adsabs/SciX_UAT_keywords huggingface dataset:
Multiple Sources of Solar High-energy Protons

During the 24th solar cycle, the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) has observed a total of 27 solar flares possessing delayed γ-ray emission, including the exceptionally well-observed flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) on 2017 September 10. Based on the Fermi/LAT data, we plot, for the first time, maps of possible sources of the delayed >100 MeV γ-ray emission of the 2017 September 10 event. The long-lasting γ-ray emission is localized under the CME core. The γ-ray spectrum exhibits intermittent changes in time, implying that more than one source of high-energy protons was formed during the flare-CME eruption. We find a good statistical correlation between the γ-ray fluences of the Fermi/LAT-observed delayed events and the products of corresponding CME speed and the square root of the soft X-ray flare magnitude. Data support the idea that both flares and CMEs jointly contribute to the production of subrelativistic and relativistic protons near the Sun.

Keywords: solar flares; solar energetic particles; solar gamma-ray emission
Spectroscopic Confirmation of the Nearby, Wide-separation L Dwarf Pair CWISE J061741.79+194512.8AB

We present spectroscopic confirmation of a nearby L dwarf pair, CWISE J061741.79+194512.8AB. Keck/NIRES near-infrared spectroscopy shows that the pair is composed of an L2 dwarf primary and an L4 dwarf secondary. High resolution spectroscopy of the combined light system with Keck/NIRSPEC yields a radial velocity of 29.2 ± 0.3 km s-1 and a projected rotational velocity $v\sin i\,$ = $\,{41.6}_{-2.6}^{+2.7}$ km s-1. Our spectrophotometric distance estimate places the system at 28.2 ± 5.7 pc, significantly more distant than originally estimated in Kirkpatrick et al. The angular separation of the components is 1.″31 ± 0.″14, corresponding to a projected physical separation of 37 ± 8 au.

Keywords: brown dwarfs; low mass stars; binary stars
AlOSO: Spectroscopy and Structure of a New Group of Astrochemical Molecules

With the ever-increasing detection of sulfur-bearing molecules and the high abundance and refractory nature of aluminum, the [Al, S, O2] isomers may play an important role in the gas-phase chemistry of circumstellar envelopes and the chemistry on the surface of dust grains. High-level theoretical exploration of the [Al, S, O2] molecular system yielded five isomers, and predictions of their rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectroscopic properties are provided to inform experimental and observational searches. Cis-AlOSO and diamond isomers are isoenergetic and connected via a very small (~1 kcal mol-1) transition-state barrier. These isomers may act as intermediates along the chemical pathway between Al + SO2 and AlO + SO. Other isomers OAlOS and SAlO2 are stable relative to their corresponding dissociation asymptotes. Large permanent dipole moments of 2.521 D (cis-AlOSO), 1.239 D (diamond), and 5.401 D (OAlOS) predict strong rotational transitions and indicate these molecules as prime candidates for experimental study. Due to the low transition-state barrier, mixing of the vibrational levels is anticipated, complicating the vibrational spectrum. Electronic spectroscopy may be used as a means to differentiate between the two isomers. Strong electronic transitions are predicted to occur in the 200-300 nm range for cis-AlOSO and diamond. Simulated electronic absorption spectra provide a starting point for experimental characterization and spectral deconvolution of these isomers.

Keywords: astrochemistry; circumstellar envelopes; interstellar medium; molecular spectroscopy; computational methods
Optical Characterization of the DART Impact Plume: Importance of Realistic Ejecta Scattering Properties

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission will impact the moon Dimorphos of the (65803) Didymos binary and demonstrate the kinetic impactor technique for planetary defense. Observations from the ride-along CubeSat companion, LICIACube, of the spatial structure and temporal evolution of the resulting ejecta plume will help determine the vector momentum transfer and constrain physical properties such as strength and porosity. The optical scattering properties of the ejecta particles used in plume simulations will dictate the critical relation between observed brightness and inferred ejecta mass (and momentum). Here we examine the scattering behavior of plausible analogs for Dimorphos ejecta particles, including laboratory-measured "millimeter grains" selected based on a comparison with Bennu particle photometry. Over the range of phase angles observable by LICIACube (≲120°), brightness simulations for optical depths ranging from 0.01 to 10 show that scattering from these analogs is considerably dimmer than from grains scattering isotropically. Therefore, adopting realistic scattering properties for ejecta particles is critical for accurately interpreting and understanding observations of the DART impact.

Keywords: asteroid satellites; asteroids; impact phenomena; near-earth objects; radiative transfer; radiative transfer simulations
The Long-stable Hard State of XTE J1752-223 and the Disk Truncation Dilemma

The degree to which the thin accretion disks of black hole X-ray binaries are truncated during hard spectral states remains a contentious open question in black hole astrophysics. During its singular observed outburst in 2009-2010, the black hole X-ray binary XTE J1752-223 spent ~1 month in a long-stable hard spectral state at a luminosity of ~0.02-0.1 L Edd. It was observed with 56 RXTE pointings during this period, with simultaneous Swift-XRT daily coverage during the first 10 days of the RXTE observations. While reflection modeling has been extensively explored in the analysis of these data, there is disagreement surrounding the geometry of the accretion disk and corona implied by the reflection features. We reexamine the combined, high signal-to-noise, simultaneous Swift and RXTE observations, and perform extensive reflection modeling with the latest relxill suite of reflection models, including newer high disk density models. We show that reflection modeling requires that the disk be within ~5 R ISCO during the hard spectral state, while weaker constraints from the thermal disk emission imply higher truncation (R in = 6-80 R ISCO). We also explore more complex coronal continuum models, allowing for two Comptonization components instead of one, and show that the reflection features still require only a mildly truncated disk. Finally we present a full comparison of our results to previous constraints found from analyses of the same data set.

Keywords: accretion; black hole physics; atomic physics; radiative processes
The Electromagnetic Signature of Outward Propagating Ion-scale Waves

First results from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission have revealed ubiquitous coherent ion-scale waves in the inner heliosphere, which are signatures of kinetic wave-particle interactions and fluid instabilities. However, initial studies of the circularly polarized ion-scale waves observed by PSP have only thoroughly analyzed magnetic field signatures, precluding a determination of solar wind frame propagation direction and intrinsic wave polarization. A comprehensive determination of wave properties requires measurements of both electric and magnetic fields. Here, we use full capabilities of the PSP/FIELDS instrument suite to measure both the electric and magnetic components of circularly polarized waves. Comparing spacecraft frame magnetic field measurements with the Doppler-shifted cold plasma dispersion relation for parallel transverse waves constrains allowable plasma frame polarizations and wavevectors. We demonstrate that the Doppler-shifted cold plasma dispersion has a maximum spacecraft frequency ${f}_{\mathrm{sc}}^{* }$ for which intrinsically right-handed fast-magnetosonic waves propagating sunwards can appear left-handed in the spacecraft frame. Observations of left-handed waves with $| f| \gt {f}_{\mathrm{sc}}^{* }$ are uniquely explained by intrinsically left-handed, ion-cyclotron waves (ICWs). We demonstrate that electric field measurements for waves with $| f| \gt {f}_{\mathrm{sc}}^{* }$ are consistent with ICWs propagating away from the Sun, verifying the measured electric field. Applying the verified electric field measurements to the full distribution of waves suggests that, in the solar wind frame, the vast majority of waves propagate away from the Sun, indicating that the observed population of coherent ion-scale waves contains both intrinsically left- and right-hand polarized modes.

Keywords: solar wind; plasma physics; space plasmas; plasma astrophysics
Variations of Interstellar Gas-to-dust Ratios at High Galactic Latitudes

Interstellar dust at high Galactic latitudes can influence astronomical foreground subtraction, produce diffuse scattered light, and soften the UV spectra of quasars. In a sample of 94 sight lines toward quasars at high latitude and low extinction, we evaluate the interstellar "gas-to-dust ratio" N H/E(B ‑ V), using hydrogen column densities (H I and H2) and far-IR (FIR) estimates of dust reddening. In the Galactic plane, this ratio is 6.0 ± 0.2 (in units of 1021 cm‑2 mag‑1). On average, recent Planck estimates of E(B ‑ V) in low-reddening sight lines are 12% higher than those from Schlafly & Finkbeiner, and N H I exhibits significant variations when measured at different radio telescopes. In a sample of 51 quasars with measurements of both H I and H2 and 0.01 ≤ E(B ‑ V) ≲ 0.1, we find mean ratios 10.3 ± 0.4 (gas at all velocities) and 9.2 ± 0.3 (low-velocity only) using Planck E(B ‑ V) data. High-latitude H2 fractions are generally small (2%–3% on average), although nine of 39 sight lines at ∣b∣ ≥ 40° have f H2 of 1%–17%. Because FIR-inferred E(B ‑ V) is sensitive to modeled dust temperature T d and emissivity index β, gas-to-dust ratios have large, asymmetric errors at low E(B ‑ V). The ratios are elevated in sight lines with high-velocity clouds, which contribute N H but little reddening. In Complex C, the ratio decreases by 40% when high-velocity gas is excluded. Decreases in dust content are expected in low-metallicity gas above the Galactic plane, resulting from grain destruction in shocks, settling to the disk, and thermal sputtering in hot halo gas.

Keywords: interstellar medium
Sources of Bipolar Outflows and Model Challenges for the Egg Nebula

The striking features of the Egg Nebula—searchlight beams that illuminate a pair of bipolar lobes, quadrupolar outflows, and arcs imprinted on an expanding spherical envelope—have long defied a coherent explanation. Here we present images at high angular resolutions of emission from dust and dense molecular gas in the nebula. Away from the systemic velocity, the molecular gas primarily traces the walls of the bipolar lobes, where bipolar outflows collide with the envelope ejected by the progenitor AGB star. At and close to the systemic velocity, both the molecular gas and dust trace the walls of a cylindrical channel swept aside by these bipolar outflows; in addition, the dust also traces a channel orthogonal to the bipolar lobes, swept aside by the orthogonal set of bipolar outflows. Close to the center, the dense gas traces an expanding spherical shell, corresponding to a very dense final puff from the progenitor AGB star. The center of this shell lies within the channel aligned with the optical lobes but is displaced to the south of the channel orthogonal to these lobes, and it closely coincides with the illumination center of the nebula (location of post-AGB star), as well as the expansion center of the bipolar lobes. We highlight difficulties faced by models whereby a binary companion both induces arcs in the wind of the progenitor AGB star and gives rise to the quadrupolar outflows. Instead, we suggest that the addition of a second companion, thus forming a triple-star system, can naturally produce all the features seen.

Keywords: asymptotic giant branch stars; stellar mass loss; planetary nebulae; circumstellar envelopes
Refining the E + A Galaxy: A Spatially Resolved Spectrophotometric Sample of Nearby Post-starburst Systems in SDSS-IV MaNGA (MPL-5)

Post-starburst galaxies are crucial to disentangling the effect of star formation and quenching on galaxy demographics. They comprise, however, a heterogeneous population of objects, described in numerous ways. To obtain a well-defined and uncontaminated sample, we take advantage of spatially resolved spectroscopy to construct an unambiguous sample of E + A galaxies—post-starburst systems with no observed ongoing star formation. Using data from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) Survey, in the fourth generation of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV), we have identified 30 E + A galaxies that lie within the green valley of color-stellar mass space. We first identified E + A candidates by their central, single-fiber spectra and (u-r) color from SDSS DR15, and then further required each galaxy to exhibit E + A properties throughout the entirety of the system to three effective radii. We describe our selection criteria in detail, note common pitfalls in E + A identification, and introduce the basic characteristics of the sample. We will use this E + A sample, which has been assembled with stringent criteria and thus re-establishes a well-defined subpopulation within the broader category of post-starburst galaxies, to study the evolution of galaxies and their stellar populations in the time just after star formation within them is fully quenched.

Keywords: galaxy evolution; spectrophotometry; e+a galaxies; spectroscopy
Helios-r2: A New Bayesian, Open-source Retrieval Model for Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanet Atmospheres

We present an improved, hybrid CPU-GPU atmospheric retrieval code, Helios-r2, which is applicable to medium-resolution emission spectra of brown dwarfs, in preparation for precision atmospheric spectroscopy in the era of the James Webb Space Telescope. The model is available as open-source code on the Exoclimes Simulation Platform. We subject Helios-r2 to a battery of tests of varying difficulty. The simplest test involves a mock retrieval on a forward model generated using the same radiative transfer technique, the same implementation of opacities, and the same chemistry model. The least trivial test involves a mock retrieval on synthetic spectra from the Sonora model grid, which uses a different radiative transfer technique, a different implementation of opacities, and a different chemistry model. A calibration factor, which is included to capture uncertainties in the brown dwarf radius, distance to the brown dwarf and flux calibration of the spectrum, may compensate, sometimes erroneously, for discrepancies in modeling choices and implementation. We analyze spectra of the benchmark brown dwarf GJ 570 D and the binary brown dwarf companions in the Epsilon Indi system. The retrieved surface gravities are consistent with previous studies and/or values inferred from dynamical masses (for Epsilon Indi Ba and Bb only). There remains no clear criterion on how to reject unphysical values of the retrieved brown dwarf radii. The inferred radii and corresponding masses should be taken with great caution. The retrieved carbon-to-oxygen ratios and metallicity depend on whether chemical equilibrium is assumed.

Keywords: brown dwarfs; exoplanet atmospheres; radiative transfer; bayesian statistics
Short Gamma-Ray Bursts and the Decompression of Neutron Star Matter in Tidal Streams

Short gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) are generally thought to result from the merger of two neutron stars or the merger of a neutron star with a black hole. It is becoming standard practice to model these mergers with hydrodynamical simulations that employ equations of state that are derived, for example, for determining the behavior of matter in core-collapse supernovae, and which therefore make use of the assumption that the matter is hot and in nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE). In this Letter we draw attention to the fact that the hydrodynamical timescale (roughly the gravitational timescale of the neutron star) may be several orders of magnitude shorter than the timescale on which such equilibrium can be reestablished in the tidal debris ejected during an sGRB, and that on the initial decompression timescales the unshocked tidal ejecta may remain sufficiently cool that the employed equations of state are not appropriate for modeling the dynamics of this part of the flow. On timescales short compared with the timescale on which NSE can be (re)established, the equation of state can remain relatively stiff and thus the stream of tidal debris can remain narrow and vulnerable to gravitational instability, as has recently been suggested. These findings suggest that estimates of the type and abundances of heavy elements formed in short gamma-ray bursts need to be revisited. We suggest that the most direct method of testing the physical and dynamical properties of tidal ejecta in sGRBs will come from modeling of their lightcurves, which provides the cleanest source of information on the system dynamics.

Keywords: particle astrophysics; gravitational instability; nuclear astrophysics; neutron stars
Limits on the Density of the Lunar Ionosphere: ARTEMIS Observations

The Moon of our Earth has a tenuous atmosphere, known as an exosphere. The ionization of this exosphere is speculated to possibly form a weak ionosphere. Some radio occultation (RO) experiments have suggested the presence of a dense ionosphere with an electron density on the order of hundreds of cm-3 near the surface. Using in situ measurements from the ARTEMIS mission during 2012-2021, we conduct statistical analyses and case studies to investigate the plasma density at near-surface altitudes. ARTEMIS measurements reveal no plasma densities at altitudes between 10 and 50 km that exceed 35 cm-3, and therefore they provide no evidence for a steady-state or global lunar ionosphere at the level suggested by some RO observations. Density profiles with local time and altitude show higher density in the sunlit sector than in the shadowed sector. These observations suggest that the natural variation of solar wind plasma flux with solar zenith angle plays a critical role in controlling the plasma population near the surface. This research provides a reference for a comparison with RO observations and a statistical view of the low-altitude plasma environment near the lunar surface.

Keywords: the moon; lunar science; solar wind; space plasmas
Systematic Study of the Peak Energy of Broadband Gamma-Ray Burst Spectra

We have performed a systematic study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which have various values in the peak energy of the νFν spectrum of prompt emission, Epeak, observed by the Swift/Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor, investigating their prompt and X-ray afterglow emissions. We cataloged long-lasting GRBs observed by Swift between 2004 December and 2014 February in three categories according to the classification by Sakamoto et al.: X-ray flashes (XRFs), X-ray-rich GRBs (XRRs), and classical GRBs (C-GRBs). We then derived ${E}_{\mathrm{peak}}^{\mathrm{obs}}$ , as well as ${E}_{\mathrm{peak}}^{\mathrm{src}}$ if viable, of the Swift spectra of their prompt emission. We also analyzed their X-ray afterglows and found that GRB events with a lower ${E}_{\mathrm{peak}}^{\mathrm{src}}$ , I.e., softer GRBs, are fainter in 0.3-10 keV X-ray luminosity and decay more slowly than harder GRBs. The intrinsic event rates of the XRFs, XRRs, and C-GRBs were calculated using the Swift/BAT trigger algorithm. Those of the XRRs and XRFs are larger than that of the C-GRBs. If we assume that the observational diversity of Epeak is explained using the off-axis model, these results yield a jet half-opening angle of Δθ ∼ 0°3, and a variance of the observing angles θobs ≲ 0°6. This implies that this tiny variance would be responsible for the Epeak diversity observed by Swift/BAT, which is unrealistic. Therefore, we conclude that the Epeak diversity is not explained with the off-axis model, but is likely to originate from some intrinsic properties of the jets.

Keywords: gamma-ray bursts; high energy astrophysics; jets; relativistic jets
Near-infrared Reflectance of Rocks at High Temperature: Preliminary Results and Implications for Near-infrared Emissivity of Venus's Surface

Light emitted from Venus's surface can be viewed through spectral "windows" in its atmosphere, in the near-infrared (NIR) around 1000 nanometer (nm) wavelengths. The NIR emissivity of Venus's surface can constrain rock types and their weathering state; emissivities can be measured directly or calculated from reflectances. We measured the reflectances of igneous and sedimentary rocks at Venus's surface temperature, 400 °C-500 °C at 850 and 950 nm; samples were heated in a box furnace in air, illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and imaged with a modified charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Reflectances were also measured at 25 °C from 350 to 1400 nm. Rock reflectances at 850 and 950 nm and 400 °C-500 °C are nearly identical to those at 25 °C, except for the effects of nanophase hematite forming on some surfaces. Fresh basalts have reflectances (high and low temperatures) near 7.5%; a leucogranite similarly has reflectances near 50%. Pigmentary hematite has nearly identical reflectances at high- and low-temperature at these wavelengths. Pigmentary hematite appears dark brown 400 °C-500 °C because its absorption edge has shifted to beyond the limit of human vision. These rock reflectances imply that basalts should have emissivities near 0.9, and granite (and similar felsic rocks) should have lower emissivities ∼0.5. Thus, basalt and felsic rock should be easily distinguished in NIR emissivity measurements of Venus's surface, such as are baselined in recent Venus mission proposals. Other sedimentary rocks should have even lower emissivities: quartz sand at around ∼0.3, and anhydrite as low as 0.1.

Keywords: venus; infrared photometry; extrasolar rocky planets
Surface Energy of the Titan Aerosol Analog "Tholin"

The photochemical haze produced in the upper atmosphere of Titan plays a key role in various atmospheric and surface processes on Titan. The surface energy, one important physical property of the haze, is crucial for understanding the growth of the haze particles and can be used to predict their wetting behavior with solid and liquid species on Titan. We produced Titan analog haze materials, so-called "tholins," with different energy sources and measured their surface energies through contact angle and direct force measurements. From the contact angle measurement, we found that the tholins produced by cold plasma and UV irradiation have a total surface energy around 60-70 mJ m-2. The direct force measurement yields a total surface energy of ∼66 mJ m-2 for plasma tholin. The surface energy of tholin is relatively high compared to common polymers, indicating its high cohesiveness. Therefore, the Titan haze particles would likely coagulate easily to form bigger particles, while the haze-derived surface sand particles would need a higher wind speed to be mobilized because of the high interparticle cohesion. The high surface energy of tholins also makes them easily wettable by Titan's atmospheric hydrocarbon condensates and surface liquids. Thus, the haze particles are likely good cloud condensation nuclei for hydrocarbon clouds (methane and ethane) to nucleate and grow. And if the haze particles are denser compared to the lake liquids, they will likely sink into the lakes instead of forming a floating film to dampen the lake surface waves.

Keywords: saturnian satellites; surface composition; planetary atmospheres; surface processes