Catching spiral – S0 transition in groups. Insights from SPH simulations with chemo-photometric implementation

We are investigating the co-evolution of galaxies within groups combining multi-wavelength photometric and 2D kinematical observations. Here we focus on S0s showing star formation in ring/arm-like structures. We use smooth particle hydrodynamical simulations (SPH) with chemo-photometric implementation which provide dynamical and morphological information together with the spectral energy distribution (SED) at each evolutionary stage. As test cases, we simulate the evolution of two such S0s: NGC 1533 and NGC 3626.     

Efficiency tests for estimating the gas and stellar population parameters in Type 2 objects

We investigated the efficiency of estimating characteristics of stellar populations (SP) and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) emission using ULySS code. To analyze simultaneously AGN and SP components in the integrated spectrum of Type 2 active galaxies, we modeled the featureless continuum (FC) and emission lines, and we used PEGASE.HR stellar population models provided by ULySS. In order to validate the method, we simulated over 7000 integrated spectra of Seyfert 2 galaxies. Spectra were generated using different characteristics of the featureless AGN continuum, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), spectral ranges, properties of emission lines and single stellar population (SSP) model whose initial mass function (IMF) and abundance pattern is similar to the solar neighborhood. Simulated spectra were fitted with ULySS to evaluate the ability of the method to extract SP and AGN properties. We found that the analysis with ULySS can efficiently restore the characteristics of SP in spectra of Seyfert 2 AGNs, where signal-to-noise ratio is higher than 20, and where SP contributes with more than 10% to the total flux. Degeneracies between AGN and SP parameters increase with increasing the AGN continuum fraction, which points out the importance of simultaneous fitting of the FC and SP contributions.     

Galaxy evolution in groups. USGC U268 and USGC U376 in the Leo cloud

With the aim of investigating galaxy evolution in nearby galaxy groups, we analyzed the spectral energy distribution of 24 galaxies, members of two groups in the Leo cloud, USGC U268 and USGC U376. We estimated the ages and stellar masses of the galaxies by fitting their total apparent magnitudes from far-ultraviolet to near-infrared with population synthesis models. The comparison of the results for a subsample of galaxies with smooth particle hydrodynamic (SPH) simulations with chemo-photometric implementation, shows that in most cases the estimated stellar masses obtained with the two different approaches are in good agreement. The kinematical and dynamical analysis indicates that USGC U268 is in a pre-virial collapse phase while USGC U376 is likely in a more evolved phase towards virialization.     

Keck observations of ROSAT ultra-luminous X-ray source candidates

We present results of optical follow-up observations of candidate ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs). Using Keck optical spectroscopy, 17 of the candidates from the Colbert and Ptak [Colbert, E.J.M., Ptak, A.F. A catalog of candidate intermediate-luminosity X-ray objects. ApJS 143, 25–45, 2002] catalog have been identified; this is one of the largest sets of optical identifications of such objects thus far. Fifteen are background active galactic nuclei (AGN); two are foreground stars in our Galaxy. These findings are consistent with background and foreground object expectations, as derived from log N–log S relations. Also, the results are briefly discussed in terms of the spiral-galaxy/ULX connection.     

Evaluation of the contribution of different types of galaxies to the cosmic diffuse background based on γ-ray observations

The relative contribution to the γ-ray background of different types of sources, namely Seyfert Galaxies, Quasars, BL Lac objects, radio galaxies and field galaxies is estimated under the hypothesis that the cosmic diffuse flux is the result of a superposition of many unresolved galaxies. The γ-ray data indicate that the Seyfert volume emissivity matches that of the diffuse background at few hundred keV and exceeds it at higher energies by as much as a factor of about 4. Whilst normal galaxies contribute less than 0.1%, BL Lac objects, Quasars and Radio Galaxies may contribute as much as 5–10% each, even without significant evolution. In this paper we explore different ways of reconciling the observational data on active galaxies with the measured diffuse background level.     

The optical emission lines of type 1 X-ray bright Active Galactic Nuclei

A strong X-ray emission is one of the defining signatures of nuclear activity in galaxies. According to the Unified Model for Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), both the X-ray radiation and the prominent broad emission lines, characterizing the optical and UV spectra of Type 1 AGNs, are originated in the innermost regions of the sources, close to the Super Massive Black Holes (SMBH), which power the central engine. Since the emission is concentrated in a very compact region (with typical size r?0.1$r?0.1$ pc) and it is not possible to obtain resolved images of the source, spectroscopic studies of this radiation represent the only valuable key to constrain the physical properties of matter and its structure in the center of active galaxies. Based on previous studies on the physics of the Broad Line Region (BLR) and on the X-ray spectra of broad (FWHM_Hβ ? 2000 km s⁻¹) and narrow line (1000 km s⁻¹ ?FWHM_Hβ ? 2000 km s⁻¹) emitting objects, it has been observed that the kinematic and ionization properties of matter close to the SMBHs are related together, and, in particular, that ionization is higher in narrow line sources. Here we report on the study of the optical and X-ray spectra of a sample of Type 1 AGNs, selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) database, within an upper redshift limit of z=0.35$z=0.35$, and detected at X-ray energies. We present analysis of the broad emission line fluxes and profiles, as well as the properties of the X-ray continuum and Fe Kα emission and we use these parameters to assess the consistency of our current AGN understanding.     

Time series analysis of active galactic nuclei: The case of Arp 102B, 3C 390.3, NGC 5548 and NGC 4051

We used the Z-transformed Discrete Correlation Function (ZDCF) and the Stochastic Process Estimation for AGN Reverberation (SPEAR) methods for the time series analysis of the continuum and the Hα$\alpha$ and Hβ$\beta$ line fluxes of a sample of well known type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs): Arp 102B, 3C 390.3, NGC 5548, and NGC 4051, where the first two objects are showing double-peaked emission line profiles. The aim of this work is to compare the time lag measurements from these two methods, and check if there is a connection with other emission line properties. We found that the obtained time lags from Hβ are larger than those derived from the Hα analysis for Arp 102B, 3C 390.3 and NGC 5548. This may indicate that the Hβ   line originates at larger radii in these objects. Moreover, we found that the ZDCF and SPEAR time lags are highly correlated (r∼0.87$r\sim 0.87$), and that the error ranges of both ZDCF and SPEAR time lags are correlated with the FWHM of used emission lines (r∼0.7$r\sim 0.7$). This increases the uncertainty of the black hole mass estimates using the virial theorem for AGNs with broader lines.     

The role of ultraviolet imaging in studies of resolved and unresolved young stellar populations. M31 and M33

We discuss the relevance of UV data in the detection and characterization of hot massive stars and young stellar populations in galaxies. We show results from recent extensive surveys in M31 and M33 with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) multi-wavelength data including UV filters, which imaged several regions at a linear resolution (projected) of less than half a pc in these galaxies, and from GALEX far-UV and near-UV wide-field, low-resolution imaging of the entire galaxies. Both datasets allow us to study the hierarchical structure of star formation: the youngest stellar groups are the most compact, and are often arranged within broader, sparser structures. The derived recent star-formation rates are rather similar for the two galaxies, when scaled for the respective areas. We show how uncertainties in metallicity and type of selective extinction for the internal reddening may affect the results, and how an appropriate complement of UV filters could reduce such uncertainties, and significantly alleviate some parameter degeneracies.     

High resolution spectroscopy of Seyfert warm absorbers with XMM-Newton

We present results from the analysis of an XMM-Newton observation of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 7469, the first high resolution X-ray spectrum of this source. The Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) spectrum has several narrow absorption and emission lines of O, N, C and Ne, originating from gas at a range of ionisation parameters, from log ξ1.6 to log ξ−2 (where ξ has the units erg cm s⁻¹). We demonstrate that the ionisation state of the warm emitter is consistent with that of the high-ionisation phase of the warm absorber, and compare the warm absorber in this object with those in other sources.     

Results from the Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST)

We present early results from the Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST), which flew in March 1992 with the ATLAS space shuttle mission. The telescope provides wide-field images in the far ultraviolet (1400–1800 Å). Studies underway using the data obtained on this mission include establishing the brightness and distribution of far ultraviolet stars in the halo of our Galaxy, establishing the far ultraviolet properties of nearby galaxies and nearby clusters of galaxies, analyzing the diffuse galactic light, and searching for the origin of the extragalactic ultraviolet light. We discuss the instrument performance, and early results from these observations.     

Hi content in cluster and supercluster galaxies

In this lecture I review part of the published and unpublished observational evidence showing that cluster spiral galaxies are hydrogen deficient. Always using observational data, it is argued that the deficiency is due to the interaction between the galaxies and the intergalactic medium. Furthermore it is shown that the stellar population of deficient galaxies has also been affected and a brief discussion is given of the mechanisms at work.     

A redshift survey in the Linx Gemini region

The study of the redshift distribution on a complete sample of galaxies brighter than 14.5 mph has been accomplished over an area encompassing about 1800 square degrees in Linx and Gemini. The main result is the discovery of a new filament of galaxies in Gemini, at a radial velocity of 4800 km/s, mainly composed of spirals. The possible connection of the cloud of galaxies around the cluster A569, the new filament in Gemini and the Linx Ursa Major supercluster with the Perseus supercluster is briefly discussed.     

How well do available data describe the distribution of galaxies in the nearby universe?

To study the distribution of galaxies in the Universe data on their positions magnitudes and redshifts are needed. A review of all large samples of galaxy counts, galaxy catalogues and redshift surveys as well as catalogues and redshifts of clusters is given. It is shown that the sky has been unevenly studied, the strongest asimmetry being between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Particular attention is paid to the Zwicky near clusters. It is shown that only 14% have a well determined redshift and at least 28% are not single clusters but superposition of two or more groups.From an analysis of the available literature it appears that 1) there is more data about redshifts and positions of galaxies than are normally used. 2) The available data are far from uniform and complete.It is argued that a lot more new observations are needed before one can confidently draw conclusions about the structure of the Universe.     

Are Boltzmann plots of hydrogen Balmer lines a tool for identifying a subclass of S1 AGN?

It is becoming clear that we can define two different types of nearby AGN belonging to the Seyfert 1 class (S1), on the basis of the match of the intensities of their Broad Balmer Lines (BBL) with the Boltzmann Plots (BP). These two types of S1 galaxies, that we call BP-S1 and NoBP-S1, are characterized, in first approximation, by Broad Line Regions (BLR) with different structural and physical properties. In this communication, we show that these features can be well pointed out by a multi-wavelength analysis of the continuum and of the broad recombination Hydrogen lines, that we carry out on a sample of objects detected at optical and X-ray frequencies. The investigation is addressed to verify whether BP-S1 are the ideal candidates for the study of the kinematical and structural properties of the BLR, in order to derive reliable estimates of the mass of their central engine and to constrain the properties of their nuclear continuum spectrum.     

Active galaxies observed by IUE

IUE has extended the grasp of ultraviolet astronomy to cover active galaxies and quasars fainter than the sixteenth magnitude. These observations have:(i) provided a diagnostic for the source of ionization in active galaxies,(ii) cast light on the excitation mechanism of the Fe II lines,(iii) shown the broad hydrogen lines in Seyferts and quasars are not in their recombination ratios,(iv) demonstrated the absence of gas in BL Lac objects,(v) supported the gravitational lens explanation of the double quasar,(vi) demonstrated the presence of a hot (30 000 K) black body in active nuclei,(vii) discovered stratification of the ionization conditions in the Broad Line Regions of active nuclei.     

Observations of ultraviolet spectra of H II regions and galaxies with IUE

The ultraviolet spectra, obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer, of a sample of H II regions and the nuclear regions of spiral and elliptical galaxies are described. The star formation rates in the nuclei of spiral galaxies are similar to the star formation rate in the solar neighbourhood. The data indicate that the current thinking on the synthesis of carbon and nitrogen in galaxies has to be revised and the K-corrections determined from the ultraviolet spectra of galaxies when compared with the photometry of distant galaxies suggests colour evolution of galaxies at z > 0.3.     

Galaxies at the detection limits of deep X-ray surveys

The great sensitivities of the Chandra X-ray Observatory and XMM-Newton have allowed us to begin to explore the X-ray emission from galaxies at moderate to high redshift. By using the stacking method, we show that we can detect the ensemble emission from normal elliptical, spiral and irregular galaxies out to redshifts approaching unity. The average X-ray luminosity of these galaxy types can then be compared with the results of models of the evolution in the numbers of low-mass and high-mass X-ray binaries and can possibly be used to constrain models of star formation.     

VLBA imaging of parsec-scale gas in Seyfert galaxies

Seyfert galaxies contain small-scale radio jets that indicate the presence of compact active galactic nuclei of the same type found in more powerful quasars and radio galaxies. Since most Seyferts are relatively nearby, their nuclear environments can be probed at much higher resolution than in those more powerful sources. In addition, the relative weakness of the active nucleus makes the effects of the circumnuclear gas more important. VLBA images of a number of Seyfert galaxies have been produced, often at multiple frequencies, in order to reveal the presence and nature of the gas in the inner 1–100 parsecs of the galaxies. Absorption effects at gigahertz frequencies, due to both synchrotron self-absorption and free-free absorption, are quite common; the free-free absorption indicates the presence of large quantities of ionized gas in the inner few parsecs of the galaxies. Changes in radio position angles on parsec scales also occur in several galaxies, implying that Seyfert nuclei may have multiple symmetry axes.     

Study of the variability of blazars gamma-ray emission

The γ-ray emission of blazar jets shows a pronounced variability and this feature provides limits to the size and to the speed of the emitting region. We study the γ-ray variability of bright blazars using data from the first 18 months of activity of the Large Area Telescope on the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. From the daily light-curves of the blazars characterized by a remarkable activity, we firstly determine the minimum variability time-scale, giving an upper limit for the size of the emitting region of the sources, assumed to be spheroidal blobs in relativistic motion. These regions must be smaller than ∼10⁻³ parsec. Another interesting time-scale is the duration of the outbursts. We conclude that they cannot correspond to radiation produced by a single blob moving relativistically along the jet, but they are either the signature of emission from a standing shock extracting energy from a modulated jet, or the superposition of a number of flares occurring on a shorter time-scale. We also derive lower limits on the bulk Lorentz factor needed to make the emitting region transparent for gamma-rays interacting through photon–photon collisions.     

A serendipitous survey for galaxy clusters by the XMM-Newton Survey Science Center

We describe the initial results of a programme to detect and identify extended X-ray sources found serendipitously in XMM-Newton observations. We have analyzed 186 EPIC-PN images at high galactic latitude with a limiting flux of 1 × 10⁻¹⁴ erg cm⁻² s⁻¹ and found 62 cluster candidates. Thanks to the enhanced sensitivity of the XMM-Newton telescopes, the new clusters found in this pilot study are on the average fainter, more compact, and more distant than those found in previous X-ray surveys. At our survey limit the surface density of clusters is about 5 deg⁻². We also present the first results of an optical follow-up programme aiming at the redshift measurement of a large sample of clusters. The results of this pilot study give a first glimpse on the potential of serendipitous cluster science with XMM-Newton based on real data. The largest, yet to be fulfilled promise is the identification of a large number of high-redshift clusters for cosmological studies up to z = 1 or 1.5.