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At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

Power law cosmology - a viable alternative

A power law cosmology is defined by the cosmological scale factor evolving as $t^α$. In this work, we put bounds on $α$ by using the joint test of the SNe Ia data from Supernova Legacy Survey (SNLS) and H(z) data with curvature constant $ k = 0, \pm 1$. We observe that the combined analysis with SNLS and H(z) data favours the open power cosmology with $α= 1.31^{+0.06}_{-0.05}. It is also interesting to note that an Einstein - de Sitter model $(α= 2/3)$ is ruled out at $2σ$ level.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Dark Matter in the Private Higgs Model

The extremely large hierarchy observed in the fermion mass spectrum remains as one of the most puzzling and unresolved issues in particle physics. In a recent proposal, however, it was demonstrated that by introducing one Higgs doublet (or Private Higgs) per fermion this hierarchy could be made natural by making the Yukawa couplings between each fermion and its respective Higgs boson of order unity. Among the interesting predictions of the Private Higgs scenario is a variety of scalars which could be probed at future collider experiments and a possible dark matter candidate. In this paper, we study in some detail the dark matter sector of the Private Higgs model. We first calculate the annihilation cross sections of dark matter in this model and find that one can easily account for the observed density of dark matter in the Universe with relatively natural values of the model's parameters. Finally, we investigate the possibility of detecting Private Higgs dark matter indirectly via the observation of anomalous gamma rays originating from the galactic halo. We show that a substantial flux of photons can be produced from the annihilation of Private Higgs dark matter such that, if there is considerable clumping of dark matter in the galactic halo, the flux of these gamma rays could be observed by ground-based telescope arrays such as VERITAS and HESS.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Gravito-Magnetism in one-body and two-body systems: Theory and Experiments

We survey theoretical and experimental/observational results on general-relativistic spin (rotation) effects in binary systems. A detailed discussion is given of the two-body Kepler problem and its first post-Newtonian generalization, including spin effects. Spin effects result from gravitational spin-orbit and spin-spin interactions (analogous to the corresponding case in quantum electrodynamics) and these effects are shown to manifest themselves in two ways: (a) precession of the spinning bodies per se and (b) precession of the orbit (which is further broke down into precessions of the argument of the periastron, the longitude of the ascending node and the inclination of the orbit). We also note the ambiguity that arises from use of the terminology frame-dragging, de Sitter precession and Lense-Thirring precession, in contrast to the unambiguous reference to spin-orbit and spin-spin precessions. Turning to one-body experiments, we discuss the recent results of the GP-B experiment, the Ciufolini-Pavlis Lageos experiment and lunar-laser ranging measurements (which actually involve three bodies). Two-body systems inevitably involve astronomical observations and we survey results obtained from the first binary pulsar system, a more recently discovered binary system and, finally, the highly significant discovery of a double-pulsar binary system.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Multi-step VLBI observations of weak extragalactic radio sources to align the ICRF and the future GAIA frame

The space astrometry mission GAIA will construct a dense optical QSO-based celestial reference frame. For consistency between optical and radio positions, it will be important to align the GAIA frame and the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF) with the highest accuracy. Currently, it is found that only 10% of the ICRF sources are suitable to establish this link, either because they are not bright enough at optical wavelengths or because they have significant extended radio emission which precludes reaching the highest astrometric accuracy. In order to improve the situation, we have initiated a VLBI survey dedicated to finding additional suitable radio sources for aligning the two frames. The sample consists of about 450 sources, typically 20 times weaker than the current ICRF sources (down to the 20 mJy flux level), which have been selected by cross-correlating optical and radio catalogues. This paper presents the observing strategy to detect, image, and measure accurate positions for these sources. It will also provide results about the VLBI detectability of the sources, as derived from initial observations with the European VLBI Network in June and October 2007. Based on these observations, an excellent detection rate of 89% is found, which is very promising for the continuation of this project.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2009

Supersonic and subsonic flows in general relativistic radiation hydrodynamics

We analyze stationary accretion of selfgravitating gas onto a compact center within general-relativistic radiation hydrodynamics. Spherical symmetry and thin gas approximation are assumed. Numerical investigation shows that transonic flows exist for small redshifts and they cease to exist for high redshifts and high luminosities. There exist two branches of flows (subsonic or supersonic) that originate at a bifurcation point and that embrace the set of subsonic solutions. The morphology of the set of subsonic solutions is essentially independent of redshifts and flows that belong to their boundary provide estimates of the gas abundance of subsonic solutions. It appears that prescribed boundary data guarantee uniqueness only of the bifurcation point, and that the latter has maximal luminosity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Radio Emission from Exoplanets

We present results from new low frequency observations of two extrasolar planetary systems (Epsilon Eridani and HD128311) taken at 150 MHz with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). We do not detect either system, but are able to place tight upper limits on their low frequency radio emission.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

A Mechanism for Coronal Hole Jets

Bald patches are magnetic topologies in which the magnetic field is concave up over part of a photospheric polarity inversion line. A bald patch topology is believed to be the essential ingredient for filament channels and is often found in extrapolations of the observed photospheric field. Using an analytic source-surface model to calculate the magnetic topology of a small bipolar region embedded in a global magnetic dipole field, we demonstrate that although common in closed-field regions close to the solar equator, bald patches are unlikely to occur in the open-field topology of a coronal hole. Our results give rise to the following question: What happens to a bald patch topology when the surrounding field lines open up? This would be the case when a bald patch moves into a coronal hole, or when a coronal hole forms in an area that encompasses a bald patch. Our magnetostatic models show that, in this case, the bald patch topology almost invariably transforms into a null point topology with a spine and a fan. We argue that the time-dependent evolution of this scenario will be very dynamic since the change from a bald patch to null point topology cannot occur via a simple ideal evolution in the corona. We discuss the implications of these findings for recent Hinode XRT observations of coronal hole jets and give an outline of planned time-dependent 3D MHD simulations to fully assess this scenario.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Two simple families of exact inhomogeneous stiff cosmologies

Two families of exact simple solutions of Einstein field equations for inhomogeneous stiff cosmologies are presented. The method to obtain the solutions is based on the introduction of auxiliary functions in order to cast the Einstein equations in such a way that can be explicitly integrated. Now, despite of the equations are mathematically equivalent to the equations obtained when the source of matter is a scalar field, is worth to mention that the source that we consider is not a scalar field but a perfect fluid with the stiff equation of state. The obtained solutions are expressed in terms of simple functions of the used coordinates and two families of particular solutions are considered. The geometrical and kinematical properties of the solutions are then analyzed and the parameters are restricted in order to have a physically acceptable behavior. The two particular solutions are of the Petrov type I, the first one being regular everywhere whereas the second one presents a big-bang singularity. Now, for a particular value of one of the parameters, the second particular solution is a vacuum solution of the Bianchi I type that reduces to the Kasner solution.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Basic Mechanics of Planet-Satellite Interaction with special reference to Earth-Moon System

In1879 George Howard Darwin theoretically analyzed the outward spiraling orbit of Moon and the subsequent lengthening of the Mean Solar Day. The author redid the same analysis based on the fact that Moon was receding at the rate of 3.8 cm per annum. Basic Mechanics of Earth-Moon is worked out and various system parameters are optimized to fit the given boundary condition obtained by Apollo Mission and other modern means of observations. Based on this theoretical formulation the theoretical graph of the lengthening of the Mean Solar Day with respect to time is drawn and is compared with the observational graph of the same based on pale ontological data, paleo tidal data and iron-banded formation. The observational data on Mean Solar Day is found to follow the theoretical smooth curve in post-Cambrian Era but is found to deviate in the remote past. This deviation is corrected by taking the evolving form of Moment of Inertia of Earth. The deviation of the observed data prompts the Author to suggest that the lengthening of the Mean Solar Day curve could possibly be used as an analytical seismograph for the impending earthquakes and sudden volcanic eruptions. The Basic Mechanics of E-M system is generalized to lay the foundation of simulation software for any Planet-Satellite pair in our Solar System.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Space densities of radio AGN: The CoNFIG sample

The Combined NVSS-FIRST Galaxy (CoNFIG) survey was defined by selecting all sources with S_1.4GHz > 1.3Jy from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) in the north field of the Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-cm (FIRST) survey. We carried out FRI/FRII morphology classification from NVSS and FIRST survey data; to complete this process, new 8GHz VLA observations for 31 sources were obtained at 0.24 arcsec resolution. Optical identifications and redshift information were compiled for about ~80% of the 270 radio sources in the sample, the mean redshift being ~0.6. A major goal of this sample is a better definition of the individual luminosity distributions and source counts for FRI and FRII sources, in order to determine accurately the evolution of the luminosity function for both types. Amongst the aims are the issues of whether the two populations are really distinct, whether physical evolution schemes permit one type to evolve into the other, whether the dual-population unified scheme for radio AGN remains viable, and the role radio AGN - star-formation feedback mechanisms.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Primordial black holes in the Dark Ages: Observational prospects for future 21cm surveys

We consider the signatures of a population of primordial black holes (PBHs) in future observations of 21cm radiation from neutral hydrogen at high redshift. We focus on PBHs in the mass range $5 \times 10^{10} kg \lesssim M_{PBH} \lesssim 10^{14} kg$, which primarily influence the intergalactic medium (IGM) by heating from direct Hawking radiation. Our computation takes into account the black hole graybody factors and the detailed energy dependence of photon and e+/- absorption by the IGM. We find that for black holes with initial masses between $5 \times 10^{11} kg \lesssim M_{PBH} \lesssim 10^{14} kg$, the signal mimics that of a decaying dark matter species. For black holes in the range $5 \times 10^{10} kg \lesssim M_{PBH} \lesssim 5 \times 10^{11} kg$, the late stages of evaporation produce a characteristic feature in the 21cm brightness temperature that provides a unique signature of the black hole population. If no signal is observed, then 21cm observations will provide significantly better constraints on PBHs in the mass range $5 \times 10^{10} kg \lesssim M_{PBH} \lesssim 10^{12} kg$ than are currently available from the diffuse $γ$-ray background.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

"Latent heat" of first-order varying pressure transitions

We consider the energy release associated with first-order transition by Gibbs construction and present such energy release as an accumulation of a series of tiny binding energy differences between over-compressed states and stable ones. Universal formulae for the energy release from one homogeneous phase to the other is given. We find the energy release per converted particle varies with number density. As an example, the deconfinement phase transition at supranuclear densities is discussed in detail. The mean energy release per converted baryon is of order 0.1MeV in RMF theory and MIT bag descriptions for hadronic matter and strange quark matter for a wider parameter region.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

The physics of non-thermal radiation in microquasars

Microquasars are binary systems that harbor a normal star and a compact object (black-hole or neutron star), and show relativistic outflows (or jets). The matter that forms these jets is of likely stellar origin, previously expelled from the star and trapped in the potential well of the compact object. This matter is accreted by the compact object, forming a disk due to its angular momentum, and is eventually ejected in the form of a bipolar outflow (the jets), which generates radio emission and could also be a very high-energy emitter. To study and understand the radiation from microquasars, there is a set of elements that can play a major role and are to be taken into account: the photons and the expelled matter from the star in the case of high-mass systems; the accreted matter radiation; the jet; the magnetic field carried by the jet or filling the binary system; and the medium surrounding the microquasar at large scales (~pc). In this lecture, we consider these elements of the microquasar scenario and briefly describe the physical conditions and processes involved in the production of non-thermal radiation from radio to gamma-rays. The required energetics, particle acceleration and transport, several radiative mechanisms, and the impact of different photon absorption processes, are discussed.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Correlation of the HIghest Energy Cosmic Rays with the Supergalactic Plane

We examine the anisotropy of the arrival directions of twenty seven ultra high energy cosmic rays detected by the Pierre Auger Collaboration. We confirm the anisotropy of the arrival directions of these events and find a significant correlation with the updated definition of the supergalactic plane at distances up to 70 Mpc, A Monte Carlo calculation of isotropic source distribution suggests a chance probability for isotropic event arrival direction distribution of 2-6$\times10^{-4}$.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Spherical harmonics, invariant theory and Maxwell's poles

I discuss the relation between harmonic polynomials and invariant theory and show that homogeneous, harmonic polynomials correspond to ternary forms that are apolar to a base conic (the absolute). The calculation of Schlesinger that replaces such a form by a polarised binary form is reviewed. It is suggested that Sylvester's theorem on the uniqueness of Maxwell's pole expression for harmonics is renamed the Clebsch-Sylvester theorem. The relation between certain constructs in invariant theory and angular momentum theory is enlarged upon and I resurrect the Joos--Weinberg matrices. Hilbert's projection operators are considered and their generalisations by Story and Elliott are related to similar, more recent constructions in group theory and quantum mechanics, the ternary case being equivalent to SU(3).

math-ph↗

arXiv2008

The web-PLOP observation prioritisation system

We present a description of the automated system used by RoboNet to prioritise follow up observations of microlensing events to search for planets. The system keeps an up-to-date record of all public data from OGLE and MOA together with any existing RoboNet data and produces new PSPL fits whenever new data arrives. It then uses these fits to predict the current or future magnitudes of events, and selects those to observe which will maximise the probability of detecting planets for a given telescope and observing time. The system drives the RoboNet telescopes automatically based on these priorities, but it is also designed to be used interactively by human observers. The prioritisation options, such as telescope/instrument parameters, observing conditions and available time can all be controlled via a web-form, and the output target list can also be customised and sorted to show the parameters that the user desires. The interactive interface is available at http://www.artemis-uk.org/web-PLOP/

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Ambiguity of converting phase-averaged flux into luminosity for millisecond pulsars in gamma rays

We study a magnitude of possible over/underestimation of the actual gamma-ray luminosity L_{actual} of a millisecond pulsar when using so-called pseudo luminosity L_{pseudo} which is inferred from a phase-averaged flux. Both, L_{actual} and L_{pseudo} are calculated with the numerical code thatmodels the millisecond pulsar magnetospheric activity in the space charge limited flow approximation with unscreened accelerating electric field. The behaviour of L_{pseudo}/L_{actual} depending on viewing angle is analysed in the energy bands corresponding to the operational energy bands of Fermi GST and H.E.S.S. II.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Dark Energy Detected with Supervoids and Superclusters

The observed apparent acceleration of the universe is usually attributed to negative pressure from a mysterious dark energy. This acceleration causes the gravitational potential to decay, heating or cooling photons travelling through crests or troughs of large-scale matter density fluctuations. This phenomenon, the late-time integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect, has been detected, albeit at low significance, by cross-correlating various galaxy surveys with the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). Recently, the best evidence has come from the statistical combination of results from multiple correlated galaxy data sets. Here we show that vast structures identified in a galaxy survey project an image onto the CMB; stacking regions aligned with superclusters produces a hot spot, and supervoids, a cold spot. At over 4 sigma, this is the clearest evidence of the ISW effect to date. For the first time, our findings pin the effect to discrete structures. The ISW signal from supervoids and superclusters can be combined with other cosmological probes to constrain dark energy and cosmological parameters. In addition, our findings make it more plausible that the extreme Cold Spot and other anomalies in the CMB are caused by supervoids.

astro-ph↗