Simulations and interpretation of the 6-cm MERLIN images of the classical nova V723 Cas

We compare the predictions of simple models for the radio emission from classical novae with the MERLIN radio observations of nova V723 Cas (Nova Cas 1995). Spherically symmetric and ellipsoidal radiative transfer models are implemented in order to generate synthetic emission maps. These are then convolved with an accurate representation of the u v coverage of MERLIN. The parameters and geometry of the shell model are based on those returned by fitting models to the observed light curve. This allows direct comparison of the model images with the nine 6-cm MERLIN images of V723 Cas.
It is found that the seemingly complex structure (clumping, apparent rotation) evident in the observations can actually be reproduced with a simple spherical emission model. The simulations show that a 24-h track greatly reduces the instrumental effects and the synthetic radio map is a closer representation of the true (model) sky brightness distribution. It is clear that interferometric arrays with sparse u v coverage (e.g. MERLIN, VLBA) will be more prone to these instrumental effects especially when imaging ring-like objects with time-dependent structure variations. A modelling approach such as that adopted here is essential when interpreting observations.     

Probing the microarcsecond structure of the Circinus megamasers through diffractive interstellar scintillation

We have used the Long Baseline Array to observe the Circinus Galaxy H₂O megamasers on two epochs separated by 49 d. The masers were observed to be highly variable, consistent with previous studies. We observe rapid variations in the linewidth and central velocity of the maser's spectral profile. The characteristics of these spectral variations suggest that the masers have an anisotropic structure, with axial ratios ≲5, and display velocity gradients in their microarcsecond structure. We also find a strong anticorrelation between the linewidth and the modulation index of the maser features and a relationship between the modulation index and characteristic time-scale of the variations. These various phenomena can all be simply explained through a model where the rapid variations in the masers are produced by quenched diffractive scintillation in the presence of modest velocity gradients in the maser emission.
The very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) images are consistent with previous high-resolution observations and show maser emission arising both in a circumnuclear accretion disc, and in a low-velocity outflow. We find no systematic differences in the variability properties of the disc and outflow masers. The VLBI images reveal that there is considerable spectral blending in single-dish spectra of the Circinus megamasers.
In addition to the VLBI imaging we also used these observations to look for a time delay in the intensity variations observed at the different telescopes in the array, as expected for scintillation-induced variability. No time delay was detected, which allows us to place a lower limit on the velocity of the interstellar medium during these observations 22 km s⁻¹ for the second epoch. We conclude that any future attempts to measure a time delay in this source should utilize intercontinental baselines to increase the chances of success.     

Wide-field VLBI imaging

We discuss the technique of Wide-field imaging as it applies to Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). In the past VLBI data sets were usually averaged so severely that the field-of-view was typically restricted to regions extending a few hundred milliarcseconds from the phase centre of the field. Recent advances in data analysis techniques, together with increasing data storage capabilities, and enhanced computer processing power, now permit VLBI images to be made whose angular size represents a significant fraction of an individual antenna's primary beam. This technique has recently been successfully applied to several large separation gravitational lens systems, compact Supernova Remnants in the starburst galaxy M82, and two faint radio sources located within the same VLA FIRST field. It seems likely that other VLBI observing programmes might benefit from this wide-field approach to VLBI data analysis. With the raw sensitivity of global VLBI set to improve by a factor 4–5 over the coming few years, the number of sources that can be detected in a given field will rise considerably. In addition, a continued progression in VLBI's ability to image relatively faint and extended low brightness temperature features (such as hot-spots in large-scale astrophysical jets) is also to be expected. As VLBI sensitivity approaches the μJy level, a wide-field approach to data analysis becomes inevitable.     

Space very long baseline interferometry observations of polarization in the jet of 3C 380

A comparison between low-frequency space very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and high-frequency ground-based VLBI images can, in principle, be used to detect small variations in rotation measure (RM) on fine angular scales inaccessible to ground arrays alone. This paper reports an attempt to perform such a comparison using the jet in the quasar 3C 380. Observations made with the VSOP antenna HALCA together with a ground array at wavelength 1.6 GHz provide total intensity and polarization images of comparable resolution to those from the ground array alone at 5 GHz. The results provide an image showing derotated magnetic vector position angle of somewhat higher resolution than that available earlier. The results show variations in an RM around component A of the order of 10 rad m⁻² that could not have been detected with the ground array alone. It is concluded that satellite VLBI observations provide a promising means to study the distribution of matter and magnetic fields around parsec-scale jets.
The ground observations used here follow the steady outward drift of component A, which has approximately doubled its distance from the core since the first observations in 1982. They also reveal total intensity and polarization structure associated with a bright knot 0.7 arcsec from the core which is reminiscent of that expected for a conical shock wave.     

The role of luminous substructure in the gravitational lens system MG 2016+112

MG 2016+112 is a quadruply imaged lens system with two complete images A and B and a pair of merging partial images in region C as seen in the radio. The merging images are found to violate the expected mirror symmetry. This indicates an astrometric anomaly which could only be of gravitational origin and could arise due to substructure in the environment or line of sight of the lens galaxy. We present new high-resolution multifrequency very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations at 1.7, 5 and 8.4 GHz. Three new components are detected in the new VLBI imaging of both the lensed images A and B. The expected opposite parity of the lensed images A and B was confirmed due to the detection of non-collinear components. Furthermore, the observed properties of the newly detected components are inconsistent with the predictions of previous mass models. We present new scenarios for the background quasar which are consistent with the new observations. We also investigate the role of the satellite galaxy situated at the same redshift as the main lensing galaxy. Our new mass models demonstrate quantitatively that the satellite galaxy is the primary cause of the astrometric anomaly found in region C. The detected satellite is consistent with the abundance of subhaloes expected in the halo from cold dark matter (CDM) simulations. However, the fraction of the total halo mass in the satellite as computed from lens modelling is found to be higher than that predicted by CDM simulations.     

Global very long-baseline interferometry observations of compact radio sources in M82

Observations of the starburst galaxy, M82, have been made with a 20-station global very long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) array at λ 18 cm. Maps are presented of the brightest young supernova remnants (SNR) in M82 and the wide-field mapping techniques used in making images over a field of view of ∼1 arcmin with 3-milliarcsecond resolution are discussed. A limit has been placed on the power-law deceleration of the young supernova remnant (SNR) 43.31+592 with an index greater than 0.73±0.11 from observations with the European VLBI Network. Using the global array we have resolved compact knots of radio emission in the source which, with future global observations, will enable better constraints to be placed on the expansion parameters of this SNR.
The latest global observations have also provided high-resolution images of the most compact radio source in M82, 41.95+575. We determine an upper limit to the radial expansion rate along the major axis of 2000 km s⁻¹. However, the new images also show structure resembling that of collimated ejection which brings into question the previous explanation of the source as being a result of the confinement of a supernova by a high-density circumstellar medium.
It is apparent that we are now able to image the brightest supernova remnants in M82 with a linear scale which allows direct comparison with galactic SNR such as Cassiopeia A.     

Doppler imaging of BD+22°4409 (LO Peg) using least-squares deconvolution

We present maximum-entropy reconstructions of the rapidly rotating dwarf single star BD+22°4409 (LO Peg) from observations at the William Herschel Telescope in 1993 August. Since this star is too faint to use the conventional single- or three-line Doppler imaging methods, we make use of the novel method of least-squares deconvolution, which utilizes the large number of photospheric lines in an echelle spectrum to produce a single high signal-to-noise ratio profile.
The star-spot distributions from the image reconstructions show cool features at both high and low latitudes, in contradiction to recent theoretical predictions of the dynamo behaviour in rapidly rotating stars. Cross-correlation of the images from consecutive nights shows a good correlation from the small-scale structures, but no evidence of surface differential rotation. From the cross-correlation of the high-latitude spot we are able to reject the period of 9.22 h of Jeffries et al. in favour of their preferred period of 10.17 h, confirming the result of Robb & Cardinal.     

Analysis of λ = 6 cm VLBI polarization observations of a complete sample of northern BL Lacertae objects

The results of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) total intensity ( I ) and linear polarization ( P ) observations at     are presented for 10 radio bright BL Lacertae objects. These images complete first-epoch polarization observations for the 1-Jy sample of northern BL Lacertae objects defined by Kühr & Schmidt. Estimates of superluminal speeds are presented for several sources, bringing the total number of sources in the sample for which such estimates are available to 16. Second-epoch observations currently being reduced should yield speed estimates for VLBI features in essentially all the sources in the sample. The jet magnetic fields of these BL Lacertae objects are usually transverse to the local jet direction, but a sizeable minority (about 30 per cent) have VLBI jet components with longitudinal magnetic fields. This may suggest that the conditions in the VLBI jets of BL Lacertae objects are favourable for the formation of relativistic shocks; alternatively, it may be that the toroidal component of the intrinsic jet magnetic field is characteristically dominant in these sources.     

Smear fitting: a new image-deconvolution method for interferometric data

A new technique is presented for producing images from interferometric data. The method, 'smear fitting', makes the constraints necessary for interferometric imaging double as a model, with uncertainties, of the sky brightness distribution. It does this by modelling the sky with a set of functions and then convolving each component with its own elliptical Gaussian to account for the uncertainty in its shape and location that arises from noise. This yields much sharper resolution than clean for significantly detected features, without sacrificing any sensitivity. Using appropriate functional forms for the components provides both a scientifically interesting model and imaging constraints that tend to be better than those used by traditional deconvolution methods. This allows it to avoid the most serious problems that limit the imaging quality of those methods. Comparisons of smear fitting to clean and maximum entropy are given, using both real and simulated observations. It is also shown that the famous Rayleigh criterion (resolution = wavelength/baseline) is inappropriate for interferometers as it does not consider the reliability of the measurements.     

A milliarcsecond-resolution image of the OH masers in G34.3+0.2

We present measurements of the distribution of the OH masers at 1665 and 1667 MHz towards the cometary ultracompact H  ii region in the complex G34.3+0.2. The results are based on observations made in both senses of circular polarization with a very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) array having an angular resolution of 5×20 mas². 38 maser features are identified in the region. 33 of these lie on an arc at the edge of the cometary H  ii region. Five are located in a cluster offset toward the north-east by 3 arcsec, and are probably associated with an independent ultracompact H  ii region. There is a velocity gradient of 30 km s⁻¹ pc⁻¹ across the arc. We identify five Zeeman pairs and determine that the magnetic field varies between 1 and 7 mG, but is always directed away from the Earth.
The OH masers may arise in clumps in a shell of gas in a bow shock caused by the motion of the exciting star through the molecular cloud. The stand-off distance and the thickness of the shocked shell are roughly consistent with those predicted by such a bow-shock model. Also, the position of the exciting star(s), as estimated from the focus of the parabolic bow shock, closely matches that of the peak emission from the cometary H  ii region. However, the north–south velocity gradient in the ionized material remains difficult to explain in the context of the bow-shock model.     

More Microwave Observations of Saturn: Modeling the Ring with a Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Code

We present a second epoch of Very Large Array Saturn observations taken in February 1997 spanning wavelengths 1.3-21 cm. These observations complement earlier observations at Saturn's autumnal equinox in November 1995. In this epoch, however, we generally have better signal-to-noise ratios and the ring inclination of the present observations was −5.0°, whereas the previous observations were made with ring inclination +2.7°.Our observations confirm the latitudinal structure on the saturnian disk as seen at 2.0, 3.6, and 6.1 cm. We also see some latitudinal structure at 1.3 cm for the first time. The details of this structure have changed dramatically from those reported by I. de Pater and J. R. Dickel (1991, Icarus94, 474-492) for the 1980s and are consistent with those seen in F. van der Tak et al. (1999, Icarus142, 125-147). The most prominent features are a pair of brightness enhancements just inside the edges of the Equatorial Zone.The rings do not show the east-west asymmetry seen in our previous epoch, perhaps indicative of a viewing angle effect on the scattering properties of the rings. The radial trend in brightness in the ansae is generally consistent with that expected from optical depth variations and increasing distance from the source of scattered light. In particular the increased optical depth towards the center of the C ring is evident. Azimuthal variation in brightness in the C ring shows the forward scattering expected of Mie scattering. By contrast, the A and B rings show little or no azimuthal variation.We present Monte Carlo simulations of the ring brightness under the assumptions of isotropic and Mie scattering. These are the first synthetic maps of Saturn which can be directly compared to the images we obtained. Neither model fits all the data well. However, a hybrid model combining isotropic and Mie scattering does fit well. We interpret the consistency with isotropic scattering in the outer rings as an indication that near-field effects may be important. This in turn implies geometrically thin rings, as predicted by dynamical simulations of these rings.     

Multifrequency study of the ring nebula SG 13

We investigate the morphology and kinematics of the interstellar medium in the environs of the open cluster Mrk 50, which includes the Wolf–Rayet star WR 157 and a number of early B-type stars. The analysis was performed using radio continuum images at 408 and 1420 MHz, and H  i 21-cm line data taken from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey, molecular observations of the ¹²CO  ( J = 1 → 0)  line at 115 GHz from the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory and available mid- and far-infrared (FIR) observations obtained with the Midcourse Space Experiment and IRAS satellites, respectively.
This study allowed the identification of the radio continuum and molecular counterpart of the ring nebula SG 13, while no neutral atomic structure was found to be associated. The nebula is also detected in the images in the mid- and FIR, showing the existence of dust well mixed with the ionized gas. We estimate the main physical parameters of the material linked to the nebula.
The interstellar gas distribution in the environs of Mrk 50 is compatible with a stellar wind bubble created by the mass loss from WR 157.
The distribution of young stellar object candidates in the region shows that the stellar formation activity may be present in the molecular shell that encircles the ring nebula.     

VLBI and VLA observations of intraday polarization variability in 0917+624 and 0954+658

Total intensity and polarization λ =6 cm Very Large Array (VLA) and global very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) images of the quasar 0917+624 and the BL Lacertae object 0954+658 (both at epoch 1991.43) are analysed. Integrated measurements using the VLA during the VLBI observations indicated that, although there were no substantial total intensity variations, there were significant polarization variations for both sources during the 24-h VLBI experiment. The VLBI data were divided into 2–3 h segments in order to try to identify corresponding rapid variability in the VLBI structure. This analysis revealed intraday variability (IDV) in the VLBI core of 0917+624: both the polarized flux and the polarization position angle varied substantially on time-scales of ∼5–10 h. There is evidence that the VLA polarization variations for 0954+658 occurred in an inner VLBI jet component, where the polarized flux varied by ∼30–40 per cent on time-scales of ∼2 h. 0917+624 and 0954+658 were observed together with 0716+714, an object that also displayed IDV in the polarized flux density measured during our experiment (analysed in a separate paper). These three sources were targeted for the VLBI observations since they had been previously identified as intraday variables, but we had no way of knowing whether they would vary during our observations. The fact that all three exhibited IDV in polarization (but not in total intensity) during our experiment suggests that polarization IDV occurs frequently in at least some IDV sources.     

Hydrodynamic simulations of molecular outflows driven by slow-precessing protostellar jets

We present hydrodynamic simulations of molecular outflows driven by jets with a long period of precession, motivated by observations of arc-like features and S-symmetry in outflows associated with young stars. We simulate images of not only H₂ vibrational and CO rotational emission lines, but also of atomic emission. The density cross-section displays a jaw-like cavity, independent of precession rate. In molecular hydrogen, however, we find ordered chains of bow shocks and meandering streamers which contrast with the chaotic structure produced by jets in rapid precession. A feature particularly dominant in atomic emission is a stagnant point in the flow that remains near the inlet and alters shape and brightness as the jet skims by. Under the present conditions, slow jet precession yields a relatively high fraction of mass accelerated to high speeds, as also attested to in simulated CO line profiles. Many outflow structures, characterized by HH 222 (continuous ribbon), HH 240 (asymmetric chains of bow shocks) and RNO 43N (protruding cavities), are probably related to the slow-precession model.     

The signature of dark energy on the local Hubble flow

Using N -body simulations of flat, dark energy-dominated cosmologies, we show that galaxies around simulated binary systems resembling the Local Group (LG) have low peculiar velocities, in good agreement with observational data. We have compared results for LG-like systems selected from large, high-resolution simulations of three cosmologies: a ΛCDM model, a ΛWDM model with a 2-keV warm dark matter candidate, and a quintessence (QCDM) model with an equation-of-state parameter   w =−0.6  . The Hubble flow is significantly colder around LGs selected in a flat, Λ-dominated cosmology than around LGs in open or critical models, showing that a dark energy component manifests itself on the scales of nearby galaxies, cooling galaxy peculiar motions. Flows in the ΛWDM and QCDM models are marginally colder than in the ΛCDM one.
The results of our simulations have been compared to existing data and to a new data set of 28 nearby galaxies with robust distance measures (Cepheids and surface brightness fluctuations). The measured line-of-sight velocity dispersion is given by  σ_H= (88 ± 20  km s⁻¹) × ( R /7 Mpc)  . The best agreement with observations is found for LGs selected in the ΛCDM cosmology in environments with  −0.1 < δρ/ρ < 0.6  on scales of 7 Mpc, in agreement with existing observational estimates on the local matter density. These results provide new, independent evidence for the presence of dark energy on scales of a few megaparsecs, corroborating the evidence gathered from observations of distant objects and the early Universe.     

Scattered light models of the dust shell around HD 179821

The dust shell around the evolved star HD 179821 has been detected in scattered light in near-IR imaging polarimetry observations. Here, we subtract the contribution of the unpolarized stellar light to obtain an intrinsic linear polarization of between 30 and 40 per cent in the shell that seems to increase with radial offset from the star. The J - and K -band data are modelled using a scattering code to determine the shell parameters and dust properties. We find that the observations are well described by a spherically-symmetric distribution of dust with an r ⁻² density law, indicating that when mass-loss was occurring, the mass-loss rate was constant. The models predict that the detached nature of a spherically-symmetric, optically-thin dust shell, with a distinct inner boundary, will only be apparent in polarized flux. This is in accordance with the observations of this and other optically-thin circumstellar shells, such as IRAS 17436+5003. By fitting the shell brightness we derive an optical depth to the star that is consistent with V -band observations and that, assuming a distance of 6 kpc, gives an inner-shell radius of     , a dust number density of     at r _in and a dust mass of     . We have explored axisymmetric shell models but conclude that any deviations from spherical symmetry in the shell must be slight, with an equator-to-pole density contrast of less than 2:1. We have not been able to fit simultaneously the high linear polarizations and the small     colour excess of the shell and we attribute this to the unusual scattering properties of the dust. We suggest that the dust grains around HD 179821 either are highly elongated or consist of aggregates of smaller particles.     

EVN observations of low-luminosity flat-spectrum active galactic nuclei

We present and discuss the results of very-long baseline interferometry (VLBI, EVN) observations of three low-luminosity     broad emission line active galactic nuclei (AGNs) carefully selected from a sample of flat-spectrum radio sources (CLASS). Based on the total and the extended radio power at 5 and at 1.4 GHz respectively, these objects should be technically classified as radio-quiet AGN and thus the origin of their radio emission is not clearly understood. The VLBI observations presented in this paper have revealed compact radio cores which imply a lower limit on the brightness temperature of about     . This result rules out a thermal origin for the radio emission and strongly suggests an emission mechanism similar to that observed in more powerful radio-loud AGNs. Since, by definition, the three objects show a flat (or inverted) radio spectrum between 1.4 and 8.4 GHz, the observed radio emission could be relativistically beamed. Multi-epoch VLBI observations can confirm this possibility in two years' time.     

Intraday polarization variability outside the VLBI core of the active galactic nucleus 0716+714

Rapid ('intraday') cm-wavelength variations in both total and polarized flux density have been observed in a number of strong extragalactic radio sources. It is difficult to explain these variations purely as propagation effects, but if they are intrinsic to the sources, implausibly high brightness temperatures are required. We discuss here rapid polarization variability during our λ =6 cm global very long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the active galactic nucleus 0716+714. Measurements made with the Very Large Array (VLA) during the VLBI observations indicate a ≃50° swing in the position angle χ of the VLA core polarization in 12 hours. Corresponding variations were observed only for short VLBI baselines, so that they could not have occurred in the VLBI core (the only feature detected in our VLBI polarization map). The fact that the variations appear both in the VLA data and in the VLBI data for short baselines makes it difficult to explain them as instrumental effects. This leads us to conclude that the rapid variations occurred outside the area covered by our VLBI map; we estimate that the variability occurred in some compact feature roughly 25 milliarcseconds from the nucleus. It is clear that compact structures on a wide range of scales must be taken into account in studies of intraday variability in AGN.     

S5 2007+777的射电性质研究

S5 2007+777是一个典型的低峰值频率的蝎虎天体,该天体具有kpc尺度的X射线喷流,文献中利用模型估算的方法,得出X射线波段的多普勒因子达到13.0,从而喷流尺度可以达到Mpc量级.在此,搜集了有关S5 2007+777的欧洲甚长基线射电干涉网(European VLBI Network, EVN)高分辨率档案数据、美国甚长基线射电干涉网(Very Long Baseline Array, VLBA) 15 GHz观测数据等,研究了喷流的射电结构、亮温度、自行等方面的性质,发现该源的甚长基线干涉测量(Very Long Baseline Interferometry,VLBI)不同波段的喷流方向一致,但与文献中给出的kpc尺度的X射线喷流和甚大阵(Very Large Array, VLA)射电喷流方向存在一定的差异,说明该源的喷流辐射存在多普勒增亮效应.由VLBI观测得到的亮温度,估算了该源的射电多普勒因子的平均值及中值均为5.0,此值小于文献中X射线波段的多普勒因子,但与文献中利用其他方法得到的射电波段多普勒因子是一致的;另外,对多历元观测数据的拟合发现此源相同波段的各个成分在长历元上没有明显的自行,短历元上的自行甚至是视超光速运动.这可能是由低表面亮度成分中心位置的转移造成的.这同时也验证了之前估算的射电多普勒因子不是很大,小于X射线波段多普勒因子的结论.利用所得到的射电多普勒因子,发现该源具有较大尺度的本征射电喷流,可达到0.5 Mpc,由于这里使用的是均值,因此说明该源也有可能具有接近巨射电星系尺度的喷流.     

Colliding winds in V1016 Cygni

We present MERLIN observations of the symbiotic nova V1016 Cygni made at 6 cm between 1992 and 1997 and at 18 cm in 1993 and 1997. In the 6-cm images we find complex structure which has not been previously seen, in particular three bright components. These components do not appear to be expanding as would be expected from the remains of a hot wind resulting from the nova outburst. The change in positions of two of the features exhibits tentative east–west movement. The brightness temperature of the peak with the highest flux density remains above 50 000 K in all epochs, thereby confirming the presence of shocked material in the system. At 18 cm there is no evidence of any non-thermal emission as might be expected from comparison with a sister star, HM Sge.