Distribution of compact object mergers around galaxies

Compact object mergers are one of the currently favoured models for the origin of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The discovery of optical afterglows and identification of the nearest, presumably host, galaxies allow the analysis of the distribution of burst sites with respect to these galaxies. Using a model of stellar binary evolution we synthesize a population of compact binary systems which merge within the Hubble time. We include the kicks in the supernovae explosions and calculate orbits of these binaries in galactic gravitational potentials. We present the resulting distribution of merger sites and discuss the results in the framework of the observed GRB afterglows.     

Hot super-dense compact object with particular EoS

We show the possibility of existence of a self-gravitating spherically-symmetric equilibrium configuration for a neutral matter with neutron-like density, small mass \(M \ll M_{\odot }\), and small radius \(R \ll R_{\odot }\). We incorporate the effects of both the special and general theories of relativity. Such object may be formed in a cosmic cataclysm, perhaps an exotic one. Since the base equations of hydrostatic equilibrium are completed by the equation of state (EoS) for the matter of the object, we offer a novel, interpolating experimental data from high-energy physics, EoS which permits the existence of such compact system of finite radius. This EoS model possesses a critical state characterized by density \(\rho_{c}\) and temperature \(T_{c}\). For such an object, we derive a radial distribution for the super-dense matter in “liquid” phase using Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equations for hydrostatic equilibrium. We demonstrate that a stable configuration is indeed possible (only) for temperatures smaller than the critical one. We derive the mass-radius relation (adjusted for relativistic corrections) for such small (\(M \ll M_{\odot }\)) super-dense compact objects. The results are within the constraints established by both heavy-ion collision experiments and theoretical studies of neutron-rich matter.     

Some static relativistic compact charged fluid spheres in general relativity

In this work a new family of relativistic models of electrically charged compact star has been obtained by solving Einstein–Maxwell field equations with preferred form of one of the metric potentials and a suitable form of electric charge distribution function. The resulting equation of state (EOS) has been calculated. The relativistic stellar structure for matter distribution obtained in this work may reasonably models an electrically charged compact star whose energy density associated with the electric fields is on the same order of magnitude as the energy density of fluid matter itself (e.g. electrically charged bare strange stars). Based on the analytic model developed in the present work, the values of the relevant physical quantities have been calculated by assuming the estimated masses and radii of some well known strange star candidates like X-ray pulsar Her X-1, millisecond X-ray pulsar SAX J 1808.4-3658, and 4U 1820-30.     

VSOP observations of the compact BL Lacertae object 1803+784

Very Long Baseline Interferometry polarisation observations provide information about the magnetic-field structure of the parsec-scale jets in active galactic nuclei. 5-GHz VLBI polarisation observations of the compact BL Lacertae object 1803+784 were obtained in July 1998 with a global ground array plus the orbiting HALCA (VSOP) antenna. The extra resolution provided by baselines to the orbiting antenna has revealed a smoothly bent jet structure in 1803+784, with the magnetic field transverse all along the jet. This may indicate the presence of relativistic shocks, or possibly of a helical magnetic field surrounding the VLBI jet.     

Possible interpretation of Rubin-Ford's observations on compact Hickson 88a object

In this paper the kinematic effects, caused by revolving to some common mass center, on the rotation curve and a possible mechanism leading to the asymmetry of rotation curve are considered. Recently, Rubin and Ford's observation on rotation curve of Hickson 88a has been explained by means of above mechanism. Finally, some discussions have also been given.     

General-relativistic radial motions of neutral and charged test particles in the field of a charged spherically symmetric object

General-relativistic radial motions of charged and neutral test particles in the Reissner-Nordström field are investigated and classified. The conditions for suspension of such particles over the central source and stability of such equilibrium static states are studied. It is shown that stable states are only possible for the bound states of weakly charged particles in the field of an extremely charged central source.     

Thermal coagulation of charged grains in dense clouds

A treatment is given of the thermal coagulation of interstellar grains, taking their charge fully into account. The original calculations showed this charge to be negative unless photoionization dominated when it became positive. More recently, the effects of discreteness in the charge and of grain polarization have been considered and all these effects are included in the present work. The general conclusion is that the effect of charge is to decrease grain coagulation although a very small increase can occur for certain situations in the presence of photoionization.     

PKS 1117+146: a new large compact symmetric object

We present 23-GHz MERLIN observations of the high-luminosity radio galaxy PKS 1117+146. The radio image obtained from these data shows, for the first time, a central weak component (designated C) that we identify as the core of the radio galaxy, and two outer components (designated N and S) which are the hotspots of the extended lobes observed at lower frequencies. Extended emission in components C and S is an indication of a possible jet connecting the core to the strongest component. The overall optical and radio properties of PKS 1117+146 are consistent with the source being classified as a compact symmetric object (CSO). We discuss this hypothesis, which would make PKS 1117+146 the largest CSO known so far.     

General relativistic analysis of structure and stability of charged fluid disks around compact objects

In this paper we give a detailed general relativistic formulation of the study of structure and stability of charged fluid disks around compact objects like black holes neglecting the self-gravitation of the disk itself. Having presented the general equations for equilibrium as well as for perturbations we solve explicitly the cases of rigidly and differentially rotating thin disks, with constant charge density and zero pressure, confined to the equatorial plane of the black hole. By using normal mode analysis we have analysed the stability of such disks under purely radial perturbations and find that the disks are generally stable. On leave of absence from Government College, Jagadalpur 494005     

Thermal synchrotron radiation and its Comptonization in compact X-ray sources

We investigate the process of synchrotron radiation from thermal electrons at semirelativistic and relativistic temperatures. We find an analytic expression for the emission coefficient for random magnetic fields with an accuracy significantly higher than those derived previously. We also present analytic approximations to the synchrotron turnover frequency, treat Comptonization of self-absorbed synchrotron radiation, and give simple expressions for the spectral shape and the emitted power. We also consider modifications of the above results by bremsstrahlung.
We then study the importance of Comptonization of thermal synchrotron radiation in compact X-ray sources. We first consider emission from hot accretion flows and active coronae above optically thick accretion discs in black hole binaries and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We find that for plausible values of the magnetic field strength, this radiative process is negligible in luminous sources, except for those with hardest X-ray spectra and stellar masses. Increasing the black hole mass results in a further reduction of the maximum Eddington ratio from this process. Then, X-ray spectra of intermediate-luminosity sources, e.g. low-luminosity AGNs, can be explained by synchrotron Comptonization only if they come from hot accretion flows, and X-ray spectra of very weak sources are always dominated by bremsstrahlung. On the other hand, synchrotron Comptonization can account for power-law X-ray spectra observed in the low states of sources around weakly magnetized neutron stars.