R. J. Beswick

An asymmetric shock wave in the 2006 outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi

Nova outbursts take place in binary star systems comprising a white dwarf and either a low-mass Sun-like star or, as in the case of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, a red giant. Although the cause of these outbursts is known to be thermonuclear explosion of matter transferred from the companion onto the surface of the white dwarf, models of the previous (1985) outburst of RS Ophiuchi failed to adequately fit the X-ray evolution and there was controversy over a single-epoch high-resolution radio image, which suggested that the remnant was bipolar rather than spherical as modelled. Here we report the detection of spatially resolved structure in RS Ophiuchi from two weeks after its 12 February 2006 outburst. We track an expanding shock wave as it sweeps through the red giant wind, producing a remnant similar to that of a type II supernova but evolving over months rather than millennia. As in supernova remnants, the radio emission is non-thermal (synchrotron emission), but asymmetries and multiple emission components clearly demonstrate that contrary to the assumptions of spherical symmetry in models of the 1985 explosion, the ejection is jet-like, collimated by the central binary whose orientation on the sky can be determined from these observations.

STAGES: the Space Telescope A901/2 Galaxy Evolution Survey

We present an overview of the Space Telescope A901/2 Galaxy Evolution Survey (STAGES). STAGES is a multiwavelength project designed to probe physical drivers of galaxy evolution across a wide range of environments and luminosity. A complex multicluster system at z similar to 0.165 has been the subject of an 80-orbit F606W Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) mosaic covering the full 0 degrees.5 x 0 degrees.5 (similar to 5 x 5 Mpc(2)) span of the supercluster. Extensive multiwavelength observations with XMM-Newton, GALEX, Spitzer, 2dF, Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and the 17-band COMBO-17 photometric redshift survey complement the HST imaging. Our survey goals include simultaneously linking galaxy morphology with other observables such as age, star formation rate, nuclear activity and stellar mass. In addition, with the multiwavelength data set and new high-resolution mass maps from gravitational lensing, we are able to disentangle the large-scale structure of the system. By examining all aspects of an environment we will be able to evaluate the relative importance of the dark matter haloes, the local galaxy density and the hot X-ray gas in driving galaxy transformation. This paper describes the HST imaging, data reduction and creation of a master catalogue. We perform the Sersic fitting on the HST images and conduct associated simulations to quantify completeness. In addition, we present the COMBO-17 photometric redshift catalogue and estimates of stellar masses and star formation rates for this field. We define galaxy and cluster sample selection criteria, which will be the basis for forthcoming science analyses, and present a compilation of notable objects in the field. Finally, we describe the further multiwavelength observations and announce public access to the data and catalogues.

Constraints on the Progenitor System and the Environs of SN 2014J from Deep Radio Observations

We report deep EVN and eMERLIN observations of the Type Ia SN 2014J in the nearby galaxy M82. Our observations represent, together with JVLA observations of SNe 2011fe and 2014J, the most sensitive radio studies of Type Ia SNe ever. By combining data and a proper modeling of the radio emission, we constrain the mass-loss rate from the progenitor system of SN 2014J to (M) over dot less than or similar to 7.0 x 10(-10) M yr(-1) (for a wind speed of 100 km s(-1)). If the medium around the supernova is uniform, then n(ISM) less than or similar to 1.3 cm(-3), which is the most stringent limit for the (uniform) density around a Type Ia SN. Our deep upper limits favor a double-degenerate (DD) scenario-involving two WD stars-for the progenitor system of SN 2014J, as such systems have less circumstellar gas than our upper limits. By contrast, most single-degenerate (SD) scenarios, i.e., the wide family of progenitor systems where a red giant, main-sequence, or sub-giant star donates mass to an exploding WD, are ruled out by our observations. (While completing our work, we noticed that a paper by Margutti et al. was submitted to The Astrophysical Journal. From a non-detection of X-ray emission from SN 2014J, the authors obtain limits of (M) over dot less than or similar to 1.2 x 10(-9) M-circle dot yr(-1) (for a wind speed of 100 km s(-1)) and n(ISM) less than or similar to 3.5 cm(-3), for the rho proportional to r(-2) wind and constant density cases, respectively. As these limits are less constraining than ours, the findings by Margutti et al. do not alter our conclusions. The X-ray results are, however, important to rule out free-free and synchrotron self-absorption as a reason for the radio non-detections.) Our estimates on the limits on the gas density surrounding SN2011fe, using the flux density limits from Chomiuk et al., agree well with their results. Although we discuss the possibilities of an SD scenario passing observational tests, as well as uncertainties in the modeling of the radio emission, the evidence from SNe 2011fe and 2014J points in the direction of a DD scenario for both.

Radio Continuum Surveys with Square Kilometre Array Pathfinders

In the lead-up to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, several next-generation radio telescopes and upgrades are already being built around the world. These include APERTIF (The Netherlands), ASKAP (Australia), e-MERLIN (UK), VLA (USA), e-EVN (based in Europe), LOFAR (The Netherlands), MeerKAT (South Africa), and the Murchison Widefield Array. Each of these new instruments has different strengths, and coordination of surveys between them can help maximise the science from each of them. A radio continuum survey is being planned on each of them with the primary science objective of understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies over cosmic time, and the cosmological parameters and large-scale structures which drive it. In pursuit of this objective, the different teams are developing a variety of new techniques, and refining existing ones. To achieve these exciting scientific goals, many technical challenges must be addressed by the survey instruments. Given the limited resources of the global radio-astronomical community, it is essential that we pool our skills and knowledge. We do not have sufficient resources to enjoy the luxury of re-inventing wheels. We face significant challenges in calibration, imaging, source extraction and measurement, classification and cross-identification, redshift determination, stacking, and data-intensive research. As these instruments extend the observational parameters, we will face further unexpected challenges in calibration, imaging, and interpretation. If we are to realise the full scientific potential of these expensive instruments, it is essential that we devote enough resources and careful study to understanding the instrumental effects and how they will affect the data. We have established an SKA Radio Continuum Survey working group, whose prime role is to maximise science from these instruments by ensuring we share resources and expertise across the projects. Here we describe these projects, their science goals, and the technical challenges which are being addressed to maximise the science return.

M 87 at metre wavelengths: the LOFAR picture

Context. M87 is a giant elliptical galaxy located in the centre of the Virgo cluster, which harbours a supermassive black hole of mass 6.4×109 M, whose activity is responsible for the extended (80 kpc) radio lobes that surround the galaxy. The energy generated by matter falling onto the central black hole is ejected and transferred to the intra-cluster medium via a relativistic jet and morphologically complex systems of buoyant bubbles, which rise towards the edges of the extended halo. Aims. To place constraints on past activity cycles of the active nucleus, images of M 87 were produced at low radio frequencies never explored before at these high spatial resolution and dynamic range. To disentangle different synchrotron models and place constraints on source magnetic field, age and energetics, we also performed a detailed spectral analysis of M 87 extended radio-halo. Methods. We present the first observations made with the new Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) of M 87 at frequencies down to 20 MHz. Three observations were conducted, at 15−30 MHz, 30−77 MHz and 116−162 MHz. We used these observations together with archival data to produce a low-frequency spectral index map and to perform a spectral analysis in the wide frequency range 30 MHz–10 GHz. Results. We do not find any sign of new extended emissions; on the contrary the source appears well confined by the high pressure of the intracluster medium. A continuous injection of relativistic electrons is the model that best fits our data, and provides a scenario in which the lobes are still supplied by fresh relativistic particles from the active galactic nuclei. We suggest that the discrepancy between the low-frequency radiospectral slope in the core and in the halo implies a strong adiabatic expansion of the plasma as soon as it leaves the core area. The extended halo has an equipartition magnetic field strength of 10 μG, which increases to 13 μG in the zones where the particle flows are more active. The continuous injection model for synchrotron ageing provides an age for the halo of 40 Myr, which in turn provides a jet kinetic power of 6−10 × 1044 erg s−1.

Deep MERLIN 5 GHz radio imaging of supernova remnants in the M82 starburst

The results of an extremely deep, 8-d long observation of the central kpc of the nearby starburst galaxy M82 using Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) at 5 GHz are presented. The 17 mu Jy beam(-1) rms noise level in the naturally weighted image makes it the most sensitive high-resolution radio image of M82 made to date. Over 50 discrete sources are detected, the majority of which are supernova remnants, but with 13 identified as H II regions. Sizes, flux densities and radio brightnesses are given for all of the detected sources, which are all well resolved with a majority showing shell or partial shell structures. Those sources within the sample which are supernova remnants have diameters ranging from 0.3 to 6.7 pc, with a mean size of 2.9 pc. From a comparison with previous MERLIN 5-GHz observations made in 1992 July, which gives a 9.75-yr timeline, it has been possible to measure the expansion velocities of 10 of the more compact sources, eight of which have not been measured before. These derived expansion velocities range between 2200 and 10 500 km s(-1).

Wide-field Global VLBI and MERLIN combined monitoring of supernova remnants in M82

From a combination of Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) and global Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations of the starburst galaxy M82, images of 36 discrete sources at resolutions ranging from ∼3 to ∼80 mas at 1.7 GHz are presented. Of these 36 sources, 32 are identified as supernova remnants, two are H II regions and three remain unclassified. Sizes, flux densities and radio brightnesses are given for all of the detected sources. Additionally, global VLBI only data from this project are used to image four of the most compact radio sources. These data provide a fifth epoch of VLBI observations of these sources, covering a 19-yr time-line. In particular, the continued expansion of one of the youngest supernova remnants, 43.31+59.3, is discussed. The deceleration parameter is a power-law index used to represent the time evolution of the size of a supernova remnant. For the source 43.31+59.3, a lower limit to the deceleration parameter is calculated to be 0.53 ± 0.06, based on a lower limit of the age of this source.

An evolution of the infrared-radio correlation at very low flux densities?

In this paper, we investigate the radio-mid-infrared (MIR) correlation at very low flux densities using extremely deep 1.4-GHz subarcsec angular resolution Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer+Very Large Array observations of a field centred upon the Hubble Deep Field-North, in conjunction with Spitzer 24-?m data. From these results, the MIR-radio correlation is extended to the very faint (~?Jy) radio source population. Tentatively, we detect a small deviation from the correlation at the faintest infrared flux densities. We suggest that this small observed change in the gradient of the correlation is the result of a suppression of the MIR emission in faint star-forming galaxies. This deviation potentially has significant implications for using either the MIR or non-thermal radio emission as a star formation tracer of very low luminosity galaxies.

Molecular gas in submillimetre-faint, star-forming ultraluminous galaxies at z > 1

We present interferometric CO observations of twelve z� 2 submillimeter-faint, starforming radio galaxies (SFRGs) which are thought to be ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) dominated by hotter dust (Tdust > � 40K) than submillimetre galaxies (SMGs) of similar luminosities. Four other CO-observed SFRGs are included from the literature, and all observations are taken at the Plateau de Bure Interferometer (PdBI) in the compact configuration. Ten of the sixteen SFRGs observed in CO (63%) are detected at >4� with a mean inferred molecular gas mass of � 8� 10 9 M� . Like SMGs, SFRGs follow the local ULIRG LFIR-L 0 relation although our SFRG sample is about two times fainter than CO-observed SMGs (in both radio and CO luminosities) and have narrower CO line widths, � 360 kms −1 . We explore the various physical conditions, like merger stage or secular evolution, which could lead to line width and luminosity differences between the populations, and we deduce that SFRGs are most consistent with the aggregate properties of local ULIRGs. High stellar mass fractions (h M? /Mdyni � 0.8) and low gas mass fractions (h MH2/Mdyni � 0.2) suggest that most of the galaxies’ star formation has already occurred. High-resolution (0.3 00 ) MERLIN radio mapping indicates that extended star formation dominates SFRG radio emission with sizes Reff � 2.5kpc. The AGN fraction of SFRGs is consistent with SMGs and is estimated to be 0.3� 0.1, suggesting that SFRGs are observed near the peak phase of star formation activity and not in a later, post-SMG enhanced AGN phase. Excitation analysis of one SFRG indicates the same level of excitation observed in SMGs (turning over beyond 12 CO(J=4! 3)). Detection of three SFRGs at 350� m help constrain FIR spectral energy distributions, suggestive of warm dust temperatures. Better constraints on the CO properties and FIR dust emission of diverse high-z ULIRG populations are needed to determine the evolutionary causes of hotter dust temperature, the effects it has on high star formation rates, and what role the ULIRG phase serves in catalyzing the formation of massive stellar systems in the early Universe.

High-resolution mm and cm study of the obscured LIRG NGC 4418 - A compact obscured nucleus fed by in-falling gas?

Context. Understanding the nature of the power-source in luminous infrared galaxies (LIRG) is difficult due to their extreme obscuration. Observations at radio and mm wavelengths can penetrate large columns of dust and gas and provide unique insights into the properties of the compact obscured nuclei of LIRGs. Aims. The aim of this study is to constrain the dynamics, structure, and feeding of the compact nucleus of NGC 4418, and to reveal the nature of the main hidden power-source: starburst or active galactic nucleus (AGN). Methods. We obtained high spatial resolution observations of NGC 4418 at 1.4 and 5 GHz with MERLIN, and at 230 and 270 GHz with the SMA in very extended configuration. We used the continuum morphology and flux density to estimate the size of the emitting region, the star formation rate, and the dust temperature. Emission lines were used to study kinematics through position-velocity diagrams. Molecular emission was studied with population diagrams and by fitting a local thermal equilibrium (LTE) synthetic spectrum. Results. We detect bright 1-mm-line emission from CO, HC3N, HNC, and C 34 S and 1.4 GHz absorption from HI. The CO 2–1 emission and HI absorption can be fit by two velocity components at 2090 and 2180 km s −1 . We detect vibrationally excited HC3 Na nd HNC, with Tvib ∼ 300 K. Molecular excitation is consistent with a layered temperature structure, with three main components at 80, 160, and 300 K. For the hot component we estimate a source size of less than 5 pc. The nuclear molecular gas surface density of