arXiv subjects

Víctor M. Rivilla

Publications and source records attributed to Víctor M. Rivilla.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2025

Nonthermal Pressures: Key to Energy Balance and Structure Formation Near Sgr A* in the Milky Way

The circumnuclear region of the Galactic Center offers a unique laboratory to study energy balance and structure formation around Sgr A$\star$. This work investigates thermal and nonthermal processes within 7 pc distance from Sgr A$\star$. Using MeerKAT 1.3 GHz radio continuum data and ALMA H40 radio recombination line emission from the ACES survey, we separate free-free and synchrotron components at $\sim$0.2 pc resolution. With a thermal fraction of $\simeq$13%, the 1.3 GHz emission shows tight correlations with the Herschel PACS infrared data. The correlation between the equipartition magnetic field and molecular gas traced by JCMT $^{12}$CO (J=3$\rightarrow$2) observations reveals a balance between the magnetic field, cosmic rays, and molecular gas pressures south of the circumnuclear disk on $\sim$0.7 pc scales. Unlike the magnetic field and ionized gas, the molecular gas density declines in the cavity (R$\leq$2 pc) toward the center, likely due to feedback from Sgr A$\star$. We find that nonthermal pressure from turbulent gas nearly balances magnetic and cosmic ray pressures and exceeds thermal pressure by two orders of magnitude. The medium surrounding Sgr A$\star$ is filled by a low-$β$ (thermal-to-magnetic energy), supersonic plasma, with an Alfvén Mach number $\simeq$ 4 (assuming equipartition). Analysis of the mass-to-magnetic flux ratio suggests that the circumnuclear region is mostly subcritical and, therefore, the magnetic field can help stabilize gas clouds against gravitational collapse.

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arXiv2025

Chemical templates of the Central Molecular Zone. Shock and protostellar object signatures under Galactic Center conditions

(Abridged) The Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) of the Milky Way exhibits extreme conditions, including high gas densities, elevated temperatures, enhanced cosmic-ray ionization rates, and large-scale dynamics. Large-scale molecular surveys reveal increasing chemical and physical complexity in the CMZ. A key step to interpreting the molecular richness found in the CMZ is to build chemical templates tailored to its diverse conditions. The combined impact of high ionization, elevated temperatures, and dense gas remains insufficiently explored for observable tracers. In this study, we utilized UCLCHEM, a gas-grain time-dependent chemical model, to link physical conditions with their corresponding molecular signatures and identify key tracers of temperature, density, ionization, and shock activity. We ran a grid of models of shocks and protostellar objects representative of typical CMZ conditions, focusing on twenty-four species, including complex organic molecules. Shocked and protostellar environments show distinct evolutionary timescales ($\lesssim 10^4$ vs. $\gtrsim 10^4$ years), with 300 K emerging as a key temperature threshold for chemical differentiation. We find that cosmic-ray ionization and temperature are the main drivers of chemical trends. HCO$^+$, H$_2$CO, and CH$_3$SH trace ionization, while HCO, HCO$^+$, CH$_3$SH, CH$_3$NCO, and HCOOCH$_3$ show consistent abundance contrasts between shocks and protostellar regions over similar temperature ranges. While our models underpredict some complex organics in shocks, they reproduce observed trends for most species, supporting scenarios involving recurring shocks in Galactic Center clouds and enhanced ionization towards Sgr B2(N2). Future work should assess the role of shock recurrence and metallicity in shaping chemistry.

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arXiv2025

Circum-nuclear eccentric gas flow in the Galactic Center revealed by ALMA CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES)

We analyze the CS (J=2-1) line cube from the internal data release obtained by the large-scale program "ALMA CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES)" to investigate the kinematic structure of the innermost $\sim 10$ pc region of the Galaxy, which contains the high-velocity compact cloud (HVCC) at $(l,b,v_{\rm lsr})\sim(+0^\circ.02,-0^\circ.02, 100 {\rm km~s}^{-1})$ (hereafter G0.02). The longitude-velocity diagram (LVD) of the cloud draws an elliptical structure, which is interpreted as an orbital trajectory in the $(l,V_{\rm lsr})$ space of a noncircular (eccentric) motion of the molecular gas in the gravitational potential of an extended mass distribution in the central 10 pc of the Galaxy. We argue that G0.02 is a kinematic tracer of the inner potential, a rare case of a dense gas following an eccentric orbit in the nuclear gravitational field.

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arXiv2025

Spatially-resolved spectro-photometric SED Modeling of NGC 253's Central Molecular Zone I. Studying the star formation in extragalactic giant molecular clouds

Studying the interstellar medium in nearby starbursts is essential for understanding the physical mechanisms driving these objects, thought to resemble young star-forming galaxies. This study aims to analyze the physical properties of the first spatially-resolved multi-wavelength SED of an extragalactic source, spanning six decades in frequency (from near-UV to cm wavelengths) at an angular resolution of 3$^{\prime\prime}$ (51 pc at the distance of NGC,253). We focus on the central molecular zone (CMZ) of NGC,253, which contains giant molecular clouds (GMCs) responsible for half of the galaxy's star formation. We use archival data, spanning optical to centimeter wavelengths, to compute SEDs with the GalaPy and CIGALE codes for validation, and analyze stellar optical spectra with the \textsc{starlight} code. Our results show significant differences between central and external GMCs in terms of stellar and dust masses, star formation rates (SFRs), and bolometric luminosities. We identify the best SFR tracers as radio continuum bands at 33 GHz, radio recombination lines, and the total infrared luminosity (L$_{\rm IR}$; 8-1000$μ$m), as well as 60$μ$m IR emission. BPT and WHAN diagrams indicate shock signatures in NGC~253's nuclear region, associating it with AGN/star-forming hybrids, though the AGN fraction is negligible ($\leq$7.5%). Our findings show significant heterogeneity in the CMZ, with central GMCs exhibiting higher densities, SFRs, and dust masses compared to external GMCs. We confirm that certain centimeter photometric bands can reliably estimate global SFR at GMC scales.

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arXiv2025

Conformational isomerism of methyl formate: new detections of the higher-energy trans conformer and theoretical insights

In recent astrochemical studies it has become crucial to study all the complete conformational panorama of the molecule, some of which are potentially detectable in the interstellar medium (ISM). In this context, the isomeric ratio can be used as a powerful tool to distinguish between different formation routes of molecules with increasing levels of complexity. While the most stable cis conformer of methyl formate (CH3OCHO, MF) is ubiquitous in the ISM, there is just one tentative detection of the higher-energy trans form toward the envelope of the star-forming region Sgr B2(N). Here, we present the detections of trans-methyl formate toward the Galactic Center molecular cloud G+0.693-0.027 and the protostellar shock L1157-B1, providing definite observational evidence of its presence in the ISM. Numerous unblended or slightly blended $a$-type $K_a$ = 0, 1 transitions belonging to the $A$-substate of trans-MF have been identified in both sources. We derive a molecular column density for trans-methyl formate of N = (8.2 $\pm$ 0.4) $\times$10$^{12}$ cm$^{-2}$ and N = (1.6 $\pm$ 0.3) $\times$10$^{12}$ cm$^{-2}$, respectively, yielding a molecular abundance with respect to H$_2$ of $\sim$6 $\times$ 10$^{-11}$ and $\sim$8 $\times$ 10$^{-10}$. Therefore, we obtain cis/trans isomeric ratios of $\sim$72 and $\sim$34 toward G+0.693 and L1157-B1, which are $\sim$7 and 3 times larger than that found in the Sgr B2(N) region. These results are compared with new grain-surface theoretical computations, which suggest that a stereoespecific formation of trans-MF via the CH3O + HCO route on grain surfaces can qualitatively explain the observed cis/trans abundance ratio. Nevertheless, we show that additional stereoespecific gas-phase routes could also play a crucial role in maintaining the intricate balance between formation and destruction of trans-MF, ultimately leading to its detection.

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arXiv2025

On the abiotic origin of dimethyl sulfide: discovery of DMS in the Interstellar Medium

Following the discovery of dimethyl sulfide (CH$_3$SCH$_3$, DMS) signatures in comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, we report the first detection of this organosulfur species in the interstellar medium, during the exploration of an ultradeep molecular line survey performed toward the Galactic Center molecular cloud G+0.693-0.027 with the Yebes 40$\,$m and IRAM 30$\,$m telescopes. We derive a molecular column density of $N$ = (2.6 $\pm$ 0.3)$\times$10$^{13}$ cm$^{-2}$, yielding a fractional abundance relative to H$_2$ of $\sim$1.9$\times$10$^{-10}$. This implies that DMS is a factor of $\sim$1.6 times less abundant than its structural isomer CH$_3$CH$_2$SH and $\sim$30 times less abundant than its O-analogue dimethyl ether (CH$_3$OCH$_3$) toward this cloud, in excellent agreement with previous results on various O/S pairs. Furthermore, we find a remarkable resemblance between the relative abundance of DMS/CH$_3$OH in G+0.693-0.027 ($\sim$1.7$\times$10$^{-3}$) and in the comet ($\sim$1.3$\times$10$^{-3}$). Although the chemistry of DMS beyond Earth is yet to be fully disclosed, this discovery provides conclusive observational evidence on its efficient abiotic production in the interstellar medium, casting doubts about using DMS as a reliable biomarker in exoplanet science.

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arXiv2025

Hydroxylamine in Astrophysical Ices: IR Spectra and Cosmic Ray-Induced Radiolytic Chemistry

Gas-phase hydroxylamine (NH$_2$OH) has recently been detected within dense clouds in the interstellar medium. However, it is also likely present within interstellar ices, as well as on the icy surfaces of outer Solar System bodies, where it may react to form more complex prebiotic molecules such as amino acids. In this work, we aimed to provide IR spectra of NH$_2$OH in astrophysical ice analogues that will help in the search for this molecule in various astrophysical environments. Furthermore, we aimed to provide quantitative information on the stability of NH$_2$OH upon exposure to ionizing radiation analogous to cosmic rays, as well as on the ensuing chemistry and potential formation of complex prebiotic molecules. Ices composed of NH$_2$OH, H$_2$O, and CO were prepared by vapor deposition and IR spectra were acquired between $4000-500$~cm$^{-1}$ ($2.5-20 μ$m) prior and during irradiation using 15 keV protons. In interstellar ice analogues, the most prominent IR absorption band of NH$_2$OH is that at about 1188~cm$^{-1}$, which may be a good candidate to use in searches of this species in icy space environments. Calculated effective destruction cross-sections and G-values for the NH$_2$OH-rich ices studied show that NH$_2$OH is rapidly destroyed upon exposure to ionizing radiation (more rapidly than a number of previously studied organic molecules), and that this destruction is slightly enhanced when it is mixed with other icy species. The irradiation of a NH$_2$OH:H$_2$O:CO ternary ice mixture leads to a rich chemistry that includes the formation of simple inorganic molecules such as NH$_3$, CO$_2$, OCN$^-$, and H$_2$O$_2$, as well as ammonium salts and, possibly, complex organic molecules relevant to life such as formamide, formic acid, urea, and glycine.

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arXiv2024

ATOMS: ALMA Three-millimeter Observations of Massive Star-forming regions -- XIX. The origin of SiO emission

The production of silicon monoxide (SiO) can be considered as a fingerprint of shock interaction. In this work, we use high-sensitivity observations of the SiO (2-1) and H$^{13}$CO$^{+}$ (1-0) emission to investigate the broad and narrow SiO emission toward 146 massive star-forming regions in the ATOMS survey. We detected SiO emission in 136 regions and distinguished broad and narrow components across the extension of 118 sources (including 58 UC $H_{II}$ regions) with an average angular resolution of 2.5$^{\prime}$$^{\prime}$. The derived SiO luminosity ($L_{SiO}$) across the whole sample shows that the majority of $L_{SiO}$ (above 66$\%$) can be attributed to broad SiO, indicating its association with strong outflows. The comparison of the ALMA SiO images with the filamentary skeletons identified from H$^{13}$CO$^{+}$ and in the infrared data (at 4.5, 8, and 24 $mu$m), further confirms that most SiO emission originates from outflows. However, note that for nine sources in our sample, the observed SiO emission may be generated by expanding UC $H_{II}$ regions. There is a moderate positive correlation between the bolometric luminosity ($L_{bol}$) and $L_{SiO}$ for both components (narrow and broad). The UC $H_{II}$ sources show a weaker positive correlation between $L_{bol}$ and $L_{SiO}$ and higher $L_{SiO}$ compared to the sources without UC $H_{II}$ regions. These results imply that the SiO emission from UC $H_{II}$ sources might be affected by UV-photochemistry induced by UC $H_{II}$ regions.

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arXiv2024

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Interstellar Candidate Ethynyl Thiocyanate: HCCSCN

This work aims to spectroscopically characterize and provide for the first time direct experimental frequencies of the ground vibrational state and two excited states of the simplest alkynyl thiocyanate (HCCSCN) for astrophysical use. Both microwave (8-16~GHz) and millimeter wave regions (50-120~GHz) of the spectrum have been measured and analyzed in terms of Watson's semirigid rotor Hamiltonian. A total of 314 transitions were assigned to the ground state of HCCSCN and a first set of spectroscopic constants have been accurately determined. Spectral features of the molecule were then searched for in Sgr B2(N), NGC 6334I, G+0.693-0.027 and TMC-1 molecular clouds. Upper limits to the column density are provided.

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arXiv2024

Components of star formation in NGC 253 : Non-negative Matrix Factorization Analysis with the ALCHEMI integrated intensity images

It is essential to examine the physical or chemical properties of molecular gas in starburst galaxies to reveal the underlying mechanisms characterizing starbursts. We used non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to extract individual molecular or physical components involved in the star formation process in NGC\,253. We used images of 148 transitions from 44 different species of the ALMA large program ALCHEMI. Additionally, we included the continuum images at ALMA Bands 3 and 7 from the same dataset. For the five NMF components (NF1--5), we obtained that their distributions correspond to various basic phenomena related to star formation: i) low-density gas extended through the galactic central molecular zone (NF2), ii) shocks (NF3), iii) starburst regions (NF4), and iv) young star-forming regions (NF5). The other component (NF1) is related to excitation; three components obtained by NMF (NF3, 1, and 5) show a strong dependence upon the upper state energies of transitions, and represent low-, intermediate-, and high-excitation, respectively. We also compared our results using principal component analysis (PCA) previously applied to the same dataset. Molecular components extracted from NMF are similar to the ones obtained from PCA. However, NMF is better at extracting components associated with a single physical component, while a single component in PCA usually contains information on multiple physical components. This is especially true for features with weak intensities like emission from outflows. Our results suggest that NMF can be one of promising methods interpreting molecular line survey data, especially in the upcoming era of wide-band receivers.

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arXiv2024

Advancing spectroscopic understanding of HOCS$^+$: Laboratory investigations and astronomical implications

Sulphur-bearing species play crucial roles in interstellar chemistry, yet their precise characterisation remains challenging. Here, we present laboratory experiments aimed at extending the high-resolution spectroscopy of protonated carbonyl sulphide (HOCS$^+$), a recently detected molecular ion in space. Using a frequency-modulated free-space absorption spectrometer, we detected rotational transitions of HOCS$^+$ in an extended negative glow discharge with a mixture of H$_2$ and OCS, extending the high-resolution rotational characterisation of the cation well into the millimetre wave region (200-370 GHz). Comparisons with prior measurements and quantum chemical calculations revealed an overall agreement in the spectroscopic parameters. With the new spectroscopic dataset in hand, we re-investigated the observations of HOCS$^+$ towards G+0.693-0.027, which were initially based solely on K$_a$ = 0 lines contaminated by HNC$^{34}$S. This re-investigation enabled the detection of weak K$_a$ = 0 transitions, free from HNC$^{34}$S contamination. Our high-resolution spectroscopic characterisation also provides valuable insights for future millimetre and submillimetre astronomical observations of these species in different interstellar environments. In particular, the new high-resolution catalogue will facilitate the search for this cation in cold dark clouds, where very narrow line widths are typically observed.

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arXiv2024

On the origin of infrared bands attributed to tryptophan in Spitzer observations of IC 348

Infrared emission features toward interstellar gas of the IC 348 star cluster in Perseus have been recently proposed to originate from the amino acid tryptophan. The assignment was based on laboratory infrared spectra of tryptophan pressed into pellets, a method which is known to cause large frequency shifts compared to the gas phase. We assess the validity of the assignment based on the original Spitzer data as well as new data from JWST. In addition, we report new spectra of tryptophan condensed in para-hydrogen matrices to compare with the observed spectra. The JWST MIRI data do not show evidence for tryptophan, despite deeper integration toward IC 348. In addition, we show that several of the lines attributed to tryptophan are likely due to instrumental artifacts. This, combined with the new laboratory data, allows us to conclude that there is no compelling evidence for the tryptophan assignment.

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arXiv2024

A broad linewidth, compact, millimeter-bright molecular emission line source near the Galactic Center

A compact source, G0.02467-0.0727, was detected in ALMA \threemm observations in continuum and very broad line emission. The continuum emission has a spectral index $α\approx3.3$, suggesting that the emission is from dust. The line emission is detected in several transitions of CS, SO, and SO$_2$ and exhibits a line width FWHM $\approx160$ \kms. The line profile appears Gaussian. The emission is weakly spatially resolved, coming from an area on the sky $\lesssim1"$ in diameter ($\lesssim10^4$ AU at the distance of the Galactic Center; GC). The centroid velocity is $v_{LSR}\approx40$-$50$ \kms, which is consistent with a location in the Galactic Center. With multiple SO lines detected, and assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions, $T_\mathrm{LTE} = 13$ K, which is colder than seen in typical GC clouds, though we cannot rule out low-density, subthermally excited, warmer gas. Despite the high velocity dispersion, no emission is observed from SiO, suggesting that there are no strong ($\gtrsim10~\mathrm{km~s}^{-1}$) shocks in the molecular gas. There are no detections at other wavelengths, including X-ray, infrared, and radio. We consider several explanations for the Millimeter Ultra-Broad Line Object (MUBLO), including protostellar outflow, explosive outflow, collapsing cloud, evolved star, stellar merger, high-velocity compact cloud, intermediate mass black hole, and background galaxy. Most of these conceptual models are either inconsistent with the data or do not fully explain it. The MUBLO is, at present, an observationally unique object.

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arXiv2024

First detection in space of the high-energy isomer of cyanomethanimine: H2CNCN

We report the first detection in the interstellar medium of $N$-cyanomethanimine (H$_2$CNCN), the stable dimer of HCN of highest energy, and the most complex organic molecule identified in space containing the prebiotically relevant NCN backbone. We have identified a plethora of $a$-type rotational transitions with 3 $\leq J_\text{up} \leq$ 11 and $K_\text{a} \leq$ 2 that belong to this species towards the Galactic Center G+0.693-0.027 molecular cloud, the only interstellar source showing the three cyanomethanimine isomers (including the $Z$- and $E$- isomers of $C$-cyanomethanimine, HNCHCN). We have derived a total column density for H$_2$CNCN of (2.9$\, \pm \,$0.1)$\times$10$^{12}$ cm$^{-2}$, which translates into a total molecular abundance with respect to H$_2$ of (2.1$\, \pm \,$0.3)$\times$10$^{-11}$. We have also revisited the previous detection of $E$- and $Z$-HNCHCN, and found a total $C/N$-cyanomethanimine abundance ratio of 31.8$\, \pm \,$1.8 and a $Z/E$-HNCHCN ratio of 4.5$\, \pm \,$0.2. While the latter can be explained on the basis of thermodynamic equilibrium, chemical kinetics are more likely responsible for the observed $C/N$-cyanomethanimine abundance ratio, where the gas-phase reaction between methanimine (CH$_2$NH) and the cyanogen radical (CN) arises as the primary formation route.

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arXiv2024

Physical Properties of the Southwest Outflow Streamer in the Starburst Galaxy NGC 253 with ALCHEMI

The physical properties of galactic molecular outflows are important as they could constrain outflow formation mechanisms. We study the properties of the southwest (SW) outflow streamer including gas kinematics, optical depth, dense gas fraction, and shock strength in the central molecular zone of the starburst galaxy NGC 253. We image the molecular emission at a spatial resolution of $\sim$27 pc based on data from the ALCHEMI program. We trace the kinematics of molecular gas with CO(1-0) line. We constrain the optical depth of CO emission with CO/$^{13}$CO(1-0) ratio, the dense gas fraction with HCN/CO(1-0) ratio, as well as the shock strength with SiO(2-1)/$^{13}$CO(1-0) ratio. The CO/$^{13}$CO(1-0) integrated intensity ratio is $\sim$21 in the SW streamer region, which approximates the C/$^{13}$C isotopic abundance ratio. The higher integrated intensity ratio compared to the disk can be attributed to the optically thinner environment for CO(1-0) emission inside the SW streamer. The HCN/CO(1-0) and SiO(2-1)/$^{13}$CO(1-0) integrated intensity ratios both approach $\sim$0.2 in three giant molecular clouds (GMCs) at the base of the outflow streamers, which implies the higher dense gas fraction and enhanced strength of fast shocks in those GMCs than in the disk. The contours of those two integrated intensity ratios are extended towards the directions of outflow streamers, which connects the enhanced dense gas fraction and shock strength with molecular outflow. Moreover, the molecular gas with enhanced dense gas fraction and shock strength located at the base of the SW streamer shares the same velocity with the outflow. These phenomena suggest that the star formation inside the GMCs can trigger the shocks and further drive the molecular outflow.

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arXiv2024

Discovery of thionylimide, HNSO, in space: the first N-, S- and O-bearing interstellar molecule

We present the first detection in space of thionylimide (HNSO) toward the Galactic Center molecular cloud G+0.693-0.027, thanks to the superb sensitivity of an ultradeep molecular line survey carried out with the Yebes 40$\,$m and IRAM 30$\,$m telescopes. This molecule is the first species detected in the interstellar medium containing, simultaneously, N, S and O. We have identified numerous $K$$_a$ = 0, 1 and 2 transitions belonging to HNSO covering from $J$$_{\rm up}$ = 2 to $J$$_{\rm up}$ = 10, including several completely unblended features. We derive a molecular column density of $N$ = (8 $\pm$ 1)$\times$10$^{13}$ cm$^{-2}$, yielding a fractional abundance relative to H$_2$ of $\sim$6$\times$10$^{-10}$, which is about $\sim$37 and $\sim$4.8 times less abundant than SO and SO2, respectively. Although there are still many unknowns in the interstellar chemistry of NSO-bearing molecules, we propose that HNSO is likely formed through the reaction of the NSO radical and atomic H on the surface of icy grains, with alternative routes also deserving exploration. Finally, HNSO appears as a promising link between N- , S- and O- interstellar chemistry and its discovery paves the route to the detection of a new family of molecules in space.

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arXiv2024

Interstellar detection of O-protonated carbonyl sulfide, HOCS+

We present the first detection in space of O-protonated carbonyl sulfide (\ch{HOCS+}), in the midst of an ultradeep molecular line survey toward the G+0.693-0.027 molecular cloud. From the observation of all $K$$_a$ = 0 transitions ranging from $J$$_{lo}$ = 2 to $J$$_{lo}$ = 13 of \ch{HOCS+} covered by our survey, we derive a column density of $N$ = (9 $\pm$ 2)$\times$10$^{12}$ cm$^{-2}$, translating into a fractional abundance relative to H$_2$ of $\sim$7$\times$10$^{-11}$. Conversely, the S-protonated \ch{HSCO+} isomer remains undetected, and we derive an upper limit to its abundance with respect to H$_2$ of $\leq$3$\times$10$^{-11}$, a factor of $\geq$2.3 less abundant than \ch{HOCS+}. We obtain a \ch{HOCS+}/OCS ratio of $\sim$2.5$\times$10$^{-3}$, in good agreement with the prediction of astrochemical models. These models show that one of the main chemical routes to the interstellar formation of \ch{HOCS+} is likely the protonation of OCS, which appears to be more efficient at the oxygen end. Also, we find that high values of cosmic-ray ionisation rates (10$^{-15}$-10$^{-14}$ s$^{-1}$) are needed to reproduce the observed abundance of \ch{HOCS+}. In addition, we compare the O/S ratio across different interstellar environments. G+0.693-0.027 appears as the source with the lowest O/S ratio. We find a \ch{HOCO+}/\ch{HOCS+} ratio of $\sim$31, in accordance with other O/S molecular pairs detected toward this region and also close to the O/S solar value ($\sim$37). This fact indicates that S is not significantly depleted within this cloud due to the action of large-scale shocks, unlike in other sources where S-bearing species remain trapped on icy dust grains.

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arXiv2024

The ALCHEMI atlas: principal component analysis reveals starburst evolution in NGC 253

Molecular lines are powerful diagnostics of the physical and chemical properties of the interstellar medium (ISM). These ISM properties, which affect future star formation, are expected to differ in starburst galaxies from those of more quiescent galaxies. We investigate the ISM properties in the central molecular zone of the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253 using the ultra-wide millimeter spectral scan survey from the ALMA Large Program ALCHEMI. We present an atlas of velocity-integrated images at a 1".6 resolution of 148 unblended transitions from 44 species, including the first extragalactic detection of HCNH$^+$ and the first interferometric images of C$_3$H$^+$, NO, HCS$^+$. We conduct a principal component analysis (PCA) on these images to extract correlated chemical species and to identify key groups of diagnostic transitions. To the best of our knowledge, our dataset is currently the largest astronomical set of molecular lines to which PCA has been applied. The PCA can categorize transitions coming from different physical components in NGC 253 such as i) young starburst tracers characterized by high-excitation transitions of HC$_3$N and complex organic molecules (COMs) versus tracers of on-going star formation (radio recombination lines) and high-excitation transitions of CCH and CN tracing PDRs, ii) tracers of cloud-collision-induced shocks (low-excitation transitions of CH$_3$OH, HNCO, HOCO$^+$, and OCS) versus shocks from star-formation-induced outflows (high-excitation transitions of SiO), as well as iii) outflows showing emission from HOC$^+$, CCH, H$_3$O$^+$, CO isotopologues, HCN, HCO$^+$, CS, and CN. Our findings show these intensities vary with galactic dynamics, star formation activities, and stellar feedback.

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