arXiv subjects

P. Benaglia

Publications and source records attributed to P. Benaglia.

49 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2007

Testing the predicted mass-loss bi-stability jump at radio wavelengths

In this study, we test the theoretically predicted mass-loss behaviour as a function of stellar effective temperature across the so-called `bi-stability' jump (BSJ). We gathered radio observations of 30 OB supergiants (O8-B3). We derived the radio mass-loss rates and wind efficiencies, and compared our results with Halpha mass-loss rates and predictions based on radiation-driven wind models. he wind efficiency shows the possible presence of a local maximum around an effective temperature of 21~000 K -- in qualitative agreement with predictions. We also find that the radio mass-loss rates show good agreement with empirical Halpha rates. However, the empirical mass-loss rates are larger than the predicted rates from radiation-driven wind theory for objects above the BSJ temperature, whilst they are smaller for the rest. A new wind momenta-luminosity relation for O8-B0 stars has been derived.

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arXiv2007

The stellar upper mass limit in the solar neighborhood

We are using HST GO programs 10205, 10602, and 10898 to test the stellar upper mass limit in the solar vicinity by attempting to detect optical close companions, thus lowering the calculated evolutionary masses. We have observed with ACS/HRC all the known (as of early 2005) Galactic O2/3/3.5 stars. We also have observations with HST/FGS and ground-based spectroscopy from LCO and CASLEO. Here we discuss our results for Pismis 24 and HD 93129A.

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arXiv2006

Radio evidence on the mass loss bi-stability jump

We present the results of a first campaign of radio continuum observations toward supergiants with spectral types in the range O8 - B3. Three targets out of twelve were detected with the ATCA and the VLA. The measured fluxes and the upper limits yielded values of the stellar mass-loss rates dM/dt and the wind efficiencies. The comparison of predicted and derived values of dM/dt shows a good agreement.

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arXiv2005

G337.2+0.1: a new X-ray supernova remnant?

We present evidence supporting a SNR origin for the radio source G337.2+0.1, which was discovered along the line of sight to the Norma spiral arm in the MOST 843-MHz radio survey. The radio source is spatially superposed to the unidentified ASCA source AX J1635.9-4719. An analysis of this latter source reveals that its X-ray spectrum, extended nature, and non-variable flux are consistent with what is expected for a SNR. In addition, we have used HI-line observations of the region to look for any effect of the presumed remnant on the ISM. We have found a well-defined minimum centered at the position of the radio source in the velocity range of ~ -25 to -19 km/s. This feature appears as a sharp absorption dip in the spectrum that might be produced when the continuum emission from the SNR candidate is absorbed by foreground gas. Hence we have used it to constrain the distance to the source, which seems to be a young (age ~ a few 10^3 yr) and distant (d ~ 14 kpc) SNR. G337.2+0.1 and AX J1635.9-4719 would be the radio/X-ray manifestations of this remnant.

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arXiv2002

Gamma-ray emission from Wolf-Rayet binaries

In the colliding wind region of early-type binaries, electrons can be accelerated up to relativistic energies displaying power-law spectra, as demonstrated by the detection of non-thermal radio emission from several WR+OB systems. The particle acceleration region, located between the stars, is exposed to strong photon fields in such a way that inverse Compton cooling of the electrons could result in a substantial high-energy non-thermal flux. In particular cases, the ratio of the energy densities of magnetic to photon fields in the colliding wind region will determine whether a given source can produce or not significant gamma-ray emission. We present here a study of the binaries WR 140, WR 146, and WR 147 in the light of recent radio and gamma-ray observations. We show that with reasonable assumptions for the magnetic field strength WR 140 can produce the gamma-ray flux from the EGRET source 3EG J2022+4317. WR 146 and WR 147 are below the detection threshold, but forthcoming instruments like INTEGRAL and GLAST could detect non-thermal emission from them.

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arXiv2002

LS 5039: a runaway microquasar ejected from the galactic plane

We have compiled optical and radio astrometric data of the microquasar LS 5039 and derived its proper motion. This, together with the distance and radial velocity of the system, allows us to state that this source is escaping from its own regional standard of rest, with a total systemic velocity of about 150 km/s and a component perpendicular to the galactic plane larger than 100 km/s. This is probably the result of an acceleration obtained during the supernova event that created the compact object in this binary system. We have computed the trajectory of LS 5039 in the past, and searched for OB associations and supernova remnants in its path. In particular, we have studied the possible association between LS 5039 and the supernova remnant G016.8-01.1, which, despite our efforts, remains dubious. We have also discovered and studied an HI cavity in the ISM, which could have been created by the stellar wind of LS 5039 or by the progenitor of the compact object in the system. Finally, in the symmetric supernova explosion scenario, we estimate that at least 17 solar masses were lost in order to produce the high eccentricity observed. Such a mass loss could also explain the observed runaway velocity of the microquasar.

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arXiv2001

Mass loss rate determinations of southern OB stars

A sample of OB stars (eleven Of, one O and one B supergiant) has been surveyed with the Australia Telescope Compact Array at 4.8 and 8.64 GHz with a resolution of 2'' -- 4''. Five stars were detected; three of them have negative spectral indices, consistent with non-thermal emission, and two have positive indices. The thermal radiation from HD 150135 and HD 163181 can be explained as coming from an optically thick ionized stellar wind. The non-thermal radiation from CD-47 4551, HD 124314 and HD 150136 possibly comes from strong shocks in the wind itself and/or in the wind colliding region if the stars have a massive early-type companion. The percentage of non-thermal emitters among detected O stars has increased up to ~50%. The Of star HD 124314 clearly shows flux density variations. Mass loss rates (or upper limits) were derived for all the observed stars and the results compared with non-radio measurements and theoretical predictions.

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arXiv2001

The radio surroundings of the microquasar GRO J1655-40

We report the results of a study of the radio surroundings of the superluminal microquasar GRO J1655-40. We have searched for extended continuum structures that might be indicative of the presence of a supernova remnant (SNR) associated with the formation of the compact object in the binary system. We also carried out HI-line observations of the region looking for a local minimum created by an explosive event. Our results indicate that there is, in fact, a bubble in the large-scale HI distribution around GRO J1655-40. We suggest that this structure might be created by the original supernova explosion occurred a few hundred thousand years ago and whose signatures can be traced by the overabundance of alpha-elements recently found by Israelian et al. (1999) in the companion star.

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arXiv2001

A variability analysis of low-latitude unidentified gamma-ray sources

We present a study of 40 low-latitude unidentified 3EG gamma-ray sources which were found to be not positionally coincident with any known class of potential gamma-ray emitters in the Galaxy (Romero, Benaglia & Torres, 1999). We have performed a variability analysis which reveals that many of these 40 sources are variable. These sources have, in addition, a steep mean value of the gamma-ray spectral index, $<Γ> = 2.41 \pm 0.2$, which, combined with the high level of variability seems to rule out a pulsar origin. The positional coincidences with uncatalogued candidates to supernova remnants were also studied. Only 7 sources in the sample are spatially coincident with these candidates, a result that is shown to be consistent with the expected level of pure chance association. A complementary search for weak radio counterparts was also conducted and the results are presented as an extensive table containing all significant point-like radio sources within the 40 EGRET fields. We argue that in order to produce the high variability, steep gamma-ray spectra, and absence of strong radio counterparts observed in some of the gamma-ray sources of our sample a new class of objects should be postulated, and we analyze a viable candidate.

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arXiv2001

Variable Unidentified Gamma-Ray Sources Near the Galactic Plane

In a recent paper, Romero et al. (1999) have presented the results of a positional correlation analysis of the low-latitude unidentified gamma-ray sources in the Third EGRET catalog with complete lists of galactic objects like supernova remnants, early type stars with strong stellar winds, and OB associations (considered as pulsar tracers). We have now carried out a study of those 42 sources at |b|<10 deg for which no counterpart was found at all. A variability analysis shows that this sample contains a population of sources with high levels of variability at gamma-rays. The surface density of these variable sources is 5 times higher than what is expected for unidentified AGNs seen through the Galactic plane. We discuss the origin of this presumed Galactic population of gamma-ray objects and the role that INTEGRAL could play in their physical identification.

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arXiv2000

Positional correlation between low-latitude gamma-ray sources and SNRs

We present the results of a spatial correlation analysis between unidentified gamma-ray sources in the 3EG catalog and candidates to supernova remnants. This work extends a previous study made by Romero, Benaglia & Torres (1999). We also consider the gamma-ray emission variability and the spectral index for the sources with positional coincidence.

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arXiv2000

Can the gamma-ray source 3EG J2033+4118 be produced by the stellar system Cyg OB2 No.5?

We discuss the possibility that the stellar system Cyg OB2 No.5 can be a gamma-ray source in the light of recent EGRET and radio data. This system is formed by an O7 Ia + Ofpe/WN9 contact binary. A third star, probably a B0 V star also associated with the system, is located at $\sim 1700$ AU from the primary. We estimate the expected gamma-ray luminosity from the colliding winds region, the terminal shock of the wind, and the unstable zone at the base of the wind, and conclude that, under very reasonable assumptions, Cyg OB2 No.5 can generate about a half of the gamma-ray flux detected from the positionally coincident source 3EG J2033+4118. We suggest, then, that other O stars belonging to the association, also placed within the 95 % probability EGRET location contour, could contribute to the observed gamma-ray flux.

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arXiv1999

Unidentified 3EG gamma-ray sources at low galactic latitude

We present a study on the possible association of unidentified $γ$-ray sources in the Third EGRET (3EG) catalog with different types of galactic objects such as Wolf-Rayet and Of stars, supernova remnants (SNRs), and OB associations (considered as pulsar tracers). We have made use of numerical simulations of galactic populations of $γ$-ray point sources in order to determine the statistical significance of the positional coincidences. New constraints on pure chance association are presented for SNRs and OB associations, and it is shown that massive stars present marginally significant correlation with 3EG sources at a $3σ$ level.

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