arXiv subjects

Peter S. Ferguson

Publications and source records attributed to Peter S. Ferguson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Impact of LSST systematics on stellar-stream density fluctuations for dark matter

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is expected to significantly advance the study of Milky Way stellar streams. In particular, the deep, precise photometry from LSST should greatly increase the statistical sensitivity to density fluctuations in stellar streams, which can be used to probe the small-scale distribution of dark matter. However, current forecasts generally neglect the impact of observational systematics that will be imprinted on stream density measurements. In this study, we develop a realistic forward-modeling framework to inject stellar streams into LSST-like observations including photometric uncertainties, survey depth variations, background contamination, and imperfect star-galaxy classification. We develop a likelihood-ratio analysis to assess the detectability of gaps in stellar streams in the presence of these observational systematics. In the presence of realistic survey systematics, we find that after four years of operations, LSST will be sensitive to density reductions of $\sim50\%$ for gaps with widths of $5$ deg in streams with surface brightness of $\sim33$ mag arcsec$^{-2}$. Relative to the ideal case, this corresponds to a degradation in gap depth sensitivity by a factor of $\sim5$ due to the combined impact of background contamination and observational systematics. Assuming a simplified analytical mapping between gap depth and dark matter subhalo properties, these estimates correspond to a minimum detectable subhalo mass of $\sim1\times10^7$ M$_\odot$. Observational effects shift this accessible mass scale upward by a factor of $\sim16$, with background contamination contributing a factor of $\sim5$ and survey systematics a further factor of $\sim3$, dominated by star-galaxy classification.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Discovery of the Distant, Ultra-Faint Milky Way Satellite Aquarius IV with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Early Data Preview 2

We present the discovery of Aquarius IV (Rubin J2201$-$0234) -- the first ultra-faint Milky Way satellite to be identified using data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This system was detected at $\sim$8$\sigma$ significance using Rubin Early Data Preview 2 (EDP2) photometry and independently confirmed at $\sim$6$\sigma$ significance in archival Dark Energy Camera imaging. Jointly fitting its morphology and distance, we find that Aquarius IV is a low-luminosity ($M_V=-1.9^{+0.6}_{-1.0}$), compact ($r_{1/2} = 19^{+4}_{-6}$ pc; $r_h = 0.60^{+0.14}_{-0.17}$ arcmin) stellar system in the outer Galactic halo ($D_{\odot} = 109^{+6}_{-8}\ \mathrm{kpc}$). Its stellar population is consistent with an ancient, metal-poor stellar isochrone ($\tau = 13$ Gyr, $Z=0.0001$). These properties closely resemble those of the smallest and faintest confirmed ultra-faint dwarf galaxies, though a globular cluster classification is not ruled out. Given the small number of detected member stars in Rubin EDP2, deeper imaging and spectroscopy will be critical for determining the properties and classification of Aquarius IV at higher confidence.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

A Deep Look at the Ultra-Faint Milky Way Satellite Virgo III with Rubin Observatory Data Preview 2

We analyze the ultra-faint Milky Way satellite Virgo III using data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Data Preview 2 (DP2). Virgo III was observed in the Rubin "Cosmic Treasure Chest" (M49) First Look field, which contains 924 visits in the u,g,r,i bands comprising ~10.5hrs of exposure time with LSSTCam. These data are considerably deeper than the majority of DP2, with a $5\sigma$ limiting magnitude that approaches the expected 10-year depth of LSST (~25.2-26.5mag, depending on band). We report the morphological and stellar population parameters of Virgo III measured with the maximum-likelihood-based package ugali. The depth of the Rubin imaging yields more than a factor of four increase in the number of candidate member stars ($N_* = 114^{+11}_{-11}$) relative to the Virgo III discovery results ($N_* = 25^{+5}_{-4}$), enabling significantly more precise morphological constraints. Our best-fit parameters broadly agree with previous measurements, further confirming that Virgo III has properties that are consistent with an ultra-faint dwarf galaxy ($M_V = -2.72^{+0.49}_{-0.70}$; $r_{1/2} = 53^{+10}_{-8}$) located at a heliocentric distance of $D_\odot = 151^{+8}_{-8}$. We also demonstrate that the depth and photometric quality of the DP2 data are sufficient to separate metal-poor and metal-rich stars in color-color space. We further present period estimates for the three known RR Lyrae member stars derived from the DP2 forced photometry; we use theoretical Period-Luminosity-Metallicity (PLZ) and Period-Wesenheit-Metallicity (PWZ) relations to obtain independent distance estimates. We find that our period and distance estimates are broadly consistent with previous measurements for these RR Lyrae. These results demonstrate the power of LSST data for the discovery and characterization of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies and motivate future searches for new satellites across the southern sky.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

The Carbon-Dependent Binary Frequency of CEMP-no Stars

Studies of the oldest and most metal-poor stars in the Milky Way have confirmed a common abundance signature of high carbon enrichment, coupled with a subsolar abundance pattern of neutron-capture elements. The so-called CEMP-no stars have been speculated to be bona fide population II stars, potentially tracing the nucleosynthesis of the very first stars formed in the universe. However, constraining the binary nature of CEMP-no stars is crucial for understanding their abundance patterns. In previous radial-velocity monitoring of CEMP-no stars, the binary fraction has tentatively been found to vary with carbon enhancement. Here we present the results of radial-velocity monitoring of 30 CEMP-no stars over five years. Combined with literature data, this yields a total sample of 90 CEMP-no stars with constrained binary statuses, providing a larger statistical sample to investigate the CEMP-no binary fraction as a function of carbon enrichment. We find an overall binary frequency of $50^{+13}_{-13}\%$ among high-carbon ($A(\mathrm{C}) \ge7.3$) CEMP-no stars, compared to $18^{+5}_{-4}\%$ for low-carbon ($A(\mathrm{C}) <7.3$) stars, establishing for the first time a statistically significant increase in the CEMP-no binary frequency as a function of carbon at the 2$\sigma$ confidence level. Of the confirmed binary systems, we derive orbital parameters for four new ones, which, combined with literature data, amount to a total of 12 CEMP-no binaries with constrained orbits. We discuss these results in the context of the progenitors of CEMP-no stars; in particular, we explore the nature of the companion in these binary systems and the possibility of mass transfer.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

No Stream Left Unscathed: The imprint of a host galaxy

Stellar streams from disrupted globular clusters are excellent probes of dark matter (DM) subhalos. Observed Milky Way streams display a remarkable diversity of features: spurs, gaps, kinks, cocoons, and density variations, many attributed to subhalo encounters. But how much of this diversity arises from the host itself? We simulate $\sim$15,000 globular cluster streams across four Milky Way-mass halos from the FIRE-2 cosmological simulations, evolved in basis function expansion potentials capturing the evolving disk, halo, and large-scale structure while excluding small-scale perturbers such as DM subhalos and giant molecular clouds. We find that roughly three quarters of streams develop complex features from the host potential, such as spurs, kinks, and cocoon-like envelopes. Even the smoothest streams exhibit 10--25\% width variation along their track and host overdensities and gaps at scales of ${\sim}2^\circ$, squarely in the $1^\circ$--$5^\circ$ range predicted for subhalo-induced gaps. Pericentric distance is the primary predictor of stream morphology, with ${\sim}15$ kpc separating smooth from disturbed streams and circular orbits beyond $\sim$20 kpc producing the smoothest streams. Only $\sim$70 out of $\sim$15,000 streams are free of detectable wiggles in the track at any scale. Analogs to observed features, such as the GD-1 spur and the ATLAS--Aliqa Uma kink, emerge even without the presence of subhalos. As next-generation surveys (LSST, Euclid, and Roman) resolve stream structure across hundreds of streams, the baseline established here, streams evolved without small-scale perturbers, becomes essential for extracting DM substructure constraints.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

TOI-7169 b: A Hot Jupiter Transiting a Metal-Poor Star

Most known planets are found around metal-rich host stars, which has made it difficult to determine whether a lower metallicity limit for planet formation exists and how the properties of planets born in low-metallicity environments may differ from those with metal-rich origins. We present the discovery and characterization of TOI-7169 b (TIC 372048733 b), a hot Jupiter that is orbiting a spectroscopically-confirmed metal-poor ([Fe/H] = -0.72 +/- 0.05) host star. Based on photometry from TESS and follow-up ground-based imaging, we measure an orbital period of 3.4373125 d and a planetary radius of 1.475 +/- 0.029 R_Jup. We use TRES spectroscopy to determine a mass for TOI-7169 b of 0.41 +/- 0.14 M_Jup. The planet is therefore inflated, with a low density of 0.159 +0.055/-0.054 g/cm^3. We also characterize the host star, showing that TOI-7169 is ancient (12.3 +/- 0.6 Gyr) and alpha-enhanced ([alpha/Fe] ~ 0.3), but with a Galactocentric orbit that is confined to the thin disk. TOI-7169 is perhaps the oldest and most metal-poor star currently known to host a transiting giant planet. Future transmission spectroscopy probing the atmosphere of TOI-7169 b may provide insight into the effect of metallicity on the physical properties of giant planets.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2026

The DECam MAGIC Survey: Uncovering the Tidal Tails of the Crater II Dwarf Galaxy

Crater II (CraII), a large and low-density dwarf spheroidal galaxy, has unusual observed properties that are difficult to reproduce in cold dark matter simulations. Ongoing tidal disruption may help explain the discrepancies, as evidenced by the recent discovery of tidal tails. Here we present metallicity-sensitive narrowband photometry of the Ca II H and K lines from the Dark Energy Camera, covering $128$ deg$^2$ across the center and identified tidal tails of CraII as part of the Mapping the Ancient Galaxy in CaHK (MAGIC) survey. Our combined photometric metallicity, color-magnitude, proper motion, and parallax selections identify 162 CraII candidates. Of these, 37 candidates are located in the tidal tails which extend at least $7^\circ$ ($\sim 95$ kpc) from the center of CraII, suggesting it has lost $\gtrsim 25$% of its initial stellar mass. We confirm low contamination rates with dedicated control fields and highlight the extremely low surface brightness stellar features that can be uncovered with CaHK data, as faint as $\sim 36$ mag arcsec$^{-2}$. We also make the first detection of a metallicity gradient ($-0.34\pm0.17~{\rm dex}~{\rm deg}^{-1}$) in the center of the galaxy and infer a stream width of $w\sim 0.8^\circ$, roughly 50% larger than the CraII half-light radius. The detection of candidates in the most distant CraII pointings from its center implies that the tidal tails extend beyond our footprint. We compare the CraII stream to $N$-body models with "cored" and "cuspy" dark matter halo progenitors, determining that CraII's density profile is still ambiguous and warrants further modeling.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Multiple Populations and a CH Star Found in the 300S Globular Cluster Stellar Stream

Milky Way globular clusters (GCs) display chemical enrichment in a phenomenon called multiple stellar populations (MSPs). While the enrichment mechanism is not fully understood, there is a correlation between a cluster's mass and the fraction of enriched stars found therein. However, present-day GC masses are often smaller than their masses at the time of formation due to dynamical mass loss. In this work, we explore the relationship between mass and MSPs using the stellar stream 300S. We present the chemical abundances of eight red giant branch member stars in 300S with high-resolution spectroscopy from Magellan/MIKE. We identify one enriched star characteristic of MSPs and no detectable metallicity dispersion, confirming that the progenitor of 300S was a globular cluster. The fraction of enriched stars (12.5\%) observed in our 300S stars is less than the 50\% of stars found enriched in Milky Way GCs of comparable present-day mass ($\sim10^{4.5}$\msun). We calculate the mass of 300S's progenitor and compare it to the initial masses of intact GCs, finding that 300S aligns well with the trend between the system mass at formation and enrichment. 300S's progenitor may straddle the critical mass threshold for the formation of MSPs and can therefore serve as a benchmark for the stellar enrichment process. Additionally, we identify a CH star, with high abundances of \textit{s}-process elements, probably accreted from a binary companion. The rarity of such binaries in intact GCs may imply stellar streams permit the survival of binaries that would otherwise be disrupted.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Forecasting Dark Matter Subhalo Constraints from Stellar Streams using Implicit Likelihood Inference

The evidence for dark matter (DM) remains compelling, although attempts to understand its particle nature remain inconclusive. One promising method to study DM is detecting DM subhalos through their gravitational interactions with stellar streams. In this study, we apply Neural Posterior Estimation (NPE) to constrain subhalo interaction parameters, including mass, scale radius, velocity, and encounter geometry, from stellar stream kinematics. We generate particle spray simulations based on the Lagrange Cloud stripping technique, focusing on the ATLAS-Aliqa Uma stream as a test case. We train multiple NPE models across multiple observational scenarios, quantifying how kinematic completeness affects inference and forecasting constraints from upcoming surveys including LSST, 4MOST, and 10-year Gaia data. Our results demonstrate that NPE can produce accurate and well-calibrated posteriors. In the idealized case with full 6D coordinates, we achieve subhalo mass uncertainties of 15-20% for a $10^7 \, \mathrm{M_\odot}$ subhalo, with 5D coordinates (excluding radial velocities) achieving similar performance. Under realistic observational conditions, mass uncertainties range from 50% (present-day) to 20-40% (future scenarios), with comparable performance between the photometric-only LSST sample and a smaller sample that includes Gaia proper motions and 4MOST radial velocities. Most notably, we find that velocity bimodality emerges when phase space is poorly sampled, whether due to missing kinematic information or limited stellar tracers. Combining large photometric samples with targeted spectroscopic follow-up can effectively resolves this degeneracy. These results demonstrate the power of implicit likelihood inference for optimizing stellar stream observational strategies and forecasting DM subhalo constraints from upcoming surveys.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

$S^5$: Tidal Disruption in Crater 2 and Formation of Diffuse Dwarf Galaxies in the Local Group

We present results of a spectroscopic campaign around the diffuse dwarf galaxy Crater 2 (Cra2) and its tidal tails as part of the Southern Stellar Stream Spectroscopic Survey ($S^5$). Cra2 is a Milky Way dwarf spheroidal satellite with extremely cold kinematics, but a huge size similar to the Small Magellanic Cloud, which may be difficult to explain within collisionless cold dark matter. We identify 143 Cra2 members, of which 114 belong to the galaxy's main body and 29 are deemed part of its stellar stream. We confirm that Cra2 is dynamically cold (central velocity dispersion $2.51^{+0.33}_{-0.30}\,{\rm km \ s^{-1}}$) and also discover a $\approx$7$\sigma$ velocity gradient consistent with its tidal debris track. We separately estimate the stream's internal velocity dispersion to be $5.74^{+0.98}_{-0.83}\,{\rm km \ s^{-1}}$. We develop a suite of $N$-body simulations with both cuspy and cored density profiles on a realistic Cra2 orbit to compare with $S^5$ observations. We find that the velocity dispersion ratio between Cra2 stream and galaxy ($2.30^{+0.41}_{-0.35}$) is difficult to reconcile with a cuspy halo with fiducial concentration and an initial mass predicted by standard stellar mass--halo mass relationships. Instead, either a cored halo with relatively small core radius or a low-concentration cuspy model can reproduce this ratio. Despite tidal mass loss, Cra2 is metal-poor ($\langle \rm[Fe/H]\rangle=-2.16\pm0.04$) compared to the stellar mass--metallicity relation for its luminosity. Other diffuse dwarf galaxies similar to Cra2 in the Local Group (Antlia 2 and Andromeda 19) also challenge galaxy formation models. Finally, we discuss possible formation scenarios for Cra2, including ram-pressure stripping of a gas-rich progenitor combined with tides.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Evidence For A Correlation Between Astrophysical Neutrinos and Radio Flares

We use data from the first two epochs of the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS) and the IceCube Neutrino Observatory to search for evidence of a correlation between radio variability and the detection of astrophysical neutrinos. We find an excess number of associations between flaring radio sources and neutrinos that were detected between the first and second VLASS observations at $>2σ$ confidence. This excess is consistent with radio flares contributing $\sim13\,\%$ of the astrophysical neutrinos observed by IceCube. Notably $>80\,\%$ of the radio flares associated with neutrinos are not detected at either $γ$-ray or X-ray wavelengths, highlighting the importance of radio observations for identifying potential electromagnetic counterparts to astrophysical neutrinos. No excess in the number of associations between the wider radio-variable population and the IceCube neutrinos is seen when no time constraint is placed on the neutrino detection. We predict that data from future VLASS epochs will see an excess number of associations between radio flares and neutrinos at the $>3σ$ level, and expected improvements to the positional constraints on the neutrinos may increase that confidence to $>5σ$, should our results be representative.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

The DELVE Quadruple Quasar Search I. A Lensed Low Luminosity AGN

A quadruply lensed source, J125856.3-031944, has been discovered using the DELVE survey and WISE W1 - W2 colors. Followup direct imaging carried out with the Magellan Baade 6.5 m telescope is analyzed, as is spectroscopy from the 2.5 m Nordic Optical Telescope. The lensed image configuration is kite-like, with the major axis of the lensing galaxy along the symmetry axis of the kite, and with the faintest image at its tail. Redward of 6000 AA the tail image is strongly blended with the lensing galaxy. The Sloan g direct imaging carried out with Magellan permits deblending. As the lensed image configuration is nearly circular, simple models give high predicted magnifications for all four images. The source's narrow emission lines at redshift z=2.225 and low intrinsic luminosity qualify it as a Type 2 AGN. The Magellan image shows a substantial residual that suggests a second lensing galaxy.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

DELVE-DEEP Survey: The Faint Satellite System of NGC 55

We report the first comprehensive census of the satellite dwarf galaxies around NGC 55 ($2.1$ Mpc) as a part of the DECam Local Volume Exploration DEEP (DELVE-DEEP) survey. NGC 55 is one of four isolated, Magellanic analogs in the Local Volume around which DELVE-DEEP aims to identify faint dwarfs and other substructures. We employ two complementary detection methods: one targets fully resolved dwarf galaxies by identifying them as stellar over-densities, while the other focuses on semi-resolved dwarf galaxies, detecting them through shredded unresolved light components. As shown through extensive tests with injected galaxies, our search is sensitive to candidates down to $M_V \lesssim -6.6$ and surface brightness $μ\lesssim 28.5$ mag arcsec$^{-2}$, and $\sim 80\%$ complete down to $M_V \lesssim -7.8$. We do not report any new confirmed satellites beyond two previously known systems, ESO 294-010 and NGC 55-dw1. We construct the satellite luminosity function of NGC 55 and find it to be consistent with the predictions from cosmological simulations. As one of the first complete luminosity functions for a Magellanic analog, our results provide a glimpse of the constraints on low-mass-host satellite populations that will be further explored by upcoming surveys, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

47 Tuc in Rubin Data Preview 1: Exploring Early LSST Data and Science Potential

We present analyses of the early data from Rubin Observatory's Data Preview 1 (DP1) for the globular cluster 47 Tuc field. The DP1 dataset for 47 Tuc includes four nights of observations from the Rubin Commissioning Camera (LSSTComCam), covering multiple bands ($ugriy$). We address challenges of crowding in the inner region of the cluster and toward the SMC in DP1, and demonstrate improved star-galaxy separation by fitting fifth-degree polynomials to the stellar loci in color-color diagrams and applying multi-dimensional sigma clipping. We compile a catalog of 3,576 probable 47 Tuc member stars selected via a combination of isochrone, Gaia proper-motion, and color-color space matched filtering. We explore the sources of photometric scatter in the 47 Tuc color-color sequence, evaluating contributions from various potential sources, including differential extinction within the cluster. Finally, of the 72 well-characterized variables in the field, we recover five known variable stars, including three RR Lyrae and two eclipsing binaries, in the coadd-based object catalog, and identify 62 in the difference image-based object catalog. Although the DP1 lightcurves have sparse temporal sampling, they appear to follow the patterns of densely-sampled literature lightcurves well. Despite some data limitations for crowded-field stellar analysis, DP1 demonstrates the promising scientific potential for future LSST data releases.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

The Dark Energy Bedrock All-Sky Supernova Program: Cross Calibration, Simulations, and Cosmology Forecasts

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) have been essential for probing the nature of dark energy; however, most SN analyses rely on the same low-redshift sample, which may lead to shared systematics. In a companion paper (arXiv:2508.10878), we introduce the Dark Energy Bedrock All-Sky Supernova (DEBASS) program, which has already collected more than 500 low-redshift SNe Ia on the Dark Energy Camera (DECam), and present an initial release of 77 SNe Ia within the Dark Energy Survey (DES) footprint observed between 2021 and 2024. Here, we examine the systematics, including photometric calibration and selection effects. We find agreement at the 10 millimagnitude level among the tertiary standard stars of DEBASS, DES, and Pan-STARRS1. Our simulations reproduce the observed distributions of DEBASS SN light-curve properties, and we measure a bias-corrected Hubble residual scatter of $0.08$ mag, which, while small, is found in 10% of our simulations. We compare the DEBASS SN distances to the Foundation sample and find consistency with a median residual offset of $0.016 \pm 0.019$ mag. Selection effects have negligible impacts on distances, but a different photometric calibration solution shifts the median residual $-0.015 \pm 0.019$ mag, highlighting calibration sensitivity. Using conservative simulations, we forecast that replacing historical low-redshift samples with the full DEBASS sample (>400 SNe Ia) will improve the statistical uncertainties on dark energy parameters $w_0$ and $w_a$ by 30% and 24% respectively, enhance the dark energy Figure of Merit by up to 60%, and enable a measurement of $fσ_8$ at the 25% level.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

The Dark Energy Bedrock All-Sky Supernova Program: Motivation, Design, Implementation, and Preliminary Data Release

Precise measurements of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) at low redshifts ($z$) serve as one of the most viable keys to unlocking our understanding of cosmic expansion, isotropy, and growth of structure. The Dark Energy Bedrock All-Sky Supernovae (DEBASS) program will deliver the largest uniformly calibrated low-$z$ SN Ia data set in the southern hemisphere to date. DEBASS utilizes the Dark Energy Camera to image supernovae in conjunction with the Wide-Field Spectrograph (WiFeS) to gather comprehensive host galaxy information. By using the same photometric instrument as both the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey, DEBASS not only benefits from a robust photometric pipeline and well-calibrated images across the southern sky, but can replace the historic and external low-$z$ samples that were used in the final DES supernova analysis. DEBASS has accumulated more than 400 spectroscopically confirmed SNe Ia in the redshift range of $0.01<z<0.08$ from 2021 to mid-2025, and, in this paper along with a companion paper Acevedo et al. submitted, we present an early data release of 77 SNe within the DES footprint to demonstrate the merit and constraining power of the data set. Here, we introduce the DEBASS program, discuss its scientific goals and the advantages it offers for supernova cosmology, and present our initial results. With this early data release, we find a robust median absolute standard deviation of Hubble diagram residuals of $\sim$0.10 mag and an initial measurement of the host-galaxy mass step of $0.06\pm0.04$ mag, both before performing bias corrections. This low scatter shows the promise of a low-$z$ SN Ia program with a well-calibrated telescope and high signal-to-noise ratio across multiple bands.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

A second-generation star in a relic dwarf galaxy

Stars that contain only trace amounts of elements heavier than helium, referred to as having low "metallicity", preserve the chemical fingerprints of the first generation of stars and supernovae. In the Milky Way, the lowest metallicity stars show an extreme over-abundance of carbon relative to other elements, which has been hypothesized to be a unique result of the first low-energy supernovae. However, the origin of this signature has remained a mystery, since no such stars have been discovered in the ancient dwarf galaxies where they are thought to have formed. Here, we present observations of a star in the >10 billion year old ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Pictor II, that shows the lowest iron and calcium abundances outside the Milky Way (<1/43,000th solar and ~1/160,000th solar), with a factor of >3000x relative carbon enhancement. As the first unambiguous second-generation star in a relic dwarf galaxy, this object demonstrates that carbon-enhanced second-generation stars can originate in primordial small-scale systems. This star supports the hypothesis that carbon-enhancement is produced by low-energy-supernovae, since the yields of energetic supernovae are harder to retain in small-scale environments. This key local signature of chemical enrichment by the first stars traces a regime inaccessible to current high-redshift observations, which cannot detect the early enrichment of the smallest galaxies.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

A Census of Variable Radio Sources at $3\,$GHz

A wide range of phenomena, from explosive transients to active galactic nuclei, exhibit variability at radio wavelengths on timescales of a few years. Characterizing the rate and scale of variability in the radio sky can provide keen insights into dynamic processes in the Universe, such as accretion mechanics, jet propagation, and stellar evolution. We use data from the first two epochs of the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS) to conduct a census of the variable radio sky. Approximately $3,600$ compact sources are found to significantly vary in brightness during the $\sim2.5\,$ years between observations. In this work we focus on sources that are detected in both VLASS epochs, but estimate there may be $>10,000$ additional variable radio sources in VLASS that are only detected in either the first or second epoch. For objects detected in both epochs whose mean flux density across the two epochs, $\mu_{S}$, is brighter than $20\,$mJy, $5\,$% show brightness variations $>30\,$%, rising to $9\,$% at $\mu_{S}>300\,$mJy. We analyze the redshift distributions, infrared colors, and $\gamma$-ray properties of the variable radio sources, finding that most have multiwavelength characteristics that are consistent with blazars and quasars. Blazars in particular are found to be overrepresented among the variable radio sources, and the largest absolute changes in flux density are produced by blazars. The largest fractional changes in brightness are exhibited by galactic sources. We discuss our results, including some of the more interesting and extreme examples of variable radio sources identified, as well as future research directions.

astro-ph.GA↗