Using HI to probe large scale structures at z∼3

The redshifted 1420 MHz emission from the HI in unresolved damped Lyman-α clouds at high z will appear as a background radiation in low frequency radio observations. This holds the possibility of a new tool for studying the universe at high-z, using the mean brightness temperature to probe the HI content and its fluctuations to probe power spectrum. Existing estimates of the HI density atz−3 imply a mean brightness temperature of 1 mK at 320 MHz. The cross-correlation between the temperature fluctuation across different frequencies and sight lines is predicted to vary from 10⁻⁷ K² to 10⁻⁸ K² over intervals corresponding to spatial scales from 10 Mpc to 40 Mpc for some of the currently favoured cosmological models. Comparing this with the expected sensitivity of the GMRT, we find that this can be detected with ∼ 10 hrs of integration, provided we can distinguish it from the galactic and extragalactic foregrounds which will swamp this signal. We discuss a strategy based on the very distinct spectral properties of the foregrounds as against the HI emission, possibly allowing the removal of the foregrounds from the observed maps.     

Redshift distribution of the submillimeter extragalactic background light

The submillimeter (submm) extragalactic background light (EBL) traces the integrated star formation history throughout the cosmic time. Deep blank-field 850 μm and 1.4 GHz surveys and optical follow-up have been only able to determine the redshift of ∼20% of the submm EBL. The majority (80%) of the submm EBL is still below the confusion and sensitivity limits of current submm and radio instruments. We break through these limits with stacking analyses on our deep 850 μm image in the GOODS-N and find that the submm EBL mostly comes from galaxies at redshifts around 1.0. This redshift is much lower than the redshift of z=2–3 previously implied from radio identified submm sources. This result significantly decreases the number of high redshift galaxies that may be seen by ALMA.     

Galaxy Evolution from Deep Multicolor Surveys

A composite sample of NIR-selected galaxies having extended multicolor coverage has been used to probe the cosmological evolution of the blue luminosity function and of the stellar mass function. The bright fraction of the sample has spectroscopic redshifts, and the remaining fraction well-calibrated photometric redshifts. The resulting blue luminosity function shows an increasing brightening with redshift respect to the local luminosity function. Hierarchical CDM models predictions are in agreement only at low and intermediate redshifts but fail to reproduce the observed brightening at high redshifts (z ∼ 2–3). This brightening marks the epoch where starburst activity triggered by galaxy interactions could be an important physical mechanism for the galaxy evolution. At the same time the NIR galaxy sample has been used to trace the evolution of the cosmological stellar mass density up to ∼3. A clear decrease of the average mass density is apparent with a fraction ∼15% of the local value at z ∼ 3. UV bright star-forming galaxies are substancial contributors to the evolution of the stellar mass density. Although these results are globally consistent with Λ–CDM scenarios, they tend to underestimate the mass density produced by more massive galaxies present at z > 2.     

Evolution of Quasar Host Galaxies

Near-IR images, obtained at the ESO-VLT during excellent seeing conditions, of a sample of 17 radio-loud and radio-quiet quasars in the redshift range 1 < z < 2 are presented. The host galaxies of both types of quasars appear to follow the expected trend in luminosity of massive ellipticals undergoing simple passive evolution. We find a systematic difference by a factor ∼2 in the host luminosity between RLQs and RQQs that does not change significantly from z = 2 to the present epoch. Quasar hosts appear thus to be already well formed at z ∼ 2 and similar to massive inactive spheroids. These findings are in disagreement with the predictions of models for the joint formation and evolution of galaxies and active nuclei based on the hierarchical structure formation scenario.     

Hysteresis of Cosmic Rays with Respect to Sunspot Numbers During the Recent Sunspot Minimum

Cosmic ray neutron monitors show intensity changes (counts) anti-correlated with sunspot number R _z, but with a lag of a few months. The lag is ∼ 3 months for even cycles and ∼ 9 – 15 months for odd cycles. Thus, for the recently started even Cycle 24, a lag of ∼ 3 months was expected. However, for Cycle 24, whereas R _z had a minimum value (zero) in August 2009, cosmic ray intensity decreased only after March 2010, with a lag of seven months with respect to R _z. Thus, Cycle 24 did not conform to the known pattern of even cycles (lag of ∼ 3 months). It may be noted that the minimum at the juncture of Cycle 23-24 was abnormally long, tens of months instead of few months as in earlier cycles. Also, in this solar minimum, the cosmic ray intensity was much higher than in previous cycles.     

Coupling constant for axion and electromagnetic fields and cosmological observations

The magnitude of the photon-axion mixing constant is estimated using the cosmic orientation of the electric vectors of the polarized radiation from distant quasars recently discovered by Hutsemekers et al. This phenomenon explained by birefringence which accompanies the conversion of photons into pseudoscalar axion-like particles in the extragalactic magnetic field. This places a strong limit on the axion-electric field coupling constant in the extragalactic (z ≈ 1 ÷ 2) magnetic field of 10⁻⁹ G with a coherence length of ~1 Mpc.     

Non-thermal cosmic backgrounds and prospects for future high-energy observations of blazars

We discuss the contribution of the blazar population to the extragalactic background radiation across the electromagnetic (e.m.) spectrum with particular reference to the microwave, hard-X-ray and γ-ray bands. Our estimates are based on a recently derived blazar radio LogN-LogS that was built by combining several radio and multi-frequency surveys. We show that blazar emission integrated over cosmic time gives rise to a considerable broad-band non-thermal cosmic background that dominates the extragalactic brightness in the high-energy part of the e.m. spectrum. We also estimate the number of blazars that are expected to be detected by future planned or hypothetical missions operating in the X-ray and γ-ray energy bands.     

On the radiative and thermodynamic properties of the cosmic radiations using COBE FIRAS instrument data: II. Extragalactic far infrared background radiation

Using formula to describe the average spectrum of the extragalactic far infrared background (FIRB) radiation measured by the COBE FIRAS instrument in the 0.15–2.4 THz frequency interval at mean temperature T=18.5 K, the radiative and thermodynamic properties, such as the total emissivity, total radiation power per unit area, total energy density, number density of photons, Helmholtz free energy density, entropy density, heat capacity at constant volume, and pressure are calculated. The value for the total intensity received in the 0.15–2.4 THz frequency interval is equal to 13.6 nW?m^?2?sr^?1. This value is about 19.4 % of the total intensity expected from the energy released by stellar nucleosynthesis over cosmic history. The radiative and thermodynamic functions of the extragalactic far infrared background (FIRB) radiation are calculated at redshift z=1.5.     

Studying the first galaxies with ALMA

We discuss observations of the first galaxies, within cosmic reionization, at centimeter and millimeter wavelengths. We present a summary of current observations of the host galaxies of the most distant QSOs (z∼6). These observations reveal the gas, dust, and star formation in the host galaxies on kpc-scales. These data imply an enriched ISM in the QSO host galaxies within 1 Gyr of the big bang, and are consistent with models of coeval supermassive black hole and spheroidal galaxy formation in major mergers at high redshift. Current instruments are limited to studying truly pathologic objects at these redshifts, meaning hyper-luminous infrared galaxies (L _FIR ∼10¹³ L _⊙). ALMA will provide the one to two orders of magnitude improvement in millimeter astronomy required to study normal star forming galaxies (i.e. Ly-α emitters) at z∼6. ALMA will reveal, at sub-kpc spatial resolution, the thermal gas and dust—the fundamental fuel for star formation—in galaxies into cosmic reionization.     

The evolution of disk galaxies in clusters

We are carrying out a programme to measure the evolution of the stellar and dynamical masses and M/L ratios for a sizeable sample of morphologically-classified disk galaxies in rich galaxy clusters at 0.2 < z < 0.9. Using FORS2 at the VLT we are obtaining rotation curves for the cluster spirals so that their Tully-Fisher relation can be studied as a function of redshift and compared with that of field spirals. We already have rotation curves for ∼ 10 cluster spirals at z = 0.83, and 25 field spirals at lower redshifts and we plan to increase this sample by one order of magnitude. We present here the first results of our study, and discuss the implications of our data in the context of current ideas and models of galaxy formation and evolution. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Blazar duty-cycle at γ-ray frequencies: constraints from extragalactic background radiation and prospects for AGILE and GLAST

We take into account the constraints from the observed extragalactic γ-ray background to estimate the maximum duty cycle allowed for a selected sample of WMAP Blazars, in order to be detectable by AGILE and GLAST γ-ray experiments. For the nominal sensitivity values of both instruments, we identify a subset of sources which can in principle be detectable also in a steady state without over-predicting the extragalactic background. This work is based on the results of a recently derived Blazar radio LogN-LogS obtained by combining several multi-frequency surveys.      

Measuring α in the Early Universe

We update the bounds on a time-varying fine structure constant α at the time of BBN (z∼10¹⁰) and CMB (z∼10³) and present the current CMB constraints on α, through a combined analysis of the BOOMERanG, MAXIMA and DASI datasets. We also present a discussion of the constraints on α coming from large-scale structure observations, focusing in particular on the power spectrum from the 2dF survey. Finally we provide a analysis of the degeneracies between α and the other cosmological parameters and discuss ways to break these with both existing and/or forthcoming data. Our results are consistent with no variation in α from the epoch of recombination to the present day, and restrict any such variation to be less than about 4%.We show that the forthcoming MAP and Planck experiments will be able to break most of the currently existing degeneracies between α and other parameters, and measure α to better than percent accuracy. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A possibility to useCi infrared absorption lines for determination of the background radiation temperature at earlier cosmological epochs

A method for the determination of the background radiation temperature in earlier cosmological epochs at redshiftsz>2 is discussed in detail. The method is based on the fact that in the clouds situated at cosmological distances at redshiftz the background radiation temperature must be (1+z) times more than in the modern epoch (z=0). This shall affect the level populations of the atoms, ions and molecules and, consequently, the parameters of the absorption lines observed in quasar absorption spectra. It is proposed to use the transition³ P ₀–³ P ₁ ofCi (=610 ) for the measurement of the background radiation temperature. Atz>2 this absorption line shifts to the millimeter radio region and can be observed by radioastronomical methods.     

Primeval galaxies: Predicted luminosities

Absorption by gas and dust in circumstellar Hii regions within primeval galaxies could seriously depress the far-ultraviolet continuum radiation emitted by primeval galaxies. This effect might account for the failure of Partridge (1974) and Davis and Wilkinson (1974) to detect the redshifted radiation from primeval galaxies at optical and near-infrared wavelengths. A primeval galaxy becomes very bright only during the final stages of contraction. Provided that dust can form by the time the primeval galaxy reaches peak luminosity, a significant fraction of the stellar far-ultraviolet radiation is converted into far-infrared. Thus an appropriate spectral region to search for the redshifted integrated background from primeval galaxies lies between 350 , where the 2.7 K microwave background radiation becomes important, and 150 , where other extragalactic discrete sources, such as nearby galactic nuclei, may contribute. The expected IR flux is calculated with Kaufman's (1975) model for the star formation rate in the contracting galaxy. Letz _p be the redshift andT _g the grain temperature when the primeval galaxy becomes very bright. Unlessz _p10 orT _g is fairly high, the intensity of the far-infrared radiation from primeval galaxies would be dominated by the high frequency tail of the 2.7 K microwave background. On the other hand, if dust is unimportant, we determine the spectral energy distribution of a primeval galaxy emitted in the range 912 Å to 2050 Å; we find that the luminosities are not very sensitive to the dependence of effective temperatures on metal abundance.     

Propagation of a burst of radiation in an expanding and recombining universe: Thomson scattering

The propagation of an instantaneous burst of nonpolarized isotropic radiation from the time of its onset at some redshift z ₀ to the time of its recording at the present epoch is considered within the framework of a flat cosmological model. Thomson (Rayleigh) scattering by free electrons is believed to be the only source of opacity. The spatial distributions of the mean (over the directions) radiation intensity as well as the angular distributions of the radiation intensity and polarization at various distances from the burst center have been constructed. The mean intensity profile normalized to the total number of photons emitted during the burst is shown to depend weakly on the initial conditions (the burst time z ₀, the width and shape of the initial radiation distribution) at fairly high z ₀ (≥1400). As regards the angular intensity and polarization distributions, they turn out to be rather narrow (3–10 arcmin), while the polarization can reach 70%. On average, the expected polarization can be about 15%.     

Statistics of interacting galaxies at <Emphasis Type="Italic">z</Emphasis> ∼ 0.7

We present the results of our analysis of the frequencies of galaxies with tidal tails and M51-type galaxies in several deep fields of the Hubble Space Telescope (HDF-N, HDF-S, HUDF, GOODS, GEMS). In total, we have found about seven hundred interacting galaxies at redshifts z ≤ 1.5 in these fields. At z ≤ 0.7, the observed space densities of galaxies with tidal structures and M51-type galaxies have been found to increase as ∝(1 + z) ^m , where m ≈ 2.6. According to our estimates, over the last 6–7 Gyr, i.e., at z ≤ 0.7, about a third of the galaxies with M(B) ≤ −18 ^m must have undergone strong gravitational perturbations and mergers and ∼1/10−1/5 of the galaxies have swallowed relatively low-mass nearby satellites typical of M51-type galaxies. The possible decrease in the time scale on which a distant galaxy appears peculiar with growing z can increase considerably the estimated rate of mergers.     

Radiation pressure on bacterial clumps in the solar vicinity and their survival between interstellar transits

Radiation pressure cross-sections for clumps of hollow bacterial grains with thin coatings of graphite are calculated using rigorousGüttler formulae. The carbonized skins are expected to form through exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, but a limiting thickness of about 0.03 μm is determined by opacity effects. The ratios of radiation pressure to gravity P/G are calculated for varying sizes of the clumps and for varying thickness of the graphite coatings. Bacterial clumps and individual desiccated bacteria without coatings of radii in the range 0.3–8 μm have P/G ratios less than unity, whereas particles with coatings of 0.02μmthickness have ratios in excess of unity. Such coatings also provide protection from damaging ultraviolet radiation. Putative cometary bacteria, such as have beenrecently collected in the stratosphere, are thus not gravitationally bound in the solar system provided they possess carbonised exterior coatings. They are rapidly expelled from the solar system reaching nearby protosolar nebulae in timescales of a few million years. Even with the most pessimistic assumptions galactic cosmic rays are unable to diminish viability to an extent that vitiates the continuity of panspermia. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

RING CURRENT DYNAMICS DURING THE 13–18 JULY 2000 STORM PERIOD

We study the development of the terrestrial ring current during the time interval of 13–18 July, 2000, which consisted of two small to moderate geomagnetic storms followed by a great storm with indices Dst=−300 nT and Kp=9. This period of intense geomagnetic activity was caused by three interplanetary coronal mass ejecta (ICME) each driving interplanetary shocks, the last shock being very strong and reaching Earth at ∼ 14 UT on 15 July. We note that (a) the sheath region behind the third shock was characterized by B _z fluctuations of ∼35 nT peak-to-peak amplitude, and (b) the ICME contained a negative to positive B _z variation extending for about 1 day, with a ∼ 6-hour long negative phase and a minimum B _z of about −55 nT. Both of these interplanetary sources caused considerable geomagnetic activity (Kp=8 to 9) despite their disparity as interplanetary triggers. We used our global ring current-atmosphere interaction model with initial and boundary conditions inferred from measurements from the hot plasma instruments on the Polar spacecraft and the geosynchronous Los Alamos satellites, and simulated the time evolution of H⁺, O⁺, and He⁺ ring current ion distributions. We found that the O⁺ content of the ring current increased after each shock and reached maximum values of ∼ 60% near minimum Dst of the great storm. We calculated the growth rate of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves considering for the first time wave excitation at frequencies below O⁺ gyrofrequency. We found that the wave gain of O⁺ band waves is greater and is located at larger L shells than that of the He⁺ band waves during this storm interval. Isotropic pitch angle distributions indicating strong plasma wave scattering were observed by the imaging proton sensor (IPS) on Polar at the locations of maximum predicted wave gain, in good agreement with model simulations.     

Star formation history in the central region of the barred galaxy NGC 7177

Using the method of two-dimensional spectroscopy, we have investigated the kinematics and distribution of the gas and stars at the center of the early-type spiral galaxy NGC 7177 with a mediumscale bar as well as the change in the mean age of the stellar population along the radius. A classical picture of radial gas inflow to the galactic center along the shock fronts delineated by dust concentration at the leading edges of the bar has been revealed. The gas inflow is observed down to a radius R = 1″.5−2″, where the gas flows at the inner Lindblad resonance concentrate in an azimuthally highly inhomogeneous nuclear star formation ring. The bar in NGC 7177 is shown to be thick in z coordinate—basically, it has already turned into a pseudo-bulge as a result of secular dynamical evolution. The mean stellar age inside the star formation ring, in the galactic nucleus, is old, ∼10 Gyr.Outside, at a distance R = 6″−8″ from the nucleus, the mean age of the stellar population is ∼2 Gyr. If we agree that the bar in NGC 7177 is old, then, obviously, the star formation ring has migrated radially inward in the last 1–2 Gyr, in accordance with the predictions of some dynamical models.     

UV Capabilities to Probe the Formation of Planetary Systems: From the ISM to Planets

Planetary systems are angular momentum reservoirs generated during star formation. Solutions to three of the most important problems in contemporary astrophysics are needed to understand the entire process of planetary system formation: The physics of the ISM. Stars form from dense molecular clouds that contain ∼ 30% of the total interstellar medium (ISM) mass. The structure, properties and lifetimes of molecular clouds are determined by the overall dynamics and evolution of a very complex system – the ISM. Understanding the physics of the ISM is of prime importance not only for Galactic but also for extragalactic and cosmological studies. Most of the ISM volume (∼ 65%) is filled with diffuse gas at temperatures between 3000 and 300 000 K, representing about 50% of the ISM mass. The physics of accretion and outflow. Powerful outflows are known to regulate angular momentum transport during star formation, the so-called accretion–outflow engine. Elementary physical considerations show that, to be efficient, the acceleration region for the outflows must be located close to the star (within 1 AU) where the gravitational field is strong. According to recent numerical simulations, this is also the region where terrestrial planets could form after 1 Myr. One should keep in mind that today the only evidence for life in the Universe comes from a planet located in this inner disk region (at 1 AU) from its parent star. The temperature of the accretion–outflow engine is between 3000 and 10 ⁷ K. After 1 Myr, during the classical T Tauri stage, extinction is small and the engine becomes naked and can be observed at ultraviolet wavelengths. The physics of planet formation. Observations of volatiles released by dust, planetesimals and comets provide an extremely powerful tool for determining the relative abundances of the vaporizing species and for studying the photochemical and physical processes acting in the inner parts of young planetary systems. This region is illuminated by the strong UV radiation field produced by the star and the accretion–outflow engine. Absorption spectroscopy provides the most sensitive tool for determining the properties of the circumstellar gas as well as the characteristics of the atmospheres of the inner planets transiting the stellar disk. UV radiation also pumps the electronic transitions of the most abundant molecules (H ₂, CO, etc.) that are observed in the UV.Here we argue that access to the UV spectral range is essential for making progress in this field, since the resonance lines of the most abundant atoms and ions at temperatures between 3000 and 300 000 K, together with the electronic transitions of the most abundant molecules (H ₂, CO, OH, CS, S ₂, CO ₂ ⁺, C ₂, O ₂, O₃, etc.) are at UV wavelengths. A powerful UV-optical instrument would provide an efficient mean for measuring the abundance of ozone in the atmosphere of the thousands of transiting planets expected to be detected by the next space missions (GAIA, Corot, Kepler, etc.). Thus, a follow-up UV mission would be optimal for identifying Earth-like candidates.