arXiv subjects

S. A. Baum

Publications and source records attributed to S. A. Baum.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2010

Chandra observation of two shock fronts in the merging galaxy cluster Abell 2146

We present a new Chandra observation of the galaxy cluster Abell 2146 which has revealed a complex merging system with a gas structure that is remarkably similar to the Bullet cluster (eg. Markevitch et al. 2002). The X-ray image and temperature map show a cool 2-3 keV subcluster with a ram pressure stripped tail of gas just exiting the disrupted 6-7 keV primary cluster. From the sharp jump in the temperature and density of the gas, we determine that the subcluster is preceded by a bow shock with a Mach number M=2.2+/-0.8, corresponding to a velocity v=2200^{+1000}_{-900} km/s relative to the main cluster. We estimate that the subcluster passed through the primary core only 0.1-0.3 Gyr ago. In addition, we observe a slower upstream shock propagating through the outer region of the primary cluster and calculate a Mach number M=1.7+/-0.3. Based on the measured shock Mach numbers M~2 and the strength of the upstream shock, we argue that the mass ratio between the two merging clusters is between 3 and 4 to one. By comparing the Chandra observation with an archival HST observation, we find that a group of galaxies is located in front of the X-ray subcluster core but the brightest cluster galaxy is located immediately behind the X-ray peak.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2010

Infrared Spectral Energy Distributions of Seyfert Galaxies: Spitzer Space Telescope Observations of the 12 micron Sample of Active Galaxies

The mid-far-infrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of 83 active galaxies, mostly Seyfert galaxies, selected from the extended 12 micron sample are presented. The data were collected using all three instruments, IRAC, IRS, and MIPS, aboard the Spitzer Space Telescope. The IRS data were obtained in spectral mapping mode, and the photometric data from IRAC and IRS were extracted from matched, 20 arcsec diameter circular apertures. The MIPS data were obtained in SED mode, providing very low resolution spectroscopy (R ~ 20) between ~ 55 and 90 microns in a larger, 20 by 30 arcsec synthetic aperture. We further present the data from a spectral decomposition of the SEDs, including equivalent widths and fluxes of key emission lines; silicate 10 and 18 micron emission and absorption strengths; IRAC magnitudes; and mid-far infrared spectral indices. Finally, we examine the SEDs averaged within optical classifications of activity. We find that the infrared SEDs of Seyfert 1s and Seyfert 2s with hidden broad line regions (HBLR, as revealed by spectropolarimetry or other technique) are qualitatively similar, except that Seyfert 1s show silicate emission and HBLR Seyfert 2s show silicate absorption. The infrared SEDs of other classes with the 12 micron sample, including Seyfert 1.8-1.9, non-HBLR Seyfert 2 (not yet shown to hide a type 1 nucleus), LINER and HII galaxies, appear to be dominated by star-formation, as evidenced by blue IRAC colors, strong PAH emission, and strong far-infrared continuum emission, measured relative to mid-infrared continuum emission.

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arXiv2009

Polarimetry and the High-Energy Emission Mechanisms in Quasar Jets

The emission mechanisms in extragalactic jets include synchrotron and various inverse-Compton processes. At low (radio through infrared) energies, it is widely agreed that synchrotron emission dominates in both low-power (FR I) and high-power (FR II and quasar) jets, because of the power-law nature of the spectra observed and high polarizations. However, at higher energies, the emission mechanism for high-power jets at kpc scales is hotly debated. Two mechanisms have been proposed: either inverse-Compton of cosmic microwave background photons or synchrotron emission from a second, high-energy population of electrons. Here we discuss optical polarimetry as a method for diagnosing the mechanism for the high-energy emission in quasar jets, as well as revealing the jet's three-dimensional energetic and magnetic field structure. We then discuss high-energy emission mechanisms for powerful jets in the light of the HST polarimetry of PKS 1136-135.

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arXiv2009

The Jet of 3C 17 and the Use of Jet Curvature as a Diagnostic of the X-ray Emission Process

We report on the X-ray emission from the radio jet of 3C 17 from Chandra observations and compare the X-ray emission with radio maps from the VLA archive and with the optical-IR archival images from the Hubble Space Telescope. X-ray detections of two knots in the 3C 17 jet are found and both of these features have optical counterparts. We derive the spectral energy distribution for the knots in the jet and give source parameters required for the various X-ray emission models, finding that both IC/CMB and synchrotron are viable to explain the high energy emission. A curious optical feature (with no radio or X-ray counterparts) possibly associated with the 3C 17 jet is described. We also discuss the use of curved jets for the problem of identifying inverse Compton X-ray emission via scattering on CMB photons.

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arXiv2009

Extended X-ray emission in radio galaxies: the peculiar case of 3C 305

Extended X-ray structures are common in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). Here we present the first case of a Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) radio galaxy, 3C 305, in which the X-ray radiation appears to be associated with the optical emission line region, dominated by the [O III]5007. On the basis of a morphological study, performed using the comparison between the X-rays, the optical and the radio band, we argue that the high energy emission has a thermal nature and it is not directly linked to the radio jet and hotspots of this source. Finally, we discuss the origin of the extended X-ray structure connected with the optical emission line region following two different interpretations: as due to the interaction between matter outflows and shock-heated environment gas, or as due to gas photoionized by nuclear emission.

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arXiv2009

Rotation-Measures across Parsec-scale Jets of FRI radio galaxies

We present the results of a parsec-scale polarization study of three FRI radio galaxies - 3C66B, 3C78 and 3C264 - obtained with the Very Long Baseline Array at 5, 8 and 15 GHz. Parsec-scale polarization has been detected in a large number of beamed radio-loud active galactic nuclei, but in only a handful of the relatively unbeamed radio galaxies. We report here the detection of parsec-scale polarization at one or more frequencies in all three FRI galaxies studied. We detect Faraday rotation measures of the order of a few hundred rad/m^2 in the nuclear jet regions of 3C78 and 3C264. In 3C66B polarization was detected at 8 GHz only. A transverse rotation measure gradient is observed across the jet of 3C78. The inner-jet magnetic field, corrected for Faraday rotation, is found to be aligned along the jet in both 3C78 and 3C264, although the field becomes orthogonal further from the core in 3C78. The RM values in 3C78 and 3C264 are similar to those previously observed in nearby radio galaxies. The transverse RM gradient in 3C78, the increase in the degree of polarization at the jet edge, the large rotation in the polarization angles due to Faraday rotation and the low depolarization between frequencies, suggests that a layer surrounding the jet with a sufficient number of thermal electrons and threaded by a toroidal or helical magnetic field is a good candidate for the Faraday rotating medium. This suggestion is tentatively supported by Hubble Space Telescope optical polarimetry but needs to be examined in a greater number of sources.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2008

Unveiling the nature of Seyfert nuclei with 1 - 100 micron spectral energy distributions

The infrared is a key wavelength regime for probing the dusty, obscured nuclear regions of active galaxies. We present results from an infrared study of 87 nearby Seyfert galaxies using the Spitzer Space Telescope and ground-based telescopes. Combining detailed modelling of the 3 - 100 micron spectral energy distributions with mid-IR spectral diagnostics and near-infrared observations, we find broad support for the unified model of AGNs. The IR emission of Seyfert 1s and 2s is consistent with their having the same type of central engine viewed at a different orientation. The nature of the putative torus is becoming clearer; in particular we present evidence that it is likely a clumpy medium. Mid-infrared correlations between tracers of star formation and AGN ionizing luminosity reveal the starburst-AGN connection implied by the black hole/bulge mass relation, however it is not yet clear if this is due to feedback.

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arXiv2007

Star formation in the hosts of GHz peaked spectrum and compact steep spectrum radio galaxies

AIMS: Search for star formation regions in the hosts of potentially young radio galaxies (Gigahertz Peaked Spectrum and Compact Steep Spectrum sources). METHODS: Near-UV imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys.} RESULTS: We find near-UV light which could be the product of recent star formation in eight of the nine observed sources, though other explanations are not currently ruled out. The UV luminosities of the GPS and CSS sources are similar to those of a sample of nearby large scale radio galaxies. Stellar population synthesis models are consistent with a burst of recent star formation occuring before the formation of the radio source. However, observations at other wavelengths and colors are needed to definitively establish the nature of the observed UV light. In the CSS sources 1443+77 and 1814-637 the near-UV light is aligned with and is co-spatial with the radio source. We suggest that in these sources the UV light is produced by star formation triggered and/or enhanced by the radio source.

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arXiv2007

WFPC2 LRF Imaging of Emission Line Nebulae in 3CR Radio Galaxies

We present HST/WFPC2 Linear Ramp Filter images of high surface brightness emission lines (either [OII], [OIII], or H-alpha+[NII]) in 80 3CR radio sources. We overlay the emission line images on high resolution VLA radio images (eight of which are new reductions of archival data) in order to examine the spatial relationship between the optical and radio emission. We confirm that the radio and optical emission line structures are consistent with weak alignment at low redshift (z < 0.6) except in the Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) radio galaxies where both the radio source and the emission line nebulae are on galactic scales and strong alignment is seen at all redshifts. There are weak trends for the aligned emission line nebulae to be more luminous, and for the emission line nebula size to increase with redshift and/or radio power. The combination of these results suggests that there is a limited but real capacity for the radio source to influence the properties of the emission line nebulae at these low redshifts (z < 0.6). Our results are consistent with previous suggestions that both mechanical and radiant energy are responsible for generating alignment between the radio source and emission line gas.

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arXiv2006

GPS radio sources: new optical observations and an updated master list

* Aims. Identify optical counterparts, address uncertain identifications and measure previously unknown redshifts of the host galaxies of candidate GPS radio sources, and study their stellar populations. * Methods. Long slit spectroscopy and deep optical imaging in the B, V and R bands, obtained with the Very Large Telescope. * Results. We obtain new redshifts for B0316+161, B0407-658, B0904+039, B1433-040, and identify the optical counterparts of B0008-421 and B0742+103. We confirm the previous identification for B0316+161, B0407-658, B0554-026, and B0904+039, and find that the previous identification for B0914+114 is incorrect. Using updated published radio spectral information we classify as non GPS the following sources: B0407-658, B0437-454, B1648+015. The optical colors of typical GPS sources are consistent with single instantaneous burst stellar population models but do not yield useful information on age or metallicity. A new master list of GPS sources is presented.

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arXiv2006

A Radio Study of the Seyfert galaxy Markarian 6: Implications for Seyfert life-cycles

We have carried out an extensive radio study with the Very Large Array on the Seyfert 1.5 galaxy Mrk 6 and imaged a spectacular radio structure in the source. The radio emission occurs on three different spatial scales, from ~7.5 kpc bubbles to ~1.5 kpc bubbles lying nearly orthogonal to them and a ~1 kpc radio jet lying orthogonal to the kpc-scale bubble. To explain the complex morphology, we first consider a scenario in which the radio structures are the result of superwinds ejected by a nuclear starburst. However, recent Spitzer observations of Mrk 6 provide an upper limit to the star formation rate (SFR) of ~5.5 M_sun/yr, an estimate much lower than the SFR of ~33 M_sun/yr derived assuming that the bubbles are a result of starburst winds energized by supernovae explosions. Thus, a starburst alone cannot meet the energy requirements for the creation of the bubbles in Mrk 6. We show that a single plasmon model is energetically infeasible, and we argue that a jet-driven bubble model while energetically feasible does not produce the complex radio morphologies. Finally, we consider a model in which the complex radio structure is a result of an episodically-powered precessing jet that changes its orientation. This model is the most attractive as it can naturally explain the complex radio morphology, and is consistent with the energetics, the spectral index and the polarization structure. Radio emission in this scenario is a short-lived phenomenon in the lifetime of a Seyfert galaxy which results due to an accretion event.

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arXiv2006

A Survey of Kiloparsec-Scale Radio Outflows in Radio-Quiet Active Galactic Nuclei

Seyfert galaxies commonly host compact jets spanning 10-100 pc scales, but larger structures (KSRs) are resolved out in long baseline, aperture synthesis surveys. We report a new, short baseline Very Large Array (VLA) survey of a complete sample of Seyfert and LINER galaxies. Out of all of the surveyed radio-quiet sources, we find that 44% (19 / 43) show extended radio structures at least 1 kpc in total extent that do not match the morphology of the disk or its associated star-forming regions. The KSR Seyferts stand out by deviating significantly from the far-infrared - radio correlation for star-forming galaxies, and they are more likely to have a relatively luminous, compact radio source in the nucleus; these results argue that KSRs are powered by the AGN rather than starburst. KSRs probably originate from jet plasma that has been decelerated by interaction with the nuclear ISM. We demonstrate the jet loses virtually all of its power to the ISM within the inner kiloparsec to form the slow KSRs.

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arXiv2005

Star formation in hosts of young radio galaxies

We present near ultraviolet imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys, targeting young radio galaxies (Gigahertz Peaked Spectrum and Compact Steep Spectrum sources), in search of star formation regions in their hosts. We find near UV light which could be the product of recent star formation in eight of the nine observed sources. However, observations at other wavelengths and colors are needed to definitively establish the nature of the observed UV light. In the CSS sources 1443+77 and 1814--637 the near UV light is aligned with and is co-spatial with the radio source, and we suggest that in these sources the UV light is produced by star formation triggered and/or enhanced by the radio source.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Atomic hydrogen in the one-sided "compact double" radio galaxy 2050+364

European VLBI Network spectral imaging of the "compact double" radio source 2050+364 in the UHF band at 1049 MHz has resolved the HI absorbing region, and has shown a faint continuum component to the North (N), in addition to the well-known East-West double (E, W). Re-examination of VLBI continuum images at multiple frequencies suggests that 2050+364 may well be a one-sided core-jet source, which appears as a double over a limited frequency range. One of the dominant features, W, would then be the innermost visible portion of the jet, and could be at or adjacent to the canonical radio core. The other, E, is probably related to shocks at a sudden bend of the jet, towards extended steep-spectrum region N. A remarkably deep and narrow HI absorption line component extends over the entire projected extent of 2050+364. It coincides in velocity with the [OIII] optical doublet lines to within 10 km/s. This HI absorption could arise in the atomic cores of NLR clouds, and the motion in the NLR is then remarkably coherent both along the line-of-sight and across a projected distance of > 300 pc on the plane of the sky. Broader, shallower HI absorption at lower velocities covers only the plausible core area W. This absorption could be due to gas which is either being entrained by the inner jet or is flowing out from the accretion region; it could be related to the BLR.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Extended emission around GPS radio sources

Extended radio emission detected around a sample of GHz Peaked Spectrum (GPS) radio sources is discussed. Evidence for extended emission which is related to the GPS source is found in 6 objects out of 33. Three objects are associated with quasars with core-jet pc-scale morphology, and three are identified with galaxies with symmetric (CSO) radio morphology. We conclude that the core-jet GPS quasars are likely to be beamed objects with a continuous supply of energy from the core to the kpc scale. It is also possible that low surface brightness extended radio emission is present in other GPS quasars but the emission is below our detection limit due to the high redshifts of the objects. On the other hand, the CSO/galaxies with extended large scale emission may be rejuvenated sources where the extended emission is the relic of previous activity. In general, the presence of large scale emission associated with GPS galaxies is uncommon, suggesting that in the context of the recurrent activity model, the time scale between subsequent bursts is in general longer than the radiative lifetime of the radio emission from the earlier activity.

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arXiv2005

HST/STIS Spectroscopy of the Lyman-Alpha Emission Line in the Central Dominant Galaxies in A426, A1795, and A2597: Constraints on Clouds in the Intracluster Medium

We report on HST/STIS spectra of the Lyman-alpha emission in the central dominant galaxies in three rich clusters of galaxies. We find evidence for a population of clouds in the intracluster medium.We detect 10 Ly-alpha absorption systems towards the nucleus of NGC1275 with columns of N(HI) 1E12-1E14 cm-2. The detected absorption features are most consistent with associated nuclear absorption systems. There is very little nuclear absorption at the systemic velocity in NGC1275. This implies that the large columns detected in the 21 cm line towards the parsec scale radio source avoid the line of sight to the nucleus. This gas may be located in a circumnuclear disk or torus. We detect at least one and possibly two absorption features towards the extended Ly-alpha in A426. We do not detect absorption towards the extended Ly-alpha emission in A1795, and A2597 with upper limits N(HI) 1E13 cm-2 for optically thin absorbers. Our data constrain the covering factor of any high column density gas in the ICM to be less than 25%. Our results suggest that the lack of observed intermediate temperature gas is not explained by obscuration. In addition, the low columns of gas on the 100 kpc scales in the ICM suggests that (1) the rate at which cold gas accumulates in the ICM on these scales is very low, and (2) the dense nebulae in the central 10 kpc must have cooled or been deposited in situ.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

HST/STIS low dispersion spectroscopy of three Compact Steep Spectrum sources Evidence for jet-cloud interaction

We present Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph long-slit spectroscopy of the emission line nebulae in the compact steep spectrum radio sources 3C 67, 3C 277.1, and 3C 303.1. We derive BPT (Baldwin- Philips-Terlevich; Baldwin et al. 1981) diagnostic emission line ratios for the nebulae which are consistent with a mix of shock excitation and photoionization in the extended gas. In addition, line ratios indicative of lower ionization gas are found to be associated with higher gas velocities. The results are consistent with a picture in which these galaxy scale radio sources interact with dense clouds in the interstellar medium of the host galaxies, shocking the clouds thereby ionizing and accelerating them.

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arXiv2004

The host galaxies of luminous quasars

We present results of a deep HST/WFPC2 imaging study of 17 quasars at z~0.4, designed to determine the properties of their host galaxies. The sample consists of quasars with absolute magnitudes in the range -24>M_V>-28, allowing us to investigate host galaxy properties across a decade in quasar luminosity, but at a single redshift. We find that the hosts of all the RLQs, and all the RQQs with nuclear luminosities M_V<-24, are massive bulge-dominated galaxies, confirming and extending the trends deduced from our previous studies. From the best-fitting model host galaxies we have estimated spheroid and black-hole masses, and the efficiency (with respect to Eddington luminosity) with which each quasar is radiating. The largest inferred black-hole mass in our sample is \~3.10^9 M_sun, comparable to those at the centres of M87 and Cygnus A. We find no evidence for super-Eddington accretion in even the most luminous objects. We investigate the role of scatter in the black-hole:spheroid mass relation in determining the ratio of quasar to host-galaxy luminosity, by generating simulated populations of quasars lying in hosts with a Schechter mass function. Within the subsample of the highest luminosity quasars, the observed variation in nuclear-host luminosity ratio is consistent with being the result of the scatter in the black-hole:spheroid relation. Quasars with high nuclear-host ratios can be explained by sub-Eddington accretion onto black holes in the high-mass tail of the black-hole:spheroid relation. Our results imply that, owing to the Schechter cutoff, host mass should not continue to increase linearly with quasar luminosity, at the very highest luminosities. Any quasars more luminous than M_V=-27 should be found in massive elliptical hosts which at the present day would have M_V ~ -24.5.

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