scholarly journals The tidal disruption event AT 2018hyz – I. Double-peaked emission lines and a flat Balmer decrement

2020 ◽  
Vol 498 (3) ◽  
pp. 4119-4133 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Short ◽  
M Nicholl ◽  
A Lawrence ◽  
S Gomez ◽  
I Arcavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
Absolute Magnitude ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Tidal Disruption ◽  
Broad Emission ◽  
Balmer Lines ◽  
High Cadence ◽  
Balmer Decrement

ABSTRACT We present results from spectroscopic observations of AT 2018hyz, a transient discovered by the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernova survey at an absolute magnitude of MV ∼ −20.2 mag, in the nucleus of a quiescent galaxy with strong Balmer absorption lines. AT 2018hyz shows a blue spectral continuum and broad emission lines, consistent with previous TDE candidates. High cadence follow-up spectra show broad Balmer lines and He i in early spectra, with He ii making an appearance after ∼70–100 d. The Balmer lines evolve from a smooth broad profile, through a boxy, asymmetric double-peaked phase consistent with accretion disc emission, and back to smooth at late times. The Balmer lines are unlike typical active galactic nucleus in that they show a flat Balmer decrement (Hα/Hβ ∼ 1.5), suggesting the lines are collisionally excited rather than being produced via photoionization. The flat Balmer decrement together with the complex profiles suggests that the emission lines originate in a disc chromosphere, analogous to those seen in cataclysmic variables. The low optical depth of material due to a possible partial disruption may be what allows us to observe these double-peaked, collisionally excited lines. The late appearance of He ii may be due to an expanding photosphere or outflow, or late-time shocks in debris collisions.

scholarly journals Discovery and follow-up of ASASSN-19dj: an X-ray and UV luminous TDE in an extreme post-starburst galaxy

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (2) ◽  
pp. 1673-1696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason T Hinkle ◽  
T W-S Holoien ◽  
K Auchettl ◽  
B J Shappee ◽  
J M M Neustadt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Emission ◽  
Starburst Galaxy ◽  
Late Time ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Tidal Disruption ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Bolometric Luminosity ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
High Cadence

ABSTRACT We present observations of ASASSN-19dj, a nearby tidal disruption event (TDE) discovered in the post-starburst galaxy KUG 0810+227 by the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) at a distance of d ≃ 98 Mpc. We observed ASASSN-19dj from −21 to 392 d relative to peak ultraviolet (UV)/optical emission using high-cadence, multiwavelength spectroscopy and photometry. From the ASAS-SN g-band data, we determine that the TDE began to brighten on 2019 February 6.8 and for the first 16 d the rise was consistent with a flux ∝t2 power law. ASASSN-19dj peaked in the UV/optical on 2019 March 6.5 (MJD = 58548.5) at a bolometric luminosity of L = (6.2 ± 0.2) × 1044 erg s−1. Initially remaining roughly constant in X-rays and slowly fading in the UV/optical, the X-ray flux increased by over an order of magnitude ∼225 d after peak, resulting from the expansion of the X-ray emitting region. The late-time X-ray emission is well fitted by a blackbody with an effective radius of ∼1 × 1012 cm and a temperature of ∼6 × 105 K. The X-ray hardness ratio becomes softer after brightening and then returns to a harder state as the X-rays fade. Analysis of Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey images reveals a nuclear outburst roughly 14.5 yr earlier with a smooth decline and a luminosity of LV ≥ 1.4 × 1043 erg s−1, although the nature of the flare is unknown. ASASSN-19dj occurred in the most extreme post-starburst galaxy yet to host a TDE, with Lick HδA = 7.67 ± 0.17 Å.

scholarly journals The evolution of luminous red nova AT 2017jfs in NGC 4470

2019 ◽  
Vol 625 ◽  
pp. L8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Pastorello ◽  
T.-W. Chen ◽  
Y.-Z. Cai ◽  
A. Morales-Garoffolo ◽  
Z. Cano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Absolute Magnitude ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Absorption Bands ◽  
Common Envelope ◽  
Bolometric Luminosity ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Second Peak

We present the results of our photometric and spectroscopic follow-up of the intermediate-luminosity optical transient AT 2017jfs. At peak, the object reaches an absolute magnitude of Mg = −15.46 ± 0.15 mag and a bolometric luminosity of 5.5 × 1041 erg s−1. Its light curve has the double-peak shape typical of luminous red novae (LRNe), with a narrow first peak bright in the blue bands, while the second peak is longer-lasting and more luminous in the red and near-infrared (NIR) bands. During the first peak, the spectrum shows a blue continuum with narrow emission lines of H and Fe II. During the second peak, the spectrum becomes cooler, resembling that of a K-type star, and the emission lines are replaced by a forest of narrow lines in absorption. About 5 months later, while the optical light curves are characterized by a fast linear decline, the NIR ones show a moderate rebrightening, observed until the transient disappears in solar conjunction. At these late epochs, the spectrum becomes reminiscent of that of M-type stars, with prominent molecular absorption bands. The late-time properties suggest the formation of some dust in the expanding common envelope or an IR echo from foreground pre-existing dust. We propose that the object is a common-envelope transient, possibly the outcome of a merging event in a massive binary, similar to NGC 4490−2011OT1.

scholarly journals Optical follow-up of the tidal disruption event iPTF16fnl: new insights from X-shooter observations

2019 ◽  
Vol 489 (1) ◽  
pp. 1463-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Onori ◽  
G Cannizzaro ◽  
P G Jonker ◽  
M Fraser ◽  
Z Kostrzewa-Rutkowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exponential Decay ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Tidal Disruption ◽  
Optical Telescope ◽  
Bolometric Luminosity ◽  
Luminosity Evolution ◽  
Disruption Event

ABSTRACT We present the results from Nordic Optical Telescope and X-shooter follow-up campaigns of the tidal disruption event (TDE) iPTF16fnl, covering the first ∼100 d after the transient discovery. We followed the source photometrically until the TDE emission was no longer detected above the host galaxy light. The bolometric luminosity evolution of the TDE is consistent with an exponential decay with e-folding constant t0 = 17.6 ± 0.2 d. The early-time spectra of the transient are dominated by broad He ii λ4686, H $\beta$, H $\alpha$, and N iii λ4100 emission lines. The latter is known to be produced together with the N iii λ4640 in the Bowen fluorescence mechanism. Due to the medium-resolution X-shooter spectra we have been able to separate the Bowen blend contribution from the broad He ii emission line. The detection of the Bowen fluorescence lines in iPTF16fnl place this transient among the N-rich TDE subset. In the late-time X-shooter spectra, narrow emission lines of [O iii] and [N ii] originating from the host galaxy are detected, suggesting that the host galaxy harbours a weak active galactic nucleus in its core. The properties of all broad emission lines evolve with time. The equivalent widths follow an exponential decay compatible with the bolometric luminosity evolution. The full width at half-maximum of the broad lines decline with time and the line profiles develop a narrow core at later epochs. Overall, the optical emission of iPTF16fnl can be explained by being produced in an optically thick region in which high densities favour the Bowen fluorescence mechanism and where multiple electron scatterings are responsible for the line broadening.

scholarly journals Discovery and follow-up of the unusual nuclear transient OGLE17aaj

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. L2 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gromadzki ◽  
A. Hamanowicz ◽  
L. Wyrzykowski ◽  
K. V. Sokolovsky ◽  
M. Fraser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Curve ◽  
Black Body ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
First Year ◽  
Tidal Disruption ◽  
Massive Black Holes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
New Type ◽  
Narrow Emission

Aims. We report on the discovery and follow-up of a peculiar transient, OGLE17aaj, which occurred in the nucleus of a weakly active galaxy. We investigate whether it can be interpreted as a new candidate for a tidal disruption event (TDE). Methods. We present the OGLE-IV light curve that covers the slow 60-day-long rise to maximum along with photometric, spectroscopic, and X-ray follow-up during the first year. Results. OGLE17aaj is a nuclear transient exhibiting some properties similar to previously found TDEs, including a long rise time, lack of colour-temperature evolution, and high black-body temperature. On the other hand, its narrow emission lines and slow post-peak evolution are different from previously observed TDEs. Its spectrum and light-curve evolution is similar to F01004-2237 and AT 2017bgt. Signatures of historical low-level nuclear variability suggest that OGLE17aaj may instead be related to a new type of accretion event in active super-massive black holes.

scholarly journals An improved test of the binary black hole hypothesis for quasars with double-peaked broad Balmer lines

2019 ◽  
Vol 491 (1) ◽  
pp. 1104-1126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anh Doan ◽  
Michael Eracleous ◽  
Jessie C Runnoe ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
Gavin Mathes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Radial Velocity ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Orbital Parameter ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Orbital Inclination ◽  
Broad Emission ◽  
Balmer Lines

ABSTRACT Velocity offsets in the broad Balmer lines of quasars and their temporal variations serve as indirect evidence for bound supermassive black hole binaries (SBHBs) at sub-parsec separations. In this work, we test the SBHB hypothesis for 14 quasars with double-peaked broad emission lines using their long-term (14–41 yr) radial velocity curves. We improve on the previous work by (i) using elliptical instead of circular orbits for the SBHBs, (ii) adopting a statistical model for radial velocity jitter, (iii) employing a Markov chain Monte Carlo method to explore the orbital parameter space efficiently and build posterior distributions of physical parameters, and (iv) incorporating new observations. We determine empirically that jitter comprises approximately Gaussian distributed fluctuations about the smooth radial velocity curves that are larger than the measurement errors by factors of a few. We initially treat jitter by enlarging the effective error bars and then verify this approach via a variety of Gaussian process models for it. We find lower mass limits for the hypothesized SBHBs in the range 108–1011 M⊙. For seven objects, the SBHB scenario appears unlikely based on goodness-of-fit tests. For two additional objects, the minimum SBHB masses are unreasonably large (>1010 M⊙), strongly disfavouring the SBHB scenario. Using constraints on the orbital inclination angle (which requires some assumptions) makes the minimum masses of four more objects unreasonably large. We also cite physical and observational arguments against the SBHB hypothesis for nine objects. We conclude that the SBHB explanation is not the favoured explanation of double-peaked broad emission lines.

scholarly journals Workshop on Stellar Tidal Disruption

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S285) ◽  
pp. 261-268
Author(s):  
Glennys R. Farrar
Keyword(s):  
Accretion Disks ◽  
Main Sequence ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Tidal Disruption ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Spectral Signatures ◽  
The Past ◽  
Observational Status

AbstractThe past year has seen major advances in the observational status of Stellar Tidal Disruption, with the discovery of two strong optical candidates in archived SDSS data and the real-time X-ray detection of Swift J1644+57, plus rapid radio and optical follow-up establishing it as a probable Tidal Disruption Flare (TDF) in “blazar mode”. These observations motivated a workshop devoted to discussion of such events and of the theory of their emission and flare rate. Observational contributions included a presentation of Swift J2058+05 (a possible second example of a TDF in blazar mode), reports on the late-time evolution and X-ray variability of the two Swift events, and a proposal that additional candidates may be evidenced by spectral signatures in SDSS. Theory presentations included models of radio emission, theory of light curves and the proposal that GRB101225A may be the Galactic tidal disruption of a neutron star, an interpretation of Swift J1644+57 as due to the disruption of a white dwarf instead of main-sequence star, calculation of the dependence of the TDF rate on the spin of the black hole, and analysis of the SDSS events, fitting their SEDs to profiles of thoretical emission from accretion disks and showing that their luminosity and rate are consistent with the proposal that TDEs can be responsible for UHECR acceleration.

Disk Emission Lines

1997 ◽  
Vol 159 ◽  
pp. 220-221
Author(s):  
N. Murray ◽  
J. Chiang
Keyword(s):  
Optical Depth ◽  
Velocity Gradient ◽  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
Thin Disk ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Line Profiles ◽  
Circular Orbits ◽  
Central Source ◽  
Broad Emission

AbstractA thin disk illuminated by a central source will produce single-peaked broad emission lines if there is a wind emerging from the disk. The velocity gradient in the wind produces an anisotropic optical depth. For optically thick lines, the emission is strongest along directions perpendicular to the Keplerian velocity of the disk. The resulting line profiles are single peaked even though the emitting gas moves on essentially circular orbits. We argue that the broad emission lines seen in quasars, Seyferts, and luminous cataclysmic variables arise in disk winds.

scholarly journals New Observations of the Old Magnetic Nova GQ Muscae

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
W. Narloch ◽  
J. Kaluzny ◽  
W. Krzeminski ◽  
W. Pych ◽  
M. Rozyczka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Orbital Period ◽  
Time Scale ◽  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Total Amplitude ◽  
Broad Emission ◽  
Photometric Observations ◽  
Bright Object ◽  
Orbital Modulation ◽  
Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables

AbstractPhotometric observations of GQ Mus performed between 1992 and 2011 are reported. We find that the total amplitude of the orbital modulation of its brightness decreased from ~ 0.9 mag in 1992 to ~ 0.2 mag in 2010, becoming comparable to the amplitude of chaotic flickering on a time scale of several minutes. Optical spectra obtained in 2001 and 2012 indicate continuing activity of GQ Mus. The spectra show broad emission lines of He II and H I typical for magnetic cataclysmic variables. The nova was found to be an UV-bright object in 2001 and 2012. We also show that the orbital period of GQ Mus has been constant between 1989 and 2010–2011.

The SALT Transient Programme

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (S339) ◽  
pp. 176-180
Author(s):  
D. A. H. Buckley
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
Gamma Ray Bursts ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Core Collapse ◽  
Tidal Disruption ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
X Ray Binaries

AbstractThe SALT transient follow-up programme began in 2016 and will continue for 5 semesters (until 31 Oct 2018), with an expectation of renewal thereafter. It is currently the only SALT Large Science Programme, and was awarded ~250 ksec. per semester, with a significant fraction (60%) given for the highest priority target-of-opportunity time. The aim is to characterise and study transients across a wide range of classes, currently including (from closest to most distant) cataclysmic variables, novæ and other associated eruptive variables, low- and high-mass X-ray binaries, OGLE and Gaia transients (including tidal disruption events), super-luminous and unusual core-collapse supernovæ, kilonovæ and other candidate optical counterparts to gravitational-wave events, flaring blazars and AGN, and gamma-ray bursts. This programme currently involves four SALT partners, of which South Africa is the major contributor of time (74%) and resources and includes five institutions with over 30 co-investigators. This talk reviewed the nature of the programme and highlighted some of the results to date.

scholarly journals Voracious vortices in cataclysmic variables

2020 ◽  
Vol 642 ◽  
pp. A100
Author(s):  
V. V. Neustroev ◽  
S. V. Zharikov
Keyword(s):  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
Accretion Disc ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
Quiescent State ◽  
Doppler Tomography ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Balmer Lines ◽  
Cool Gas ◽  
The Right ◽  
Three Body

Context. In Paper I we showed that the accretion disc radius of the dwarf nova HT Cas in its quiescent state has not changed significantly during many years of observations. It has remained consistently large, close to the tidal truncation radius. This result is inconsistent with the modern understanding of the evolution of the disc radius through an outburst cycle. Aims. Spectroscopic observations of HT Cas during its superoutburst offered us an exceptional opportunity to compare the properties of the disc of this object in superoutburst and in quiescence. Methods. We obtained a new set of time-resolved spectra of HT Cas in the middle of its 2017 superoutburst. We used Doppler tomography to map emission structures in the system, which we compared with those detected during the quiescent state. We used solutions of the restricted three-body problem to discuss again the location of emission structures and the disc size of HT Cas in quiescence. Results. The superoutburst spectrum is similar in appearance to the quiescent spectra, although the strength of most of the emission lines decreased. However, the high-excitation lines significantly strengthened in comparison with the Balmer lines. Many lines show a mix of broad emission and narrow absorption components. Hα in superoutburst was much narrower than in quiescence. Other emission lines have also narrowed in outburst, but they did not become as narrow as Hα. Doppler maps of Hα in quiescence and of the Hβ and He I lines in outburst are dominated by a bright emission arc at the right side of the tomograms, which is located at and even beyond the theoretical truncation limit. However, the bulk of the Hα emission in outburst has significantly lower velocities. Conclusions. We show that the accretion disc radius of HT Cas during its superoutburst has become hot but remained the same size as it was in quiescence. Instead, we detected cool gas beyond the Roche lobe of the white dwarf that may have been expelled from the hot disc during the superoutburst.

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