arXiv subjects

Satoki Matsushita

Publications and source records attributed to Satoki Matsushita.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

First Very Long Baseline Interferometry Fringe Detection at 690GHz

We report the first very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) experiment conducted in the 690 GHz atmospheric window. On 2024 November 21, observations with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX), and the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) were carried out using ALMA's newly developed Band 9 phasing capability. Fringes were detected on the ALMA-APEX baseline during a scan of the quasar J0423-0120, with a signal-to-noise ratio of ~12 and useful fringe recovery over solution intervals of order tens of seconds, representing the highest-frequency ground-based VLBI fringe detection reported to date. No fringes were found on the ALMA-JCMT baseline, despite excellent weather conditions, consistent with sensitivity predictions and supporting baseline performance models. The ALMA Phasing System maintained stable phasing at Band 9 for ~1-2 minutes before gradually degrading, indicating limitations under these observing conditions. Our analysis shows that, under excellent weather conditions, 690 GHz VLBI can still support fringe recovery over short solution intervals, despite rapid atmospheric phase fluctuations at these frequencies. This work validated key elements of near-terahertz VLBI operation and establishes a technical foundation for routine observations in the 690 GHz atmospheric window.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

The MALATANG survey: star formation, dense gas, and AGN feedback in NGC 1068

We aim to investigate the interplay between dense molecular gas, star formation, and active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback in the luminous infrared galaxy (LIRG) NGC 1068 at sub-kiloparsec scales. We present the HCN (4-3) and HCO$^+$ (4-3) maps of NGC 1068, obtained with JCMT as part of the Mapping the dense molecular gas in the strongest star-forming galaxies (MALATANG) project, and perform spatially resolved analyses of their correlations with infrared luminosity and soft X-ray emission. Spatially resolved relations between the luminosities of infrared dust emission and dense molecular gas tracers ($L_{\rm IR}-L'_{\rm dense}$) are found to be nearly linear, without clear evidence of excess contributions from AGN activity. The spatially resolved X-ray emission ($L^{\rm gas}_{0.5-2\,\mathrm{keV}}$) displays a radially-dependent twofold correlation with the star formation rate (SFR), suggesting distinct gas-heating mechanisms between the galaxy center and the outer regions. A super-linear scaling is obtained in galactic center regions with SFR surface density ($Σ_{\rm SFR}$) $>$ 8.2 $\times$ 10$^{-6}$ $M_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$ kpc$^{-2}$: log($L^{\rm gas}_{0.5-2\,\mathrm{keV}}$/erg s$^{-1}$) = 2.2 log(SFR/$M_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$) + 39.1. We further found a statistically significant super-linear correlation ($β= 1.34$ $\pm$ 0.86) between $L^{\rm gas}_{0.5-2\,\mathrm{keV}}$/SFR and HCN(4-3)/CO(1-0) intensity ratio, whereas no such trend is seen for HCO$^+$(4-3)/CO(1-0) or CO(3-2)/CO(1-0). These findings indicate that AGN feedback does not dominate star formation regulation on sub-kiloparsec scales, and that the excitation of dense gas traced by HCN (4-3) may be more directly influenced by high-energy feedback processes compared to HCO$^+$ (4-3) and CO (3-2).

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Constraining Active Galactic Nucleus Jets with Spectrum and Core Shift: The Case of M87

We analytically model stationary and axisymmetric active galactic nucleus jets, assuming energy conservation along each magnetic flux tube. Using very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations and published general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations, we constrain the evolution of the bulk Lorentz factor, the magnetization parameter, and the magnetic field strength along the jet. We then infer the electron density, emission coefficient, and absorption coefficient at each point, and integrate the radiative transfer equation to compute the spectral energy distribution (SED) and the core shift of the synchrotron emission from the relativistic jet. Applying the method to the M87 jet, we find that the hot plasmas are injected at the altitude of seven Schwarzschild radii from the black hole (BH), that the M87 jet is likely composed of a pair plasma, and that the jet flowline geometry is quasi-parabolic as reported at much greater distances. Fitting the nonthermal fraction of the leptonic jet as a function of position, we also find that most of the radio photons are emitted within 1000 Schwarzschild radii from the BH. Although hadronic jets do not reproduce all the VLBI observations consistently in our model, we also discuss that their heavy mass allows a stronger magnetic field within the observational constraints, leading to an inverted SED in sub-millimeter wavelengths by the thermal emission from the jet base. It is therefore implied that contemporaneous observations of the M87 jet with Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and VLBI could discriminate the jet composition and its collimation within the central 100 Schwarzschild radii.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

The MALATANG survey: Dense gas distribution on sub-kiloparsec scales across the disk of M82

We present observations of HCN J=4-3 and HCO^+ J=4-3 lines obtained with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope as part of the MALATANG survey, combined with archival HCN J=1-0 and HCO^+ J=1-0 data from the Green Bank Telescope, to study the spatial distribution and excitation conditions of dense molecular gas in the disk of M82. We detect HCN J=4-3 and HCO^+ J=4-3 emission within the central region (< 500 pc) of the galaxy, while the J=1-0 emission lines exhibit a more extended spatial distribution (> 700 pc). The dense gas shows a clear double-lobed structure in both spatial distribution and kinematics, with the HCN and HCO^+ J=4-3 lines in the southwest lobe blueshifted by ~ 40 km/s relative to the J=1-0 lines. The HCN J=4-3/1-0 and HCO^+ J=4-3/1-0 line-luminosity ratios range from 0.09 to 0.53 and from 0.14 to 0.87, respectively, with mean values of 0.18 +/- 0.04 and 0.36 +/- 0.06. The HCN ratio is lower than the typical average observed in nearby star-forming galaxies, whereas the HCO^+ ratio is comparatively higher, suggesting that the high-J HCN emission in M82 is significantly sub-thermally excited. Spatially, the peak values of the J=4-3/1-0 ratios are found in the northwest region of M82, coinciding with the galaxy-scale outflow. Elevated HCN/HCO^+ ratios are also detected in roughly the same area, potentially tracing local excitation enhancements driven by the outflow. The HCN/HCO^+ J=4-3 ratio across all detected regions ranges from 0.19 to 1.07 with a mean value of 0.41 +/- 0.11, which is significantly lower than the average J=1-0 ratio of 0.76 +/- 0.08. Both ratios are significantly lower than the average values observed in nearby star-forming galaxies, which could be related to the relatively low gas density and the presence of an extended photo-dissociation region in M82.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

First frequency phase transfer from the 3 mm to the 1 mm band on an Earth-sized baseline

Frequency Phase Transfer (FPT) is a technique designed to increase coherence and sensitivity in radio interferometry by making use of the non-dispersive nature of the troposphere to calibrate high-frequency data using solutions derived at a lower frequency. While the Korean VLBI Network has pioneered the use of simultaneous multi-band systems for routine FPT up to an observing frequency of 130 GHz, this technique remains largely untested in the (sub)millimeter regime. A recent effort has been made to outfit dual-band systems at (sub)millimeter observatories participating in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and to test the feasibility and performance of FPT up to the observing frequencies of the EHT. We present the results of simultaneous dual-frequency observations conducted in January 2024 on an Earth-sized baseline between the IRAM 30-m in Spain and the JCMT and SMA in Hawai`i. We performed simultaneous observations at 86 and 215 GHz on the bright sources J0958+6533 and OJ287, with strong detections obtained at both frequencies. We observe a strong correlation between the interferometric phases at the two frequencies, matching the trend expected for atmospheric fluctuations and demonstrating for the first time the viability of FPT for VLBI at a wavelength of $\sim$1 millimeter. We show that the application of FPT systematically increases the 215 GHz coherence on all averaging timescales. In addition, the use of the co-located JCMT and SMA as a single dual-frequency station demonstrates the feasibility of paired-antenna FPT for VLBI for the first time, with implications for future array capabilities (e.g., ALMA sub-arraying and ngVLA calibration strategies).

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2024

Demographics of black holes at $<$100 R$_{\rm g}$ scales: accretion flows, jets, and shadows

Using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), the gravitationally lensed rings around the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in Messier 87 (M87) and Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) have now been successfully imaged at a resolution under 10 gravitational radii (R$_{\rm g}$ $ = \rm{GM/c^2}$). To expand studies beyond M87 and Sgr A*, we have constructed the Event Horizon and Environs (ETHER) sample, a comprehensive database encompassing approximately 3.15 million SMBH mass estimates, $\sim$ 20,000 Very-Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio flux densities, and $\sim$ 36,000 hard X-ray flux densities. This database is designed to identify and optimize target selection for the EHT and its upgrades on the ground and in space. We have identified a Gold Sample (GS) of nearby low-luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) within it that are ideal for studying jet bases and potentially imaging black hole shadows. We observed 27 of these AGNs using the EHT from 2022 to 2024, providing an opportunity to resolve and image accretion flows and jets at resolutions of $\leq$ 100 R$_{\rm g}$. Only a few SMBHs have sufficiently high enough flux density to be imaged at scales of $\leq$ 50 R$_{\rm g}$ with the present EHT. Among these are M87, Sgr A*, NGC4594 (Sombrero/M104), NGC4261, and NGC4374 (Messier 84/M84). Of these, NGC4261, Sombrero, and M84 have been observed and/or are scheduled for deep imaging with EHT+ALMA from 2023 to 2025. Sombrero, NGC4261, M84, NGC4278, and NGC5232 are clearly detected in our EHT+ALMA observations in 2022, indicating that the 230 GHz flux density from the accretion flows is significantly high. Ongoing imaging of the ETHER GS will enable measurements of black hole mass and spin, help constrain General Relativity, and enrich our understanding of jet launching and accretion inflows across a broad multi-parameter space, including black hole mass, spin, accretion rate, and orientation.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2024

First Very Long Baseline Interferometry Detections at 870μm

The first very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) detections at 870$μ$m wavelength (345$\,$GHz frequency) are reported, achieving the highest diffraction-limited angular resolution yet obtained from the surface of the Earth, and the highest-frequency example of the VLBI technique to date. These include strong detections for multiple sources observed on inter-continental baselines between telescopes in Chile, Hawaii, and Spain, obtained during observations in October 2018. The longest-baseline detections approach 11$\,$G$λ$ corresponding to an angular resolution, or fringe spacing, of 19$μ$as. The Allan deviation of the visibility phase at 870$μ$m is comparable to that at 1.3$\,$mm on the relevant integration time scales between 2 and 100$\,$s. The detections confirm that the sensitivity and signal chain stability of stations in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) array are suitable for VLBI observations at 870$μ$m. Operation at this short wavelength, combined with anticipated enhancements of the EHT, will lead to a unique high angular resolution instrument for black hole studies, capable of resolving the event horizons of supermassive black holes in both space and time.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

Milliarcsecond Core Size Dependence of the Radio Variability of Blazars

Studying the long-term radio variability (timescales of months to years) of blazars enables us to gain a better understanding of the physical structure of these objects on sub-parsec scales, and the physics of super massive black holes. In this study, we focus on the radio variability of 1157 blazars observed at 15 GHz through the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) Blazar Monitoring Program. We investigate the dependence of the variability amplitudes and timescales, characterized based on model fitting to the structure functions, on the milliarcsecond core sizes measured by Very Long Baseline Interferometry. We find that the most compact sources at milliarcsecond scales exhibit larger variability amplitudes and shorter variability timescales than more extended sources. Additionally, for sources with measured redshifts and Doppler boosting factors, the correlation between linear core sizes against variability amplitudes and intrinsic timescales are also significant. The observed relationship between variability timescales and core sizes is expected, based on light travel-time arguments. This variability vs core size relation extends beyond the core sizes measured at 15 GHz; we see significant correlation between the 15 GHz variability amplitudes (as well as timescales) and core sizes measured at other frequencies, which can be attributed to a frequency-source size relationship arising from the intrinsic jet structure. At low frequencies of 1 GHz where the core sizes are dominated by interstellar scattering, we find that the variability amplitudes have significant correlation with the 1 GHz intrinsic core angular sizes, once the scatter broadening effects are deconvoluted from the intrinsic core sizes.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2023

ALMA Measurement of 10 kpc-scale Lensing Power Spectra towards the Lensed Quasar MG J0414+0534

The lensing power spectra for gravitational potential, astrometric shift, and convergence perturbations are powerful probes to investigate dark matter structures on small scales. We report the first lower and upper bounds of these lensing power spectra on angular scale $\sim 1$arcsec towards the anomalous quadruply lensed quasar MG$\,$J0414+0534 at a redshift $z=2.639$. To obtain the spectra, we conducted observations of MG$\,$J0414+0534 using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) with high angular resolution (0.02 arcsec to 0.05 arcsec). We developed a new partially non-parametric method in which Fourier coefficients of potential perturbation are adjusted to minimize the difference between linear combinations of weighted mean de-lensed images. Using positions of radio jet components, extended dust emission on scales $>1\,$kpc, and mid-infrared flux ratios, the range of measured convergence, astrometric shift, and potential powers at an angular scale of $\sim 1.1$arcsec (corresponding to an angular wave number of $l=1.2\times 10^6$ or $\sim 9\,$kpc in the primary lens plane) within $1\,σ$ are $\varDelta_κ=0.021-0.028$, $\varDelta_α=7-9\,$mas, and $\varDelta_ψ=1.2-1.6\,$$\textrm{mas}^2$, respectively. Our result is consistent with the predicted abundance of halos in the line of sight and subhalos in cold dark matter models. Our partially non-parametric lens models suggest a presence of a clump in the vicinity of object Y, a possible dusty dwarf galaxy and some small clumps in the vicinity of other lensed quadruple images. Although much fainter than the previous report, we detected weak continuum emission possibly from object Y with a peak flux of $\sim 100\,μ\textrm{Jy}\, \textrm{beam} ^{-1}$ at the $\sim 4\,σ$ level.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

The Greenland Telescope: Construction, Commissioning, and Operations in Pituffik

In 2018, the Greenland Telescope (GLT) started scientific observation in Greenland. Since then, we have completed several significant improvements and added new capabilities to the telescope system. This paper presents a full review of the GLT system, a summary of our observation activities since 2018, the lessons learned from the operations in the Arctic regions, and the prospect of the telescope.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

A ring-like accretion structure in M87 connecting its black hole and jet

The nearby radio galaxy M87 is a prime target for studying black hole accretion and jet formation^{1,2}. Event Horizon Telescope observations of M87 in 2017, at a wavelength of 1.3 mm, revealed a ring-like structure, which was interpreted as gravitationally lensed emission around a central black hole^3. Here we report images of M87 obtained in 2018, at a wavelength of 3.5 mm, showing that the compact radio core is spatially resolved. High-resolution imaging shows a ring-like structure of 8.4_{-1.1}^{+0.5} Schwarzschild radii in diameter, approximately 50% larger than that seen at 1.3 mm. The outer edge at 3.5 mm is also larger than that at 1.3 mm. This larger and thicker ring indicates a substantial contribution from the accretion flow with absorption effects in addition to the gravitationally lensed ring-like emission. The images show that the edge-brightened jet connects to the accretion flow of the black hole. Close to the black hole, the emission profile of the jet-launching region is wider than the expected profile of a black-hole-driven jet, suggesting the possible presence of a wind associated with the accretion flow.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Black hole mass measurement using ALMA observations of [CI] and CO emissions in the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC7469

We present a supermassive black hole (SMBH) mass measurement in the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC7469 using Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of the atomic-${\rm [CI]}$(1-0) and molecular-$^{12}$CO(1-0) emission lines at the spatial resolution of $\approx0.3$" (or $\approx$ 100 pc). These emissions reveal that NGC7469 hosts a circumnuclear gas disc (CND) with a ring-like structure and a two-arm/bi-symmetric spiral pattern within it, surrounded by a starbursting ring. The CND has a relatively low $σ/V\approx0.35$ ($r\sim0.5$") and $\sim0.19$ ($r>0.5"$), suggesting that the gas is dynamically settled and suitable for dynamically deriving the mass of its central source. As is expected from X-ray dominated region (XDR) effects that dramatically increase an atomic carbon abundance by dissociating CO molecules, we suggest that the atomic [CI](1-0) emission is a better probe of SMBH masses than CO emission in AGNs. Our dynamical model using the ${\rm [CI]}$(1-0) kinematics yields a $M_{\rm BH}=1.78^{+2.69}_{-1.10}\times10^7$M$_\odot$ and $M/L_{\rm F547M}=2.25^{+0.40}_{-0.43}$ (M$_\odot$/L$_\odot$). The model using the CO(1-0) kinematics also gives a consistent $M_{\rm BH}$ with a larger uncertainty, up to an order of magnitude, i.e.\ $M_{\rm BH}=1.60^{+11.52}_{-1.45}\times10^7$M$_\odot$. This newly dynamical $M_{\rm BH}$ is $\approx$ 2 times higher than the mass determined from the reverberation mapped (RM) method using emissions arising in the unresolved broad-line region (BLR). Given this new $M_{\rm BH}$, we are able to constrain the specific RM dimensionless scaling factor of $f=7.2^{+4.2}_{-3.4}$ for the AGN BLR in NGC7469. The gas within the unresolved BLR thus has a Keplerian virial velocity component and the inclination of $i\approx11.0^\circ$$_{-2.5}^{+2.2}$, confirming its face-on orientation in a Seyfert 1 AGN by assuming a geometrically thin BLR model.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

ALMA High-frequency Long-baseline Campaign in 2017: A Comparison of the Band-to-band and In-band Phase Calibration Techniques and Phase-calibrator Separation Angles

The Atacama Large millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) obtains spatial resolutions of 15 to 5 milli-arcsecond (mas) at 275-950GHz (0.87-0.32mm) with 16km baselines. Calibration at higher-frequencies is challenging as ALMA sensitivity and quasar density decrease. The Band-to-Band (B2B) technique observes a detectable quasar at lower frequency that is closer to the target, compared to one at the target high-frequency. Calibration involves a nearly constant instrumental phase offset between the frequencies and the conversion of the temporal phases to the target frequency. The instrumental offsets are solved with a differential-gain-calibration (DGC) sequence, consisting of alternating low and high frequency scans of strong quasar. Here we compare B2B and in-band phase referencing for high-frequencies ($>$289GHz) using 2-15km baselines and calibrator separation angles between $\sim$0.68 and $\sim$11.65$^{\circ}$. The analysis shows that: (1) DGC for B2B produces a coherence loss $<$7% for DGC phase RMS residuals $<$30$^{\circ}$. (2) B2B images using close calibrators ( $<$1.67$^{\circ}$ ) are superior to in-band images using distant ones ( $>$2.42$^{\circ}$ ). (3) For more distant calibrators, B2B is preferred if it provides a calibrator $\sim$2$^{\circ}$ closer than the best in-band calibrator. (4) Decreasing image coherence and poorer image quality occur with increasing phase calibrator separation angle because of uncertainties in the antenna positions and sub-optimal phase referencing. (5) To achieve $>$70% coherence for long-baseline (16 km) band 7 (289GHz) observations, calibrators should be within $\sim$4$^{\circ}$ of the target.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2020

ALMA Observations of Multiple-CO and C Lines Toward the Active Galactic Nucleus of NGC 7469: X-Ray-dominated Region Caught in the Act

We used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to map $^{12}$CO($J$ = 1-0), $^{12}$CO($J$ = 2-1), $^{12}$CO($J$ = 3-2), $^{13}$CO($J$ = 2-1), and [CI]($^3P_1$-$^3P_0$) emission lines around the type 1 active galactic nucleus (AGN) of NGC 7469 ($z = 0.0164$) at $\sim 100$ pc resolutions. The CO lines are bright both in the circumnuclear disk (central $\sim 300$ pc) and the surrounding starburst (SB) ring ($\sim 1$ kpc diameter), with two bright peaks on either side of the AGN. By contrast, the [CI]($^3P_1$-$^3P_0$) line is strongly peaked on the AGN. Consequently, the brightness temperature ratio of [CI]($^3P_1$-$^3P_0$) to $^{13}$CO(2-1) is $\sim 20$ at the AGN, as compared to $\sim 2$ in the SB ring. Our local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and non-LTE models indicate that the enhanced line ratios (or CI enhancement) are due to an elevated C$^0$/CO abundance ratio ($\sim 3-10$) and temperature ($\sim 100-500$ K) around the AGN as compared to the SB ring (abundance ratio $\sim 1$, temperature $\lesssim 100$ K), which accords with the picture of the X-ray-dominated Region (XDR). Based on dynamical modelings, we also provide CO(1-0)-to- and [CI]($^3P_1$-$^3P_0$)-to-molecular mass conversion factors at the central $\sim 100$ pc of this AGN as $α_{\rm CO} = 4.1$ and $α_{\rm CI} = 4.4~M_\odot$ (K km s$^{-1}$ pc$^2$)$^{-1}$, respectively. Our results suggest that the CI enhancement is potentially a good marker of AGNs that could be used in a new submillimeter diagnostic method toward dusty environments.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

ALMA 50-parsec resolution imaging of jet-ISM interaction in the lensed quasar MGJ0414+0534

We report our high-resolution (0.03 arcsec to 0.07 arcsec) ALMA imaging of the quadruply lensed radio-loud quasar MG\,J0414+0534 at redshift $z=2.639$ in the continuum and the broad CO(11-10) line at $\sim 340\,$GHz. With the help of strong lensing magnification and ALMA's high-resolution, we succeeded in resolving the jet/dust and CO gas in the quasar host galaxy both extending up to $\sim 1\,$kpc, with a resolution of $\sim 50\,$pc for the first time. Both the continuum emission and the CO(11-10) line have a similar bimodal structure aligned with the quasar jets ($\sim 200\,$pc) observed by Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) at $5\,$GHz and $8.4\,$GHz. The CO gas in the vicinity of both the eastern and western jet components at the location of $\sim 80\,$pc from the quasar core are moving at high velocities up to $\pm 600\,$$\textrm{km}\,\textrm{s}^{-1}$ relative to the core. The observed features show clear evidence of strong interaction between the jets and interstellar medium (ISM). High temperature and high density environments in the ISM of the quasar host galaxy, as suggested from CO line ratios, also support this result. The small scale of the jets, the jet-ISM interaction, and the continuum spectral energy distribution of this source indicate that we are watching the infancy stage of quasar radio activity.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

The MALATANG Survey: Dense Gas and Star Formation from High Transition HCN and HCO+ maps of NGC253

To study the high-transition dense-gas tracers and their relationships to the star formation of the inner $\sim$ 2 kpc circumnuclear region of NGC253, we present HCN $J=4-3$ and HCO$^+ J=4-3$ maps obtained with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). With the spatially resolved data, we compute the concentration indices $r_{90}/r_{50}$ for the different tracers. HCN and HCO$^+$ 4-3 emission features tend to be centrally concentrated, which is in contrast to the shallower distribution of CO 1-0 and the stellar component. The dense-gas fraction ($f_\text{dense}$, traced by the velocity-integrated-intensity ratios of HCN/CO and HCO$^+$/CO) and the ratio $R_\text{31}$ (CO 3-2/1-0) decline towards larger galactocentric distances, but increase with higher SFR surface density. The radial variation and the large scatter of $f_\text{dense}$ and $R_\text{31}$ imply distinct physical conditions in different regions of the galactic disc. The relationships of $f_\text{dense}$ versus $Σ_\text{stellar}$, and SFE$_\text{dense}$ versus $Σ_\text{stellar}$ are explored. SFE$_\text{dense}$ increases with higher $Σ_\text{stellar}$ in this galaxy, which is inconsistent with previous work that used HCN 1-0 data. This implies that existing stellar components might have different effects on the high-$J$ HCN and HCO$^+$ than their low-$J$ emission. We also find that SFE$_\text{dense}$ seems to be decreasing with higher $f_\text{dense}$, which is consistent with previous works, and it suggests that the ability of the dense gas to form stars diminishes when the average density of the gas increases. This is expected in a scenario where only the regions with high-density contrast collapse and form stars.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

ALMA Observations of the Terahertz Spectrum of Sagittarius A*

We present ALMA observations at 233, 678, and 870 GHz of the Galactic Center black hole, Sagittarius A*. These observations reveal a flat spectrum over this frequency range with spectral index $α\approx -0.3$, where the flux density $S \propto ν^α$. We model the submm and far infrared spectrum with a one zone synchrotron model of thermal electrons. We infer electron densities $n = (2-5) \times 10^6$ cm$^{-3}$, electron temperatures $T_e = (1-3) \times 10^{11}$ K, and magnetic field strength $B = 10-50$ G. The parameter range can be further constrained using the observed quiescent X-ray luminosity. The flat submm spectrum results in a high electron temperature and implies that the emitting electrons are efficiently heated. We also find that the emission is most likely optically thin at 233 GHz. These results indicate that millimeter and submillimeter wavelength very long baseline interferometry of Sgr A* including those of the Event Horizon Telescope should see a transparent emission region down to event horizon scales.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

The first bird's-eye view of a gravitationally unstable accretion disk in high-mass star formation

We report on the first bird's-eye view of the innermost accretion disk around the high-mass protostellar object G353.273+0.641, taken by Atacama Large Millimter/submillimeter Array long-baselines. The disk traced by dust continuum emission has a radius of 250 au, surrounded by the infalling rotating envelope traced by thermal CH$_3$OH lines. This disk radius is consistent with the centrifugal radius estimated from the specific angular momentum in the envelope. The lower-limit envelope mass is $\sim$5-7 M$_{\odot}$ and accretion rate onto the stellar surface is 3 $\times$ 10$^{-3}$ M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$ or higher. The expected stellar age is well younger than 10$^{4}$ yr, indicating that the host object is one of the youngest high-mass objects at present. The disk mass is 2-7 M$_{\odot}$, depending on the dust opacity index. The estimated Toomre's $Q$ parameter is typically 1-2 and can reach 0.4 at the minimum. These $Q$ values clearly satisfy the classical criteria for the gravitational instability, and are consistent with the recent numerical studies. Observed asymmetric and clumpy structures could trace a spiral arm and/or disk fragmentation. We found that 70$\%$ of the angular momentum in the accretion flow could be removed via the gravitational torque in the disk. Our study has indicated that the dynamical nature of a self-gravitating disk could dominate the early phase of high-mass star formation. This is remarkably consistent with the early evolutionary scenario of a low-mass protostar.

astro-ph.SR↗