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S. Temporin

Publications and source records attributed to S. Temporin.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

ESC and KAIT Observations of the Transitional Type Ia SN 2004eo

We present optical and infrared observations of the unusual Type Ia supernova (SN) 2004eo. The light curves and spectra closely resemble those of the prototypical SN 1992A, and the luminosity at maximum (M_B = -19.08) is close to the average for a SN Ia. However, the ejected 56Ni mass derived by modelling the bolometric light curve (about 0.45 solar masses) lies near the lower limit of the 56Ni mass distribution observed in normal SNe Ia. Accordingly, SN 2004eo shows a relatively rapid post-maximum decline in the light curve (Delta m_(B) = 1.46), small expansion velocities in the ejecta, and a depth ratio Si II 5972 / Si II 6355 similar to that of SN 1992A. The physical properties of SN 2004eo cause it to fall very close to the boundary between the faint, low velocity gradient, and high velocity gradient subgroups proposed by Benetti et al. (2005). Similar behaviour is seen in a few other SNe Ia. Thus, there may in fact exist a few SNe Ia with intermediate physical properties.

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A photo-ionized canopy for the shock-excited Criss-Cross Nebula

Aims. We study a new broad well-defined arc of optical nebulosity close to the cloud-shock interacting Criss-Cross Nebula, derive the basic physical properties of the former and revise those of the latter, and compare both objects to simulations of cloud-shock interactions from the literature. Methods. Deep optical, partly wide-field, images were used to reveal the intricate morphology and overall extent of the nebulosities. Optical spectroscopy enabled us to uncover their nature. Results. The two nebulosities obviously are physically linked, but are of different type; the Criss-Cross Nebula is, as was shown also in an earlier paper, excited via a slow shock from the expanding Orion-Eridanus Bubble, but the broad arc is definitely photo-ionized. The source for ionizing photons appears to be hot gas in this bubble. Some results of simulations of interactions of SNRs with interstellar clouds available from the literature bear a striking resemblance to our nebulae, which appear to represent an example - unrivalled in closeness and clarity - for an early to medium stage in the destruction of an isolated cloud over-run by a highly evolved SNR. Thereby the Criss-Cross Nebula is, when seen from the SNR, the rear disrupted part of the original small cloud, whereas the arc probably is its yet rather intact front part.

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The VIRMOS-VLT Deep Survey: the last 10 billion years of evolution of galaxy clustering

We discuss the evolution of clustering of galaxies in the Universe from the present epoch back to z ~ 2, using the first-epoch data from the VIMOS-VLT Deep Survey (VVDS). We present the evolution of the projected two-point correlation function of galaxies for the global galaxy population, as well as its dependence on galaxy intrinsic luminosities and spectral types. While we do not find strong variations of the correlation function parameters with redshift for the global galaxy population, the clustering of objects with different intrinsic luminosities evolved significantly during last 8-10 billion years. Our findings indicate that bright galaxies in the past traced higher density peaks than they do now and that the shape of the correlation function of most luminous galaxies is different from observed for their local counterparts, which is a supporting evidence of a non-trivial evolution of the galaxy vs. dark matter bias.

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The VIMOS VLT Deep Survey:The ultraviolet galaxy luminosity function and luminosity density at 3<z<4

We study the LF of the high-z galaxy population with 3<z<4 using a purely I-band magnitude-selected spectroscopic sample obtained in the framework of the VVDS. We determine the LF from the VVDS, taking care to add as few assumptions and as simple corrections as possible, and compare our results with those obtained from photometric studies, based on Lyman-break selections or photo-z measurements. We find that in the range 3<z<4, the VVDS LF is parameterized by phi*=1.24+-0.50 10-3 mag-1 Mpc-3 and M*=-21.49+-0.19, assuming a slope alpha=-1.4 consistent with most previous studies. While phi* is comparable to previously found values, M* is significantly brighter by about 0.5 mag at least. Using the conservative slope -1.4, we find a LD at 1700A rho(M<-18.5)=2.4 10 19 W Mpc-3 and rho Tot=3.1 10 19 W Mpc-3, comparable to that estimated in other studies. The unexpectedly large number of very bright galaxies found in the VVDS indicates that the color-selection and photo-z techniques that are generally used to build high-z galaxy samples may be affected by a significant fraction of color-measurement failures or by incomplete modelling of the mix of stellar emission, AGN contribution, dust absorption and intergalactic extinction assumed to identify high-z galaxies, making pure magnitude selection better able to trace the full population. Because of the difficulty to identify all low-luminosity galaxies in a spectroscopic survey, the LD could still be significantly underestimated. We also find that the relative contribution of the most luminous galaxies compared to the fainter ones is at least twice as large in the VVDS compared to former estimates. Therefore, the VVDS paints a quite different picture of the role of the most actively star-forming galaxies in the history of star formation.

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The VVDS-VLA Deep Field: III. GMRT observations at 610 MHz and the radio spectral index properties of the sub-mJy population

We present the low frequency (610 MHz) radio source counts of the VVDS-VLA field and investigate the radio spectral index properties of the sub-mJy population. We use new deep (r.m.s.$\simeq 50$ $μ$Jy/beam) observations of the VVDS-VLA field obtained at 610 MHz with the GMRT and matched in resolution (6 arcsec) with already available VLA data at 1.4 GHz on the same field. We find evidence of a change of the dominant population of radio sources below 0.5 mJy (at 1.4 GHz): between 0.15 and 0.5 mJy the median spectral index is significantly flatter ($α=-0.46\pm 0.03$) than that of brighter sources ($α=-0.67\pm 0.05$). A relevant contribution below 0.5 mJy from a population of flat spectrum low luminosity compact AGNs and radio quiet QSOs could explain this effect. At even fainter flux density, between 0.10 and 0.15 mJy at 1.4 GHz, the median spectral index steepens again ($α=-0.61\pm 0.04$) suggesting that the contribution of starburst galaxies becomes important below $\sim 0.2$ mJy. Finally we present a sample of 58 candidate ultra-steep sources with radio flux density from one to two orders of magnitude lower than any other sample of such objects.

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NIR Follow-Up of the VVDS 02hr Field

We present a new K-band survey covering 623 arcmin$^2$ in the VVDS 0226-0430 deep field down to a limiting magnitude K$_{\rm{Vega}}$ $\leq$ 20.5. We use the spectroscopic sample extracted from this new K-band catalogue to assess the effectiveness of optical-near infrared color selections in identifying extreme classes of objects at high redshift.

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Past and Future of CG J1720-67.8: Constraints from Observations and Models

We discuss the evolution of the peculiar, nearby (z = 0.045), compact galaxy group CG J1720-67.8, by interpreting a large amount of observational information on the basis of our recent results from spectrophotometric evolutionary synthesis models and new N-body/SPH simulations. The group, that is composed of two spiral galaxies with a mass ratio approximately 4:1 and an S0 galaxy in a particularly compact configuration, is undergoing an active pre-merging phase. Several tidal features are signposts of the complex dynamics of the system. We suggest that the observed structure of the tidal features can be explained only if all three galaxies are involved in a strong interaction process.

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Detection of an optical filament in the Monogem Ring

The Monogem Ring is a huge bright soft X-ray enhancement with a diameter of ~ 25$\degr$. This 0.3 kpc distant structure is a peculiar Galactic supernova remnant in that it is obviously visible only in X-rays, due to its expansion into a region of extremely low ambient density: hence, practically no optical emission or a neutral HI shell was expected to be detectable. - Here we report on the discovery of a very faint arc-like nebula on a POSS II R film copy, at the south-eastern borders of the MR. Spectroscopy revealed this filament to have a very large [SII]$λ$ 6716+6731/Halpha ratio of up to ~ 1.8, indicating shock excitation, and a low density of N_e <100 cm^{-3}. There is no hint of [OIII] emission in the spectra. On deep wide-field direct images in Halpha and in [SII] the nebula appears as a ~ 20 arcmin long, thin (~ 1 arcmin), structured filament, stretching N-S. We believe that this filament belongs to the MR and became visible due to the interaction of the expanding remnant with a mild density increase in the interstellar medium. Only one other possible optical filament of the MR has been reported in the literature, but no spectrum was provided.

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Interpreting the galaxy group CG J1720-67.8 through evolutionary synthesis models

This paper is part of a series devoted to a detailed analysis of the properties of the compact group CG J1720-67.8 and its member galaxies with the aim of sheding light on its evolutionary history. Here we interpret our previously published observational results through comparison with chemically consistent spectrophotometric evolutionary synthesis models in order to gain further clues to the evolutionary history of the galaxies in this group. In order to reduce the number of free parameters, we considered the simplest case of a single burst of star formation turned on after 11 - 12 Gyr of undisturbed galaxy evolution. However, we also briefly explore the effect of multiple, interaction-induced bursts of star formation. We find that the two spiral galaxies are consistent with interaction induced strong starbursts switched on \~ 40 to 180 Myr ago and still active. For the early-type galaxy a <~ 0.9 - 1.3 Gyr old star formation event (depending on the considered model) appears consistent with observed properties. The comparison with models cannot rule out the possibility that this galaxy is already the result of a merger. Alternatively, a star formation episode in this galaxy might have been triggered by a gas inflow as a consequence of the interaction with the companion galaxies. Estimates of galaxy masses are derived from the comparison with the models. Finally our results are discussed in comparison with other well studied poor galaxy systems.

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Star Formation in Three Nearby Galaxy Systems

We present an analysis of the distribution and strength of star formation in three nearby small galaxy systems, which are undergoing a weak interaction, a strong interaction, and a merging process, respectively. The galaxies in all systems present widespread star formation enhancements,as well as, in some cases, nuclear activity. In particular, for the two closest systems, we study the number-count, size, and luminosity distribution of H {\sc ii} regions within the interacting galaxies, while for the more distant, merging system we analyze the general distribution of the Halpha emission across the system and its velocity field.

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Dynamics and star formation activity of CG J1720-67.8 unveiled through integral field spectroscopy and radio observations

CG J1720-67.8 is an ultra compact group of several galaxies with a low velocity dispersion, and displaying the hallmarks of mutual interaction and possible tidal dwarf galaxy formation. In hierarchical models, the system is a possible precursor to a massive elliptical galaxy. In this paper, we use new optical integral field spectroscopic and radio observations to investigate the evolutionary status of the group in more detail: global star-formation rates are estimated using H$α$ and 1.4 GHz radio continuum measurements; H {\sc i} observations provide an upper limit to the global neutral gas content; optical broadband colours and spectra provide ages and stellar mass estimates for the tidal dwarf candidates; the bidimensional H$α$ velocity field is used to trace the kinematics of the group and its members, which are compared with numerical simulations of galaxy encounters. The observations suggest a model in which multiple interactions have occurred, with the latest strong encounter involving at least two major components within the last 200 Myr. Debris from the encounter fuels ongoing star formation at the global level of $\sim20$ M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$, with self-gravity within the tidal tail possibly providing a mechanism to enhance the star formation rate of the tidal dwarf candidates, with bursts of star-formation in clumps of mass $\sim2\times 10^7$ M$_{\odot}$ appearing within the last 10 Myr. The amount of time required for final merging of all group components remains uncertain.

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An uncatalogued optical HII region at the outskirts of the Galaxy

We present NOT optical observations of a clump (l = 127.9435 deg, b = +1.8298 deg), embedded in an extended, irregularly shaped, diffuse optical nebula. This condensation shows an emission-line spectrum typical of classic HII regions. Although its location on the sky coincides with a nearby extended photoionized region recently identified by Cichowolski et al. (2003) in radio data from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (CGPS), the systemic velocity of this ~ 1 arcmin-sized HII region, V_LSR = -71$\pm$12 km/s, poses it far out in the Galaxy, beyond the Perseus arm. The location of this region in the Galaxy is supported by HI structures visible at comparable radial velocity on CGPS data. We argue that this HII region might belong to an outer Galactic arm. The emission line ratios of the surrounding extended nebula, whose radial velocity is consistent with that of the small HII region, are typical of photoionized gas in the low density limit. Smaller clumps of comparable surface brightness are visible within the optical boundaries of the extended, faint nebula. After comparison of the optical data with far infrared and radio observations, we conclude that this nebula is an HII region, ~ 70 pc in size, probably photoionized by an association of OB stars and surrounded by a ring of neutral hydrogen.

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Analysis of the Interaction Effects in the Southern Galaxy Pair Tol1238-364 and ESO381-G009

In the context of the connection among galaxy-galaxy interaction, starbursts and nuclear activity, we present and discuss a quantitative morphological analysis based on BVR images and a detailed spectroscopic investigation of two interacting galaxies, the Seyfert 2 Tol1238-364 (IC 3639) and its companion ESO381-G009, forming a triple system with ESO381-G006. Broad-band optical photometry is complemented by Halpha imaging, which provides information about the distribution of star forming regions across the galaxies. Long-slit spectroscopic data obtained at different position angles of the slit are employed to determine the physical conditions of circumnuclear and extranuclear regions. A mixture of thermal and non-thermal ionizing radiation is found in the surroundings of the nucleus of Tol1238-364 and the energy budget supports the presence of a circumnuclear starburst.Several regions in both the galaxies show anomalous line ratios: additional ionization by shock-heating and low ionization of some extranuclear HII regions are suggested as possible explanations. An analysis of the emission-line profiles reveals the presence of a broad Halpha component in the nuclear region of Tol1238-364. Independent estimates of the star formation rates (SFR) were obtained through flux-calibrated Halpha-images and FIR emission in the four IRAS bands. Overall SFR densities have been compared with the SFR densities derived from Halpha emission in the individual regions of the galaxies sampled by long-slit spectra. In both galaxies an enhancement of the star formation activity with respect to isolated galaxies is revealed. The prevalence of starburst or nuclear activity has been examined through FIR color indices. The interaction scenario is discussed on the basis of the observed galaxy properties.

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Candidate Tidal Dwarf Galaxies in the Compact Group CG J1720-67.8

This is the second part of a detailed study of the ultracompact group CG J1720-67.8: in the first part we have focused the attention on the three main galaxies of the group and we have identified a number of candidate tidal dwarf galaxies (TDGs). Here we concentrate on these candidate TDGs. Absolute photometry of these objects in BVRJHKs bands confirms their relatively blue colors, as we already expected from the inspection of optical and near-infrared color maps and from the presence of emission-lines in the optical spectra. The physical conditions in such candidate TDGs are investigated through the application of photoionization models, while the optical colors are compared with grids of spectrophotometric evolutionary synthesis models from the literature. Although from our data self-gravitation cannot be proved for these objects, their general properties are consistent with those of other TDG candidates. Additionally we present the photometry of a few ``knots'' detected in the immediate surroundings of CG J1720-67.8 and consider the possibility that these objects might belong to a dwarf population associated with the compact group.

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CG J1720-67.8: A Detailed Analysis of Optical and Infrared Properties of a New Ultracompact Group of Galaxies

We present here optical spectroscopy and BVRJHK(s) photometry of the recently discovered ultra-compact group of galaxies CG J1720-67.8. This work represents a considerable extension of the preliminary results we presented in a previous paper. Despite the complicated morphology of the group, a quantitative morphological classification of the three brightest members of the group is attempted based on photometric analysis. We find that one galaxy is consistent with a morphological type S0, while the other two are most probably late-type spirals that are already losing their identity due tothe interaction process. Information on the star formation activity and dust content derived from both spectroscopic data and optical and near-infrared colors are complemented with a reconstruction of far-infrared (FIR) maps from IRAS raw data. Enhanced star formation activity is revealed in all the group's members, including the early-type galaxy and the extended tidal tail, along which several tidal dwarf galaxy candidates are identified. The metallicity of the gaseous component is investigated and photoionization models are applied to the three main galaxies of the group, while a detailed study of the tidal dwarf candidates will appear in a companion paper. Subsolar metal abundances are found for all the three galaxies, the highest values being shown by the early-type galaxy (Z ~ 0.5 Zsolar).

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On the Verge of Coalescence: a Dusty Group of Galaxies

We found a new, very compact group of galaxies characterized by a median projected separation between galaxies of 5.2/h kpc and a very low velocity dispersion. All the observed member galaxies show emission line spectra and a disturbed morphology. From these properties it emerges that this compact group is in an extremely advanced stage of evolution.

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A New Ultra-dense Group of Obscured Emission-Line Galaxies

We present the discovery of an isolated compact group of galaxies that is extremely dense (median projected galaxy separation: 6.9 kpc), has a very low velocity dispersion ($σ_{\rm 2D}$ = 67 km s$^{-1}$), and where all observed members show emission lines and are morphologically disturbed. These properties, together with the lack of spirals and the presence of a prominent tidal tail make this group one of the most evolved compact groups.

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