Estimates of AGN Black Hole Mass and Minimum Variability Timescale

Black hole mass is one of the fundamental physical parameters of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), for which many methods of estimation have been proposed. One set of methods assumes that the broad-line region (BLR) is gravitationally bound by the central black hole potential, so the black hole mass can be estimated from the orbital radius and the Doppler velocity. Another set of methods assumes the observed variability timescale is determined by the orbital timescale near the innermost stable orbit around the Schwarzschild black hole or the Kerr black hole, or by the characteristic timescale of the accretion disk. We collect a sample of 21 AGNs, for which the minimum variability timescales have been obtained and their black hole masses (Mσ) have been well estimated from the stellar velocity dispersion or the BLR size-luminosity relation. Using the minimum variability timescales we estimated the black hole masses for 21 objects by the three different methods, the results are denoted by Ms, Mk and Md, respectively. We compared each of them with Mσindividually and found that: (1) using the minimum variability timescale with the Kerr black hole theory leads to small differences between Mσand Mk, none exceeding one order of magnitude, and the mean difference between them is about 0.53 dex; (2) using the minimum variability timescale with the Schwarzschild black hole theory leads to somewhat larger difference between Mσand Ms: larger than one order of magnitude for 6 of the 21 sources, and the mean difference is 0.74 dex; (3) using the minimum variability timescale with the accretion disk theory leads to much larger differences between Mσand Md, for 13 of the 21 sources the differences are larger than two orders of magnitude; and the mean difference is as high as about 2.01 dex.     

A Periodicity Analysis of the Light Curve of 3C 454.3

We analyzed the radio light curves of 3C 454.3 at frequencies 22 and 37 GHz taken from the database of Metsahovi Radio Observatory, and found evidence of quasi-periodic activity. The light curves show great activity with very complicated non-sinusoidal variations. Two possible periods, a very weak one of 1.57±0.12 yr and a very strong one of 6.15±0.50 yr were consistently identified by two methods, the Jurkevich method and power spectrum estimation. The period of 6.15±0.50 yr is consistent with results previously reported by Ciaramella et al. and Webb et al. Applying the binary black hole model to the central structure we found black hole masses of 1.53×109M⊙and 1.86×108M⊙, and predicted that the next radio outburst is to take place in 2006 March and April.     

Past and future of the central double-degenerate core of Henize 2–428

It has been suggested that Type Ia supernovae(SNe Ia) could be produced in the conditions of the violent merger scenario of the double-degenerate model, in which a thermonuclear explosion could be produced when a double carbon-oxygen white dwarf(CO WD) merges. It has been recently found that the nucleus of the bipolar planetary nebula Henize 2–428 consists of a double CO WD system that has a total mass of^1.76 M⊙, a mass ratio of^1 and an orbital period of^4.2 h, which is the first and only discovered progenitor candidate for an SN Ia predicted by the violent merger scenario. In this work, we aim to reproduce the evolutionary history of the central double CO WD of Henize 2–428. We find that the planetary nebula Henize 2–428 may originate from a primordial binary that has a^5.4 M⊙primary and a^2.7 M⊙secondary with an initial orbital period of^15.9 d. The double CO WD was formed after the primordial binary experienced two Roche-lobe overflows and two common-envelope ejection processes.According to our calculations, it takes about^840 Myr for the double CO WD to merge and form an SN Ia driven by gravitational wave radiation after their birth. To produce the current status of Henize 2–428,a large common-envelope parameter is needed. We also estimate that the rate of SNe Ia from the violent merger scenario is at most 2.9 × 10^-4 yr^-1, and that the delay time is in the range of^90 Myr to the Hubble time.     

Variation of the inner disk radius during the onset of the 2010 outburst of MAXI J1659–152

Low mass black hole binaries are generally transient sources and spend most of their time in the quiescent state. It is believed that the inner accretion flow in the quiescent state is in the form of advection dominated accretion flow and the cold outer accretion disk is truncated far away from the central black hole. During the onset of an outburst, the disk gradually extends towards the central black hole.However, the observational evidence for this general picture is indirect at best. Here we present the results of a study performed to understand the variation of the inner disk radius during the early phase of an outburst. We investigated the variation of the inner disk radius during the 2010 outburst of the black hole candidate MAXI J1659-152 using the method of simultaneous spectral fitting. We found that the inner edge of the disk is truncated at a large radius in the beginning of the outburst when the source was in the hard state. We found a systematic decrease in the inner disk radius as the outburst progressed. We also estimated an upper limit on the mass of the black hole to be 8.1 ± 2.9 M within the uncertainty of the distance and inclination angle.     

Injected spectrum for TeV γ-ray emission from the galactic center

The detection of very high energy γ-ray emission from the Galactic center has been reported by four independent groups. One of these γ-ray sources, the 10 TeV -γ-ray radiation reported by HESS, has been suggested as having a hadronic origin when relativistic protons are injected into and interact with the dense ambient gas. Assuming that such relativistic protons required by the hadronic model come from the tidal disruption of a star by the massive black hole of Sgr A＊, we explore the spectrum of the relativis- tic protons. In the calculations, we investigate cases where different types of stars are tidally disrupted by the black hole of Sgr A＊, and we consider that different diffusion mechanisms are used for the propagation of protons. The initial energy distribution of the injected spectrum of protons is assumed to follow a power-law with an exponential cut-off, and we derive the different indices of the injected spectra for the tidal disruption of different types of stars. For the best fit to the spectrum of photons detected by HESS, the spectral index of the injected relativistic protons is about 2.05 when a red giant is tidally disrupted by the black hole of Sgr A＊ and the diffusion mechanism is the Effective Confinement of Protons.     

SWIFT J1749.4-2807: A neutron or quark star?

We investigate a unique accreting millisecond pulsar with X-ray eclipses,SWIFT J1749.4-2807(hereafter J1749),and try to set limits on the binary system by various methods including use of the Roche lobe,the mass-radius relations of both main sequence(MS)and white dwarf(WD)companion stars,as well as the measured mass function of the pulsar.The calculations are based on the assumption that the radius of the companion star has reached its Roche radius(or is at 90%),but the pulsar's mass has not been assumed to be a certain value.Our results are as follows.The companion star should be an MS one.For the case that the radius equals its Roche one,we have a companion star with mass M(～-)0.51 M⊙ and radius Rc(～-)0.52 R⊙,and the inclination angle is i(～-)76.5°; for the case that the radius reaches 90% of its Roche one,we have M(～-)0.43 M⊙,Re()0.44 R⊙ and i(～-)75.7°.We also obtain the mass of J1749,Mp(～-)1 M⊙,and conclude that the pulsar could be a quark star if the ratio of the critical frequency of rotation-mode instability to the Keplerian one is higher than～0.3.The relatively low pulsar mass(about～M⊙)may also challenge the conventional recycling scenario for the origin and evolution of millisecond pulsars.The results presented in this paper are expected to be tested by future observations.     

The Binary Black Hole Scenario for the BL Lacertae Object AO 0235＋16

Recent analysis of the long term radio light curve of the extremely variable BL Lacertae object AO 0235+16 by Raiteri et al. have revealed the presence of recurrent outbursts with a period of ～ 5.7±0.5 yr. Periodicity analysis of the optical light curve also shows evidence for a shorter period. Here we discuss whether such a behavior can be explained by a binary black hole model where the accretion disk of one of the supermassive black holes is precessing due to the tidal effects of the companion. We estimate the mass of the accreting hole and analyze constraints on the secondary mass and the orbital parameters of the system. It is possible to provide a viable interpretation of the available multiwavelength data.     

Do Globular Clusters Harbor Black Holes？

It has been firmly established that there exists a tight correlation between the mass of the central black hole and velocity dispersion (or luminosity) in elliptical galaxies, “pseudobulges” and bulges of galaxies, although the nature of this correlation still remains unclear. We explore the possibility of extrapolating such a correlation to less massive, spherical systems like globular clusters. In particular, motivated by the apparent success in the globular cluster M15, we present an estimate of the central black hole mass for a number of globular clusters with available velocity dispersion data.     

The electromagnetic and gravitational-wave radiations of X-ray transient CDF-S XT2

Binary neutron star(NS)mergers may result in remnants of supra-massive or even stable NS,which have been supported indirectly by observed X-ray plateau of some gamma-ray burst(GRB)afterglows.Recently,Xue et al.(2019)discovered an X-ray transient CDF-S XT2 that is powered by a magnetar from merger of double NS via X-ray plateau and following stepper phase.However,the decay slope after the plateau emission is slightly larger than the theoretical value of spin-down in electromagnetic(EM)dominated by losing its rotation energy.In this paper,we assume that the feature of X-ray emission is caused by a supra-massive magnetar central engine for surviving thousands of seconds to collapse into a black hole.Within this scenario,we present the comparisons of the X-ray plateau luminosity,break time,and the parameters of magnetar between CDF-S XT2 and other short GRBs with internal plateau samples.By adopting the collapse time to constrain the equation of state(EOS),we find that three EOSs(GM1,DD2,and DDME2)are consistent with the observational data.On the other hand,if the most released rotation energy of magnetar is dominated by GW radiation,we also constrain the upper limit of ellipticity of NS for given EOS,and its range is[0.32-1.3]×10^-3.Its GW signal cannot be detected by Advanced LIGO or even for more sensitive Einstein Telescope in the future.     

Dynamics and collisions of episodic jets from black holes and accretion disk systems

In many astrophysical black hole systems, episodic jets of plasma blobs have been observed, which are much faster and more powerful than continuous jets. A magnetohydrodynamical model was proposed by Yuan et al. to study the formation of episodic jets in Sgr A*. By taking Sgr A* and a stellar mass black hole as examples, we modify the model of Yuan et al. by including the effects of relativity, and further study the relativistic motion and expansion of episodic jets of plasma blobs. Then we study the collision between two consecutive ejections in the modified model, and calculate the magnetic energy released in the collision. Our results show two consecutive blobs can collide with each other, and the released magnetic energy is more than 1050 erg,which supports the idea that a gamma-ray burst is powered by the collision of episodic jets, as suggested by Yuan & Zhang.     

Acceleration of Numerical Integration of the Equations of Motion of Asteroids

Solar System Research - Finding and studying possible collisions of asteroids approaching the Earth requires a significant amount of computation. This paper describes the R0 program created to...     

Graphical representation of periodic motion of the line of nodes of the Moon

In the text-books of astronomy, sections generally related to the Moon deal with the orbital elements of the Earth-Moon system such asa, e, i, , and the time of perigee passage. While the MEAN of the first of the three elements do not vary, mean longitude of the ascending node-mean longitude of the lunar perigee and the time of perigee passage undergoes secular as well as periodic changes due predominantly to the action of the Sun's gravitational attraction. While to a certain degree, explanations related to the calculation of the lunar orbit parameters are given, not a single graphical representation of these short- or long-periodic changes are presented. We allow the number of data related to these periodic changes must cover a large span of time; and if regression of the line of nodes or advances of the line of apses are to be graphically seen, data covering 18.61 and 8.85 yr, respectively, are needed. In this work we particularly aim at the graphical representation of the periodic changes of the line of nodes.     

A survey of orbits of co-orbitals of Mars

Many asteroids with a semimajor axis close to that of Mars have been discovered in the last several years. Potentially some of these could be in 1:1 resonance with Mars, much as are the classic Trojan asteroids with Jupiter, and its lesser-known horseshoe companions with Earth. In the 1990s, two Trojan companions of Mars, 5261 Eureka and 1998 VF₃₁, were discovered, librating about the L₅ Lagrange point, 60° behind Mars in its orbit. Although several other potential Mars Trojans have been identified, our orbital calculations show only one other known asteroid, 1999 UJ₇, to be a Trojan, associated with the L₄ Lagrange point, 60° ahead of Mars in its orbit. We further find that asteroid 36017 (1999 ND₄₃) is a horseshoe librator, alternating with periods of Trojan motion. This asteroid makes repeated close approaches to Earth and has a chaotic orbit whose behavior can be confidently predicted for less than 3000 years. We identify two objects, 2001 HW₁₅ and 2000 TG₂, within the resonant region capable of undergoing what we designate “circulation transition”, in which objects can pass between circulation outside the orbit of Mars and circulation inside it, or vice versa. The eccentricity of the orbit of Mars appears to play an important role in circulation transition and in horseshoe motion. Based on the orbits and on spectroscopic data, the Trojan asteroids of Mars may be primordial bodies, while some co-orbital bodies may be in a temporary state of motion.     

Equation of state and anisotropy of pressure of magnetars

Magnetars are the neutron stars with the highest magnetic fields up to 10¹⁵–10¹⁶ G. It has been proposed that they are also responsible for a variety of extra-galactic phenomena, ranging from giant flares in nearby galaxies to fast radio bursts. Utilizing a relativistic mean field model and a variable magnetic field configuration, we investigate the effects of strong magnetic fields on the equation of state and anisotropy of pressure of magnetars. It is found that the mass and radius of low-mass magnetars are weakly enhanced under the action of the strong magnetic field, and the anisotropy of pressure can be ignored. Unlike other previous investigations, the magnetic field is unable to violate the mass limit of the neutron stars.     

The accuracy of observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter taken at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia

The sets of photographic observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter taken at the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia are analyzed here. Positional observations of the system of Jupiter were made in the period from 1985 to 1994 with the use of the double Zeiss astrograph in order to determine the exact coordinates of Jupiter and its satellites. The accurate positions of the satellites and Jupiter itself, as well as their stellar (equatorial) coordinates relative to the stars of the currently available catalogs and the relative ??satellite ?? satellite?? coordinates were obtained from the observations. From the comparison of the observation results with the modern theories of motion of satellites, the accuracy in determining the positions of the satellites and Jupiter was analyzed. The results of observations are presented in the Pulkovo database of observations of Solar System bodies that is accessible to users at http://www.puldb.ru.     

Observations of the intensity of the penumbra of sunspots

Observations of the penumbral intensity of sunspots in 13 wavelength regions are presented. In 4 wavelength regions 54 sunspots are measured. In the other wavelength regions the number of sunspots considered ranges from 3–19.The penumbral intensity alters with position within the spot. This intensity variation is found to be comparable with the change in intensity from one spot to another. The penumbral intensity is found to be independent of spot size in the sample considered.The penumbra model of Kjeldseth Moe and Maltby (1969) with = 0.055 is supported by the measurements.     

Theory of motion of hyperion

We solve by an appropriate method the difficulty of near-commensurability, $\text{n}\text{n}{}_1$$\text{3}\text{4}$, in the motion of Hyperion (Saturn VII) and give a first-order solution of its motion. Our result explains two interesting observed features, the regression of the apsidal line and the exclusive occurrence of apocentre C conjunction of SVII and SVI.     

Properties of the motion of the isolated body of the problem of three bodies

We investigate the condition for the third body of the problem of three bodies to be an “isolated body”, and the properties of its motion, particularly in the case where the system has a negative total angular momentum. We give the permitted regions for the acceleration and radius vector of the isolated body, the law of variation of its velocity and the region of escape of the isolated body.     

Secular evolution of the orbits of hypothetical satellites of Uranus

The problem of the secular perturbations of the orbit of a test satellite with a negligible mass caused by the joint influence of the oblateness of the central planet and the attraction by its most massive (or main) satellites and the Sun is considered. In contrast to the previous studies of this problem, an analytical expression for the full averaged perturbing function has been derived for an arbitrary orbital inclination of the test satellite. A numerical method has been used to solve the evolution system at arbitrary values of the constant parameters and initial elements. The behavior of some set of orbits in the region of an approximately equal influence of the perturbing factors under consideration has been studied for the satellite system of Uranus on time scales of the order of tens of thousands of years. The key role of the Lidov–Kozai effect for a qualitative explanation of the absence of small bodies in nearly circular equatorial orbits with semimajor axes exceeding ~1.8 million km has been revealed.     

Estimation of the Time Scale of Merging of the Components of Contact Binaries of the W UMa Type

Time scales of the transition from contact binary systems of the W UMa type to single stars of the blue straggler type are estimated. A model of one-way mass transfer from the primary component to the companion inside a common envelope (Eggen et al.) and a model of a contact binary lying on the zero-age main sequence with a companion that is losing mass (F. van't Veer) are used to calculate these scales. The merging times of components were calculated for 304 contact systems of the W UMa type from the Catalog of Approximate Photometric and Absolute Elements of Eclipsing Variable Stars on a scale of loss of mass and orbital angular momentum due to magnetic braking, under the assumption of synchronization of the axial rotation and orbital revolution. On the basis of the resulting statistics, the characteristic merging scales are 0.4-0.6 and 0.5-0.7 Gyr, respectively, for the above two models. The results of a comparison with the work of other authors are discussed.