arXiv subjects

R. Falomo

Publications and source records attributed to R. Falomo.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2004

The optical-near-infrared colour of the host galaxies of BL Lacertae objects

We present H-band imaging of 23 low redshift (z < 0.3) BL Lac objects that were previously investigated by us in the R-band. For all the observed objects, the host galaxy is well represented by an elliptical model, with average scale length R(e) = 7.2 +- 3.6 kpc and average absolute magnitude M(H) = -25.9 +- 0.6. BL Lac hosts are therefore luminous elliptical galaxies indistinguishable from those of low redshift radio galaxies and inactive ellipticals. The best-fit H-band Kormendy relation of mu(e) = 3.7 log r(e) (kpc) + 14.8 mag arcsec^-2 agrees with that obtained for normal ellipticals and radio galaxies. This similarity indicates that all massive elliptical galaxies can experience nuclear activity without significant perturbation of their global structure. The new observations are combined with literature data of 18 objects, and this extended sample is used to investigate the optical-NIR colour and colour gradient properties of the host galaxies of BL Lacs and to perform a direct comparison with other elliptical galaxies with and without nuclear activity. The optical/near-infrared colour (R-H = 2.2 +- 0.4) and colour gradient (Delta(R-H)/Delta(log r) = -0.38 +- 0.60) distributions of the BL Lac hosts are much wider than those for normal ellipticals with old stellar populations, and many BL Lacs have bluer hosts and/or steeper colour gradients than those in normal ellipticals. The blue colours are most likely caused by a young stellar population, and indicates a link between star formation caused by an interaction/merging event and the onset of the nuclear activity. However, the lack of obvious signs of interaction may require a significant time delay between the event with associated SF episodes and the onset of nuclear activity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Blue colours of BL Lac host galaxies

Near-infrared and optical imaging of BL Lac host galaxies is used to investigate their colour properties. We find that the R-H colour and colour gradient distributions of the BL Lac hosts are much wider than those for normal ellipticals, and many objects have very blue hosts and/or steep colour gradients. The blue colours are most likely caused by recent star formation. The lack of obvious signs of interaction may, however, require a significant time delay between the interaction event with associated star formation episodes and the onset of the nuclear activity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

The cosmic evolution of quasar host galaxies

We present near-infrared imaging of the host galaxies of 17 quasars in the redshift range 1 < z < 2, carried out at the ESO VLT UT1 8m telescope under excellent seeing conditions (~0.4 arcsec). The sample includes radio-loud (RLQ) and radio-quiet (RQQ) quasars with similar distribution of redshift and optical luminosity. For all the observed objects but one we have derived the global properties of the surrounding nebulosity. The host galaxies of both types of quasars follow the expected trend in luminosity of massive ellipticals undergoing simple passive evolution, but there is a systematic difference by a factor ~2 in the host luminosity between RLQs and RQQs (M_K(RLQ) = -27.55 +- 0.12 and M_K(RQQ) = -26.83 +- 0.25). Comparison with quasar hosts at similar and lower redshift indicates that the difference in the host luminosity between RLQs and RQQs remains the same from z = 2 to the present epoch. No significant correlation is found between the nuclear and the host luminosities. Assuming that the host luminosity is proportional to the black hole mass, as observed in nearby massive spheroids, these quasars emit at very different levels (spread \~1.5dex) with respect to their Eddington luminosity and with the same distribution for RLQs and RQQs. Apart from a factor of ~2 difference in luminosity, the hosts of RLQs and RQQs appear to follow the same cosmic evolution as massive inactive spheroids. Our results support a view where nuclear activity can occur in all luminous ellipticals without producing a significant change in their global properties and evolution. Quasar hosts appear to be already well formed at z ~2, in disagreement with models for the joint formation and evolution of galaxies and active nuclei based on the hierarchical structure formation scenario.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

The Ultraluminous X-ray Source NGC 1313 X-2 (MS 0317.7-6647) and its Environment

We present new optical and {\it Chandra} observations of the field containing the ultraluminous X-ray source NGC 1313 X-2. On an ESO 3.6 m image, the {\it Chandra} error box embraces a $R=21.6$ point-like object and excludes a previously proposed optical counterpart. The resulting X-ray/optical flux ratio of NGC 1313 X-2 is $\sim 500$. The value of $f_X/f_{opt}$, the X-ray variability history and the spectral distribution derived from a re-analysis of the {\it ROSAT}, {\it ASCA} and {\it XMM} data indicate a luminous X-ray binary in NGC 1313 as a likely explanation for NGC 1313 X-2. If the X-ray soft component observed in the {\it XMM} EPIC spectrum originates from an accretion disk, the inferred mass of the compact remnant is $\approx 100 M_\odot$, making it an intermediate mass black hole. The derived optical luminosity ($L\approx 10^5 L_\odot$) is consistent with that of a $\approx 15-20 M_\odot$ companion. The properties of the environment of NGC 1313 X-2 are briefly discussed.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Optical Counterpart of The Ultraluminous X-ray Source NGC 1313 X-2

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Radio Observations of Nearby HST BL Lacs

We present a radio/optical study of a sample of BL Lac objects at arcsecond and milliarcsecond resolution. The sample consists of 30 nearby (z<0.2) BL Lacs, mostly X-ray selected. These nearby objects are weak in the radio, yet we have successfully observed them with the VLA, VLBA and EVN, revealing interesting morphologies. Most importantly, we find evidence of relativistic boosting even in these low power sources (dominant core, one-sided jets). We present a radio/optical comparison including HST observations which have detected compact optical cores in all objects.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Host Galaxies of low z Radio-loud Quasars: A search of HST archives

We searched the HST archives for unpublished WFPC2 images of low redshift (z<0.5) radio loud quasars (RLQ). This led to the identification of 11 objects. We present here the results of the analysis of these images from which we derive the properties of their host galaxies. All objects are clearly resolved and their surrounding nebulosity is consistent with an elliptical galaxy model. These new data, together with previous published HST observations, form a sample of 34 sources which significantly expands all previous studies of low redshift RLQ based on HST data. For this full sample we derive the average absolute magnitude of the host galaxies =-24.01+/-0.48, and the effective radius =10.5+/-3.7kpc. No significant correlation is found between the nucleus and the host galaxy luminosity. Using the relationship between black hole mass (M_BH) and bulge luminosity we investigate the relation between M_BH and total radio power for RLQ and compare with other classes of radio sources. The overall distribution of AGN in the plane M_BH-P(radio) exhibits a trend for increasing M_BH with increasing P(radio) but with a substantial spread. RLQ occupy the region of most powerful sources and most massive BH. The quasars appear to emit over a wide range of power with respect to their Eddington luminosity as deduced by the estimated M_BH.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Optical Spectroscopy of BL Lac Objects:new redshifts and mis-identified sources

We are carrying out a multi-purpose program of high signal to noise optical spectroscopy at medium resolution of 30 BL Lac objects. Here we report the detection of three new redshifts, and the discovery of three misclassified sources. The new redshifts refer to PKS0754+100 (z=0.266), H-1914-194 (z=0.137) and 1ES0715-259, for which we derive a redshift of z=0.465 and also a ``new'' classification a Steep Spectrum Radio Quasar. In two cases (UM493 and 1620+103) stellar spectra indicate a wrong classification. The three sources with new redshift measurement show strong [OIII] emission in their spectra and their host galaxy properties are known. The central black hole masses derived using the M_{BH}-L_{bulge} and the M_{BH}-σ([OIII]) relations are compared.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Black hole masses and the Fundamental Plane of BL Lac objects

We report on measurements of the stellar velocity dispersion (sigma) from the optical spectra of the host galaxies of four BL Lac objects. Together with our earlier results on seven BL Lac objects (Falomo et al. 2002), and with the previously derived photometrical and structural properties, these data are used to construct the Fundamental Plane (FP) of the BL Lac hosts. We find that the BL Lacs follow the same FP as low redshift radio galaxies and inactive luminous ellipticals, in agreement with similar results presented by Barth et al. (2003). This indicates that the photometrical, structural and kinematical properties of the host galaxies of BL Lacs are indistinguishable from those of inactive massive ellipticals. Using the correlation between black hole mass (M_BH) and sigma in nearby elliptical galaxies, we derive the masses of the central black hole in BL Lacs. These masses, in the range of 6 x 10^7 to 9 x 10^8 M_o, are consistent with the values derived from the bulge luminosity and appear to be linearly correlated with the mass of the galaxies (M_BH} ~0.001 x M_bulge).

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Optical and near-infrared observations of the GRB020405 afterglow

(Abridged) We report on observations of the optical and NIR afterglow of GRB020405. Ground-based optical observations started about 1 day after the GRB and spanned a period of ~10 days; archival HST data extended the coverage up to 70 days after the GRB. We report the first detection of the afterglow in NIR bands. The detection of emission lines in the optical spectrum indicates that the GRB is located at z = 0.691. Absorptions are also detected at z = 0.691 and at z = 0.472. The latter system is likely caused by clouds in a galaxy located 2 arcsec southwest of the GRB host. Hence, for the first time, the galaxy responsible for an intervening absorption system in the spectrum of a GRB afterglow is identified. Optical and NIR photometry indicates that the decay in all bands follows a single power law of index alpha = 1.54. The late-epoch VLT and HST points lie above the extrapolation of this power law, so that a plateau is apparent in the VRIJ light curves at 10-20 days after the GRB. The light curves at epochs later than day ~20 after the GRB are consistent with a power-law decay with index alphaprime = 1.85. We suggest that this deviation can be modeled with a SN having the same temporal profile as SN2002ap, but 1.3 mag brighter at peak, and located at the GRB redshift. Alternatively, a shock re-energization may be responsible for the rebrightening. A polarimetric R-band measurement shows that the afterglow is polarized, with P = 1.5 % and theta = 172 degrees. Optical-NIR spectral flux distributions show a change of slope across the J band which we interpret as due to the presence of nu_c. The analysis of the multiwavelength spectrum within the fireball model suggests that a population of relativistic electrons produces the optical-NIR emission via synchrotron in an adiabatically expanding blastwave, and the X-rays via IC.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

The black hole mass of low redshift radiogalaxies

We make use of two empirical relations between the black hole mass and the global properties (bulge luminosity and stellar velocity dispersion) of nearby elliptical galaxies, to infer the mass of the central black hole (M_BH) in low redshift radiogalaxies. Using the most recent determinations of black hole masses for inactive early type galaxies we show that the bulge luminosity and the central velocity dispersion are almost equally correlated (similar scatter) with the central black-hole mass. Applying these relations to two large and homogeneous datasets of radiogalaxies we find that they host black-holes whose mass ranges between ~5x10^7 to ~6x10^9 M_sun (average ~8.9). M_BH is found to be proportional to the mass of the bulge (M_bulge). The distribution of the ratio M_BH/M_bulge has a mean value of 8x10^{-4} and shows a scatter that is consistent with that expected from the associated errors. At variance with previous claims no significant correlation is instead found between M_BH (or M_bulge) and the radio power at 5GHz.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

Mass of BL Lacs from the Velocity Dispersion of the Host Galaxy

We report on new measurements of the stellar velocity dispersion of 4 BL Lac objects for which optical spectroscopy was gathered at the ESO 3.6m using EFOSC2. Assuming the M(BH)--(sigma) relation is valid also for ellipticals hosting active nuclei we estimate the central BH mass of these BL Lacs.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

Black hole masses of BL Lac objects

The correlation between black hole mass M(BH) and the central stellar velocity dispersion sigma in nearby elliptical galaxies affords a novel way to determine M(BH) in active galaxies. We report on measurements of sigma from optical spectra of 7 BL Lac host galaxies. The range of sigma (160 - 290 km/s) corresponds to estimated M(BH) of 5 x 10^7 - 9 x 10^8 Mo. The average ratio of M(BH) to the host galaxy mass is 1.4 x 10^-3, consistent with that estimated in other active and inactive galaxies. The range of sigma and M(BH) of the BL Lacs are similar to those obtained for low redshift radio galaxies, in good agreement with the predictions of the unified models for radio-loud active galaxies.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

Spectroscopy of BL Lac Objects: new redshifts and mis-identified sources

We are carrying out a program of high signal to noise optical spectroscopy of BL Lacs with unknown or tentative redshift. Here we report some preliminary results. New redshifts are measured for PKS0754+100 (z=0.266) and 1ES0715-259 (z=0.464) . From lineless spectra of PG1553+113 and PKS1722+119 we set a lower limit of z>0.3 for both sources. In two cases (UM493 and 1620+103) stellar spectra indicate a wrong classification.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

Broad-band continuum and line emission of the gamma-ray blazar PKS 0537-441

PKS 0537-441, a bright gamma-ray emitting blazar, was observed at radio, optical, UV and X-ray frequencies during various EGRET pointings, often quasi-simultaneously. In 1995 the object was found in an intense emission state at all wavelengths. BeppoSAX observations made in 1998, non-simultaneously with exposures at other frequencies, allow us to characterize precisely the spectral shape of the high energy blazar component, which we attribute to inverse Compton scattering. The optical-to-gamma-ray spectral energy distributions at the different epochs show that the gamma-ray luminosity dominates the bolometric output. This, together with the presence of optical and UV line emission, suggests that, besides the synchrotron self-Compton mechanism, the Compton upscattering of photons external to the jet (e.g., in the broad line region) may have a significant role for high energy radiation. The multiwavelength variability can be reproduced by changes of the plasma bulk Lorentz factor. The spectrum secured by IUE in 1995 appears to be partially absorbed shortward of ~1700 A. However, this signature is not detected in the HST spectrum taken during a lower state of the source. The presence of intervening absorbers is not supported by optical imaging and spectroscopy of the field.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

The black hole mass of BL Lac objects from the stellar velocity dispersion of the host galaxy

The correlation between black hole mass M(BH) and stellar velocity dispersion sigma in nearby elliptical galaxies affords a novel way to determine M(BH) in active galaxies. We report on measurements of sigma from optical spectra of 7 BL Lac host galaxies. The derived values of sigma are in the range of 160 - 290 km/s corresponding to M(BH) of 5 x 10^7 to 1 x 10^9 Msun. The average ratio of M(BH) to the host galaxy mass is 1.4 x 10^-3, consistent with that estimated in other active and inactive galaxies. The velocity dispersions and the derived values of M(BH) of the BL Lacs are similar to those obtained for low redshift radio galaxies, in good agreement with the predictions of the unified models for radio-loud active galaxies.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

The Fundamental Plane of Radio Galaxies

We collected photometrical and dynamical data for 73 low red-shift (z<0.2) Radio Galaxies (LzRG) in order to study their Fundamental Plane (FP). For 22 sources we also present new velocity dispersion data, that complement the photometric data given in our previous study of LzRG (Govoni et al. 2000a). It is found that the FP of LzRG is similar to the one defined by non-active elliptical galaxies, with LzRG representing the brightest end of the population of early type galaxies. Since the FP mainly reflects the virial equilibrium condition, our result implies that the global properties of early--type galaxies (defining the FP) are not influenced by the presence of gas accretion in the central black hole. This is fully in agreement with the recent results in black hole demography, showing that virtually all luminous spheroidal galaxies host a massive black hole and therefore may potentially become active. We confirm and extend to giant ellipticals the systematic increase of the mass-to-light ratio with galaxy luminosity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

Optical identifications of High Frequency Peakers

We present CCD observations of 13 objects from a complete sample of 55 bright High Frequency Peaker (HFP) radio sources, and provide optical identification for 12 of them. Images in R and V filters have been used to derive some additional information concerning the host of the radio source. Three hosts are likely to be galaxies, one resulted slightly extended, while the remaining 8 are likely distant quasars. Based on these identifications and those available in the literature, we find that the fraction of quasars in our HFP sample is significantly higher than in samples of Compact Steep-Spectrum and GHz-Peaked Spectrum radio sources.

astro-ph↗