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.     

The quiescent spectral energy distribution of V404 Cyg

We present a multiwavelength study of the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cyg in quiescence, focusing upon the spectral energy distribution (SED). Radio, optical, ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray coverage is simultaneous. We supplement the SED with additional non-simultaneous data in the optical through infrared where necessary. The compiled SED is the most complete available for this, the X-ray and radio brightest quiescent black hole system. We find no need for a substantial contribution from accretion light from the near-UV to the near-IR, and in particular the weak UV emission constrains published spectral models for V404 Cyg. We confirm that no plausible companion spectrum and interstellar extinction can fully explain the mid-IR, however, and an infrared (IR) excess from a jet or cool disc appears to be required. The X-ray spectrum is consistent with a  Γ∼ 2  power law as found by all other studies to date. There is no evidence for any variation in the hardness over a range of a factor of 10 in luminosity. The radio flux is consistent with a flat spectrum (in   f _ν  ). The break frequency between a flat and optically thin spectrum most likely occurs in the mid or far-IR, but is not strongly constrained by these data. We find the radio to be substantially variable but with no clear correlation with X-ray variability.     

The Bhuj, India, earthquake: lessons learned for earthquake safety of dams on alluvium

The Bhuj, India, earthquake of 26 January 2001, M_s 7.9, caused dams built on alluvium to sustain damage ranging from cosmetic to severe. Major damage was caused almost entirely by soil liquefaction in the alluvium. The critical factor was the level of earthquake ground motion.

The Bhuj earthquake showed that peak horizontal accelerations (PHAs)≤0.2 g were generally safe. PHAs>0.2 g were hazardous, when unconsolidated granular foundation soils were water saturated. N values of <20 are indicative of susceptibility to soil liquefaction. The Bhuj experience showed that alluvial foundation soils, subject to a PHA>0.2 g, must be evaluated over the full area beneath a new dam and all soils deemed susceptible to liquefaction must be either removed or treated. For remediating an old dam, reliable options are removal and replacement of liquefiable alluvium beneath upstream and downstream portions of the dam, combined with building berms designed to provide stability for the dam should there be a strength loss in soils beneath the dam.     

The atmospheric chemistry of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) kinetics and mechanism of the OH+DMSO reaction

We have employed a pulsed laser photolysis-pulsed laser induced fluorescence technique to study the kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of OH with dimethylsulfoxide and its deuterated analogue. A rate coefficient of (1.0±0.3)×10^-10 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 was obtained ar room temperature. The rate coefficient was independent of pressure over the range 25–700 Torr, showed no dependence on the nature of the buffer gas and showed no kinetic isotope effect. A limited study of the temperature dependence indicated that the reaction displays a negative activation energy. The gas phase ultraviolet absorption spectrum was obtained at room temperature and showed a strong absorption feature in the far ultraviolet. The absolute absorption cross-section at 205 nm, the absorption peak, is (1.0±0.3)×10^-17 cm², where the large uncertainty results from experimental difficulties associated with the low vapor pressure and stickiness of DMSO.     

Quantifying the value of multi-sectoral marine commercial activity in Ireland

The realisation that the world’s oceans play an important role in climate regulation and many territory activities, notably food production, coupled with economic changes and the rapid advancement in ocean technology have seen a shift in the perception of the importance of marine resources. This increased focus on marine resources means that governments and policy-makers require accessible and reliable information regarding the role of the marine sector. This information may then be used to formulate new environmental and economic policy measures. The aim of this paper is to define, describe and quantify the value of the marine sector in Ireland. This paper outlines a methodology that provides a robust analysis of the Irish marine sector for 2007. It was found that in 2007 the Irish marine sector contributed €1.44 billion in GVA to the wider Irish economy and employed over 17,000 individuals in full time equivalents.     

Hα flares from V404 Cyg in quiescence

We present a spectrophotometric study of short-term optical variability in the quiescent black hole X-ray transient V404 Cyg. This includes two nights of high-time-resolution H α spectroscopy with which we resolve much of the time variability, and a further six nights of archival spectroscopy with lower time resolution but higher spectral resolution. We find significant variability in most of the data considered, with both the H α line and the continuum often varying in a correlated way. This includes both dramatic flares lasting a few hours in which the line flux nearly doubles and lower-level flickering. The strongest flares involve development of asymmetry in the line profile, with the red wing usually strongest independent of orbital phase. It is unclear why this is the case, but we discuss several possible explanations. We consider the energetics of the flares and compare with plausible models including chromospheric activity on the companion star, local magnetic reconnection events within the disc and varying irradiation from close to the black hole. Based on the line profile changes during the flares, we conclude that the most likely origin for the variability is variable photoionization by the central source, although local flares within the disc cannot be ruled out.     

Optical studies of the X-ray transient XTE J2123–058 – II. Phase-resolved spectroscopy

We present time-resolved spectroscopy of the soft X-ray transient XTE J2123–058 in outburst. A useful spectral coverage of 3700–6700 Å was achieved spanning two orbits of the binary, with single-epoch coverage extending to ∼9000 Å. The optical spectrum approximates a steep blue power law, consistent with emission on the Rayleigh–Jeans tail of a hot blackbody spectrum. The strongest spectral lines are He  ii 4686 Å and C  iii /N  iii 4640 Å (Bowen blend) in emission. Their relative strengths suggest that XTE J2123–058 was formed in the Galactic plane, not in the halo. Other weak emission lines of He  ii and C  iv are present, and Balmer lines show a complex structure, blended with He  ii . He  ii 4686-Å profiles show a complex multiple S-wave structure, with the strongest component appearing at low velocities in the lower-left quadrant of a Doppler tomogram. H α shows transient absorption between phases 0.35 and 0.55. Both of these effects appear to be analogous to similar behaviour in SW Sex type cataclysmic variables. We therefore consider whether the spectral line behaviour of XTE J2123–058 can be explained by the same models invoked for those systems.     

The radio spectrum of a quiescent stellar mass black hole

Observations of V404 Cyg performed using the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope at four frequencies, over the interval 1.4–8.4 GHz, have provided us with the first broad-band radio spectrum of a 'quiescent' stellar mass black hole. The measured mean flux density is of 0.35 mJy, with a spectral index  α=+0.09 ± 0.19  (such that   S _ν∝ν^α  ). Synchrotron emission from an inhomogeneous partially self-absorbed outflow of plasma accounts for the flat/inverted radio spectrum, in analogy with hard-state black hole X-ray binaries, indicating that a steady jet is being produced between a few 10⁻⁶ and a few per cent of the Eddington X-ray luminosity.