the optical polarization degree to nearly zero. Significant X-ray polarization was observed during the third IXPE pointing, with a polarization degree $\Pi_{\rm X}\,=(\,18.4\,\pm\,5.8)\%$ and $\Psi_{\rm X}\,=\,74^{\circ} \pm 9^{\circ}$ in the 2--8~keV band, while only upper limits were obtained in the first two epochs. The optical data show that the second IXPE observation occurred shortly after a dramatic optical polarization event characterized by a rapid EVPA swing and strong depolarization. Two possible scenarios may explain the broadband polarimetric behavior: (i) the superposition of two emitting regions with nearly orthogonal magnetic field configurations and variable relative contributions, and (ii) the interaction of a single emitting region with a shock that temporarily reorders the magnetic field. In both cases, the data support a picture in which the X-ray and optical emissions arise from closely related but not strictly co-spatial regions within a dynamically evolving, magnetically structured jet.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Multiphase Gas Structure in the Circumnuclear Region of NGC 5506 Observed with ALMA

We present a study of the multiphase gas structure and kinematics of the circumnuclear disk (CND) of NGC 5506, a nearby edge-on Seyfert galaxy, at a spatial resolution of $\sim20$ pc. Observations of [C I](1-0), CO(3-2), and HCO$^{+}$(4-3) obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array reveal the CND dominated by rotational motion on scales of several hundred parsecs. No significant differences in geometrical thickness or velocity structure are found between [C I](1-0) and CO(3-2) across the CND, whereas HCO$^{+}$(4-3) emission is more concentrated toward the disk plane. The ratio of velocity dispersion to rotational velocity, a proxy for disk scale height-to-radius ratio, is high ($\gtrsim0.9$) in the central region ($\lesssim30$ pc) for both [C I](1-0) and CO(3-2), indicating geometrically thick structures in both tracers. Regions where the [C I](1-0)/CO(3-2) ratio exceeds the CND average are spatially correlated with the [O III]$\lambda$5007 bicone observed with the Hubble Space Telescope, suggesting that CO is preferentially dissociated by the AGN-driven biconical ionized outflow. The observed CND scale height and velocity dispersions traced by [C I](1-0) and CO(3-2) are consistent with a model in which supernova-driven turbulence provides the vertical support for the CND.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Spectral and photometric variability of SS 433 observed with XRISM and simultaneous optical and near-infrared telescopes

We present results from coordinated multiwavelength observations of the SS 433, obtained with XRISM, optical telescopes, and near-infrared camera during 2024 April and 2025 March. The XRISM exposures amounted to ~200 ks in 2024 and ~100 ks in 2025. With XRISM/Resolve's high spectral resolution and large effective area, we clearly resolved numerous emission lines even in short time segments, achieving improved accuracy in Doppler-shift measurements relative to earlier observations. The simultaneously obtained X-ray and optical Doppler shifts suggest a possible tendency for the optical emission to lag slightly behind the X-rays. In the Resolve data, the Doppler shifts of the two jet components exhibited apparent asymmetries, with jet speeds fluctuating around ~0.26$\pm$0.01$c$ in 2024 and ~0.30$\pm$0.01$c$ in 2025. The velocity variations indicated modulations on a timescale of ~6.3 d, with a phase offset of about -90$^{\circ}$ relative to the nutation cycle. The observed line widths and flux of the approaching and receding jets appear consistent with the expected geometrical effects, indicating systematically larger line widths in the inner regions of the jets, as proposed by Shidatsu et al. (2025). Optical light curves show flares of ~400 s in 2024 and ~1600 s in 2025, with amplitudes up to ~15% during out-of-eclipse intervals, while the XRISM/Xtend light curves show no significant variability within the overlapping intervals and given the statistical uncertainties. Near-infrared photometry in 2024, obtained during an out-of-eclipse interval at a different epoch from the optical observations, showed no flare-like variability, and the X-ray band also remained constant within uncertainties. These coordinated observations provide a foundation for future XRISM studies aimed at probing the dynamical properties of the relativistic jets in SS 433.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Dust Properties of the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Revealed by Optical and Near-Infrared Polarimetry

We present independent polarimetric observations of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, including the first near-infrared polarimetric measurements. Using imaging polarimeters, we measured the degree of linear polarization from the visible RC band (0.64 {\mu}m) to the near-infrared KS band (2.25 {\mu}m), and investigated its dependence on solar phase angle (polarization phase curve; PPC) and wavelength (polarization color curve; PCC). We confirm that the PPC of 3I/ATLAS differs significantly from those of typical Solar System comets, showing an unusually large polarization amplitude. This PPC shows no significant change in the RC band across perihelion passage, despite the perihelion lying within the water snow line. This indicates that the unusual polarimetric behavior of 3I/ATLAS is unlikely to be driven by transient volatile activity, but instead reflects intrinsic optical properties of refractory dust particles. The PCC increases with wavelength over 0.6-1.2 {\mu}m and peaks at 1.5-2.0 {\mu}m, suggesting that the dominant scattering units are dust aggregates composed of submicron-sized monomers, broadly consistent with interstellar dust and solar-system cometary aggregates. Taken together, our results indicate that 3I/ATLAS preserves polarimetric properties characteristic of a primitive cometary planetesimal formed in another planetary system, with a refractory dust composition that differs from that typically observed among Solar System comets, despite sharing a similar size scale of the aggregate building blocks.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2025

The IXPE and multifrequency polarimetric view of the extreme blazars 1ES 1101-232 and RGB J0710+591

Multiwavelength polarimetry is a powerful tool to probe magnetic field and flow geometries in the relativistic jets of blazars. In this respect, particularly interesting are the sources whose synchrotron emission covers a broad range of frequencies, from radio to X-rays, such as the BL Lac objects of the HSP type. Previous measurements including radio, optical and X-ray data show a clear trend, with the degree of polarization increasing with frequency. Here we report radio, optical and X-ray observations ($Swift$, $Nustar$ and $IXPE$) of 1ES 1101-232 and RGB J0710+591, two blazars belonging to the puzzling subclass of extreme BL Lacs (EHBL). For 1ES 1101-232 we found a strong frequency-dependency of the degree of polarization (with a ratio $\Pi_X/\Pi_O\simeq 5.2$). For RGB J0710+591, IXPE derived a 1$\sigma$ upper limit $\Pi_X<11.6\%$, comparable with the measured optical degree of polarization (average $\Pi_O\sim 12\%$). We discuss the results in the framework of current interpretations and, in particular, we report an improved version of the stratified shock model that is able to reproduce the observed data of both sources.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

J-GEM near-infrared follow-up observations of the gravitational wave event S240422ed

We report our near-infrared (NIR) follow-up observations of the gravitational wave (GW) event S240422ed using the Subaru Telescope/MOIRCS. S240422ed was initially classified as a black hole-neutron star merger with $>$ 99% probability of electromagnetic wave emission. We started follow-up observations 7.8 hours after the event. Over two nights, we observed 206 nearby galaxies in $Y$ and $K_{\rm s}$ bands down to about 21.4 and 21.1 AB mag (3$\sigma$), respectively. The total completeness of our survey based on galaxy $B$-band luminosity is 22%. As a result of our observations, five candidate counterparts were identified. We show that properties of these five objects are not consistent with kilonova such as AT2017gfo. Four objects are consistent with known classes of transients such as supernovae or dwarf nova outbursts. On the other hand, the nature of the remaining one object, which shows a red color and rapid decline, remains unclear. Although later analyses of GW signal reclassified S240422ed as likely terrestrial noise, our NIR observations provide valuable lessons for future NIR surveys for GW sources. We demonstrate that deep NIR follow-up observations as presented in this work would effectively constrain the presence of red kilonova even at 200 Mpc distance. We also discuss the importance of deep and wide NIR reference images and of understanding the properties and frequency of Galactic transients.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Multiband Optical Photometric and Spectroscopic Monitoring of the 2024 Flare Event in Transition Blazar OP313

Blazars are active galactic nuclei known for their extreme variability, offering unique opportunities to study jet physics and high-energy emission mechanisms. In 2024, the Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar (FSRQ) OP313 underwent a remarkable flare event, during which the gamma-ray flux observed by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi/LAT) increased by a factor of 60 over its average value. The flare peak lasted less than two days. Using optical telescopes, we conducted 100-day time-scale observations. Multi-wavelength data revealed that OP313 entered an active state 50 days prior to the flare and remained active for at least 50 days afterward. We propose that this prolonged activity results from variations in electron density within the shock front due to changes in the accretion rate. Concurrently, OP313's spectrum transitioned from an FSRQ-like state to a BL Lac-like state, characterized by a significant increase in the synchrotron peak frequency and the disappearance of broad-line region emission lines. In the post-flare phase, we observed a decoupling between synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton scattering, along with a possible decrease in the magnetic field strength within the shock front.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Unveiling blazar synchrotron emission: a multiwavelength polarimetric study of HSP and LSP populations

Polarimetric properties of blazars allow us to put constraints on the acceleration mechanisms that fuel their powerful jets. By studying the multiwavelength polarimetric behaviour of high synchrotron peaked (HSP) and low synchrotron peaked (LSP) blazars, we aim to explore differences in their emission mechanisms and magnetic field structure in the acceleration region. In this study, we take advantage of several X-ray polarisation observations of HSP by the IXPE, including four new observations of Mrk 501, and optical polarisation observations of LSP from RoboPol and many others. We find that the polarisation degree (PD) distribution of HSP in X-rays is systematically higher than in optical and mm-radio wavelengths, as reported in previous IXPE publications. The distribution of the X-ray electric vector position angles (PA) is centered around the jet axis with most of the observations consistent with zero difference within uncertainties. In fact, the distribution of the offset of the PA from the jet axis is consistent between the LSP and HSP populations (with PA measured in optical for the first, X-ray for the latter), suggesting a common magnetic field structure close to the acceleration region, in strong support of the emerging energy stratified picture of particle acceleration followed by energy loss in blazar jets.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Magnetic field of a ring-like shape molecular cloud

We present a detailed study of the magnetic field structure in the G111 molecular cloud, a ring-like filamentary cloud within the NGC 7538 region. We utilized interstellar dust polarization from the Planck telescope to trace large-scale field orientations, starlight extinction polarization from the Kanata telescope to probe the cloud's magnetic field after foreground subtraction, and velocity gradients derived from CO isotopologues, observed with the IRAP 30m telescope, to examine dense regions. Our results reveal a coherent yet spatially varying magnetic field within G111. We correct the significant foreground dust contamination through careful subtraction. We observe a global alignment of the magnetic field with density structures suggesting that the field is dynamically important in shaping the cloud. The curved magnetic field along the dense regions, coinciding with mid-infrared emission in WISE data, indicates shock compression, likely driven by stellar feedback or supernova remnants. Our findings support a scenario where G111's morphology results from turbulent shock-driven compression. The interplay between magnetic fields and external forces is crucial in shaping and maintaining the structure of the molecular cloud. Future high-resolution observations will be essential to further constrain the magnetic field's role in cloud evolution.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2024

The possible long-term periodic variability of the extremely luminous quasar WISE J090924.01+000211.1

The extremely luminous infrared galaxy (ELIRG), WISE J090924.01+000211.1 (hereafter; WISE J0909+0002, $z=1.87$) is an extraordinary object with a quasar aspect. This study performs monitoring observations of WISE J0909+0002 with the 105 cm Murikabushi telescope, Okayama and Akeno 50 cm telescopes/MITSuME ($g'$, $R_{\rm c}$, and $I_{\rm c}$ bands), and the SaCRA 55 cm telescope/MuSaSHI ($r$, $i$, and $z$ bands). We obtain the following results by combining the UV/optical light curves of the CRTS, Pan-STARRS, and ZTF archive data, and our observational data: (1) the light curves of WISE J0909+0002 present quasi-periodic (sinusoidal) oscillations with the rest-frame period of $\sim$ 660$-$689 day; (2) the structure functions of WISE J0909+0002 do not show a damped random walk (DRW) trend; (3) the mock DRW light curves present periodic-like trend on rare occasions in 10000 simulations; (4) the relativistic boost scenario is favored, since the relation between variability amplitude and power-law slope ratio is consistent with the theoretical prediction of this scenario, and a substantial parameter space exists between the inclination angles and the black hole mass; (5) the circumbinary disk model is difficult to explain the spectral energy distribution of our target; (6) the significant radio flux density of WISE J0909+0002 is not detected from the VLA FIRST Survey, thus the radio jet precession scenario is ruled out. From our results, the Doppler boost scenario is likely as a cause of the periodic variability, consequently the quasi-periodic oscillations in WISE J0909+0002 is possibly interpreted by a supermassive blackhole binary. Additional observations to investigate the continuity of the periodic trend would bring new insights into mechanisms of the quasi-periodic oscillations and/or ELIRGs.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Evolution of Accretion Disk Structure of the Black Hole X-ray Binary MAXI J1820$+$070 during the Rebrightening Phase

To understand the evolution of global accretion disk structure in the ``rebrightening'' phase of MAXI J1820$+$070, we perform a comprehensive analysis of its near infrared/optical/UV to X-ray spectral energy distribution (SED) utilizing data obtained by OISTER, Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO), Swift, NICER, and NuSTAR in 2019. Optical spectra observed with Seimei telescope in 2019 and 2020 are also analyzed. On the basis of the optical and X-ray light curves and their flux ratios, we divide the whole phase into 3 periods, Periods I (flux rise), II (decay), and III (dim). In the first 2 periods, the source stayed in the low/hard state (LHS), where the X-ray (0.3--30 keV) and optical/UV SED can be both fitted with power-law models. We interpret that the X-ray emission arises from hot corona via Comptonization, whereas the optical/UV flux is dominated by synchrotron radiation from the jets, with a partial contribution from the irradiated disk. The optical/UV power-law component smoothly connects to a simultaneous radio flux, supporting its jet origin. Balmer line profiles in the optical spectra indicate that the inner radius of an irradiated disk slightly decreased from $\sim 2\times 10^5 r_{\rm g}$ (Period I) to $\sim 1\times 10^5 r_{\rm g}$ (Period II), where $r_{\rm g}$ is the gravitational radius, implying a change of the hot corona geometry. In Period III, the SED can be reproduced by an advection-dominated accretion flow and jet emission. However, the double-peaked H$\alpha$ emission line indicates that a cool disk remained at large radii.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

A Two-Week $IXPE$ Monitoring Campaign on Mrk 421

X-ray polarization is a unique new probe of the particle acceleration in astrophysical jets made possible through the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer. Here we report on the first dense X-ray polarization monitoring campaign on the blazar Mrk 421. Our observations were accompanied by an even denser radio and optical polarization campaign. We find significant short-timescale variability in both X-ray polarization degree and angle, including a $\sim90^\circ$ angle rotation about the jet axis. We attribute this to random variations of the magnetic field, consistent with the presence of turbulence but also unlikely to be explained by turbulence alone. At the same time, the degree of lower-energy polarization is significantly lower and shows no more than mild variability. Our campaign provides further evidence for a scenario in which energy-stratified shock-acceleration of relativistic electrons, combined with a turbulent magnetic field, is responsible for optical to X-ray synchrotron emission in blazar jets.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Possible anti-correlations between pulsation amplitudes and the disk growth of Be stars in giant-outbursting Be X-ray binaries

The mechanism of X-ray outbursts in Be X-ray binaries remains a mystery, and understanding their circumstellar disks is crucial for a solution of the mass-transfer problem. In particular, it is important to identify the Be star activities (e.g., pulsations) that cause mass ejection and, hence, disk formation. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between optical flux oscillations and the infrared (IR) excess in a sample of five Be X-ray binaries. Applying the Lomb-Scargle technique to high-cadence optical light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we detected several significant oscillation modes in the 3 to 24 hour period range for each source. We also measured the IR excess (a proxy for disk growth) of those five sources, using J-band light curves from Palomar Gattini-IR. In four of the five sources, we found anti-correlations between the IR excess and the amplitude of the main flux oscillation modes. This result is inconsistent with the conventional idea that non-radial pulsations drive mass ejections. We propose an alternative scenario where internal temperature variations in the Be star cause transitions between pulsation-active and mass-ejection-active states.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

X-ray and multiwavelength polarization of Mrk 501 from 2022 to 2023

We present multiwavelength polarization measurements of the luminous blazar Mrk~501 over a 14-month period. The 2--8 keV X-ray polarization was measured with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) with six 100-ks observations spanning from 2022 March to 2023 April. Each IXPE observation was accompanied by simultaneous X-ray data from NuSTAR, Swift/XRT, and/or XMM-Newton. Complementary optical-infrared polarization measurements were also available in the B, V, R, I, and J bands, as were radio polarization measurements from 4.85 GHz to 225.5 GHz. Among the first five IXPE observations, we did not find significant variability in the X-ray polarization degree and angle with IXPE. However, the most recent sixth observation found an elevated polarization degree at $>3σ$ above the average of the other five observations. The optical and radio measurements show no apparent correlations with the X-ray polarization properties. Throughout the six IXPE observations, the X-ray polarization degree remained higher than, or similar to, the R-band optical polarization degree, which remained higher than the radio value. This is consistent with the energy-stratified shock scenario proposed to explain the first two IXPE observations, in which the polarized X-ray, optical, and radio emission arises from different regions.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Testing particle acceleration in blazar jets with continuous high-cadence optical polarization observations

Variability can be the pathway to understanding the physical processes in astrophysical jets, however, the high-cadence observations required to test particle acceleration models are still missing. Here we report on the first attempt to produce continuous, >24 hour polarization light curves of blazars using telescopes distributed across the globe and the rotation of the Earth to avoid the rising Sun. Our campaign involved 16 telescopes in Asia, Europe, and North America. We observed BL Lacertae and CGRaBS J0211+1051 for a combined 685 telescope hours. We find large variations in the polarization degree and angle for both sources in sub-hour timescales as well as a ~180 degree rotation of the polarization angle in CGRaBS J0211+1051 in less than two days. We compared our high-cadence observations to Particle-In-Cell magnetic reconnection and turbulent plasma simulations. We find that although the state of the art simulation frameworks can produce a large fraction of the polarization properties, they do not account for the entirety of the observed polarization behavior in blazar jets.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

The Japanese Vision for the Black Hole Explorer Mission

The Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) is a next-generation space very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) mission concept that will extend the ground-based millimeter/submillimeter arrays into space. The mission, closely aligned with the science priorities of the Japanese VLBI community, involves an active engagement of this community in the development of the mission, resulting in the formation of the Black Hole Explorer Japan Consortium. Here we present the current Japanese vision for the mission, ranging from scientific objectives to instrumentation. The Consortium anticipates a wide range of scientific investigations, from diverse black hole physics and astrophysics studied through the primary VLBI mode, to the molecular universe explored via a potential single-dish observation mode in the previously unexplored 50-70\,GHz band that would make BHEX the highest-sensitivity explorer ever of molecular oxygen. A potential major contribution for the onboard instrument involves supplying essential elements for its high-sensitivity dual-band receiving system, which includes a broadband 300\,GHz SIS mixer and a space-certified multi-stage 4.5K cryocooler akin to those used in the Hitomi and XRISM satellites by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Additionally, the Consortium explores enhancing and supporting BHEX operations through the use of millimeter/submillimeter facilities developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, coupled with a network of laser communication stations operated by the National Institute of Information and Communication Technology.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2024

IXPE observation of PKS 2155-304 reveals the most highly polarized blazar

We report the X-ray polarization properties of the high-synchrotron-peaked (HSP) blazar PKS 2155$-$304 based on observations with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). We observed the source between Oct 27 and Nov 7, 2023. We also conducted an extensive contemporaneous multiwavelength (MW) campaign. We find that during the first half ($T_1$) of the IXPE pointing, the source exhibited the highest X-ray polarization degree detected for an HSP blazar thus far, (30.7$\pm$2.0)%, which dropped to (15.3$\pm$2.1)% during the second half ($T_2$). The X-ray polarization angle remained stable during the IXPE pointing at 129.4$^\circ$$\pm$1.8$^\circ$ and 125.4$^\circ$$\pm$3.9$^\circ$ during $T_1$ and $T_2$, respectively. Meanwhile, the optical polarization degree remained stable during the IXPE pointing, with average host-galaxy-corrected values of (4.3$\pm$0.7)% and (3.8$\pm$0.9)% during the $T_1$ and $T_2$, respectively. During the IXPE pointing, the optical polarization angle changed achromatically from $\sim$140$^\circ$ to $\sim$90$^\circ$ and back to $\sim$130$^\circ$. Despite several attempts, we only detected (99.7% conf.) the radio polarization once (during $T_2$, at 225.5 GHz): with degree (1.7$\pm$0.4)% and angle 112.5$^\circ$$\pm$5.5$^\circ$. The direction of the broad pc-scale jet is rather ambiguous and has been found to point to the east and south at different epochs; however, on larger scales (> 1.5 pc) the jet points toward the southeast ($\sim$135$^\circ$), similar to all of the MW polarization angles. Moreover, the X-ray to optical polarization degree ratios of $\sim$7 and $\sim$4 during $T_1$ and $T_2$, respectively, are similar to previous IXPE results for several HSP blazars. These findings, combined with the lack of correlation of temporal variability between the MW polarization properties, agree with an energy-stratified shock-acceleration scenario in HSP blazars.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Detection of X-ray Polarization from the Blazar 1ES 1959+650 with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer

Observations of linear polarization in the 2-8 keV energy range with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) explore the magnetic field geometry and dynamics of the regions generating non-thermal radiation in relativistic jets of blazars. These jets, particularly in blazars whose spectral energy distribution peaks at X-ray energies, emit X-rays via synchrotron radiation from high-energy particles within the jet. IXPE observations of the X-ray selected BL Lac-type blazar 1ES 1959+650 in 2022 May 3-4 showed a significant linear polarization degree of $Π_\mathrm{x} = 8.0\% \pm 2.3\%$ at an electric-vector position angle $ψ_\mathrm{x} = 123^\circ \pm 8^\circ$. However, in 2022 June 9-12, only an upper limit of $Π_\mathrm{x} \leq 5.1\%$ could be derived (at the 99% confidence level). The degree of optical polarization at that time $Π_\mathrm{O} \sim 5\%$ is comparable to the X-ray measurement. We investigate possible scenarios for these findings, including temporal and geometrical depolarization effects. Unlike some other X-ray selected BL Lac objects, there is no significant chromatic dependence of the measured polarization in 1ES 1959+650, and its low X-ray polarization may be attributed to turbulence in the jet flow with dynamical timescales shorter than 1 day.

astro-ph.HE↗