scholarly journals HERA Phase I Limits on the Cosmic 21 cm Signal: Constraints on Astrophysics and Cosmology during the Epoch of Reionization

2022 ◽  
Vol 924 (2) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Zara Abdurashidova ◽  
James E. Aguirre ◽  
Paul Alexander ◽  
Zaki S. Ali ◽  
Yanga Balfour ◽  
...  

Abstract Recently, the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA) has produced the experiment’s first upper limits on the power spectrum of 21 cm fluctuations at z ∼ 8 and 10. Here, we use several independent theoretical models to infer constraints on the intergalactic medium (IGM) and galaxies during the epoch of reionization from these limits. We find that the IGM must have been heated above the adiabatic-cooling threshold by z ∼ 8, independent of uncertainties about IGM ionization and the radio background. Combining HERA limits with complementary observations constrains the spin temperature of the z ∼ 8 neutral IGM to 27 K 〈 T ¯ S 〉 630 K (2.3 K 〈 T ¯ S 〉 640 K) at 68% (95%) confidence. They therefore also place a lower bound on X-ray heating, a previously unconstrained aspects of early galaxies. For example, if the cosmic microwave background dominates the z ∼ 8 radio background, the new HERA limits imply that the first galaxies produced X-rays more efficiently than local ones. The z ∼ 10 limits require even earlier heating if dark-matter interactions cool the hydrogen gas. If an extra radio background is produced by galaxies, we rule out (at 95% confidence) the combination of high radio and low X-ray luminosities of L r,ν /SFR > 4 × 1024 W Hz−1 M ⊙ − 1 yr and L X /SFR < 7.6 × 1039 erg s−1 M ⊙ − 1 yr. The new HERA upper limits neither support nor disfavor a cosmological interpretation of the recent Experiment to Detect the Global EOR Signature (EDGES) measurement. The framework described here provides a foundation for the interpretation of future HERA results.

2018 ◽  
Vol 618 ◽  
pp. A27 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Powell ◽  
B. Husemann ◽  
G. R. Tremblay ◽  
M. Krumpe ◽  
T. Urrutia ◽  
...  

Aims. We probe the radiatively-efficient, hot wind feedback mode in two nearby luminous unobscured (type 1) AGN from the Close AGN Reference Survey (CARS), which show intriguing kpc-scale arc-like features of extended [O III]ionized gas as mapped with VLT-MUSE. We aimed to detect hot gas bubbles that would indicate the existence of powerful, galaxy-scale outflows in our targets, HE 0227–0931 and HE 0351+0240, from deep (200 ks) Chandra observations. Methods. By measuring the spatial and spectral properties of the extended X-ray emission and comparing with the sub kpc-scale IFU data, we are able to constrain feedback scenarios and directly test if the ionized gas is due to a shocked wind. Results. No extended hot gas emission on kpc-scales was detected. Unless the ambient medium density is low (n H  ∼  1 cm−3 at 100 pc), the inferred upper limits on the extended X-ray luminosities are well below what is expected from theoretical models at matching AGN luminosities. Conclusions. We conclude that the highly-ionized gas structures on kpc scales are not inflated by a hot outflow in either target, and instead are likely caused by photoionization of pre-existing gas streams of different origins. Our nondetections suggest that extended X-ray emission from an AGN-driven wind is not universal, and may lead to conflicts with current theoretical predictions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 499 (2) ◽  
pp. 3006-3018
Author(s):  
Bangzheng Sun ◽  
Marina Orio ◽  
Andrej Dobrotka ◽  
Gerardo Juan Manuel Luna ◽  
Sergey Shugarov ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT We present X-ray observations of novae V2491 Cyg and KT Eri about 9 yr post-outburst of the dwarf nova and post-nova candidate EY Cyg, and of a VY Scl variable. The first three objects were observed with XMM–Newton, KT Eri also with the Chandra ACIS-S camera, V794 Aql with the Chandra ACIS-S camera and High Energy Transmission Gratings. The two recent novae, similar in outburst amplitude and light curve, appear very different at quiescence. Assuming half of the gravitational energy is irradiated in X-rays, V2491 Cyg is accreting at $\dot{m}=1.4\times 10^{-9}{\!-\!}10^{-8}\,{\rm M}_\odot \,{\rm yr}^{-1}$, while for KT Eri, $\dot{m}\lt 2\times 10^{-10}{\rm M}_\odot \,{\rm yr}$. V2491 Cyg shows signatures of a magnetized WD, specifically of an intermediate polar. A periodicity of  39 min, detected in outburst, was still measured and is likely due to WD rotation. EY Cyg is accreting at $\dot{m}\sim 1.8\times 10^{-11}{\rm M}_\odot \,{\rm yr}^{-1}$, one magnitude lower than KT Eri, consistently with its U Gem outburst behaviour and its quiescent UV flux. The X-rays are modulated with the orbital period, despite the system’s low inclination, probably due to the X-ray flux of the secondary. A period of  81 min is also detected, suggesting that it may also be an intermediate polar. V794 Aql had low X-ray luminosity during an optically high state, about the same level as in a recent optically low state. Thus, we find no clear correlation between optical and X-ray luminosity: the accretion rate seems unstable and variable. The very hard X-ray spectrum indicates a massive WD.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (S346) ◽  
pp. 365-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. F. Mirabel

AbstractTheoretical models and observations suggest that primordial Stellar Black Holes (Pop-III-BHs) were prolifically formed in HMXBs, which are powerful relativistic jet sources of synchrotron radiation called Microquasars (MQs).Large populations of BH-HMXB-MQs at cosmic dawn produce a smooth synchrotron cosmic radio background (CRB) that could account for the excess amplitude of atomic hydrogen absorption at z∼17, recently reported by EDGES.BH-HMXB-MQs at cosmic dawn precede supernovae, neutron stars and dust. BH-HMXB-MQs promptly inject into the IGM hard X-rays and relativistic jets, which overtake the slowly expanding HII regions ionized by progenitor Pop-III stars, heating and partially ionizing the IGM over larger distance scales.BH-HMXBs are channels for the formation of Binary-Black-Holes (BBHs). The large masses of BBHs detected by gravitational waves, relative to the masses of BHs detected by X-rays, and the high rates of BBH-mergers, are consistent with high formation rates of BH-HMXBs and BBHs in the early universe.


2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (S272) ◽  
pp. 208-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Petit ◽  
Gregg A. Wade ◽  
Evelyne Alecian ◽  
Laurent Drissen ◽  
Thierry Montmerle ◽  
...  

AbstractIn some massive stars, magnetic fields are thought to confine the outflowing radiatively-driven wind. Although theoretical models and MHD simulations are able to illustrate the dynamics of such a magnetized wind, the impact of this wind-field interaction on the observable properties of a magnetic star - X-ray emission, photometric and spectral variability - is still unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between magnetism, stellar winds and X-ray emission of OB stars, by providing empirical observations and confronting theory. In conjunction with the COUP survey of the Orion Nebula Cluster, we carried out spectropolarimatric ESPaDOnS observations to determine the magnetic properties of massive OB stars of this cluster.


2020 ◽  
Vol 497 (3) ◽  
pp. 3234-3250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego A Farias ◽  
Alejandro Clocchiatti ◽  
Tyrone E Woods ◽  
Armin Rest

ABSTRACT Supersoft X-rays sources (SSSs) have been proposed as potential Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) progenitors. If such objects are indeed persistently X-ray luminous and embedded in sufficiently dense interstellar medium (ISM), they will be surrounded by extended nebular emission. These nebulae should persist even long after an SN Ia explosion, due to the long recombination and cooling times involved. With this in mind, we searched for nebular [O iii] emission around four SSSs and three SNRs in the Large Magellanic Cloud, using the 6.5-m Baade telescope at Las Campanas Observatory and the imacs camera. We confirm that, out of the four SSS candidates, only CAL 83 can be associated with an [O iii] nebula. The [O iii] luminosity for the other objects is constrained to ≲17 per cent of that of CAL 83 at 6.8 pc from the central source. Models computed with the photoionization code cloudy indicate that either the ISM densities in the environments of CAL 87, RX J0550.0-7151, and RX J0513.9-6951 must be significantly lower than surrounding CAL 83 or the average X-ray luminosities of these sources over the last ≲10  000 yr must be significantly lower than presently observed, in order to be consistent with the observed luminosity upper limits. For the three SNRs we consider (all with ages &lt;1000 yr), our [O iii] flux measurements together with the known surrounding ISM densities strongly constrain the ionizing luminosity of their progenitors in the last several thousand years, independent of the progenitor channel.


1968 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. S409-S413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter H. G. Lewin ◽  
George W. Clark ◽  
William B. Smith

A complete X-ray survey of the northern sky has been made in the energy range 20–100 keV. Spectra are given for Cyg X-1 and Tau X-1. Intensity ratios (Cyg X-1/Tau X-1) of 0.84 ± 0.10 and 1.30 ± 0.25 were derived in the 20–70 keV range from data obtained on July 19, 1966 and February 13, 1967, respectively. Observations on Sco X-1 and the Coma cluster show upper limits which are quite different from results reported by other groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 922 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
R. Abbott ◽  
T. D. Abbott ◽  
S. Abraham ◽  
F. Acernese ◽  
K. Ackley ◽  
...  

Abstract We present a search for continuous gravitational-wave emission due to r-modes in the pulsar PSR J0537–6910 using data from the LIGO–Virgo Collaboration observing run O3. PSR J0537–6910 is a young energetic X-ray pulsar and is the most frequent glitcher known. The inter-glitch braking index of the pulsar suggests that gravitational-wave emission due to r-mode oscillations may play an important role in the spin evolution of this pulsar. Theoretical models confirm this possibility and predict emission at a level that can be probed by ground-based detectors. In order to explore this scenario, we search for r-mode emission in the epochs between glitches by using a contemporaneous timing ephemeris obtained from NICER data. We do not detect any signals in the theoretically expected band of 86–97 Hz, and report upper limits on the amplitude of the gravitational waves. Our results improve on previous amplitude upper limits from r-modes in J0537-6910 by a factor of up to 3 and place stringent constraints on theoretical models for r-mode-driven spin-down in PSR J0537–6910, especially for higher frequencies at which our results reach below the spin-down limit defined by energy conservation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 492 (2) ◽  
pp. 2858-2871 ◽  
Author(s):  
N V Gusinskaia ◽  
J W T Hessels ◽  
N Degenaar ◽  
A T Deller ◽  
J C A Miller-Jones ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Aql X-1 is one of the best-studied neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries. It was previously targeted using quasi-simultaneous radio and X-ray observations during at least seven different accretion outbursts. Such observations allow us to probe the interplay between accretion inflow (X-ray) and jet outflow (radio). Thus far, these combined observations have only covered one order of magnitude in radio and X-ray luminosity range; this means that any potential radio–X-ray luminosity correlation, LR ∝ LXβ, is not well constrained (β ≈ 0.4–0.9, based on various studies) or understood. Here we present quasi-simultaneous Very Large Array and Swift-XRT observations of Aql X-1’s 2016 outburst, with which we probe one order of magnitude fainter in radio and X-ray luminosity compared to previous studies (6 × 1034 erg s−1 &lt; LX &lt;3 × 1035 erg s−1, i.e. the intermediate to low-luminosity regime between outburst peak and quiescence). The resulting radio non-detections indicate that Aql X-1’s radio emission decays more rapidly at low X-ray luminosities than previously assumed – at least during the 2016 outburst. Assuming similar behaviour between outbursts, and combining all available data in the hard X-ray state, this can be modelled as a steep β =$1.17^{+0.30}_{-0.21}$ power-law index or as a sharp radio cut-off at LX ≲ 5 × 1035 erg s−1 (given our deep radio upper limits at X-ray luminosities below this value). We discuss these results in the context of other similar studies.


1996 ◽  
Vol 158 ◽  
pp. 289-289
Author(s):  
M. Orio ◽  
H. Ögelman ◽  
S. Balman

We observed a number of classical and recurrent novae in the Galaxy and the LMC with the ROSAT X-ray telescope and searched the archival data for other serendipitous observations. Preliminary results show that only 9 out of 37 observed objects were bright enough in X-rays to be detected with ROSAT, either in outburst or at quiescence.Three basic mechanisms can cause X-ray emission from classical or re-current novae. The first is hot hydrogen burning in a thin shell of the remnant envelope left on the white dwarf after the nova explosion. Hydrogen burning post-novae should be blackbody like emitters at nearly Eddington luminosity (as per the ‘supersoft’ X-ray sources). In our sample, only GQ Mus (Nova Mus 1983, see Ögelman et al. 1993; Shanley et al. 1995) and V1974 Cyg 1992 (Krautter et al. 1996) had these characteristics. Remarkably, among 10 LMC novae that had an outburst in the last 47 yr none was detected as a ‘supersoft’ X-ray source. The 3 σ upper limits for the black-body temperatures of the post-nova white dwarfs are mainly in the range 20… 30 eV. A post-nova can also emit X-rays because of shocks occurring in the ejected shell (e.g. O’Brien et al. 1994). Three out of four classical novae that were observed in outburst displayed a hard X-ray component in the ROSAT energy band, which might be due to a shocked shell. Finally, X-ray emission is expected from quiescent nearby novae because of accretion. Only four nearby accreting sources were detected; the ROSAT upper limits for the non-detected quiescent novae are Lx < 1031… 1032 ergs−1, assuming a thermal plasma at kT = a few keV.


2000 ◽  
Vol 177 ◽  
pp. 313-314
Author(s):  
F. K. Sutaria

AbstractThe detection of a pulsed X-ray counterpart (RX J1824.2-2R52P) of the 3.05 ms pulsar PSR 1821-24, suggests the possibility of a part of the rotational energy loss of this high spindown rate pulsar being in the optical band. Archival HST data for M28 is used here to set upper limits on the optical V-band magnitude of PSR 1821-24. The optical limit extends the multiwavelength observations for this source and provides a constraint for theoretical models of pulsar emission.


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