arXiv subjects

Mitsuru Kokubo

Publications and source records attributed to Mitsuru Kokubo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Discovery of four Narrow-line Type-1 Quasars at z = 2.54 -- 6.06 with Subaru 'Onohi'ula PFS-SSP

We report the discovery of four narrow-line type-1 quasars (NLQ1s) from the Subaru 'Onohi'ula Prime Focus Spectrograph Subaru Strategic Program (PFS-SSP). To extend a comprehensive understanding of this population to the distant universe, we searched for broad-line AGNs (quasars) whose rest-UV spectral shapes resemble those of local NLS1 galaxies, utilizing the Ly$α$ line profile. We identified four NLQ1s, including one candidate, at $z=2.54$ -- $6.06$. The obtained spectra show a prominent Ly$α$ emission line with a very low continuum level. The measured full width at half maximum (FWHM) of Ly$α$ ranges from $1410 \ \mathrm{km\,s^{-1}}$ to $1510 \ \mathrm{km\,s^{-1}}$ with a mean of $\sim 1430 \,\mathrm{km\,s^{-1}}$. Although we used only line width information for the NLQ1 selection, the resulting equivalent widths (EW) of Ly$α$ are higher (the mean $\sim 190$\,Å\ in the rest frame) than the typical values of quasars. Two quasars have exceptionally large Ly$α$ luminosity, accounting for $\sim 3$ -- $4$\% of the bolometric luminosity. We measured black hole masses and Eddington ratios for three objects whose C\,\textsc{iv} line is available. The resulting black hole masses are $\sim 10^{6.9}$ -- $10^{7.7}\, M_{\odot}$ with high Eddington ratios ($> 0.1$), consistent with those of NLS1 galaxies reported in the low-$z$ universe. N\,\textsc{v} and C\,\textsc{iv} broad absorption lines are detected in one object. This quasar can be classified as a mini-BAL quasar, which further supports the idea that this NLQ1 is indeed a luminous version of an NLS1 galaxy.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

GREX-PLUS Science Book v2

GREX-PLUS (Galaxy Reionization EXplorer and PLanetary Universe Spectrometer) is a mission candidate for a JAXA strategic L-class mission to be launched in the 2030s. Its primary science goals are two-fold: galaxy formation and evolution, and planetary system formation and evolution. The GREX-PLUS spacecraft will carry a telescope with a 1 m primary mirror aperture cooled down to 50 K. The two science instruments will be onboard: a wide-field camera in the 2--8 $μ$m wavelength band and a high-resolution spectrometer with a wavelength resolution of 30,000 in the 10--18 $μ$m band. The GREX-PLUS wide-field camera aims to detect the first generation of galaxies at redshift $z>15$. The GREX-PLUS high-resolution spectrometer aims to identify the location of the water ``snowline'' in protoplanetary disks. Both instruments will provide unique datasets for a broad range of scientific topics, including galaxy mass assembly, the origin of supermassive blackholes, infrared background radiation, molecular spectroscopy in the interstellar medium, transit spectroscopy of exoplanet atmospheres, planetary atmospheres in the Solar System, and so on. This document is the second version of a collection of scientific themes that can be achieved with GREX-PLUS. Each section in Chapters~2 and 3 is based on presentations at several GREX-PLUS Science Workshops.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

XPE and VLT /FORS2 polarimetry challenge the Seyfert-1.9 classification of MCG-05-23-16

We report the third observation of the Seyfert-1.9 active galactic nucleus (AGN) MCG-05-23-16 with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (\textit{IXPE}), together with optical spectro-polarimetry obtained at the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and combined with archival near-ultraviolet, optical and near-infrared polarimetric data. No X-ray polarization was detected in the 2-8 keV band, with a 99\% confidence upper limit of $\leq$2.9\%, further reduced to $\leq$2.5\% when combined with the two past IXPE observations of the same target. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that equatorial coronal models are disfavored if the AGN is indeed a type-1.9/2 AGN, but coronae coplanar to the accretion disk remain consistent if the source is less inclined than previously assumed. \textit{VLT}/FORS2 data reveal a typical type-2 spectrum in total flux, a broad H$α$ line in polarized flux, and strongly wavelength dependent polarization degree and angle, rotating by nearly 70$^\circ$ across the optical band. Comparison with historical measurements confirms long-term stability of the polarization spectrum and a $\sim$90$^\circ$ rotation in the near-ultraviolet. Interpreting the multi-wavelength polarization relative to the AGN ionization axis indicates that the main obscurer is not a compact circumnuclear torus, but a distant kpc-scale dust lane crossing the galaxy. This result implies that MCG-05-23-16 is in fact a type-1 AGN seen through foreground dust. The low X-ray column density becomes consistent with the absence of polarization, provided that the nuclear inclination is low.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Diverse Origins of Broad H$α$ Lines in Heavily Obscured AGNs Revealed by Multi-epoch Spectroscopy

According to the classical AGN model, broad emission lines originate from the broad-line region (BLR) and are observable only when the attenuation by the dusty torus is small. However, we recently found several heavily-obscured ($A_V > 50$ mag) AGNs with broad H$α$ detections: MCG -3-34-64, UGC 5101, and Mrk 268. To investigate the origin of the observed broad line in these AGNs, we performed multi-epoch optical spectroscopic observations to search for flux variability of the broad H$α$ line. For MCG -3-34-64 and UGC 5101, no significant variability was detected, suggesting that the broad line of these AGNs may arise from sources other than the BLR. Spectral fitting analysis suggests possible large contribution of ionized outflows to the observed broad component of MCG -3-34-64, while both the outflow and scattering by polar material can explain that of UGC 5101. For Mrk 268, we detected a significant ($4.3σ$) flux variation of the broad H$α$ line by using the flux ratio of the H$α$ complex and the [SII]$λ\lambda6716$, 6731 doublet, indicating that the broad line originates directly from the BLR. The lack of significant flux variation in the optical continuum implies that the line of sight to the nucleus of Mrk 268 is mildly obscured. Our results demonstrate that the observed broad H$α$ lines in obscured AGNs likely have multiple origins. Such complexity may introduce additional uncertainties in black hole mass measurements of distant AGNs revealed by e.g., JWST.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Near-infrared Variability Detected in the Young Star-Forming Dwarf Galaxy SBS 0335-052E

SBS~0335-052E is a young star-forming dwarf galaxy with a total stellar mass of $M_{*} \lesssim 10^{8}~M_{\odot}$ and an extremely low metallicity ($Z \sim 1/40~Z_{\odot}$), which has long been considered to be devoid of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Here we report the detection of temporal flux variability of SBS~0335-052E in near-infrared (NIR) 3-4\ ${\rm μ}$m bands on timescales of several years, showing dimming and brightening of up to 50\% over 14~years, based on archival data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. Our spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting of archival ultraviolet (UV)-NIR photometry, including AGN SED models, indicates that the variable NIR emission arises from an edge-on AGN dust torus. The UV-optical emission from the accretion disk is obscured and does not reach us, leading to the dominance of the host galaxy's young stellar population in the UV-optical wavelengths. This analysis favors the presence of a Compton-thick, heavily obscured AGN in SBS~0335-052E, consistent with its observed X-ray weakness. From the SED fitting, we estimate an AGN bolometric luminosity of $L_{\rm bol} = 1.2\times10^{43}\ {\rm erg\ s^{-1}}$, which implies a black hole mass of $M_{\rm BH} \simeq 10^{5}\ M_\odot$ if the AGN is accreting at the Eddington limit. If confirmed, SBS~0335-052E would be the least massive galaxy known to host an AGN, likely harboring an intermediate-mass black hole.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Challenging the AGN scenario for JWST/NIRSpec LRD and non-LRD broad H$α$ emitters in light of non-detection of NIRCam photometric variability and X-ray

JWST has uncovered a substantial population of high-$z$ ($z \gtrsim 4$) galaxies exhibiting broad H$α$ emission line with a Full Width at Half Maximum exceeding 1,000 km/s. This population consists of a well-known subset called Little Red Dots (LRDs) and the remaining non-LRDs. If all of these broad H$α$ emitters were attributed to type $1-1.9$ Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs), it would imply a significantly higher number density of low-luminosity AGNs than extrapolated from that of more luminous AGNs. Here, we have examined the rest-frame ultraviolet (UV)-optical flux variability of three LRD and two non-LRD broad H$α$ emitters using multi-epoch, multi-band JWST/NIRCam imaging data. The rest-frame temporal sampling interval of the NIRCam data ($\sim 400-500$~days$/(1+z)$) is comparable to typical variability timescales of AGNs with black hole (BH) masses of $M_{\text{BH}} \sim 10^{7}~M_{\odot}$; thus, the flux variations should be detectable if AGNs were present. However, no measurable flux variation over the rest-frame wavelength range of $λ_{\text{rest}} \sim 1,500-9,000$Å has been detected, placing stringent upper limits on the variability amplitudes. This result, combined with the X-ray faintness confirmed by the ultra-deep Chandra data, indicates that, under the AGN scenario, we need to postulate peculiar Compton-thick broad-line AGNs with either ($a$) an intrinsically non-variable AGN disk continuum, ($b$) a host galaxy-dominated continuum, or ($c$) scattering-dominated AGN emission. Alternatively, ($d$) they could be non-AGNs where the broad-line emission originates from unusually fast and dense/low-metallicity star-formation-driven outflows or inelastic Raman scattering of stellar UV continua by neutral hydrogen atoms.

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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

Second-timescale Glints from Satellites and Space Debris Detected with Tomo-e Gozen

A search for second-timescale optical transients is one of the frontiers of time-domain astronomy. However, it has been pointed out that reflections of sunlight from Earth-orbiting objects can also produce second-timescale ``glints.'' We conducted wide-field observations at 2 frames per second using Tomo-e Gozen on the 1.05 m Kiso Schmidt telescope. We identified 1554 point-source glints that appeared in only one frame (0.5 sec). Their brightness ranges from 11 to 16 mag, with fainter glints being more numerous. These glints are likely caused by satellites and space debris in high-altitude orbits such as the geosynchronous Earth orbit or highly elliptical orbits. Many glints brighter than 14 mag are associated with known satellites or debris with large apogees ($>$ 30,000 km). In contrast, most fainter glints are not associated with cataloged objects and may be due to debris with sizes of 0.3--1 m. The event rate of second-timescale glints is estimated to be $4.7 \pm 0.2\ {\rm deg^{-2}\ hr^{-1}}$ (average) and $9.0 \pm 0.3\ {\rm deg^{-2}\ hr^{-1}}$ (near the equator) at 15.5 mag. Our results demonstrate that high-altitude debris can represent a significant foreground in searches for second-timescale optical transients. They also imply that deep surveys such as Rubin/LSST will detect many of these glints in single-exposure images.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2025

A Joint Search for the Electromagnetic Counterpart to the Gravitational-Wave Binary Black-Hole Merger Candidate S250328ae with the Dark Energy Camera and the Prime Focus Spectrograph

The first detection of an optical counterpart to a gravitational wave signal revealed that collaborative efforts between instruments with different specializations provide a unique opportunity to acquire impactful multi-messenger data. We present results of such a joint search with the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) and Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) for the optical counterpart of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA event S250328ae, a binary black hole merger candidate of high significance detected at a distance of 511$\pm$82 Mpc and localized within an area of 3 (15) square degrees at 50% (90%) confidence. We observed the 90% confidence area with DECam and identified 36 high-confidence transient candidates after image processing, candidate selection, and candidate vetting. We observed with PFS to obtain optical spectra of DECam candidates, Swift-XRT candidates, and potential host galaxies of S250328ae. In total, 3897 targets were observed by seven pointings covering ~50% of the 90% confidence area. After template fitting and visual inspection, we identified 12 SNe, 159 QSOs, 2975 galaxies, and 131 stars. With the joint observations of DECam and PFS, we found variability in 12 SNe, 139 QSOs, 37 galaxies, and 2 stars. We do not identify any confident optical counterparts, though the association is not ruled out for three variable candidates that are not observed by PFS and 6 QSO candidates without clear variability if the optical counterpart of S250328ae is faint. Despite the lack of confident optical counterparts, this paper serves as a framework for future collaborations between wide-field imagers and multi-object spectrographs to maximize multi-messenger analyses.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Implication of a galaxy-scale negative feedback by one of the most powerful multi-phase outflows in a hyper-luminous infrared galaxy at the intermediate redshift

Powerful, galactic outflows driven by Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) are commonly considered as a main mechanism to regulate star formation in massive galaxies. Ultra- and hyper-luminous IR galaxies (U/HyLIRGs) are thought to represent a transition phase of galaxies from a rapidly growing period to a quiescent status as gas swept out by outflows, providing a laboratory to investigate outflows and their feedback effects on the hosts. In this paper we report recent Gemini and ALMA observations of a HyLIRG, J1126 at $z=0.46842$, which has been identified with a puzzling co-existence of a fast ionized outflow ($>2000$ km s$^{-1}$) and an intense starburst (star formation rate of 800 $M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$). The Gemini observation shows the fast ionized outflow is extended to several kpc with a mass-loss rate of 180 $M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$. A massive molecular outflow with a high mass-loss rate (2500 $M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$) is revealed by ALMA. The multi-phase outflows show large factors of momentum boost and loading of kinetic power, indicating a driving by thermal pressure of a nuclear hot wind and/or radiation pressure of a highly obscured AGN. In addition to ejection of kinetic energy, it is also found that the powerful outflow can induce an ionizing shock in the galaxy disk and enhance the excitation and dissociation of molecular gas. The powerful outflow probably results in an instantaneous negative feedback and shows potential to regulate the host growth in a long term.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2024

A systematic search for rapid transients in the Subaru HSC-SSP transient survey

Recent high-cadence transient surveys have discovered rapid transients whose light curve timescales are shorter than those of typical supernovae. In this paper, we present a systematic search for rapid transients at medium-high redshifts among 3381 supernova candidates obtained from the Subaru HSC-SSP transient survey. We developed a machine learning classifier to classify the supernova candidates into four types (Type Ia, Ibc, II supernovae, and rapid transients) based on the features derived from the light curves. By applying this classifier to the 3381 supernova candidates and by further applying the quality cut, we selected 14 rapid transient samples. They are located at a wide range of redshifts ($0.34 \leq z \leq 1.85$) and show a wide range of the peak absolute magnitude ($-17 \geq M \geq -22$). The event rate of the rapid transients is estimated to be $\sim 6\times10^3~\rm{events~yr^{-1}~Gpc^{-3}}$ at $z \sim 0.74$, which corresponds to about $2$ $\%$ of the event rate of normal core-collapse supernovae at the similar redshift. Based on the luminosity and color evolution, we selected two candidates of Type Ibn supernovae at $z\sim0.75$. The event rate of Type Ibn SN candidates is more than 1 $\%$ of Type Ib SN rate at the same redshift, suggesting that this fraction of massive stars at this redshift range eruptively ejects their He-rich envelope just before the explosions. Also, two objects at $z=1.37$ and 1.85 show high luminosities comparable to superluminous supernovae. Their event rate is about 10-25 $\%$ of superluminous supernovae at $z\sim 2$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Rayleigh and Raman scattering cross-sections and phase matrices of the ground-state hydrogen atom, and their astrophysical implications

We present explicit expressions for Rayleigh and Raman scattering cross-sections and phase matrices of the ground $1s$ state hydrogen atom based on the Kramers-Heisenberg dispersion formula. The Rayleigh scattering leaves the hydrogen atom in the ground-state while the Raman scattering leaves the hydrogen atom in either $ns$ ($n\geq2$; $s$-branch) or $nd$ ($n\geq3$; $d$-branch) excited state, and the Raman scattering converts incident ultraviolet (UV) photons around the Lyman resonance lines into optical-infrared (IR) photons. We show that this Raman wavelength conversion of incident flat UV continuum in dense hydrogen gas with a column density of $N_{\text{H}} > 10^{21}~\text{cm}^{-2}$ can produce broad emission features centred at Balmer, Paschen, and higher-level lines, which would mimic Doppler-broadened hydrogen lines with the velocity width of $\gtrsim 1,000~\text{km}~\text{s}^{-1}$ that could be misinterpreted as signatures of Active Galactic Nuclei, supernovae, or fast stellar winds. We show that the phase matrix of the Rayleigh and Raman $s$-branch scatterings is identical to that of the Thomson scattering while the Raman $d$-branch scattering is more isotropic, thus the Paschen and higher-level Raman features are depolarized compared to the Balmer features due to the flux contribution from the Raman $d$-branch. We argue that observations of the line widths, line flux ratios, and linear polarization of multiple optical/IR hydrogen lines are crucial to discriminate between the Raman-scattered broad emission features and Doppler-broadened emission lines.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Updated Picture of the Active Galactic Nuclei with Dusty/Dust-free Gas Structures and Effects of the Radiation Pressure

This study investigates the properties of two gas structures of X-ray selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs), that is, dusty and dust-free gas components, by separating them with the line-of-sight dust extinction ($A_V$) and the neutral gas column density ($N_{\mathrm{H}}$). The typical column density of the dusty and dust-free gas differs depending on the Seyfert type, indicating that both structures have anisotropic column density distributions. The number of targets with the dusty gas column density ($N_{\mathrm{H,d}}$) of $\log N_{\mathrm{H,d}}\ [\mathrm{cm^{-2}}]>23$ is much smaller than that with the same column density of the dust-free gas. This result indicates that the optically-thick part of the dusty gas structure is very thin. There are very few targets with a larger Eddington ratio ($f_{\mathrm{Edd}}$) than the effective Eddington limit of the dusty gas and the covering factor of the dusty gas with $22\leq \log N_{\mathrm{H,d}}\ [\mathrm{cm^{-2}}]<24$ exhibits a clear drop at the effective Eddington limit. These results support the scenario wherein the covering factor of the dusty torus decreases in a high Eddington ratio owing to the radiation-driven dusty gas outflow. The covering factor of the dust-free gas with the column density ($N_{\mathrm{H,df}}$) of $22\leq \log N_{\mathrm{H,df}}\ [\mathrm{cm^{-2}}]<24$ similarly exhibits the decrease in high Eddington ratio, although it may be owing to the dust-free gas outflow driven by certain other mechanisms than the radiation pressure. Finally, we propose an updated picture of the AGN gas structure based on our results and the literature.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2024

Optical Variability of Blazars in the Tomo-e Gozen Northern Sky Transient Survey

We studied the optical variability of 241 BL Lacs and 83 flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQ) from the 4LAC catalog using data from the Tomo-e Gozen Northern Sky Transient Survey, with $\sim$ 50 epochs per blazar on average. We excluded blazars whose optical variability may be underestimated due to the influence of their host galaxy, based on their optical luminosity ($L_O$). FSRQs with $γ$-ray photon index greater than 2.6 exhibit very low optical variability, and their distribution of standard deviation of repeated photometry is significantly different from that of the other FSRQs (KS test P value equal to $5 \times 10^{-6}$ ). Among a sample of blazars at any particular cosmological epoch, those with lower $γ$-ray luminosity ($L_γ$) tend to have lower optical variability, and those FSRQs with $γ$-ray photon index greater than 2.6 tend to have low $L_γ$. We also measured the structure function of optical variability and found that the amplitude of the structure function for FSRQs is higher than previously measured and higher than that of BL Lacs at multiple time lags. Additionally, the amplitude of the structure function of FSRQs with high $γ$-ray photon index is significantly lower than that of FSRQs with low $γ$-ray photon index. The structure function of FSRQs of high $γ$-ray photon index shows a characteristic timescale of more than 10 days, which may be the variability timescale of the accretion disk. In summary, we infer that the optical component of FSRQs with high $γ$-ray photon index may be dominated by the accretion disk.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

X-ray Winds In Nearby-to-distant Galaxies (X-WING) - I: Legacy Surveys of Galaxies with Ultrafast Outflows and Warm Absorbers in $z \sim 0$-$4$

As an inaugural investigation under the X-ray Winds In Nearby-to-distant Galaxies (X-WING) program, we assembled a dataset comprising 132 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) spanning redshifts $z \sim 0$-$4$ characterized by blueshifted absorption lines indicative of X-ray winds. Through an exhaustive review of previous research, we compiled the outflow parameters for 573 X-ray winds, encompassing key attributes such as outflow velocities ($V_{\rm out}$), ionization parameters ($ξ$), and hydrogen column densities. By leveraging the parameters $V_{\rm out}$ and $ξ$, we systematically categorized the winds into three distinct groups: ultrafast outflows (UFOs), low-ionization parameter (low-IP) UFOs, and warm absorbers. Strikingly, a discernible absence of linear correlations in the outflow parameters, coupled with distributions approaching instrumental detection limits, was observed. Another notable finding was the identification of a velocity gap around $V_{\rm out} \sim 10,000~{\rm km~s^{-1}}$. This gap was particularly evident in the winds detected via absorption lines within the $\lesssim$2 keV band, indicating disparate origins for low-IP UFOs and warm absorbers. In cases involving Fe XXV/Fe XXVI lines, where the gap might be attributed to potential confusion between emission/absorption lines and the Fe K-edge, the possibility of UFOs and galactic-scale warm absorbers being disconnected is considered. An examination of the outflow and dust sublimation radii revealed a distinction: UFOs appear to consist of dust-free material, whereas warm absorbers likely comprise dusty gas. From 2024, the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) is poised to alleviate observational biases, providing insights into the authenticity of the identified gap, a pivotal question in comprehending AGN feedback from UFOs.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

The relationship of SMBHs and host galaxies at $z<4$ in the deep optical variability-selected AGN sample in the COSMOS field

We present the study on the relationship between SMBHs and their host galaxies using our variability-selected AGN sample ($i_\mathrm{AB} \leq 25.9,\ z \leq 4.5$) constructed from the HSC-SSP Ultra-deep survey in the COSMOS field. We estimated the BH mass ($M_\mathrm{BH}=10^{5.5-10}\ M_{\odot}$) based on the single-epoch virial method and the total stellar mass ($M_\mathrm{star}=10^{10-12}\ M_{\odot}$) by separating the AGN component with SED fitting. We found that the redshift evolution of the BH-stellar mass ratio ($M_\mathrm{BH}/M_\mathrm{star}$) depends on the $M_\mathrm{BH}$ which is caused by the no significant correlation between $M_\mathrm{BH}$ and $M_\mathrm{star}$. Variable AGNs with massive SMBHs ($M_\mathrm{BH}>10^{9}\ M_{\odot}$) at $1.5 \sim1\%$) than the BH-bulge ratios ($M_\mathrm{BH}/M_\mathrm{bulge}$) observed in the local universe for the same BH range. This implies that there is a typical growth path of massive SMBHs which is faster than the formation of the bulge component as final products seen in the present day. For the low-mass SMBHs ($M_\mathrm{BH}<10^{8}\ M_{\odot}$) at $0.5 4$. We interpret that host galaxies harboring less massive SMBHs at intermediate redshift have already acquired sufficient stellar mass, although high-z galaxies are still in the early stage of galaxy formation relative to those at the intermediate/local universe.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2023

eROSITA Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS): eFEDS X-ray view of WERGS Radio Galaxies selected by the Subaru/HSC and VLA/FIRST survey

We construct the eROSITA X-ray catalog of radio galaxies discovered by the WERGS survey that is made by the cross-matching of the wide-area Subaru/HSC optical survey and VLA/FIRST 1.4 GHz radio survey. We find 393 eROSITA detected radio galaxies in the 0.5--2 keV band in the eFEDS field covering 140~deg$^2$. Thanks to the wide and medium depth eFEDS X-ray survey, the sample contains the rare and most X-ray luminous radio galaxies above the knee of the X-ray luminosity function, spanning 44 22$. Those obscured and radio AGN reside in $0.4<z<3.2$, indicating that they are obscured counterparts of the radio-loud quasar, which are missed in the previous optical quasar surveys. By combining radio and X-ray luminosities, the jet production efficiency $η_\mathrm{jet}$ is investigated, and we find 14 sources with extremely high jet production efficiency at $η_\mathrm{jet}\approx1$. This high $η_\mathrm{jet}$ value might be a result of 1) the decreased radiation efficiency of $η_\mathrm{rad}<0.1$ due to the low accretion rate for those sources and/or 2) the boosting due to the decline of $L_\mathrm{bol}$ by a factor of 10--100 by keeping $P_\mathrm{jet}$ constant in the previous Myr, indicating the experience of the AGN feedback. Finally, inferring the BH masses from the stellar-mass, we find that X-ray luminous sources show the excess of the radio emission with respect to the value estimated from the fundamental plane. Such radio emission excess cannot be explained by the Doppler booming alone, and therefore disk-jet connection of X-ray luminous eFEDS-WERGS is fundamentally different from the conventional fundamental plane which mainly covers low accretion regime.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Narrow Fe-K$α$ Reverberation Mapping Unveils the Deactivated Broad-Line Region in a Changing-Look Active Galactic Nucleus

"Changing-look active galactic nuclei" (CLAGNs) are known to change their apparent types between types 1 and 2, usually accompanied by a drastic change in their luminosity on timescales of years. However, it is still unclear whether materials in broad-line regions (BLRs) in CLAGNs appear and disappear during the type-transition or remain at the same location while the line production is simply activated or deactivated. Here we present our X-ray-optical monitoring results of a CLAGN, NGC 3516, by Suzaku, Swift, and ground telescopes, with our primary focus on the narrow Fe-K$α$ emission line, which is an effective probe of the BLR materials. We detected significant variations of the narrow Fe-K$α$ line on a timescale of tens of days during the type-2 (faint) phase in 2013-2014, and conducted "narrow Fe-K$α$ reverberation mapping," comparing its flux variation with those of the X-ray continuum from a corona and $B$-band continuum from an accretion disk. We derived, as a result, a time lag of $10.1^{+5.8}_{-5.6}$ days ($1σ$ errors) for the Fe-K$α$ line behind the continuum, which is consistent with the location of the BLR determined in optical spectroscopic reverberation mapping during the type-1 (bright) phase. This finding shows that the BLR materials remained at the same location without emitting optical broad-lines during the type-2 phase. Considering the drastic decrease of the radiation during the type-transition, our result is possibly inconsistent with the hotly-discussed formation models of the BLR which propose that the radiative pressure from an accretion disk should be the main driving force.

astro-ph.HE↗