The remarkable rapid X-ray, ultraviolet, optical and infrared variability in the black hole XTE J1118+480

The transient black-hole binary XTE J1118+480 exhibited dramatic rapid variability at all wavelengths which were suitably observed during its 2000 April–July outburst. We examine time-resolved X-ray, ultraviolet, optical and infrared data spanning the plateau phase of the outburst. We find that both X-ray and infrared bands show large amplitude variability. The ultraviolet and optical variability is more subdued, but clearly correlated with that seen in the X-rays. The ultraviolet, at least, appears to be dominated by the continuum, although the lines are also variable. Using the X-ray variations as a reference point, we find that the ultraviolet (UV) variability at long wavelengths occurs later than that at short wavelengths. Uncertainty in the Hubble Space Telescope timing prohibits a determination of the absolute lag with respect to the X-rays, however. The transfer function is clearly not a delta-function, exhibiting significant repeatable structure. For the main signal we can rule out an origin in reprocessing on the companion star – the lack of variation in the lags is not consistent with this, given a relatively high orbital inclination. Weak reprocessing from the disc and/or companion star may be present, but is not required, and another component must dominate the variability. This could be variable synchrotron emission correlated with X-ray variability, consistent with our earlier interpretation of the infrared (IR) flux as due to synchrotron emission rather than thermal disc emission. In fact, the broad-band energy distribution of the variability from IR to X-rays is consistent with expectations of optically thin synchrotron emission. We also follow the evolution of the low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillation in X-rays, UV, and optical. Its properties at all wavelengths are similar, indicating a common origin.     

On the variability of Vega

For 60 years Vega has been accepted as a standard star in the near infrared, optical, and ultraviolet ranges. However, a 21-year spectral and spectrophotometric variability of Vega has been revealed. Vega also demonstrates short-term unexplained variability. Recent spectropolarimetric studies have revealed a weak magnetic field on Vega. We analyze the results of 15-year observations performed at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory and we hypothesize that the magnetic field variation is caused by stellar rotation. In the present work we summarize the results of investigations on the variability of Vega.     

NSV 1907 - A new eclipsing,nova-like cataclysmic variable

NSV 1907, formerly listed as an irregular variable in variability catalogues, was classified as an Algol-type eclipsing binary in the Catalina Surveys Periodic Variable Star Catalogue. We have identified NSV 1907 as an ultraviolet (UV) bright source using measurements from the GALEX space telescope and detected obvious out-of-eclipse variability in archival photometric data from the Catalina Sky Survey, which instigated a closer examination of the object. A spectrum and extensive multicolour photometric observations were acquired, from which we deduce that NSV 1907 is a deeply eclipsing, nova-like cataclysmic variable. Apart from the orbital variations (deep eclipses with a period of P ≈ 6.63 hours), changes in mean brightness and irregular short-term variability (flickering) were observed. The presence of a secondary minimum at phase φ ≈ 0.5 was established, which indicates a significant contribution of the companion star to the optical flux of the system. We find possible evidence for sinusoidal variations with a period of P ≈ 4.2 d, which we interpret as the nodal precession period of the accretion disc. No outbursts or VY Scl-like drops in brightness were detected either by the CSS or during our photometric monitoring. Because of its spectral characteristics and the observed variability pattern, we propose NSV 1907 as a new moderately bright long-period SW Sextantis star. Further photometric and spectroscopic observations are encouraged.     

β Cephei type variability in the ultraviolet spectrum and radial velocity of PHL 346

International Ultraviolet Explorer low-resolution and optical moderate-resolution spectra are presented for the high galactic latitude β Cephei type star, PHL 346. Variability is identified in both the ultraviolet flux and the radial velocity with periods and phases consistent with those previously deduced from optical photometry. The similarity of both the flux and the radial velocity amplitude to those previously reported for the β Cephei variable, γ Pegasus, is striking and provides evidence for PHL 346 being a young core hydrogen burning star. A distance estimate for PHL 346 of approximately 7 kpc (corresponding to a z -distance of approximately 6 kpc) is obtained by scaling the distance of γ Pegasus obtained from Hipparcos observations.     

A minor outburst during the quiescent period of the symbiotic star CH Cygni

We have studied a few optical spectra of the symbiotic star CH Cygni obtained in the period January 1990-June 1991, which indicate that a mild increase of activity occurred between July and December 1990. This increase of activity is confirmed by the IUE observations made in the same period. In fact, in this period of time, we have observed an increase of intensity of all the emission lines both in the optical and ultraviolet ranges and of the continuous ultraviolet flux.Based on observations obtained at the Observatory of Haute Provence (OHP) and on observations by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) collected at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station.     

Disk wind and magnetospheric accretion in emission from the Herbig Ae star MWC 480

The young Herbig Ae star MWC 480 (HD 31648) is one of the comprehensively spectroscopically studied stars in the ultraviolet, optical, and infrared spectral ranges. Using non-LTE modeling of its hydrogen spectrum, we have calculated the contribution to the hydrogen emission from such important regions of the circumstellar environment as the disk wind and the magnetosphere. We have used our own observations of the stellar spectrum performed with the 2.4-m telescope at the Thai National Observatory to quantitatively check our theoretical calculations. In addition, all of the visible and infrared spectra available in the literature have been used for a qualitative comparison. The modeling results have revealed a significant role of the magneto-centrifugal disk wind in the formation of atomic hydrogen emission. The cause of the emission line variability in the spectrum ofMWC 480 is discussed.     

Accretion-Effekt bei exzentrischen galaktischen Sternbahnen

In this paper the accretion effect of metal-poor stars on elliptic orbits is considered. Stars moving on eccentric galactic orbits and passing through spiral arms take up material from the interstellar medium. The stars pick up the more material by accretion, the more their orbits are osculating the spiral arms. If this material is mixed with the original matter of the star only in the outer convection envelope and if the star is old enough, than the ultraviolet excess of the star can be changed. But the accretion effect alone cannot explain the observed correlation between the ultraviolet excess and the orbital eccentricity.     

Optical properties of Small Magellanic Cloud X-ray binaries

This work represent the first major study of the optical and infrared characteristics of the mass donor companions to the X-ray pulsars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). In this work several new counterparts have been identified, and possible ones confirmed, as companions to X-ray pulsars in the SMC giving a total of 34 such objects now identified. In addition this work presents three new binary periods and confirms two X-ray periods using optical data for objects in this group. This homogeneous sample has been studied as a group to determine important general characteristics that may offer an insight into the evolution of such systems. In particular, the spectral class distribution shows a much greater agreement with those of isolated Be stars, and appears to be in some disagreement with the galactic population of Be stars in Be/X-ray binaries. Studies of the long-term optical modulation of the Be star companions reveal an extremely variable group of objects, a fact which will almost certainly make a major contribution to the pronounced X-ray variability. The spatial distribution of these systems within the SMC is investigated and strongly suggests a link between massive star formation and the H  i density distribution. Finally, studies of the circumstellar disc characteristics reveal a strong link with optical variability offering important clues into the long-term stability of such discs.     

Line variability in the spectrum of supergiant α Cam

CCD spectra taken with the PFES and CEGS echelle spectrographs attached to the 6-m Special Astrophysical Observatory (Russian Academy of Sciences) telescope and the 2-m Shamakha Astrophysical Observatory (National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan) telescope, respectively, were used to study the line-profile variations in the spectrum of the hot supergiant α Cam. No fast (≤1.5 h) line-profile and radial-velocity variations were found. Some of the systematic effects that cause spurious variability are considered. The Hα-profile variability appears symmetric relative to the radial velocity of the star’s center of mass and is attributable to variable blueshifted and redshifted emission and/or absorption components superimposed on a variable photospheric profile. The Hα line shows evidence of a large-scale mass ejection from the stellar surface, which is also traceable in other spectral lines. The He II 4686 line exhibits an inverse P Cyg profile, while the red wing of the He I 5876 line shows weak and variable emission. The fast (on characteristic time scales of shorter than an hour) variability of the He II 4686 profile that was previously revealed by our observations (Kholtygin et al. 2000) is called into question. A comparison of the observational data on the variability of ultraviolet and optical line profiles for the supergiant αCam suggests that nonradial motions are mainly responsible for the radial-velocity and line-profile variability.     

The identification of an optical counterpart to the super-Eddington X-ray source NGC 5204 X-1

We report the identification of a possible optical counterpart to the super-Eddington X-ray source NGC 5204 X-1. New Chandra data show that the X-ray source is point-like, with a luminosity of 5.2×10³⁹ erg s⁻¹ (0.5–8 keV) . It displays medium- and long-term X-ray variability in observations spanning a period of 20 yr. The accurate Chandra position allows us to identify a blue optical continuum source ( m _v =19.7) at the position of NGC 5204 X-1, using newly obtained optical data from the INTEGRAL instrument on the William Herschel Telescope. The X-ray and optical source properties are consistent with the scenario in which we are observing the beamed X-ray emission of a high-mass X-ray binary in NGC 5204, composed of an O star with either a black hole or neutron star companion.     

Can non-Gaussian cosmological models explain the WMAP high optical depth for reionization?

The first-year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe data suggest a high optical depth for Thomson scattering of  0.17 ± 0.04  , implying that the Universe was reionized at an earlier epoch than previously expected. Such early reionization is likely to be caused by ultraviolet (UV) photons from first stars, but it appears that the observed high optical depth can be reconciled within the standard structure formation model only if star formation in the early Universe was extremely efficient. With normal star formation efficiencies, cosmological models with non-Gaussian density fluctuations may circumvent this conflict as high density peaks collapse at an earlier epoch than in models with Gaussian fluctuations. We study cosmic reionization in non-Gaussian models and explore to what extent, within available constraints, non-Gaussianities affect the reionization history. For mild non-Gaussian fluctuations at redshifts of 30 to 50, the increase in optical depth remains at a level of a few per cent and appears unlikely to aid significantly in explaining the measured high optical depth. On the other hand, within available observational constraints, increasing the non-Gaussian nature of density fluctuations can easily reproduce the optical depth and may remain viable in underlying models of non-Gaussianity with a scale-dependence.     

EChO spectra and stellar activity – I

Stellar activity is the major astrophysical limiting factor for the study of planetary atmospheres. Its variability and spectral characteristics may affect the extraction of the planetary signal even for moderately active stars. A technique based on spectral change in the visible band was developed to estimate the effects in the infrared due to star activity. This method has been purposely developed for the EChO mission which had the crucial characteristics of monitoring simultaneously a broadband from visible to infrared. Thanks to this capability the optical spectrum, whose variations are mainly due to stellar activity, has been used as in an instantaneous calibrator to correct the infrared spectrum. The technique is based on principal component analysis which significantly reduces the dimensionality of the spectra. The method was tested on a set of simulations with realistic photon noise. It can be generalized to any chromatic variability effects provided that optical and infrared variations are correlated.     

Ultraviolet variability of HD 62001 – The central star of the missing nebula V-V 1-7

IUE observations of HD 62001 do not confirm the ultraviolet variability of 0.15 mag seen from the ANS observations. These intriguing variations in ANS observations seem to be caused by a nearby (∼ 70 arcsec away) B star getting in and out of the field of view of the telescope, which had a jitter of 20 arcsec. There seems to be no evidence for the presence of a hot companion, either from the energy distribution or from UV variability. However, visual light variations are present. This, coupled with the radial velocity variations, indicates a binary nature probably of Algol type. Based on observations obtained with IUE satellite at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station of the European Space Agency.     

On possible quasi-periodic diameter variations of the carbon star Y Tau

An analysis of the available results of direct angular diameter measurements of the carbon star Y Tau in different spectral bands of the optical and near-IR spectral ranges is carried out. It is shown that the available data allow to suggest the presence of periodic or quasi-periodic pulsations of the star with a period close to the possible period of its photometric variability in the corresponding time interval of observations. If the pulsations really take place, then their nature may be such that the star’s luminosity increases with decreasing diameter. At the same time, another interpretation of themeasurement results is possible, where the values of the star’s angular diameter d obtained from the observations in the red part of the optical spectral range correspond to the star’s photosphere, whereas the values d obtained from observations in the near-IR range correspond to the optically thick radiating layers of its extended atmosphere or envelope.     

Ultraviolet light curves of V535 Arae

Observations of V535 Ara obtained with IUE define the light curve of this long-period W UMa binary in the ultraviolet and let us estimate its gravity darkening. This star was chosen as a contact binary near the high-T _eff limit for convection. The ultraviolet colours and spectral type correspond to (B–V)₀=0.24, or A8V, and imply the star should have very little residual convection in its envelope. The gravity darkening thus ought to be large, as in a radiative star, unless it is modified by circulation in the common envelope, or unless all stars this warm are convective. The light-curve analysis is complicated by a long-term wave that depresses the orbital phases before and after secondary eclipse. We have obtained four solutions to a combination of optical and ultraviolet light curves, two for high, radiative gravity darkening and two for low, convective gravity darkening. For each value of the gravity-darkening exponent, we let the larger, more massive binary component either (a) have a dark spot in its back side or (b) have an excessively hot side facing its companion. The light curves were fitted equally well in all four cases; however, in all but the one with low-gravity darkening and a hot inner face there was a rather large global temperature difference between the two stars. The primary component of this system appears to be significantly undermassive for its spectral type, more so than the primary in AW UMa, but this probably results simply from systematic errors in a radial-velocity solution by Schöffel. It is suggested that the W UMa binaries are found only at spectral types later than about A8 because their outer envelopes must be convective to transfer luminosity.     

Optical, X-ray and radio observations of HD 61396: a probable new RS CVn-type binary

We have carried out BVR photometric and H spectroscopic observations of the star HD 61396 during 1998 March 20 to 1999 April 3. We have discovered regular optical photometric variability from this star, with an inferred period of 31.95±0.10 d, and an amplitude of 0.18 mag. A possible period of 35.34±0.12 d, as determined with Hipparcos , cannot be completely ruled out, however. Modelling of its photometric light curve with two circular spots indicates that 521 per cent of the stellar surface is covered by dark starspots which are 830 K cooler than the surrounding photosphere, and produce the observed rotational modulation of the optical flux. Optical spectroscopy reveals a variable H emission feature, indicating that it is an unusually active star.
In addition, we have analysed archival X-ray data of HD 61396, obtained from serendipitous observations with the ROSAT X-ray observatory, and we also discuss the radio properties of this star, based on both published Green Bank and unpublished VLA observations. The strong photometric variability and H emission, the relatively hard X-ray spectrum, and the high X-ray and radio luminosities imply that HD 61396 is most likely to be a member of the RS CVn class of evolved active binary stars. Its X-ray and radio luminosities place it among the five most luminous active binaries detected so far.     

Herbig Ae/Be星的尘埃壳层形态研究

我们使用Kurucz恒星大气模型以及黑体模型对22颗Herbig Ae/Be星的紫外数据、IRAS观测数据、地面光学及近红外测光数据资料等进行了拟合计算,用能量平衡方法进行了统计分析,得出Herbig Ae/Be星的尘埃壳层为盘状的结论.     

Nonradiative activity across the H-R diagram: Which types of stars are solar-like?

Major advances in our understanding of nonradiatively heated outer atmospheric layers (coronae, transition regions, and chromospheres) and other solar-like activity in stars has occurred in the past few years primarily as a result of ultraviolet spectroscopy from IUE, X-ray imaging from the Einstein Observatory, microwave detections by the VLA, and new optical observing techniques. I critically review the observational evidence and comment upon the trends with spectral type, gravity, age, and rotational velocity that are now becoming apparent. I define a solar-like star as one which has a turbulent magnetic field sufficiently strong to control the dynamics and energetics in its outer atmospheric regions. The best indicator of a solar-like star is the direct measurement of a strong, variable magnetic field and such data are now becoming available, but good indirect indicators include photometric variability on a rotational time scale indicating dark starspots and nonthermal microwave emission. X-rays and ultraviolet emission lines produced by plasma hotter than 10⁴ K imply nonradiative heating processes that are likely magnetic in character, except for the hot stars where the heating is likely by shocks in the wind resulting from radiative instabilities. I conclude that dwarf stars of spectral type G-M and rapidly rotating subgiants and giants of spectral type F-K in spectroscopic binary systems are definitely solar-like. Dwarf stars of spectral type A7-F7 are almost certainly solar-like, and T Tauri and other pre-Main-Sequence stars are probably solar-like. Slowly rotating single giants of spectral type F to early K are also probably solar-like, and the helium-strong hottest Bp stars are interesting candidates for being solar-like. The O and B stars exhibit some aspects of activity but probably have weak fields and are not solar-like. Finally, the A dwarfs and the cool giants and supergiants show no evidence of being solar-like.Staff Member, Quantum Physics Division, National Bureau of Standards.     

An ultraviolet-selected galaxy redshift survey: new estimates of the local star formation rate

We present the first results of an ongoing spectroscopic survey of galaxies selected in the rest frame ultraviolet (UV). The source catalogue has been constructed from a flux-limited sample of stars, galaxies and QSOs imaged at 2000 Å in Selected Area 57 with the FOCA balloon-borne imaging camera. Accurate positions for the UV sources have been obtained by matching with optical counterparts using APM scans of the Palomar Sky Survey limited at B   20.5. Here we present results derived from optical spectroscopy conducted with the WIYN telescope and the WHT for 142 faint sources. The redshift distribution for this UV-selected sample extends over 0 <  z  < 0.5, and a high fraction of the sources show intense nebular emission lines and UV–optical colours bluer than normal Hubble sequence galaxies. Such UV-selected surveys are thus a very efficient way to locate and study intermediate-redshift galaxies undergoing intense star formation. Although our sample is currently small, we derive a rest frame UV luminosity function with a steep faint-end slope consistent with that found for late-type galaxies in optical samples. However, the integrated luminosity density derived implies a volume-averaged star formation rate higher than other recent estimates, assuming a normal initial mass function. If representative of other UV fields, as suggested by UV number count studies, our data imply that the local abundance of star-forming galaxies may have been underestimated, and consequently claims for strong evolution in the global star formation rate in the range 0 <  z  < 1 overstated. An intensive study of a large UV-selected sample is likely to reveal important information on the declining population of star-forming galaxies of all types.