scholarly journals Thermal radio absorption as a tracer of the interaction of SNRs with their environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 653 ◽  
pp. A62
Author(s):  
G. Castelletti ◽  
L. Supan ◽  
W. M. Peters ◽  
N. E. Kassim
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Index ◽  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Surrounding Medium ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Pulsar Wind Nebulae ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Murchison Widefield Array ◽  
Thermal Absorption

We present new images and continuum spectral analysis for 14 resolved Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) selected from the 74 MHz Very Large Array Low-Frequency Sky Survey Redux (VLSSr). We combine new integrated measurements from the VLSSr with, when available, flux densities extracted from the Galactic and Extragalactic All-Sky Murchison Widefield Array Survey and measurements from the literature to generate improved integrated continuum spectra sampled from ~15 MHz to ~217 GHz. We present the VLSSr images. When possible we combine them with publicly available images at 1.4 GHz, to analyse the resolved morphology and spectral index distribution across each SNR. We interpret the results and look for evidence of thermal absorption caused by ionised gas either proximate to the SNR itself, or along its line of sight. Three of the SNRs, G4.5+6.8 (Kepler), G28.6−0.1, and G120.1+1.4 (Tycho), have integrated spectra which can be adequately fit with simple power laws. The resolved spectral index map for Tycho confirms internal absorption which was previously detected by the Low Frequency Array, but it is insufficient to affect the fit to the integrated spectrum. Two of the SNRs are pulsar wind nebulae, G21.5−0.9 and G130.7+3.1 (3C 58). For those we identify high-frequency spectral breaks at 38 and 12 GHz, respectively. For the integrated spectra of the remaining nine SNRs, a low frequency spectral turnover is necessary to adequately fit the data. In all cases we are able to explain the turnover by extrinsic thermal absorption. For G18.8+0.3 (Kes 67), G21.8−0.6 (Kes 69), G29.7−0.3 (Kes 75), and G41.1−0.3 (3C 397), we attribute the absorption to ionised gas along the line of sight, possibly from extended H II region envelopes. For G23.3−0.3 (W41) the absorption can be attributed to H II regions located in its immediate proximity. Thermal absorption from interactions at the ionised interface between SNR forward shocks and the surrounding medium were previously identified as responsible for the low frequency turnover in SNR G31.9+0.0 (3C 391); our integrated spectrum is consistent with the previous results. We present evidence for the same phenomenon in three additional SNRs G27.4+0.0 (Kes 73), G39.2–0.3 (3C 396), and G43.3–0.2 (W49B), and derive constraints on the physical properties of the interaction. This result indicates that interactions between SNRs and their environs should be readily detectable through thermal absorption by future low frequency observations of SNRs with improved sensitivity and resolution.

scholarly journals OH main line masers in the M 82 starburst

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (S242) ◽  
pp. 427-431
Author(s):  
M. K. Argo ◽  
A. Pedlar ◽  
T. W. B. Muxlow ◽  
R. J. Beswick
Keyword(s):  
Central Region ◽  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Main Line ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Starburst Galaxy ◽  
Large Array ◽  
Satellite Line ◽  
Very Large Array

AbstractA study of the distribution of OH gas in the central region of the nearby active starburst galaxy M82 has confirmed two previously known bright masers and revealed several new main line masers. Three of these are seen only at 1665 MHz, one is detected only at 1667 MHz, while the rest are detected in both lines. Observations covering both the 1665 and 1667 MHz lines, conducted with both the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN), have been used to accurately measure the positions and velocities of these features. This has allowed a comparison with catalogued continuum features in the starburst such as HII regions and supernova remnants, as well as known water and satellite line OH masers. Most of the main line masers appear to be associated with known HII regions although the two detected only at 1665 MHz are seen along the same line of sight as known supernova remnants.

scholarly journals Revealing hidden variability in PWNe with spectral index maps

2020 ◽  
Vol 498 (1) ◽  
pp. 821-834
Author(s):  
Benson T Guest ◽  
Samar Safi-Harb
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Index ◽  
Rotational Energy ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Pulsar Wind Nebulae ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Intrinsic Motion ◽  
Pulsar Wind ◽  
Map Analysis ◽  
Index Maps

ABSTRACT Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) are the synchrotron bubbles inflated by the rotational energy of a neutron star. Observing variability within them has previously been limited to cases of significant brightening, or the few instances where transient features are interpreted in terms of intrinsic motion or associated with variability from the pulsar. Jet and torus morphology are also only visible in cases of differing brightness with respect to the surrounding nebula and favourable alignment with our line of sight. Spectral map analysis involves binning observations with an adaptive algorithm to meet a signal limit and colouring the results based on the desired model parameter fits. Minute changes in spectral index become therefore apparent even in cases where brightness images alone do not suggest any underlying changes. We present a Chandra X-ray study of the PWNe in G21.5–0.9, Kes 75, G54.1+0.3, G11.2–0.3, and 3C 58, using archival observations accumulated over the ∼20-yr lifetime of the mission. With the spectral map analysis technique, we discover evidence for previously unknown variability opening a new window into viewing PWNe.

scholarly journals CHANG-ES XII

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Miskolczi ◽  
V. Heesen ◽  
C. Horellou ◽  
D.-J. Bomans ◽  
R. Beck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Index ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Radio Continuum ◽  
Dark Matter Halo ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Pure Diffusion ◽  
The Galaxy

Context. Low-frequency radio continuum studies of star-forming edge-on galaxies can help to further understand how cosmic-ray electrons (CRe) propagate through the interstellar medium into the halo and how this is affected by energy losses and magnetic fields. Aims. Observations with the Very Large Array (VLA) from Continuum Haloes in Nearby Galaxies – an EVLA Survey (CHANG-ES) are combined with those with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) from the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS ) to identify the prevailing mode of cosmic-ray transport in the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 3556. Methods. We mapped the radio spectral index, magnetic field strength, and orientation using VLA 1.5 and 6 GHz and LOFAR 144 MHz data, and we fit 1D cosmic-ray propagation models to these maps using SPINNAKER (Spectral Index Numerical Analysis of K(c)osmic-ray electron radio emission) and its interactive wrapper SPINTERACTIVE. Results. We find that the spectral index in the galactic midplane is, as expected for young CRe, α ≈ −0.7 and steepens towards the halo of the galaxy as a consequence of spectral ageing. The intensity scale heights are about 1.4 and 1.9 kpc for the thin disc, and 3.3 and 5.9 kpc for the thick disc at 1.5 GHz and 144 MHz, respectively. While pure diffusion cannot explain our data, advection can, particularly if we assume a linearly accelerating wind. Our best-fitting model has an initial speed of 123 km s−1 in the galactic midplane and reaches the escape velocity at heights between 5 kpc and 15 kpc above the disc, depending on the assumed dark matter halo of the galaxy. This galactic wind scenario is corroborated by the existence of vertical filaments seen both in the radio continuum and in H α in the disc-halo interface and of a large-scale reservoir of hot, X-ray emitting gas in the halo. Conclusions. Radio haloes show the existence of galactic winds, possibly driven by cosmic rays, in typical star-forming spiral galaxies.

scholarly journals Low-frequency radio absorption in Cassiopeia A

2018 ◽  
Vol 612 ◽  
pp. A110 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Arias ◽  
J. Vink ◽  
F. de Gasperin ◽  
P. Salas ◽  
J. B. R. Oonk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Emission Measure ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Reverse Shock ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Cassiopeia A ◽  
Frequency Coverage ◽  
Secular Decline ◽  
Radio Band ◽  
Cas A

Context. Cassiopeia A is one of the best-studied supernova remnants. Its bright radio and X-ray emission is due to shocked ejecta. Cas A is rather unique in that the unshocked ejecta can also be studied: through emission in the infrared, the radio-active decay of 44Ti, and the low-frequency free-free absorption caused by cold ionised gas, which is the topic of this paper. Aims. Free-free absorption processes are affected by the mass, geometry, temperature, and ionisation conditions in the absorbing gas. Observations at the lowest radio frequencies can constrain a combination of these properties. Methods. We used Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) Low Band Antenna observations at 30–77 MHz and Very Large Array (VLA) L-band observations at 1–2 GHz to fit for internal absorption as parametrised by the emission measure. We simultaneously fit multiple UV-matched images with a common resolution of 17″ (this corresponds to 0.25 pc for a source at the distance of Cas A). The ample frequency coverage allows us separate the relative contributions from the absorbing gas, the unabsorbed front of the shell, and the absorbed back of the shell to the emission spectrum. We explored the effects that a temperature lower than the ~100–500 K proposed from infrared observations and a high degree of clumping can have on the derived physical properties of the unshocked material, such as its mass and density. We also compiled integrated radio flux density measurements, fit for the absorption processes that occur in the radio band, and considered their effect on the secular decline of the source. Results. We find a mass in the unshocked ejecta of M = 2.95 ± 0.48 M⊙ for an assumed gas temperatureof T = 100 K. This estimate is reduced for colder gas temperatures and, most significantly, if the ejecta are clumped. We measure the reverse shock to have a radius of 114″± 6″ and be centred at 23:23:26, +58:48:54 (J2000). We also find that a decrease in the amount of mass in the unshocked ejecta (as more and more material meets the reverse shock and heats up) cannot account for the observed low-frequency behaviour of the secular decline rate. Conclusions. To reconcile our low-frequency absorption measurements with models that reproduce much of the observed behaviour in Cas A and predict little mass in the unshocked ejecta, the ejecta need to be very clumped or the temperature in the cold gas needs to be low (~10 K). Both of these options are plausible and can together contribute to the high absorption value that we find.

scholarly journals Radio synchrotron spectra of star-forming galaxies

2018 ◽  
Vol 611 ◽  
pp. A55 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Klein ◽  
U. Lisenfeld ◽  
S. Verley
Keyword(s):  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Thermal Flux ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Radio Continuum ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Frequency Spectra ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Simple Power

We investigated the radio continuum spectra of 14 star-forming galaxies by fitting nonthermal (synchrotron) and thermal (free-free) radiation laws. The underlying radio continuum measurements cover a frequency range of ~325 MHz to 24.5 GHz (32 GHz in case of M 82). It turns out that most of these synchrotron spectra are not simple power-laws, but are best represented by a low-frequency spectrum with a mean slope αnth = 0.59 ± 0.20 (Sν ∝ ν−α), and by a break or an exponential decline in the frequency range of 1–12 GHz. Simple power-laws or mildly curved synchrotron spectra lead to unrealistically low thermal flux densities, and/or to strong deviations from the expected optically thin free-free spectra with slope αth = 0.10 in the fits. The break or cutoff energies are in the range of 1.5–7 GeV. We briefly discuss the possible origin of such a cutoff or break. If the low-frequency spectra obtained here reflect the injection spectrum of cosmic-ray electrons, they comply with the mean spectral index of Galactic supernova remnants. A comparison of the fitted thermal flux densities with the (foreground-corrected) Hα fluxes yields the extinction, which increases with metallicity. The fraction of thermal emission is higher than believed hitherto, especially at high frequencies, and is highest in the dwarf galaxies of our sample, which we interpret in terms of a lack of containment in these low-mass systems, or a time effect caused by a very young starburst.

scholarly journals New candidate radio supernova remnants detected in the GLEAM survey over 345° < l < 60°, 180° < l < 240°

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Hurley-Walker ◽  
M. D. Filipović ◽  
B. M. Gaensler ◽  
D. A. Leahy ◽  
P. J. Hancock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Surface Brightness ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Radio Continuum ◽  
Spectral Indices ◽  
Spectral Fitting ◽  
Data Release ◽  
Murchison Widefield Array ◽  
Ir Emission ◽  
Galactic Longitude

Abstract We have detected 27 new supernova remnants (SNRs) using a new data release of the GLEAM survey from the Murchison Widefield Array telescope, including the lowest surface brightness SNR ever detected, G 0.1 – 9.7. Our method uses spectral fitting to the radio continuum to derive spectral indices for 26/27 candidates, and our low-frequency observations probe a steeper spectrum population than previously discovered. None of the candidates have coincident WISE mid-IR emission, further showing that the emission is non-thermal. Using pulsar associations we derive physical properties for six candidate SNRs, finding G 0.1 – 9.7 may be younger than 10 kyr. Sixty per cent of the candidates subtend areas larger than 0.2 deg2 on the sky, compared to < 25% of previously detected SNRs. We also make the first detection of two SNRs in the Galactic longitude range 220°–240°.

scholarly journals Probing the origin of low-frequency radio emission in PG quasars with the uGMRT – I

2020 ◽  
Vol 499 (4) ◽  
pp. 5826-5839
Author(s):  
Silpa S ◽  
P Kharb ◽  
L C Ho ◽  
C H Ishwara-Chandra ◽  
M E Jarvis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radio Emission ◽  
Spectral Index ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Spectral Indices ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Frequency Data ◽  
Diffuse Emission ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Extended Radio ◽  
Activity State

ABSTRACT We present the results from 685 MHz observations with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) of 22 quasars belonging to the Palomar-Green (PG) quasar sample. Only four sources reveal extended radio structures on ∼10–30 kpc scales, while the rest are largely a combination of a radio core unresolved at the uGMRT resolution of ∼3–5 arcsec, surrounded by diffuse emission on few kpc to ∼10 kpc scales. A few sources reveal signatures of barely resolved jets and lobes in their spectral index images that are created using the 685 MHz uGMRT data and similar resolution GHz-frequency data from the Very Large Array. On the basis of their position on the radio–IR correlation as well as the spectral index images, we find that the radio emission in the two radio-loud (RL) quasars and nearly one-third of the radio-quiet (RQ) quasars is active galactic nucleus (AGN) dominated whereas the remaining sources appear to have significant contributions from stellar-related processes along with the AGN. While the two RL sources exhibit inverted spectral index in their cores, the RQ sources exhibit a range of spectral indices varying from flat to steep (−0.1 $\gtrsim $ αR  $\gtrsim $ −1.1) indicating the presence of unresolved jets/lobes or winds. Except for a significant correlation between the 685 MHz radio luminosity and the Eddington ratio, we do not find strong correlations between other 685 MHz radio properties and black hole (BH) properties in the RQ PG sources. This lack of correlations could be explained by the contribution of stellar-related emission, or radio emission from previous AGN activity episodes that may not be related to the current BH activity state.

scholarly journals Radio Spectra of Complete Sample of Galactic Supernova Remnants

2002 ◽  
Vol 199 ◽  
pp. 295-298
Author(s):  
S.A. Trushkin
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Plasma ◽  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Radio Continuum ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
Turnover Frequency ◽  
Complete Sample ◽  
On Line

We present radio continuum spectra for nearly 200 Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) from 220 known and included in Green's (1998) catalog. Spectra plotting is an “on—line” procedure of the CATS database http://cats.sao.ru/ and it could plot quite accurate spectra with the thermal plasma free—free absorption in fitting the spectra accounted for: to indicate the presence of extended ionized medium along the line of sight.We did not find considerable correlation between spectral index and Galactic coordinates l, b of SNRs. An analysis of 190 spectra showed that 78 SNRs (40 %) have clear low-frequency turnover caused, apparently, by absorption in the thermal foreground of the Milky Way. The turnover frequency vτ=1 for these SNRs has mean value near 30 MHz do not correlate with the Galactic coordinates. But the frequency has significant correlation with the distance to SNR, defined from ∑ — D relation.

scholarly journals A low-frequency view of mixed-morphology supernova remnant VRO 42.05.01, and its neighbourhood

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A6 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Arias ◽  
J. Vink ◽  
M. Iacobelli ◽  
V. Domček ◽  
M. Haverkorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Index ◽  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Galactic Plane ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Radio Spectrum ◽  
Optical Data ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
H Ii Region ◽  
Radio Frequencies ◽  
Index Value

Context. Mixed-morphology supernova remnants (MM SNRs) are a mysterious class of objects that display thermal X-ray emission within their radio shell. They are an older class of SNRs, and as such are profoundly affected by the environment into which they evolve. VRO 42.05.01 is a MM SNR of puzzling morphology in the direction of the Galactic anticentre. Aims. Low-frequency radio observations of supernova remnants are sensitive to synchrotron electrons accelerated in the shock front. We aim to compare the low-frequency emission to higher frequency observations to understand the environmental and shock acceleration conditions that have given rise to the observed properties of this source. Methods. We present a LOFAR High Band Antenna map centred at 143 MHz of the region of the Galactic plane centred at l = 166 ° ,  b = 3.5° at 143 MHz, with a resolution of 148″ and an rms noise of 4.4 mJy bm−1. Our map is sensitive to scales as large as 6°. We compared the LOw Frequency ARay (LOFAR) observations to archival higher frequency radio, infrared, and optical data to study the emission properties of the source in different spectral regimes. We did this both for the SNR and for OA 184, an H II region within our field of view. Results. We find that the radio spectral index of VRO 42.05.01 increases at low radio frequencies; i.e. the LOFAR flux is higher than expected from the measured spectral index value at higher radio frequencies. This observed curvature in the low-frequency end of the radio spectrum occurs primarily in the brightest regions of the source, while the fainter regions present a roughly constant power-law behaviour between 143 MHz and 2695 MHz. We favour an explanation for this steepening whereby radiative shocks have high compression ratios and electrons of different energies probe different length scales across the shocks, therefore sampling regions of different compression ratios.

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