Publications (10)6.02 Total impact
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Article: Building galaxies, stars, planets and the ingredients for life between the stars. A scientific proposal for a European Ultraviolet-Visible Observatory (EUVO)
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ABSTRACT: The growth of luminous structures and the building blocks of life in the Universe began as primordial gas was processed in stars and mixed at galactic scales. The mechanisms responsible for this development are not well understood and have changed over the intervening 13 billion years. To follow the evolution of matter over cosmic time, it is necessary to study the strongest (resonance) transitions of the most abundant species in the Universe. Most of them are in the ultraviolet (UV; 950A-3000A) spectral range that is unobservable from the ground. A versatile space observatory with UV sensitivity a factor of 50-100 greater than existing facilities will revolutionize our understanding of the Universe. Habitable planets grow in protostellar discs under ultraviolet irradiation, a by-product of the star-disk interaction that drives the physical and chemical evolution of discs and young planetary systems. The electronic transitions of the most abundant molecules are pumped by the UV field, providing unique diagnostics of the planet-forming environment that cannot be accessed from the ground. Earth's atmosphere is in constant interaction with the interplanetary medium and the solar UV radiation field. A 50-100 times improvement in sensitivity would enable the observation of the key atmospheric ingredients of Earth-like exoplanets (carbon, oxygen, ozone), provide crucial input for models of biologically active worlds outside the solar system, and provide the phenomenological baseline to understand the Earth atmosphere in context. In this white paper, we outline the key science that such a facility would make possible and outline the instrumentation to be implemented.06/2013; -
Article: The Hot and Energetic Universe: A White Paper presenting the science theme motivating the Athena+ mission
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ABSTRACT: This White Paper, submitted to the recent ESA call for science themes to define its future large missions, advocates the need for a transformational leap in our understanding of two key questions in astrophysics: 1) How does ordinary matter assemble into the large scale structures that we see today? 2) How do black holes grow and shape the Universe? Hot gas in clusters, groups and the intergalactic medium dominates the baryonic content of the local Universe. To understand the astrophysical processes responsible for the formation and assembly of these large structures, it is necessary to measure their physical properties and evolution. This requires spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy with a factor 10 increase in both telescope throughput and spatial resolving power compared to currently planned facilities. Feedback from supermassive black holes is an essential ingredient in this process and in most galaxy evolution models, but it is not well understood. X-ray observations can uniquely reveal the mechanisms launching winds close to black holes and determine the coupling of the energy and matter flows on larger scales. Due to the effects of feedback, a complete understanding of galaxy evolution requires knowledge of the obscured growth of supermassive black holes through cosmic time, out to the redshifts where the first galaxies form. X-ray emission is the most reliable way to reveal accreting black holes, but deep survey speed must improve by a factor ~100 over current facilities to perform a full census into the early Universe. The Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics (Athena+) mission provides the necessary performance (e.g. angular resolution, spectral resolution, survey grasp) to address these questions and revolutionize our understanding of the Hot and Energetic Universe. These capabilities will also provide a powerful observatory to be used in all areas of astrophysics.06/2013; -
Article: The Hot and Energetic Universe: End points of stellar evolution
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ABSTRACT: White dwarfs, neutron stars and stellar mass black holes are key laboratories to study matter in most extreme conditions of gravity and magnetic field. The unprecedented effective area of Athena+ will allow us to advance our understanding of emission mechanisms and accretion physics over a wide range of mass accretion rates, starting from lower and sub-luminous quiescent X-ray binaries up to super-Eddington ultra-luminous sources. Athena+ will measure stellar black hole spins in a much higher number of binaries than achievable now, opening the possibility to study how spin varies with black hole history. The high throughput and energy resolution of the X-IFU will be instrumental in establishing how disc wind properties depend on accretion state, in determining wind launching mechanism and in quantifying the impact of the wind induced mass loss on binary evolution and environment. Triggers and high quality optical and radio data originating from large wide field contemporaneous instruments will provide essential complementary information on jet launching mechanisms and on the physics of rotation powered pulsars, for instance. In addition, Athena+ will furnish multiple, independent measurements of the neutron star mass/radius relation in a wide range of environments and conditions so as to constrain the debated equation of state.06/2013; -
Article: Anomalous Ultraviolet Line Flux Ratios in the Cataclysmic Variables 1RXS J232953.9+062814, CE 315, BZ Ursae Majoris, and EY Cygni, Observed with the Hubble Space Telescope Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph
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ABSTRACT: Brief Hubble Space Telescope Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph spectroscopic snapshot exposures of the cataclysmic variables 1RXS J232953.9+062814, CE 315, BZ UMa, and EY Cyg reveal very large N V/C IV line flux ratios, similar to those observed in AE Aqr. Such anomalous line flux ratios have so far been observed in 10 systems and presumably reflect a different composition of the accreted material compared to the majority of cataclysmic variables. We discuss the properties of this small sample in the context of the recent proposal by Schenker et al. that a significant fraction of the present-day population of cataclysmic variables may have passed through a phase of thermal timescale mass transfer.The Astrophysical Journal 12/2008; 594(1):443. · 6.02 Impact Factor -
Article: X-ray observations of 4 Draconis: symbiotic binary or cataclysmic triple?
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ABSTRACT: We present the first X-ray observations of the 4 Draconis system, consisting of an M3III giant with a hot ultraviolet companion. It has been claimed that the companion is itself an AM Her-type binary system, an identification that places strong constraints on the evolution of cataclysmic variables. We find that the X-ray properties of 4 Draconis are consistent with the presence of an accreting white dwarf, but not consistent with the presence of an AM Her system. We conclude that 4 Dra is therefore most-likely a symbiotic binary containing a white dwarf accreting material from the wind of the red giant. The X-ray spectrum of 4 Dra is sometimes dominated by partially-ionised photoelectric absorption, presumably due to the wind of the red giant. We note that X-ray monitoring of such systems would provide a powerful probe of the wind and mass-loss rate of the giant, and would allow a detailed test of wind accretion models. Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS09/2003; -
Article: Anomalous ultraviolet line flux ratios in the cataclysmic variables 1RXSJ232953.9+062814, CE315, BZ UMa and EY Cyg observed with HST/STIS
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ABSTRACT: Brief HST/STIS spectroscopic snapshot exposures of the cataclysmic variables 1RXSJ232953.9+062814, CE315, BZ UMa and EY Cyg reveal very large NV/CIV line flux ratios, similar to those observed in AE Aqr. Such anomalous line flux ratios have so far been observed in 10 systems, and presumably reflect a different composition of the accreted material compared to the majority of cataclysmic variables. We discuss the properties of this small sample in the context of the recent proposal by Schenker et al. (2002) that a significant fraction of the present-day population of cataclysmic variables may have passed through a phase of thermal time-scale mass transfer. Comment: 6 pages AAS-Latex, uses emulatapj.sty, 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ05/2003; -
Article: Far-UV FUSE spectra of peculiar magnetic cataclysmic variables
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ABSTRACT: We present far-UV spectra of the three magnetic cataclysmic variables (MCVs) BY Cam, V1309 Ori and AE Aqr obtained with the FUSE satellite. These MCVs have revealed strongly unusual NV and CIV UV resonance lines. The FUSE spectra exhibit broad OVI lines as well as a strong NIII line at 991A, while the CIII 1175A line is nearly absent, supporting non-solar CNO abundances of the accreting matter in these sources. The spectrum of BY Cam shows molecular H2 lines which might be of circumstellar nature. The flaring activity of AE Aqr is also observed in the far-UV range. The radial velocities of the broad OVI components in AE Aqr are orbitally modulated and would indicate an emission region close to the magnetosphere.03/2003; -
Article: Ultraviolet studies of interacting binaries
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ABSTRACT: Interacting Binaries consist of a variety of stellar objects in different stages of evolution and those containing accreting compact objects still represent a major challenge to our understanding of not only close binary evolution but also of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy. These end-points of binary star evolution are ideal laboratories for the study of accretion and outflow processes, and provide insight on matter under extreme physical conditions. One of the key-questions of fundamental relevance is the nature of SN Ia progenitors. The study of accreting compact binary systems relies on observations over the entire electromagnetic spectrum and we outline here those unresolved questions for which access to the ultraviolet range is vital, as they cannot be addressed by observations in any other spectral region. -
Article: 1RXS J173021.5-055933 : a cataclysmic variable with a fast-spinning magnetic white dwarf
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ABSTRACT: Aims. We present the first X-ray observations with the XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL satellites of the recently discovered cataclysmic variable 1RXS J173021.5-055933, together with simultaneous UV and coordinated optical photometry aiming at characterising its broad-band temporal and spectral properties and classifying this system as a magnetic one. Methods. We performed a timing analysis of the X-ray, UV, and optical light curves to identify and to study the energy dependence of the fast 128 s pulsation over a wide energy range. X-ray spectral analysis in the broad 0.2−100 keV X-ray range was performed to characterise the peculiar emission properties of this source. Results. We find that the X-ray light curve is dominated by the spin period of the accreting white dwarf in contrast to the far-UV range, which turns out to be unmodulated at a 3σ level. Near-UV and optical pulses are instead detected at twice the spin frequency. We identify the contributions from two accreting poles that imply a moderately inclined dipole field allowing, one pole to dominate at energies at least up to 10 keV, and a secondary that instead is negligible above 5 keV. X-ray spectral analysis reveals the presence of multiple emission components consisting of optically thin plasma with temperatures ranging from 0.17 keV to 60 keV and a hot blackbody at ∼90 eV. The spectrum is also strongly affected by peculiar absorption components consisting of two high-density (∼3 × 1021 cm−2 and 2 × 1023 cm−2) intervening columns, plus a warm absorber. The last is detected from an OVII absorption edge at 0.74 keV, which suggests that photoionization of pre-shock material is also occurring in this system. Conclusions. The observed properties indicate that the accretor in 1RXS J173021.5-055933 is a white dwarf with a likely weak magnetic field, thus confirming this cataclysmic variable as an intermediate polar (IP) with one of the most extreme spin-to-orbit period ratios. This system also joins the small group of IPs showing a soft X-ray reprocessed component, suggesting that this characteristics is not uncommon in these systems. -
Article: The X-ray properties of the magnetic cataclysmic variable UUColumbae
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ABSTRACT: Aims. XMM-Newton observations to determine for the first time the broad-band X-ray properties of the faint, high galactic latitude intermediate polar UUCol are presented. Methods. We performed X-ray timing analysis in different energy ranges of the EPIC cameras, which reveals the dominance of the 863 s white dwarf rotational period. The spin pulse is strongly energy dependent. Weak variabilities at the beat 935 s and at the 3.5 h orbital periods are also observed, but the orbital modulation is detected only below 0.5 keV. Simultaneous UV and optical photometry shows that the spin pulse is anti-phased with respect to the hard X-rays. Analysis of the EPIC and RGS spectra reveals the complexity of the X-ray emission, which is composed of a soft 50 eV black–body component and two optically thin emission components at 0.2 keV and 11 keV strongly absorbed by dense material with an equivalent hydrogen column density of 1023 cm−2 that partially (50%) covers the X-ray source. Results. The complex X-ray and UV/optical temporal behaviour indicates that accretion occurs predominantly (∼80%) via a disc with a partial contribution (∼20%) directly from the stream. The main accreting pole dominates at high energies whilst the secondary pole mainly contributes in the soft X-rays and at lower energies. The bolometric flux ratio of the soft-to-hard X-ray emissions is found to be consistent with the prediction of the standard accretion shock model. We find the white dwarf in UUCol accretes at a low rate and possesses a low magnetic moment. It is therefore unlikely that UUCol will evolve into a moderate field strength polar, so that the soft X-ray intermediate polars still remain an enigmatic small group of magnetic cataclysmic variables. -
Article: The long period intermediate polar 1RXS J154814.5-452845
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ABSTRACT: We present the first time resolved medium resolution optical spectroscopy of the recently identified peculiar Intermediate Polar (IP)1RXS J154814.5-452845, which allows us to precisely determine the binary orbital period (P Ω = 9.87 ± 0.03 h) and the white dwarf spin period (P ω = 693.01 ± 0.06 s). This system is then the third just outside the purported ∼6–10 h IP orbital period gap and the fifth of the small group of long period IPs, which has a relatively high degree of asynchronism. From the presence of weak red absorption features, we identify the secondary star with a spectral type K2 ± 2 V, which appears to have evolved on the nuclear timescale. From the orbital radial velocities of emission and the red absorption lines a mass ratio q = 0.65 ± 0.12 is found. The masses of the components are estimated to be M WD ≥ 0.5 M and M sec = 0.4−0.79 M and the binary inclination 25 ◦ < i ≤ 58 ◦ . A distance between 540–840 pc is estimated. At this distance, the presence of peculiar absorption features surrounding Balmer emissions cannot be due to the contribution of the white dwarf photosphere and their spin modulation suggests an origin in the magnetically confined accretion flow. The white dwarf is also not accreting at a particularly high rate(. M < 5 × 10 16 g s −1 ), for its orbital period. The spin-to-orbit period ratio P ω /P Ω = 0.02 and the low mass accretion rate suggest that this system is far from spin equilibrium. The magnetic moment of the accreting white dwarf is found to be µ < 4.1 × 10 32 G cm 3, indicating a low magnetic field system. -
Article: The enigmatic gamma-ray source XSS J12270-4859 aka 1FGL J1227.9-4852
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ABSTRACT: XSS J12270-4859 is an enigmatic source. First classified as a possible magnetic CV, its 860s peri-odicity was not confirmed. Remarkably, the source lies only 1.2 arcminutes from the Fermi/LAT source 1FGL J1227.9-4852, which emits gamma-rays up to 10 GeV. We report the results of the analysis of data over energies from the IR to gamma-rays, using data from ground-based IR-optical-UV telescopes, XMM-Newton, RXTE, INTEGRAL and Fermi. The XMM and RXTE light curves show high variability in the form of flares and dip, with the flares detected also in the UV band. Complex spectral variability is observed. The 0.2-100 keV spectrum is fitted with a power law with photon index 1.7, while the gamma-ray 100 MeV-10 GeV spectrum has a steeper index (2.5). The GeV emission is a significant component of the spectrum, with a peak energy between 1 and 100 MeV. Optical photometry reveals a 4.32 hr period, possibly of orbital nature. This source could be another rare gamma-ray binary of LMXB nature.
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2003
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The Astronomical Observatory of Brera
Merate, Lombardy, Italy
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