bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methanol masers in Galactic center region supernova remnants
Authors: Pihlström Y. M. , McEwen B. C. , Sjouwerman L. O. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMethanol masers can be used to constrain densities and estimate kinematical distances to supernova remnants (SNRs), important parameters in cosmic ray acceleration models. With the goal of testing those models both for SNRs inside and outside the Galactic center (GC) region, we have used the Very Large Array to search for 36 GHz and 44 GHz methanol lines in Galactic SNRs. We report on the overall results of the maser search, and in particular the results of the GC SNR G1.4–0.1 in which more than 40 masers were found. They may be due to interactions between the SNR and at least two separate molecular clouds. Methanol masers were also detected in W28 and in Sgr A East.
Disk-halo interactions: molecular clouds in the Galactic center
Authors: Riquelme D. , Martín-Pintado J. , Mauersberger R. , Martín S. , Bronfman L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe study the disk-halo interaction, in the context of orbits and Giant Molecular loops (GMLs) in the Galactic center (GC) region. From a large scale survey of the central kpc of the Galaxy, in SiO J = (2 − 1), HCO+J = (1 − 0) and H13CO+J = (1 − 0) molecular emission, we identify shock regions traced by the enhancement of the SiO. These positions were studied using the 12C/13C isotopic ratio to trace gas accretion/ejection. We found a systematically higher 12C/13C isotopic ratio (> 40) toward the GMLs and the x1 orbits than for the GC standard molecular clouds (20–25). The high isotopic ratios are consistent with the accretion of the gas from the halo and from the outskirts of the Galactic disk. From multi-transitional observations of NH3, we derive two kinetic temperature regimes (one warm at ∼150 K and one cold at ∼40 K) for all the positions, except for the GMLs positions where only the warm component is present. The fractional abundances derived from the different molecules support the shock origin for the heating mechanism in the GC. We also present a detailed study of one molecular cloud placed in the foot points of two giant molecular loops, where two of the previously selected positions are placed. Using the 22m Mopra telescope we mapped the molecular cloud M − 3.8 + 0.9 in 3-mm molecular lines. The data show structures at small scale in SiO emission, with narrower line profiles than those of, e.g, HCO+ or HCN, which indicate that the shocks are dynamically confined. The data also show clear differences between different molecular tracers, e.g., between the SiO and HCO+ emission, which would indicate differences in the physical properties and chemistry within the cloud.
SMA observations towards massive clouds in the central molecular zone
Authors: Lu Xing , Zhang Qizhou , Kauffmann Jens , Pillai Thushara 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRecently we conducted a mini-survey towards a sample of six massive clouds with surface density >1024 cm−2 in the central molecular zone (CMZ) of the Milky Way, with the SMA at 280 GHz in the compact array and at 230 GHz in the compact/subcompact arrays. The data reveal compact dust continuum peaks, some of which are also associated with organic molecular lines and thermal SiO emission. The subcompact array data helps recover more structures, e.g. the regularly spaced, well-aligned continuum fragments in the 20 km s−1 cloud. Shock tracers such as SiO are found in all the clouds. Our observations suggest potential protostellar origin for some of the dust continuum peaks in these regions.
Large–scale and high–sensitivity multi–line CO surveys toward the Galactic center
Authors: Enokiya R. , Torii K. , Schultheis M. , Asahina Y. , Matsumoto R. , Yamamoto H. , Tachihara K. , Okuda T. , Morris M. R. , Fukui Y. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe carried out large–scale (4 × 2 degree) CO multi–line observations toward the central molecular zone (CMZ) in the Galactic center (GC) with the NANTEN2 4m telescope and mapped several diffuse molecular features located at relatively high Galactic latitudes above 0°.6. These high–latitude features are composed of diffuse molecular halo gas and molecular filaments according to their morphological aspects. Their high velocities and high intensity ratios between 12CO J = (2−1) and J = (1−0) clearly indicate their location in the GC, and their total mass amount to ∼10% of that of the CMZ. We discuss that magnetic field is a possible mechanism of these high–latitude molecular features lifting up toward high galactic latitude.
All quiet on the Western front? New evidence for massive star formation in Sgr C
Authors: Kendrew Sarah , Ginsburg Adam , Johnston Katharine , Beuther Henrik , Bally John , Cyganowski Claudia J. , Battersby Cara 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe summarize here our recent findings from near-infrared spectroscopy and 1 mm line and continuum observations of a recently identified extended green object (EGO) in Sgr C, whose observational characteristics suggest early-stage massive star formation is taking place. Located on the outskirts of the massive evolved Hii region associated with Sgr C in the Western central molecular zone (CMZ), the EGO measures ∼10″ (0.4 pc at 8.5 kpc). We confirm that early-stage star formation is taking place on the periphery of the Sgr C Hii region. The data show clear detections of two protostellar cores and several knots of H2 and Brackett γ emission alongside a previously detected compact radio source. We calculate the cores' joint mass to be ∼103 M⊙, with column densities of 1-2 × 1024 cm−2. The host molecular clouds mass is approximately 105 M⊙. Despite these favorable conditions, the cloud is curiously devoid of any further star formation, making it comparable to other remarkably quiescent clouds, such as G0.253 in the Eastern CMZ.
Structure of the nuclear stellar cluster of the Milky Way galaxy
Authors: Kunneriath Devaky , Schödel Rainer , Stolovy Susan , Feldmeier Anja 
Published: May 2014

AbstractNuclear star clusters are unambiguously detected in about 50–70% of spiral and spheroidal galaxies. They have typical half-light radii of 2–5 pc, dynamical mass ranging from 106 – 107 M⊙, are brighter than globular clusters, and obey similar scaling relations with host galaxies as supermassive black holes. The nuclear stellar cluster (NSC) which surrounds Sgr A*, the SMBH at the center of our galaxy, is the nearest nuclear cluster to us, and can be resolved to scales of milliparsecs. The strong and highly variable extinction towards the Galactic center makes it very hard to infer the intrinsic properties of the NSC (structure and size). We attempt a new way to infer its properties by using Spitzer MIR images in a wavelength range 3–8 μm where the extinction is at a minimum, and the NSC clearly stands out as a separate structure. We present results from our analysis, including extinction-corrected images and surface brightness profiles of the central few hundred parsecs of the Milky Way.
The nuclear cluster of the Milky Way: total mass and luminosity
Authors: Fritz T. K. , Chatzopoulos S. , Gerhard O. , Gillessen S. , Genzel R. , Pfuhl O. , Tacchella S. , Eisenhauer F. , Ott T. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHere we present the fundamental properties of the nuclear cluster of the Milky Way. First, we derive its structural properties by constructing a density map of the central 1000″ using extinction-corrected star counts. We can describe the data with a two-component model built from Sersic profiles. The inner nearly spherical component is the nuclear cluster. The outer, strongly flattened component can be identified with the stellar component of the circumnuclear zone. Second, we enlarge the radius inside which detailed dynamics are available from 1 pc to 4 pc. We use more than 10000 individual proper motions and more than 2700 radial velocities. We determine the cluster mass by means of isotropic spherical Jeans modeling. We get a nuclear cluster mass within 100″ of M100″=(6.11 ± 0.52|fix R0±0.97|R0) × 106 M⊙, which corresponds to a total cluster mass of MNC=(13.08 ± 2.51|fix R0± 2.08|R0) × 106 M⊙. By combination of our mass with the flux we calculate M/L=0.50 ± 0.12 M⊙/L⊙,Ks for the central 100″. That is broadly consistent with a Chabrier IMF. With its mass and a luminosity of MKs=−15.30±0.26 the nuclear cluster is a bright and massive specimen with a typical size.
Metallicity studies of the Galactic center: evidence for a top-heavy star formation history?
Authors: Najarro Francisco , de la Fuente Diego , Geballe Tom R. , Figer Don F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe Galactic center (GC) region hosts three of the most massive resolved young clusters in the Local Group and constitutes a test bed for studying the star formation history of the region and inferring the possibility of a top-heavy scenario. Further, recent detection of a large number of apparently isolated massive stars within the inner 80 pc of the Galactic center has raised fundamental questions regarding massive star formation in a such a dense and harsh environment. Noting that most of the isolated massive stars have spectral analogs in the Quintuplet cluster, we have undertaken a combined analysis of the infrared spectra of both selected Quintuplet stars and the isolated objects using Gemini spectroscopy. We present preliminary results, aiming at α-elements versus iron abundances, stellar properties, ages and radial velocities which will differentiate the top-heavy and star-formation scenarios.
Observations of the gas cloud G2 in the Galactic center
Authors: Gillessen S. , Genzel R. , Fritz T. K. , Eisenhauer F. , Pfuhl O. , Ott T. , Burkert A. , Schartmann M. , Ballone A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn 2011, we discovered a compact gas cloud (“G2”) with roughly three Earth masses that is falling on a near-radial orbit toward the massive black hole in the Galactic center. The orbit is well constrained and pericenter passage is predicted for early 2014. Our data beautifully show that G2 gets tidally sheared apart due to the massive black hole's force. During the next months, we expect that in addition to the tidal effects, hydrodynamics get important, when G2 collides with the hot ambient gas around Sgr A*. Simulations show that ultimately, the cloud's material might fall into the massive black hole. Predictions for the accretion rate and luminosity evolution, however, are very difficult due to the many unknowns. Nevertheless, this might be a unique opportunity in the next years to observe how gas feeds a massive black hole in a galactic nucleus.
The infrared K-band identification of the DSO/G2 source from VLT and Keck data
Authors: Eckart A. , Horrobin M. , Britzen S. , Zamaninasab M. , Mužić K. , Sabha N. , Shahzamanian B. , Yazici S. , Moser L. , García-Marin M. , Valencia-S. M. , Borkar A. , Bursa M. , Karssen G. , Karas V. , Zajaček M. , Bronfman L. , Finger R. , Jalali B. , Vitale M. , Rauch C. , Kunneriath D. , Moultaka J. , Straubmeier C. , Rashed Y. E. , Markakis K. , Zensus A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA fast moving infrared excess source (G2) which is widely interpreted as a core-less gas and dust cloud approaches Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) on a presumably elliptical orbit. VLT Ks-band and Keck K′-band data result in clear continuum identifications and proper motions of this ∼19m Dusty S-cluster Object (DSO). In 2002-2007 it is confused with the star S63, but free of confusion again since 2007. Its near-infrared (NIR) colors and a comparison to other sources in the field speak in favor of the DSO being an IR excess star with photospheric continuum emission at 2 microns than a core-less gas and dust cloud. We also find very compact L′-band emission (<0.1″) contrasted by the reported extended (0.03″ up to ∼0.2″ for the tail) Brγ emission. The presence of a star will change the expected accretion phenomena, since a stellar Roche lobe may retain a fraction of the material during and after the peri-bothron passage.
Long-term monitoring of Sgr A* at 7 mm with VERA and KaVA
Authors: Akiyama K. , Kino M. , Sohn B. , Lee S. , Trippe S. , Honma M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe present the results of radio monitoring observations of Sgr A* at 7 mm (i.e. 43 GHz) with the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA), which is a VLBI array in Japan. VERA provides angular resolution on millisecond scales, resolving structures within 100 Schwarzschild radii of Sgr A* , similar to the Very Large Baseline Array (VLBA). We performed multi-epoch observations of Sgr A* in 2005 - 2008, and started monitoring it again with VERA from 2013 January to trace the current G2 encounter event. Our preliminary results in 2013 show that Sgr A* on mas scales has been in an ordinary state as of August 2013, although some fraction of the G2 cloud already passed the pericenter of Sgr A* in April 2013. We will continue monitoring Sgr A* with VERA and the newly developed KaVA (KVN and VERA Array).
Event horizon scale emission models for Sagittarius A*
Authors: Dexter J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractVery long baseline interferometry observations at millimeter wavelengths have detected source structure in Sgr A* on event horizon scales. Near-infrared interferometry will achieve similar resolution in the next few years. These experiments provide an unprecedented opportunity to explore strong gravity around black holes, but interpreting the data requires physical modeling. I discuss the calculation of images, spectra, and light curves from relativistic MHD simulations of black hole accretion. The models provide an excellent description of current observations, and predict that we may be on the verge of detecting a black hole shadow, which would constitute the first direct evidence for the existence of black holes.
Flux monitoring observations of Sgr A* at 8 GHz and 2 GHz with the NICT Kashima–Koganei VLBI System
Authors: Takekawa S. , Oka T. , Sekido M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe have been conducting flux monitoring observations of Sgr A* at 8 GHz and 2 GHz using the NICT Kashima-Koganei VLBI system (109 km baseline) since mid-February 2013. The primary objective of the monitoring is a search for flux variation which is expected to be caused by the interaction between the G2 cloud and the accretion disk. Until 2013 September 22, we observed Sgr A* for 39 days, five hours on each day. Four quasars (NRAO 530, PKS 1622–253, PKS 1622–297, PKS 1921–293) were also observed as flux calibrators every 6 minutes. No significant change nor variation has been detected in the 8 GHz flux density of Sgr A*. The 8 GHz flux density was 0.81 ± 0.07 Jy (preliminary), while no significant 2 GHz emission was detected by our system. We will continue monitoring as often as possible until at least 2014 May.
On the past activity of Sgr A*
Authors: Ponti G. , Morris M. R. , Clavel M. , Terrier R. , Goldwurm A. , Soldi S. , Sturm R. , Haberl F. , Nandra K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRecent X-ray emission events in the Galactic center would be expected to generate an X-ray reflection response within the surrounding clouds of the central molecular zone, in the Galactic disk and even, if powerful enough, in clouds outside our Galaxy. We review here the current constraints on Sgr A*'s past activity obtained through this method, with particular emphasis on the strong evidence that has been gathered for multiple X-ray flashes during the past few hundred years.
Detection of a high brightness temperature radio core in the AGN-driven molecular outflow candidate NGC 1266
Authors: Nyland K. , Alatalo K. , Wrobel J. M. , Young L. M. , Morganti R. , Davis T. A. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Deustua S. , Bureau M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe present new Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) Hi absorption and Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) continuum observations of the active galactic nucleus (AGN)-driven molecular outflow candidate NGC 1266. Although other well-known systems with molecular outflows may be driven by star formation in a central molecular disk, the molecular mass outflow rate reported in Alatalo et al. (2011) in NGC 1266 of 13 M⊙ year−1 exceeds star formation rate estimates from a variety of tracers. This suggests that an additional energy source, such as an AGN, may play a significant role in powering the outflow. Our high spatial resolution Hi absorption data reveal compact absorption against the radio continuum core co-located with the putative AGN, and the presence of a blueshifted spectral component re-affirms that gas is indeed flowing out of the system. Our VLBA observations at 1.65 GHz reveal one continuum source within the densest portion of the molecular gas, with a diameter d < 8 mas (1.2 pc), a radio power Prad = 1.48 × 1020 W Hz−1, and a brightness temperature Tb > 1.5 × 107 K that is most consistent with an AGN origin. The radio continuum energetics implied by the compact VLBA source, as well as archival VLA continuum observations at lower spatial resolution, further support the possibility that the AGN in NGC 1266 could be driving the molecular outflow. These findings suggest that even low-level AGNs, with supermassive black hole masses similar to Sgr A*, may be able to launch massive outflows in their host galaxies.
Fermi bubble simulations: black hole feedback in the Milky Way
Authors: Ruszkowski M. , Yang H.-Y. K. , Zweibel E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe Fermi γ-ray telescope discovered a pair of bubbles at the Galactic center. These structures are spatially-correlated with the microwave emission detected by the WMAP and Planck satellites. These bubbles were likely inflated by a jet launched from the vicinity of a supermassive black hole in the Galactic center. Using MHD simulations, which self-consistently include interactions between cosmic rays and magnetic fields, we build models of the supersonic jet propagation, cosmic ray transport, and the magnetic field amplification within the Fermi bubbles. Our key findings are that: (1) the synthetic Fermi γ-ray and WMAP microwave spectra based on our simulations are consistent with the observations, suggesting that a single population of cosmic ray leptons may simultaneously explain the emission across a range of photon energies; (2) the model fits the observed centrally-peaked microwave emission if a second, more recent, pair of jets embedded in the Fermi bubbles is included in the model. This is consistent with the observationally-based suggestion made by Su & Finkbeiner (2012); (3) the radio emission from the bubbles is expected to be strongly polarized due to the relatively high level of field ordering caused by elongated turbulent vortices. This effect is caused by the interaction of the shocks driven by the jets with the preexisting interstellar medium turbulence; (4) a layer of enhanced rotation measure in the shock-compressed region could exist in the bubble vicinity but the level of this enhancement depends on the details of the magnetic topology.
Dark matter and pulsar model constraints from Galactic center Fermi/LAT γ-ray observations
Authors: Gordon Chris , Macias Oscar 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEmploying Fermi/LAT γ-ray observations, several independent groups have found excess extended γ-ray emission at the Galactic center (GC). Both, annihilating dark matter (DM) or a population of ~ 103 unresolved millisecond pulsars (MSPs) are regarded as well motivated possible explanations. However, there is significant uncertainties in the diffuse Galactic background at the GC. We have performed a revaluation of these two models for the extended γ-ray source at the GC by accounting for the systematic uncertainties of the Galactic diffuse emission model. We also marginalize over point source and diffuse background parameters in the region of interest. We show that the excess emission is significantly more extended than a point source. We find that the DM (or pulsar population) signal is larger than the systematic errors and therefore proceed to determine the sectors of parameter space that provide an acceptable fit to the data. We found that a population of several thousand MSPs with parameters consistent with the average spectral shape of Fermi/LAT measured MSPs was able to fit the GC excess emission. For DM, we found that a pure τ+τ− annihilation channel is not a good fit to the data. But a mixture of τ+τ− and bb with a 〈σ v〉 of order the thermal relic value and a DM mass of around 20 to 60 GeV provides an adequate fit.
The cosmic ray ionization rate in the central parsec of the Galaxy
Authors: Goto Miwa 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCosmic rays represent a unique crossing point of high-energy astrophysics and astrochemistry. The cosmic ray ionization rate of molecular hydrogen (ζ2) measured by H3+ spectroscopy in the central parsec of the Galaxy is 2 orders of magnitude higher than that in the dense clouds outside the Galactic center. However, it is still too short, by the factor of 10,000, to agree with an extremely high ζ2 that accommodates the new γ-ray observations of Sgr A* and its environment.
The Galactic center pulsar SGR J1745–29
Authors: Bower Geoffrey C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe discovery of the Galactic center pulsar SGR J1745–29 has provided an important new window into plasma processes in the Galactic center (GC) interstellar medium, the population of compact objects in the GC, and the prospects for probing general relativistic effects through timing of a Sgr A* pulsar companion. We discuss here radio observations of the pulsar and how they are providing fresh insights. In particular, our results show that recent pulsar surveys had the sensitivity to detect many pulsars in the GC region without significant losses due to interstellar scattering. This raise the question of why only this pulsar close to Sgr A* has been detected.
Radiatively inefficient accretion in short-period black hole low mass X-ray binaries
Authors: Connors Riley M. T. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThere is statistical evidence for a dearth of short-period (Porb < 4h) black hole (BH) low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) in the Galaxy. At short periods accretion onto the central object (be it a BH) may become inefficient because the cooling timescale of the gas is greater than the accretion timescale (this is the well known ADAF model). The nature of the switch is important in terms of the outburst timescales of transient sources. The switch may be sharp or occur smoothly over time. I show that the dearth can be explained if the switch to inefficiency occurs sharply at some fraction of the Eddington luminosity of the BH (fLEdd).
Low frequency (74 MHz) radio continuum observations of the inner 13° × 7° of the Galactic center
Authors: Rickert M. , Yusef-Zadeh F. , Brogan C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe analyze a high resolution (114″ × 60″) 74 MHz image of the Galactic center taken with the Very Large Array (VLA). We have identified several absorption and emission features in this region, and we discuss preliminary results of two Galactic center sources: the Sgr D complex (G1.1–0.1) and the Galactic center lobe (GCL).The 74 MHz image displays the thermal and nonthermal components of Sgr D and we argue the Sgr D supernova remnant (SNR) is consistent with an interaction with a nearby molecular cloud and the location of the Sgr D Hii region on the near side of the Galactic center. The image also suggests that the emission from the eastern side of the GCL contains a mixture of both thermal and nonthermal sources, whereas the western side is primarily thermal.