What does the first highly-redshifted 21-cm detection tell us about early galaxies?

Abstract: The Experiment to Detect the Global Epoch of Reionization Signature (EDGES) recently reported a strong 21-cm absorption signal relative to the cosmic microwave background at z ∼ 18. While its anomalous amplitude may indicate new physics, in this work we focus on the timing of the signal, as it alone provides an important constraint on galaxy formation models. Whereas rest-frame ultraviolet luminosity functions (UVLFs) over a broad range of redshifts are well fit by simple models in which galaxy star formation histories track the assembly of dark matter halos, we find that these same models, with reasonable assumptions about X-ray production in star-forming galaxies, cannot generate a narrow absorption trough at z ∼ 18. If verified, the EDGES signal therefore requires the fundamental inputs of galaxy formation models to evolve rapidly at z ≳ 10. Unless extremely faint sources residing in halos below the atomic cooling threshold are responsible for the EDGES signal, star formation in ∼ 10^8-10^10 M_⊙ halos must be more efficient than expected, implying that the faint-end of the UVLF at M_UV≲ -12 must steepen at the highest redshifts. This steepening provides a concrete test for future galaxy surveys with the James Webb Space Telescope and ongoing efforts in lensed fields, and is required regardless of whether the amplitude of the EDGES signal is due to new cooling channels or a strong radio background in the early Universe. However, the radio background solution requires that galaxies at z > 15 emit 1-2 GHz photons with an efficiency ∼ 10^3 times greater than local star-forming galaxies, posing a challenge for models of low-frequency photon production in the early Universe.


Baryon acoustic oscillations from the cross-correlation of Lyα absorption and quasars in eBOSS DR14

Abstract: We present a measurement of the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) scale at redshift z=2.35 from the three-dimensional correlation of Lyman-α (Lyα) forest absorption and quasars. The study uses 266,590 quasars in the redshift range 1.77<z<3.5 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 14 (DR14). The sample includes the first two years of observations by the SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), providing new quasars and re-observations of BOSS quasars for improved statistical precision. Statistics are further improved by including Lyα absorption occurring in the Lyβ wavelength band of the spectra. From the measured BAO peak position along and across the line of sight, we determined the Hubble distance D_H and the comoving angular diameter distance D_M relative to the sound horizon at the drag epoch r_d: D_H(z=2.35)/r_d=9.20± 0.36 and D_M(z=2.35)/r_d=36.3± 1.8. These results are consistent at 1.5σ with the prediction of the best-fit spatially-flat cosmological model with the cosmological constant reported for the Planck (2016) analysis of cosmic microwave background anisotropies. Combined with the Lyα auto-correlation measurement presented in a companion paper, the BAO measurements at z=2.34 are within 1.7σ of the predictions of this model.

lyα absorption
quasar
cosmological model
baryon acoustic oscillation


Gusty, gaseous flows of FIRE: galactic winds in cosmological simulations with explicit stellar feedback

Abstract: We present an analysis of the galaxy-scale gaseous outflows from the FIRE (Feedback in Realistic Environments) simulations. This suite of hydrodynamic cosmological zoom simulations resolves formation of star-forming giant molecular clouds to z=0, and features an explicit stellar feedback model on small scales. Our simulations reveal that high redshift galaxies undergo bursts of star formation followed by powerful gusts of galactic outflows that eject much of the ISM and temporarily suppress star formation. At low redshift, however, sufficiently massive galaxies corresponding to L*-progenitors develop stable disks and switch into a continuous and quiescent mode of star formation that does not drive outflows far into the halo. Mass-loading factors for winds in L*-progenitors are η≈ 10 at high redshift, but decrease to η≪ 1 at low redshift. Although lower values of η are expected as halos grow in mass over time, we show that the strong suppression of outflows with decreasing redshift cannot be explained by mass evolution alone. Circumgalactic outflow velocities are variable and broadly distributed, but typically range between one and three times the circular velocity of the halo. Much of the ejected material builds a reservoir of enriched gas within the circumgalactic medium, some of which could be later recycled to fuel further star formation. However, a fraction of the gas that leaves the virial radius through galactic winds is never regained, causing most halos with mass M_h ≤ 10^12 M_⊙ to be deficient in baryons compared to the cosmic mean by z=0.

galactic wind
cosmological simulation
stellar feedback


Refining inflation using non-canonical scalars

Abstract: This paper revisits the Inflationary scenario within the framework of scalar field models possessing a non-canonical kinetic term. We obtain closed form solutions for all essential quantities associated with chaotic inflation including slow roll parameters, scalar and tensor power spectra, spectral indices, the tensor-to-scalar ratio, etc. We also examine the Hamilton-Jacobi equation and demonstrate the existence of an inflationary attractor. Our results highlight the fact that non-canonical scalars can significantly improve the viability of inflationary models. They accomplish this by decreasing the tensor-to-scalar ratio while simultaneously increasing the value of the scalar spectral index, thereby redeeming models which are incompatible with the cosmic microwave background (CMB) in their canonical version. For instance, the non-canonical version of the chaotic inflationary potential, V(ϕ) ∼λϕ^4, is found to agree with observations for values of λ as large as unity ! The exponential potential can also provide a reasonable fit to CMB observations. A central result of this paper is that steep potentials (such as V ∝ϕ^-n) usually associated with dark energy, can drive inflation in the non-canonical setting. Interestingly, non-canonical scalars violate the consistency relation r = -8n_T, which emerges as a smoking gun test for this class of models.

non-canonical scalar
inflationary scenario
chaotic inflation


Electronic screening and damping in magnetars

Abstract: We calculate the screening of the ion-ion potential due to electrons in the presence of a large background magnetic field, at densities of relevance to neutron star crusts. Using the standard approach to incorporate electron screening through the one-loop polarization function, we show that the magnetic field produces important corrections both at short and long distances. In extreme fields, realized in highly magnetized neutron stars called magnetars, electrons occupy only the lowest Landau levels in the relatively low density region of the crust. Here our results show that the screening length for Coulomb interactions between ions can be smaller than the inter-ion spacing. More interestingly, we find that the screening is anisotropic and the screened potential between two static charges exhibits long range Friedel oscillations parallel to the magnetic field. This long-range oscillatory behavior is likely to affect the lattice structure of ions, and can possibly create rod-like structures in the magnetar crusts. We also calculate the imaginary part of the electron polarization function which determines the spectrum of electron-hole excitations and plays a role in damping lattice phonon excitations. We demonstrate that even for modest magnetic fields this damping is highly anisotropic and will likely lead to anisotropic phonon heat transport in the outer neutron star crust.


Event horizon image within black hole shadow

Abstract: We argue that a genuine image of the black hole viewed by a distant observer is not its shadow, but a more compact event horizon image probed by the luminous matter plunging into black hole. The external border of the black hole shadow is washed out by radiation from matter plunging into black hole and approaching the event horizon. This effect will crucially influence the results of future observations by the Event Horizon Telescope. We show that gravitational lensing of the luminous matter plunging into black hole provides the possibility for visualization of the event horizon. The lensed image of the event horizon is formed by the highly red-shifted photons emitted by the plunging matter very near the black hole event horizon and detected by a distant observer. The resulting event horizon image is a gravitationally lensed projection on the celestial sphere of the whole black hole event horizon sphere. Seemingly, black holes are the unique objects in the Universe which may be viewed by distant observers at once from both the front and back sides.

black hole shadow
distant observer
photon
event horizon image


Interpretations of the DAMPE electron data

Abstract: The DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE), a high energy cosmic ray and γ-ray detector in space, has recently reported the new measurement of the total electron plus positron flux between 25 GeV and 4.6 TeV. A spectral softening at ∼0.9 TeV and a tentative peak at ∼1.4 TeV have been reported. We study the physical implications of the DAMPE data in this work. The presence of the spectral break significantly tightens the constraints on the model parameters to explain the electron/positron excesses. The spectral softening can either be explained by the maximum acceleration limits of electrons by astrophysical sources, or a breakdown of the common assumption of continuous distribution of electron sources at TeV energies in space and time. The tentive peak at ∼1.4 TeV implies local sources of electrons/positrons with quasi-monochromatic injection spectrum. We find that the cold, ultra-relativistic e^+e^- winds from pulsars may give rise to such a structure. The pulsar is requird to be middle-aged, relatively slowly-rotated, mildly magnetized, and isolated in a density cavity. The annihilation of DM particles (m_χ∼1.5 TeV) into e^+e^- pairs in a nearby clump or an over-density region may also explain the data. In the DM scenario, the inferred clump mass (or density enhancement) is about 10^7-10^8 M_⊙ (or 17-35 times of the canonical local density) assuming a thermal production cross section, which is relatively extreme compared with the expectation from numerical simulations. A moderate enhancement of the annihilation cross section via, e.g., the Sommerfeld mechanism or non-thermal production, is thus needed.

spectral softening
electron source
annihilation
interpretation
kpc


Testing the No-Hair Theorem with Observations in the Electromagnetic Spectrum. III. Quasi-Periodic Variability

Abstract: According to the no-hair theorem, astrophysical black holes are uniquely described by their masses and spins. An observational test of the no-hair theorem can be performed by measuring at least three different multipole moments of the spacetime of a black hole and verifying whether their values are consistent with the unique combinations of the Kerr solution. In this paper, we study quasi-periodic variability observed in the emission from black holes across the electromagnetic spectrum as a test of the no-hair theorem. We derive expressions for the Keplerian and epicyclic frequencies in a quasi-Kerr spacetime, in which the quadrupole moment is a free parameter in addition to mass and spin. We show that, for moderate spins, the Keplerian frequency is practically independent of small deviations of the quadrupole moment from the Kerr value, while the epicyclic frequencies exhibit significant variations. We apply this framework to quasi-periodic oscillations in black-hole X-ray binaries in two different scenarios. In the case that a pair of quasi-periodic oscillations can be identified as the fundamental g- and c-modes in the accretion disk, we show that the no-hair theorem can be tested in conjunction with an independent mass measurement. If, on the other hand, the pairs of oscillations are identified with non-parametric resonance of dynamical frequencies in the accretion disk, then testing the no-hair theorem also requires an independent measurement of the black-hole spin. In addition, we argue that VLBI observations of Sgr A* may test the no-hair theorem through a combination of imaging observations and the detection of quasi-periodic variability.

electromagnetic spectrum
quasi-periodic variability
small deviation
accretion


Origin and Structures of Solar Eruptions I: Magnetic Flux Rope (Invited Review)

Abstract: Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares are the large-scale and most energetic eruptive phenomena in our solar system and able to release a large quantity of plasma and magnetic flux from the solar atmosphere into the solar wind. When these high-speed magnetized plasmas along with the energetic particles arrive at the Earth, they may interact with the magnetosphere and ionosphere, and seriously affect the safety of human high-tech activities in outer space. The travel time of a CME to 1 AU is about 1-3 days, while energetic particles from the eruptions arrive even earlier. An efficient forecast of these phenomena therefore requires a clear detection of CMEs/flares at the stage as early as possible. To estimate the possibility of an eruption leading to a CME/flare, we need to elucidate some fundamental but elusive processes including in particular the origin and structures of CMEs/flares. Understanding these processes can not only improve the prediction of the occurrence of CMEs/flares and their effects on geospace and the heliosphere but also help understand the mass ejections and flares on other solar-type stars. The main purpose of this review is to address the origin and early structures of CMEs/flares, from multi-wavelength observational perspective. First of all, we start with the ongoing debate of whether the pre-eruptive configuration, i.e., a helical magnetic flux rope (MFR), of CMEs/flares exists before the eruption and then emphatically introduce observational manifestations of the MFR. Secondly, we elaborate on the possible formation mechanisms of the MFR through distinct ways. Thirdly, we discuss the initiation of the MFR and associated dynamics during its evolution toward the CME/flare. Finally, we come to some conclusions and put forward some prospects in the future.

eruption
magnetic flux rope
coronal mass ejection
solar atmosphere


Nonlocal Newtonian Cosmology

Abstract: We explore some of the cosmological implications of the recent classical nonlocal generalization of Einstein's theory of gravitation in which nonlocality is due to the gravitational memory of past events. In the Newtonian regime of this theory, the nonlocal character of gravity simulates dark matter in spiral galaxies and clusters of galaxies. However, dark matter is considered indispensable as well for structure formation in standard models of cosmology. Can nonlocal gravity solve the problem of structure formation without recourse to dark matter? Here we make a beginning in this direction by extending nonlocal gravity in the Newtonian regime to the cosmological domain. The nonlocal analog of the Zel'dovich solution is formulated and the consequences of the resulting nonlocal Zel'dovich model are investigated in detail.

cosmological implication
newtonian regime
gravity
nonlocal newtonian cosmology


Multiple physical elements to determine the gravitational-wave signatures of core-collapse supernovae

Abstract: We review recent progress in the theoretical predictions of gravitational waves (GWs) of core-collapse supernovae. Following a brief summary of the methods in the numerical modeling, we summarize multiple physical elements that determine the GW signatures which have been considered to be important in extracting the information of the long-veiled explosion mechanism from the observation of the GWs. We conclude with a summary of the most urgent tasks to make the dream come true.

core-collapse supernovae
gravitational wave
neutrino-driven explosion
explosion energy


Spontaneous creation of the universe from nothing

Abstract: An interesting idea is that the universe could be spontaneously created from nothing, but no rigorous proof has been given. In this paper, we present such a proof based on the analytic solutions of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation (WDWE). Explicit solutions of the WDWE for the special operator ordering factor p=-2 (or 4) show that, once a small true vacuum bubble is created by quantum fluctuations of the metastable false vacuum, it can expand exponentially no matter whether the bubble is closed, flat or open. The exponential expansion will end when the bubble becomes large and thus the early universe appears. With the de Broglie-Bohm quantum trajectory theory, we show explicitly that it is the quantum potential that plays the role of the cosmological constant and provides the power for the exponential expansion of the true vacuum bubble. So it is clear that the birth of the early universe completely depends on the quantum nature of the theory.

universe
operator
vacuum bubble
spontaneous creation


On graviton non-Gaussianities during inflation

Abstract: We consider the most general three point function for gravitational waves produced during a period of exactly de Sitter expansion. The de Sitter isometries constrain the possible shapes to only three: two preserving parity and one violating parity. These isometries imply that these correlation functions should be conformal invariant. One of the shapes is produced by the ordinary gravity action. The other shape is produced by a higher derivative correction and could be as large as the gravity contribution. The parity violating shape does not contribute to the bispectrum [1106.3228, 1108.0175], even though it is present in the wavefunction. We also introduce a spinor helicity formalism to describe de Sitter gravitational waves with circular polarization. These results also apply to correlation functions in Anti-de Sitter space. They also describe the general form of stress tensor correlation functions, in momentum space, in a three dimensional conformal field theory. Here all three shapes can arise, including the parity violating one.

gravitational wave
conformal invariance
non-gaussianitie
cosmological bootstrap
slow-roll inflation


Updated fundamental constant constraints from Planck 2018 data and possible relations to the Hubble tension

Abstract: We present updated constraints on the variation of the fine structure constant, α_ EM, and effective electron rest mass, m_ e, during the cosmological recombination era. These two fundamental constants directly affect the ionization history at redshift z≃ 1100 and thus modify the temperature and polarisation anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) measured precisely with Planck . The constraints on α_ EM tighten slightly due to improved Planck 2018 polarisation data but otherwise remain similar to previous CMB analysis. However, a comparison with the 2015 constraints reveals a mildly discordant behaviour for m_ e, which from CMB data alone is found below its local value. Adding baryon acoustic oscillation data brings m_ e back to the fiducial value, m_ e=(1.0078±0.0067) m_ e,0, and also drives the Hubble parameter to H_0=69.1± 1.2 [in units of km s^-1 Mpc^-1]. Further adding supernova data yields m_ e=(1.0190±0.0055) m_ e,0 with H_0=71.24±0.96. We perform several comparative analyses using the latest cosmological recombination calculations to further understand the various effects. Our results indicate that a single-parameter extension allowing for a slightly increased value of m_ e (≃ 3.5σ above m_ e,0) could play a role in the Hubble tension.

hubble tension
recombination era
ionization history


Asteroid family ages

Abstract: A new family classification, based on a catalog of proper elements with ∼ 384,000 numbered asteroids and on new methods is available. For the 45 dynamical families with >250 members identified in this classification, we present an attempt to obtain statistically significant ages: we succeeded in computing ages for 37 collisional families. We used a rigorous method, including a least squares fit of the two sides of a V-shape plot in the proper semimajor axis, inverse diameter plane to determine the corresponding slopes, an advanced error model for the uncertainties of asteroid diameters, an iterative outlier rejection scheme and quality control. The best available Yarkovsky measurement was used to estimate a calibration of the Yarkovsky effect for each family. The results are presented separately for the families originated in fragmentation or cratering events, for the young, compact families and for the truncated, one-sided families. For all the computed ages the corresponding uncertainties are provided. We found 2 cases where two separate dynamical families form together a single V-shape with compatible slopes, thus indicating a single collisional event. We have also found 3 examples of dynamical families containing multiple collisional families, plus a dubious case. We have found 2 cases of families containing a conspicuous subfamily, such that it is possible to measure the slope of a distinct V-shape, thus the age of the secondary collision. We also provide data on the central gaps appearing in some families. The ages computed in this paper are obtained with a single and uniform methodology, thus the ages of different families can be compared, providing a first example of collisional chronology of the asteroid main belt.


Probing small-scale cosmological fluctuations with the 21 cm forest: effects of neutrino mass, running spectral index and warm dark matter

Abstract: Although the cosmological paradigm based on cold dark matter and adiabatic, nearly scale-invariant primordial fluctuations is consistent with a wide variety of existing observations, it has yet to be sufficiently tested on scales smaller than those of massive galaxies, and various alternatives have been proposed that differ significantly in the consequent small-scale power spectrum (SSPS) of large-scale structure. Here we show that a powerful probe of the SSPS at k≳ 10 Mpc^-1 can be provided by the 21 cm forest, that is, systems of narrow absorption lines due to intervening, cold neutral hydrogen in the spectra of high-redshift background radio sources in the cosmic reionization epoch. Such features are expected to be caused predominantly by collapsed gas in starless minihalos, whose mass function can be very sensitive to the SSPS. As specific examples, we consider the effects of neutrino mass, running spectral index (RSI) and warm dark matter (WDM) on the SSPS, and evaluate the expected distribution in optical depth of 21 cm absorbers out to different redshifts. Within the current constraints on quantities such as the sum of neutrino masses ∑ m_ν, running of the primordial spectral index d n_s/d ln k and WDM particle mass m_ WDM, the statistics of the 21 cm forest manifest observationally significant differences that become larger at higher redshifts. In particular, it may be possible to probe the range of m_ WDM≳ 10 keV that may otherwise be inaccessible. Future observations of the 21 cm forest by the Square Kilometer Array may offer a unique and valuable probe of the SSPS, as long as radio sources such as quasars or Population III gamma-ray bursts with sufficient brightness and number exist at redshifts of z ≳ 10 - 20, and the astrophysical effects of reionization and heating can be discriminated.

fluctuation
neutrino mass
warm dark matter
high redshift


The Highest Energy HAWC Sources are Likely Leptonic and Powered by Pulsars

Abstract: The HAWC Collaboration has observed gamma rays at energies above 56 TeV from a collection of nine sources. It has been suggested that this emission could be hadronic in nature, requiring that these systems accelerate cosmic-ray protons or nuclei up to PeV-scale energies. In this paper, we instead show that the spectra of these objects favor a leptonic (inverse Compton) origin for their emission. More specifically, the gamma-ray emission from these objects can be straightforwardly accommodated within a model in which ∼𝒪(10%) of the host pulsar's spindown power is transferred into the acceleration of electrons and positrons with a power-law spectrum that extends to several hundred TeV or higher. The spectral break that is observed among these sources is naturally explained within the context of this simple model, and occurs at the energy where the timescale for energy losses matches the age of the pulsar. In contrast, this spectral feature cannot be straightforwardly accommodated in hadronic scenarios. Furthermore, hadronic models predict that these sources should produce more emission at GeV-scale energies than is observed. In light of these considerations, we conclude that HAWC's highest energy sources should be interpreted as TeV halos or pulsar wind nebulae, which produce their emission through inverse Compton scattering, and are powered by the rotational kinetic energy of their host pulsar.

pulsar
gamma-ray emission
rotational kinetic energy


The origins of massive black holes

Abstract: Massive black holes (MBHs) inhabit galaxy centers, power luminous quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and shape their cosmic environment with the energy they produce. The origins of MBHs remain a mystery and the recent detection by LIGO/Virgo of an almost 150 solar mass black hole has revitalized the question of whether there is a continuum between "stellar" and "massive" black holes and what the seeds of MBHs are. Seeds could have formed in the first galaxies, or could be also related to the collapse of horizon-sized regions in the early Universe. Understanding the origins of MBHs straddles fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics and it bridges the fields of gravitational wave physics and traditional astronomy. With several facilities in the next 10-15 years we foresee the possibility of discovering MBHs' avenues of formation. In this article we link three main topics: the channels of black hole seed formation, the journey from seeds to massive black holes, the diagnostics on the origins of MBHs. We highlight and critically discuss current unsolved problems and touch on recent developments that stirred the community.

black hole
mystery
cosmology
astrophysic


Induced gravitational waves from the cosmic coincidence

Abstract: The induced gravitational wave (GW) background from enhanced primordial scalar perturbations is one of the most promising observational consequences of primordial black hole (PBH) formation from inflation. We investigate the induced GW spectrum Ω_IGW from single-field inflation in the general ultra-slow-roll (USR) framework, restricting the peak frequency band to be inside 10^-3-1 Hz and saturating PBH abundance to comprise all dark matter (DM) in the ultralight asteroid-mass window. By invoking successful baryogenesis driven by USR inflation, we verify the viable parameter space for the specific density ratio between baryons and PBH DM observed today, the so-called "cosmic coincidence." We show that the cosmic coincidence requirement bounds the spectral index n_ UV in the high frequency limit, Ω_IGW(f≫ 1)∝ f^-2n_ UV, into 0 < n_ UV < 1, which implies that baryogenesis triggered by USR inflation for PBHs in the mass range of 10^-16-10^-12 M_⊙ can be tested by upcoming Advanced LIGO and Virgo data and next generation experiments such as LISA, Einstein Telescope, TianQin and DECIGO.

gravitational wave
coincidence
primordial scalar perturbation
black hole


A bimodal burst energy distribution of a repeating fast radio burst source

Abstract: The event rate, energy distribution, and time-domain behaviour of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) contains essential information regarding their physical nature and central engine, which are as yet unknown. As the first precisely-localized source, FRB 121102 has been extensively observed and shows non-Poisson clustering of bursts over time and a power-law energy distribution. However, the extent of the energy distribution towards the fainter end was not known. Here we report the detection of 1652 independent bursts with a peak burst rate of 122 hr^-1, in 59.5 hours spanning 47 days. A peak in the isotropic equivalent energy distribution is found to be 4.8 x 10^37 erg at 1.25 GHz, below which the detection of bursts is suppressed. The burst energy distribution is bimodal, and well characterized by a combination of a log-normal function and a generalized Cauchy function. The large number of bursts in hour-long spans allow sensitive periodicity searches between 1 ms and 1000 s. The non-detection of any periodicity or quasi-periodicity poses challenges for models involving a single rotating compact object. The high burst rate also implies that FRBs must be generated with a high radiative efficiency, disfavoring emission mechanisms with large energy requirements or contrived triggering conditions.

bimodal
energy distribution
frb
periodicity


Reconciling CMB and structure growth measurements with dark energy interactions

Abstract: We study a coupled quintessence model with pure momentum exchange and present the effects of such an interaction on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and matter power spectrum. For a wide range of negative values of the coupling parameter β structure growth is suppressed and the model can reconcile the tension between Cosmic Microwave Background observations and structure growth inferred from cluster counts. We find that this model is as good as ΛCDM for CMB and baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) data, while the addition of cluster data makes the model strongly preferred, improving the best-fit χ^2-value by more than 16.

growth
dark energy
non-gravitational coupling
cdm cosmology


The Starobinsky Model from Superconformal D-Term Inflation

Abstract: We point out that in the large field regime, the recently proposed superconformal D-term inflation model coincides with the Starobinsky model. In this regime, the inflaton field dominates over the Planck mass in the gravitational kinetic term in the Jordan frame. Slow-roll inflation is realized in the large field regime for sufficiently large gauge couplings. The Starobinsky model generally emerges as an effective description of slow-roll inflation if a Jordan frame exists where, for large inflaton field values, the action is scale invariant and the ratio λ̂ of the inflaton self-coupling and the nonminimal coupling to gravity is tiny. The interpretation of this effective coupling is different in different models. In superconformal D-term inflation it is determined by the scale of grand unification, λ̂ (Λ_GUT/M_P)^4.

starobinsky model
superconformal d-term inflation
gravity
supergravity model


Baryon Asymmetry and Gravitational Waves from Pseudoscalar Inflation

Abstract: In models of inflation driven by an axion-like pseudoscalar field, the inflaton, a, may couple to the standard model hypercharge via a Chern-Simons-type interaction, L ⊂ a/(4Λ) FF̃. This coupling results in explosive gauge field production during inflation, especially at its last stage, which has interesting phenomenological consequences: For one thing, the primordial hypermagnetic field is maximally helical. It is thus capable of sourcing the generation of nonzero baryon number, via the standard model chiral anomaly, around the time of electroweak symmetry breaking. For another thing, the gauge field production during inflation feeds back into the primordial tensor power spectrum, leaving an imprint in the stochastic background of gravitational waves (GWs). In this paper, we focus on the correlation between these two phenomena. Working in the approximation of instant reheating, we (1) update the investigation of baryogenesis via hypermagnetic fields from pseudoscalar inflation and (2) examine the corresponding implications for the GW spectrum. We find that successful baryogenesis requires a suppression scale Lambda of around Lambda 3 x 10^17 GeV, which corresponds to a relatively weakly coupled axion. The gauge field production at the end of inflation is then typically accompanied by a peak in the GW spectrum at frequencies in the MHz range or above. The detection of such a peak is out of reach of present-day technology; but in the future, it may serve as a smoking-gun signal for baryogenesis from pseudoscalar inflation. Conversely, models that do yield an observable GW signal suffer from the overproduction of baryon number, unless the reheating temperature is lower than the electroweak scale.

pseudoscalar inflation
axion
baryon asymmetry


PAMELA results on the cosmic-ray antiproton flux from 60 MeV to 180 GeV in kinetic energy

Abstract: The satellite-borne experiment PAMELA has been used to make a new measurement of the cosmic-ray antiproton flux and the antiproton-to-proton flux ratio which extends previously published measurements down to 60 MeV and up to 180 GeV in kinetic energy. During 850 days of data acquisition approximately 1500 antiprotons were observed. The measurements are consistent with purely secondary production of antiprotons in the galaxy. More precise secondary production models are required for a complete interpretation of the results.

antiproton flux
kinetic energy
cosmic ray
hadron
anti-matter asymmetry


A Second Source of Repeating Fast Radio Bursts

Abstract: The discovery of a repeating Fast Radio Burst (FRB) source, FRB 121102, eliminated models involving cataclysmic events for this source. No other repeating FRB has yet been detected in spite of many recent FRB discoveries and follow-ups, suggesting repeaters may be rare in the FRB population. Here we report the detection of six repeat bursts from FRB 180814.J0422+73, one of the 13 FRBs detected by the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) FRB project during its pre-commissioning phase in July and August 2018. These repeat bursts are consistent with originating from a single position on the sky, with the same dispersion measure (DM), 189 pc cm-3. This DM is approximately twice the expected Milky Way column density, and implies an upper limit on the source redshift of 0.1, at least a factor of 2 closer than FRB 121102. In some of the repeat bursts, we observe sub-pulse frequency structure, drifting, and spectral variation reminiscent of that seen in FRB 121102, suggesting similar emission mechanisms and/or propagation effects. This second repeater, found among the first few CHIME/FRB discoveries, suggests that there exists – and that CHIME/FRB and other wide-field, sensitive radio telescopes will find – a substantial population of repeating FRBs.

repeater
fast radio burst
discovery
frb
pulsar


A Naturally Large Four-Point Function in Single Field Inflation

Abstract: Non-Gaussianities of the primordial density perturbations have emerged as a very powerful possible signal to test the dynamics that drove the period of inflation. While in general the most sensitive observable is the three-point function in this paper we show that there are technically natural inflationary models where the leading source of non-Gaussianity is the four-point function. Using the recently developed Effective Field Theory of Inflation, we are able to show that it is possible to impose an approximate parity symmetry and an approximate continuos shift symmetry on the inflaton fluctuations that allow, when the dispersion relation is of the form ω∼ c_s k, for a unique quartic operator, while approximately forbidding all the cubic ones. The resulting shape for the four-point function is unique. In the models where the dispersion relation is of the form ω∼ k^2/M a similar construction can be carried out and additional shapes are possible.

four-point function
single field inflation
effective field theory


Cosmological Perturbations in the New Higgs Inflation

Abstract: We study the cosmological perturbations created during the New Higgs inflationary phase. In the New Higgs Inflation, the Higgs boson is kinetically coupled to the Einstein tensor and only three perturbative degrees of freedom, a scalar and two tensorial (gravitational waves), propagate during Inflation. Scalar perturbations are found to match the latest WMAP-7yrs data within Standard Model Higgs parameters. Primordial gravitational waves also, although propagating with superluminal speed, are consistent with present data. Finally, we estimate the values of the parameter of the New Higgs Inflation in relation to the Higgs mass, the spectral index and amplitude of the primordial scalar perturbations showing that the unitarity bound of the theory is not violated.

new higgs inflation
higgs boson
cosmological perturbation


G-Bounce

Abstract: We present a wide class of models which realise a bounce in a spatially flat Friedmann universe in standard General Relativity. The key ingredient of the theories we consider is a noncanonical, minimally coupled scalar field belonging to the class of theories with Kinetic Gravity Braiding / Galileon-like self-couplings. In these models, the universe smoothly evolves from contraction to expansion, suffering neither from ghosts nor gradient instabilities around the turning point. The end-point of the evolution can be a standard radiation-domination era or an inflationary phase. We formulate necessary restrictions for Lagrangians needed to obtain a healthy bounce and illustrate our results with phase portraits for simple systems including the recently proposed Galilean Genesis scenario.

bounce
scalar field
contraction
gradient instability
cosmology


A Matter Bounce By Means of Ghost Condensation

Abstract: Assuming the existence of a scalar field which undergoes "ghost condensation" and which has a suitably chosen potential, it is possible to obtain a non-singular bouncing cosmology in the presence of regular matter and radiation. The potential for the ghost condensate field can be chosen such that the cosmological bounce is stable against the presence of anisotropic stress. Cosmological fluctuations on long wavelengths relevant to current cosmological observations pass through the bounce unaffected by the new physics which yields the bounce. Thus, this model allows for the realization of the "matter bounce" scenario, an alternative to inflationary cosmology for the generation of the observed primordial fluctuations in which the inhomogeneities originate as quantum vacuum perturbations which exit the Hubble radius in the matter-dominated phase of contraction.


Observable Spectra of Induced Gravitational Waves from Inflation

Abstract: Measuring the primordial power spectrum on small scales is a powerful tool in inflation model building, yet constraints from Cosmic Microwave Background measurements alone are insufficient to place bounds stringent enough to be appreciably effective. For the very small scale spectrum, those which subtend angles of less than 0.3 degrees on the sky, an upper bound can be extracted from the astrophysical constraints on the possible production of primordial black holes in the early universe. A recently discovered observational by-product of an enhanced power spectrum on small scales, induced gravitational waves, have been shown to be within the range of proposed space based gravitational wave detectors; such as NASA's LISA and BBO detectors, and the Japanese DECIGO detector. In this paper we explore the impact such a detection would have on models of inflation known to lead to an enhanced power spectrum on small scales, namely the Hilltop-type and running mass models. We find that the Hilltop-type model can produce observable induced gravitational waves within the range of BBO and DECIGO for integral and fractional powers of the potential within a reasonable number of e-folds. We also find that the running mass model can produce a spectrum within the range of these detectors, but require that inflation terminates after an unreasonably small number of e-folds. Finally, we argue that if the thermal history of the Universe were to accomodate such a small number of e-folds the Running Mass Model can produce Primordial Black Holes within a mass range compatible with Dark Matter, i.e. within a mass range 10^20g< M_BH<10^27g.

power spectrum
primordial black holes
early universe
scalar perturbation
second-order gws


An 800-million-solar-mass black hole in a significantly neutral Universe at redshift 7.5

Abstract: Quasars are the most luminous non-transient objects known and as a result they enable studies of the Universe at the earliest cosmic epochs. Despite extensive efforts, however, the quasar ULAS J1120+0641 at z=7.09 has remained the only one known at z>7 for more than half a decade. Here we report observations of the quasar ULAS J134208.10+092838.61 (hereafter J1342+0928) at redshift z=7.54. This quasar has a bolometric luminosity of 4e13 times the luminosity of the Sun and a black hole mass of 8e8 solar masses. The existence of this supermassive black hole when the Universe was only 690 million years old—just five percent of its current age—reinforces models of early black-hole growth that allow black holes with initial masses of more than about 1e4 solar masses or episodic hyper-Eddington accretion. We see strong evidence of absorption of the spectrum of the quasar redwards of the Lyman alpha emission line (the Gunn-Peterson damping wing), as would be expected if a significant amount (more than 10 per cent) of the hydrogen in the intergalactic medium surrounding J1342+0928 is neutral. We derive a significant fraction of neutral hydrogen, although the exact fraction depends on the modelling. However, even in our most conservative analysis we find a fraction of more than 0.33 (0.11) at 68 per cent (95 per cent) probability, indicating that we are probing well within the reionization epoch of the Universe.


Short-Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts

Abstract: Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) display a bimodal duration distribution, with a separation between the short- and long-duration bursts at about 2 sec. The progenitors of long GRBs have been identified as massive stars based on their association with Type Ic core-collapse supernovae, their exclusive location in star-forming galaxies, and their strong correlation with bright ultraviolet regions within their host galaxies. Short GRBs have long been suspected on theoretical grounds to arise from compact object binary mergers (NS-NS or NS-BH). The discovery of short GRB afterglows in 2005, provided the first insight into their energy scale and environments, established a cosmological origin, a mix of host galaxy types, and an absence of associated supernovae. In this review I summarize nearly a decade of short GRB afterglow and host galaxy observations, and use this information to shed light on the nature and properties of their progenitors, the energy scale and collimation of the relativistic outflow, and the properties of the circumburst environments. The preponderance of the evidence points to compact object binary progenitors, although some open questions remain. Based on this association, observations of short GRBs and their afterglows can shed light on the on- and off-axis electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources from the Advanced LIGO/Virgo experiments.

gamma-ray burst
galaxy
short grb
binary merger
neutron star


The expected anisotropy in solid inflation

Abstract: Solid inflation is an effective field theory of inflation in which isotropy and homogeneity are accomplished via a specific combination of anisotropic sources (three scalar fields that individually break isotropy). This results in specific observational signatures that are not found in standard models of inflation: a non-trivial angular dependence for the squeezed bispectrum, and a possibly long period of anisotropic inflation (to drive inflation, the "solid" must be very insensitive to any deformation, and thus background anisotropies are very slowly erased). In this paper we compute the expected level of statistical anisotropy in the power spectrum of the curvature perturbations of this model. To do so, we account for the classical background values of the three scalar fields that are generated on large (superhorizon) scales during inflation via a random walk sum, as the perturbation modes leave the horizon. Such an anisotropy is unavoidably generated, even starting from perfectly isotropic classical initial conditions. The expected level of anisotropy is related to the duration of inflation and to the amplitude of the squeezed bispectrum. If this amplitude is close to its current observational limit (so that one of the most interesting predictions of the model can be observed in the near future), we find that a level of statistical anisotropy ≳ 3% in the power spectrum is to be expected, if inflation lasted ≳ 20-30 e-folds more than the final 50-60 efolds required to generare the CMB modes. We also comment and point out various similarities between solid inflation and models of inflation where a suitable coupling of the inflaton to a vector kinetic term F^2 gives frozen and scale invariant vector perturbations on superhorizon scales.

solid inflation
bispectrum
curvature perturbation


Galaxies in X-ray Groups. III. Satellite Color and Morphology Transformations

Abstract: While the star formation rates and morphologies of galaxies have long been known to correlate with their local environment, the process by which these correlations are generated is not well understood. Galaxy groups are thought to play an important role in shaping the physical properties of galaxies before entering massive clusters at low redshift, and transformations of satellite galaxies likely dominate the buildup of local environmental correlations. To illuminate the physical processes that shape galaxy evolution in dense environments, we study a sample of 116 X-ray selected galaxy groups at z=0.2-1 with halo masses of 10^13-10^14 M_sun and centroids determined with weak lensing. We analyze morphologies based on HST imaging and colors determined from 31 photometric bands for a stellar mass-limited population of 923 satellite galaxies and a comparison sample of 16644 field galaxies. Controlling for variations in stellar mass across environments, we find significant trends in the colors and morphologies of satellite galaxies with group-centric distance and across cosmic time. Specifically at low stellar mass (log(M_stellar/M_sun) = 9.8-10.3), the fraction of disk-dominated star-forming galaxies declines from >50 the centers of groups. This decline is accompanied by a rise in quenched galaxies with intermediate bulge+disk morphologies, and only a weak increase in red bulge-dominated systems. These results show that both color and morphology are influenced by a galaxy's location within a group halo. We suggest that strangulation and disk fading alone are insufficient to explain the observed morphological dependence on environment, and that galaxy mergers or close tidal encounters must play a role in building up the population of quenched galaxies with bulges seen in dense environments at low redshift.


Gravitational-Wave Stochastic Background from Kinks and Cusps on Cosmic Strings

Abstract: We compute the contribution of kinks on cosmic string loops to stochastic background of gravitational waves (SBGW).We find that kinks contribute at the same order as cusps to the SBGW.We discuss the accessibility of the total background due to kinks as well as cusps to current and planned gravitational wave detectors, as well as to the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN), the cosmic microwave background (CMB), and pulsar timing constraints. As in the case of cusps, we find that current data from interferometric gravitational wave detectors, such as LIGO, are sensitive to areas of parameter space of cosmic string models complementary to those accessible to pulsar, BBN, and CMB bounds.

stochastic background
cosmic string
pulsar
gravity wave


The Nuclear Equation of State and Neutron Star Masses

Abstract: Neutron stars are valuable laboratories for the study of dense matter. Recent observations have uncovered both massive and low-mass neutron stars and have also set constraints on neutron star radii. The largest mass measurements are powerfully influencing the high-density equation of state because of the existence of the neutron star maximum mass. The smallest mass measurements, and the distributions of masses, have implications for the progenitors and formation mechanisms of neutron stars. The ensemble of mass and radius observations can realistically restrict the properties of dense matter, and, in particular, the behavior of the nuclear symmetry energy near the nuclear saturation density. Simultaneously, various nuclear experiments are progressively restricting the ranges of parameters describing the symmetry properties of the nuclear equation of state. In addition, new theoretical studies of pure neutron matter are providing insights. These observational, experimental and theoretical constraints of dense matter, when combined, are now revealing a remarkable convergence.

nuclear equation
neutron star
small spin
black hole


Emergent Flux from Particle Collisions Near a Kerr Black Hole

Abstract: The escape fraction at infinity is evaluated for massless particles produced in collisions of weakly interacting particles accreted into a density spike near the particle horizon of an extremal Kerr black hole, for the case of equatorial orbits. We compare with the Schwarzschild case, and argue that in the case of extremal black holes, redshifted signatures can be produced that could potentially explore the physics of particle collisions at centre of mass energies that extend beyond those of any feasible terrestrial accelerator.

particle collision
black hole
escape fraction
emergent flux
dark matter particle


A Millisecond Interferometric Search for Fast Radio Bursts with the Very Large Array

Abstract: We report on the first millisecond timescale radio interferometric search for the new class of transient known as fast radio bursts (FRBs). We used the Very Large Array (VLA) for a 166-hour, millisecond imaging campaign to detect and precisely localize an FRB. We observed at 1.4 GHz and produced visibilities with 5 ms time resolution over 256 MHz of bandwidth. Dedispersed images were searched for transients with dispersion measures from 0 to 3000 pc/cm3. No transients were detected in observations of high Galactic latitude fields taken from September 2013 though October 2014. Observations of a known pulsar show that images typically had a thermal-noise limited sensitivity of 120 mJy/beam (8 sigma; Stokes I) in 5 ms and could detect and localize transients over a wide field of view. Our nondetection limits the FRB rate to less than 7e4/sky/day (95 Euclidean flux distribution, the VLA rate limit is inconsistent with the published rate of Thornton et al. We recalculate previously published rates with a homogeneous consideration of the effects of primary beam attenuation, dispersion, pulse width, and sky brightness. This revises the FRB rate downward and shows that the VLA observations had a roughly 60 typical FRB and that a 95 hours of similar VLA observing. Our survey also limits the repetition rate of an FRB to 2 times less than any known repeating millisecond radio transient.

interferometric search
large array
time resolution


Scale-dependent gravitational waves from a rolling axion

Abstract: We consider a model in which a pseudo-scalar field σ rolls for some e-folds during inflation, sourcing one helicity of a gauge field. These fields are only gravitationally coupled to the inflaton, and therefore produce scalar and tensor primordial perturbations only through gravitational interactions. These sourced signals are localized on modes that exit the horizon while the roll of σ is significant. We focus our study on cases in which the model can simultaneously produce (i) a large gravitational wave signal, resulting in observable B-modes of the CMB polarizations, and (ii) sufficiently small scalar perturbations, so to be in agreement with the current limits from temperature anisotropies. Different choice of parameters can instead lead to a localized and visible departure from gaussianity in the scalar sector, either at CMB or LSS scales.

gravitational wave
axion
b-modes
vacuum fluctuation


Primordial power spectrum from Planck

Abstract: Using modified Richardson-Lucy algorithm we reconstruct the primordial power spectrum (PPS) from Planck Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature anisotropy data. In our analysis we use different combinations of angular power spectra from Planck to reconstruct the shape of the primordial power spectrum and locate possible features. Performing an extensive error analysis we found the dip near ℓ∼750-850 represents the most prominent feature in the data. Feature near ℓ∼1800-2000 is detectable with high confidence only in 217 GHz spectrum and is apparently consequence of a small systematic as described in the revised Planck 2013 papers. Fixing the background cosmological parameters and the foreground nuisance parameters to their best fit baseline values, we report that the best fit power law primordial power spectrum is consistent with the reconstructed form of the PPS at 2σ C.L. of the estimated errors (apart from the local features mentioned above). As a consistency test, we found the reconstructed primordial power spectrum from Planck temperature data can also substantially improve the fit to WMAP-9 angular power spectrum data (with respect to power-law form of the PPS) allowing an overall amplitude shift of ∼2.5%. In this context low-ℓ and 100 GHz spectrum from Planck which have proper overlap in the multipole range with WMAP data found to be completely consistent with WMAP-9 (allowing amplitude shift). As another important result of our analysis we do report the evidence of gravitational lensing through the reconstruction analysis. Finally we present two smooth form of the PPS containing only the important features. These smooth forms of PPS can provide significant improvements in fitting the data (with respect to the power law PPS) and can be helpful to give hints for inflationary model building.

planck
pps
fit
primordial power
wavenumber


Tidal Love numbers of a slowly spinning neutron star

Abstract: By extending our recent framework to describe the tidal deformations of a spinning compact object, we compute for the first time the tidal Love numbers of a spinning neutron star to linear order in the angular momentum. The spin of the object introduces couplings between electric and magnetic distortions and new classes of spin-induced ("rotational") tidal Love numbers emerge. We focus on stationary tidal fields, which induce axisymmetric perturbations. We present the perturbation equations for both electric-led and magnetic-led rotational Love numbers for generic multipoles and explicitly solve them for various tabulated equations of state and for a tidal field with an electric (even parity) and magnetic (odd parity) component with ℓ=2,3,4. For a binary system close to the merger, various components of the tidal field become relevant. In this case we find that an octupolar magnetic tidal field can significantly modify the mass quadrupole moment of a neutron star. Preliminary estimates, assuming a spin parameter χ≈0.05, show modifications ≳10% relative to the static case, at an orbital distance of five stellar radii. Furthermore, the rotational Love numbers as functions of the moment of inertia are much more sensitive to the equation of state than in the static case, where approximate universal relations at the percent level exist. For a neutron-star binary approaching the merger, we estimate that the approximate universality of the induced mass quadrupole moment deteriorates from 1% in the static case to roughly 6% when χ≈0.05. Our results suggest that spin-tidal couplings can introduce important corrections to the gravitational waveforms of spinning neutron-star binaries approaching the merger.

neutron star
angular momentum
spin-tidal coupling
tidal love number


Hairy Black Holes and Null Circular Geodesics

Abstract: Einstein-matter theories in which hairy black-hole configurations have been found are studied. We prove that the nontrivial behavior of the hair must extend beyond the null circular orbit (the photonsphere) of the corresponding spacetime. We further conjecture that the region above the photonsphere contains at least 50 analytical and numerical results.

hairy black-hole configuration
hair
spacetime
conjecture
effective length


General Cosmography Model with Spatial Curvature

Abstract: The cosmographic approach is adopted to determine the spatial curvature (i.e., Ω_K) combining the latest released cosmic chronometers data (CC), the Pantheon sample of type Ia supernovae observations, and the baryon acoustic oscillation measurements. We use the expanded transverse comoving distance D_M(z) as a basic function for deriving H(z) and the other cosmic distances. In this scenario, Ω_K can be constrained only by CC data. To overcome the convergence issues at high-redshift domains, two methods are applied: the Padé approximants and the Taylor series in terms of the new redshift y=z/(1+z). Adopting the Bayesian evidence, we find that there is positive evidence for the Padé approximant up to order (2,2) and weak evidence for the Taylor series up to 3-rd order against ΛCDM+Ω_K model. The constraint results show that a closed universe is preferred by the present observations under all the approximants used in this study. And the tension level of the Hubble constant H_0 is less than 2σ significance between different approximants and the local distance ladder determination. For each assumed approximant, H_0 is anti-correlated with Ω_K and the sound horizon at the end of the radiation drag epoch, which indicates that the H_0 tension problem can be slightly relaxed by introducing Ω_K or any new physics which can reduce the sound horizon in the early universe.

spatial curvature
cosmographic approach
universe


Antihelium from Dark Matter

Abstract: Cosmic-ray anti-nuclei provide a promising discovery channel for the indirect detection of particle dark matter. Hadron showers produced by the pair-annihilation or decay of Galactic dark matter generate anti-nucleons which can in turn form light anti-nuclei. Previous studies have only focused on the spectrum and flux of low energy antideuterons which, although very rarely, are occasionally also produced by cosmic-ray spallation. Heavier elements (A≥3) have instead entirely negligible astrophysical background and a primary yield from dark matter which could be detectable by future experiments. Using a Monte Carlo event generator and an event-by-event phase space analysis, we compute, for the first time, the production spectrum of and for dark matter annihilating or decaying to bb̅ and W^+W^- final states. We then employ a semi-analytic model of interstellar and heliospheric propagation to calculate the flux as well as to provide tools to relate the anti-helium spectrum corresponding to an arbitrary antideuteron spectrum. Finally, we discuss prospects for current and future experiments, including GAPS and AMS-02.

dark matter
decay
astrophysical background
antihelium nucleus


Reconstruction of the primordial power spectrum of curvature perturbations using multiple data sets

Abstract: Detailed knowledge of the primordial power spectrum of curvature perturbations is essential both in order to elucidate the physical mechanism (`inflation') which generated it, and for estimating the cosmological parameters from observations of the cosmic microwave background and large-scale structure. Hence it ought to be extracted from such data in a model-independent manner, however this is difficult because relevant cosmological observables are given by a convolution of the primordial perturbations with some smoothing kernel which depends on both the assumed world model and the matter content of the universe. Moreover the deconvolution problem is ill-conditioned so a regularisation scheme must be employed to control error propagation. We demonstrate that `Tikhonov regularisation' can robustly reconstruct the primordial spectrum from multiple cosmological data sets, a significant advantage being that both its uncertainty and resolution are then quantified. Using Monte Carlo simulations we investigate several regularisation parameter selection methods and find that generalised cross-validation and Mallow's C_p method give optimal results. We apply our inversion procedure to data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, other ground-based small angular scale CMB experiments, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The reconstructed spectrum (assuming the standard ΛCDM cosmology) is not scale-free but has an infrared cutoff at k ≲ 5 × 10^-4 Mpc^-1 (due to the anomalously low CMB quadrupole) and several features with ∼ 2 σ significance at k/Mpc^-1∼ 0.0013–0.0025, 0.0362–0.0402 and 0.051–0.056, reflecting the `WMAP glitches'. To test whether these are indeed real will require more accurate data, such as from the Planck satellite and new ground-based experiments.

primordial power spectrum
curvature perturbation
cosmological data set
reconstructed spectrum


Searching for primordial non-Gaussianity in Planck CMB maps using a combined estimator

Abstract: The extensive search for deviations from Gaussianity in cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) data is very important due to the information about the very early moments of the universe encoded there. Recent analyses from Planck CMB data do not exclude the presence of non-Gaussianity of small amplitude, although they are consistent with the Gaussian hypothesis. The use of different techniques is essential to provide information about types and amplitudes of non-Gaussianities in the CMB data. In particular, we find interesting to construct an estimator based upon the combination of two powerful statistical tools that appears to be sensitive enough to detect tiny deviations from Gaussianity in CMB maps. This estimator combines the Minkowski functionals with a Neural Network, maximizing a tool widely used to study non-Gaussian signals with a reinforcement of another tool designed to identify patterns in a data set. We test our estimator by analyzing simulated CMB maps contaminated with different amounts of local primordial non-Gaussianity quantified by the dimensionless parameter fNL. We apply it to these sets of CMB maps and find ≳98 intensity local non-Gaussianity like fNL = 38 +/- 18, the current limit from Planck data for large angular scales. Additionally, we test the suitability to distinguish between primary and secondary non-Gaussianities and find out that our method successfully classifies 95 analyze the foreground-cleaned Planck maps obtaining constraints for non-Gaussianity at large-angles that are in good agreement with recent constraints. Finally, we also test the robustness of our estimator including cut-sky masks and realistic noise maps measured by Planck, obtaining successful results as well.

primordial non-gaussianity
cmb map
estimator
microwave background radiation


Single-Field Consistency Relations of Large Scale Structure

Abstract: We derive consistency relations for the late universe (CDM and ΛCDM): relations between an n-point function of the density contrast δand an (n+1)-point function in the limit in which one of the (n+1) momenta becomes much smaller than the others. These are based on the observation that a long mode, in single-field models of inflation, reduces to a diffeomorphism since its freezing during inflation all the way until the late universe, even when the long mode is inside the horizon (but out of the sound horizon). These results are derived in Newtonian gauge, at first and second order in the small momentum q of the long mode and they are valid non-perturbatively in the short-scale δ. In the non-relativistic limit our results match with (Kehagias and Riotto '13) and (Peloso and Pietroni '13). These relations are a consequence of diffeomorphism invariance; they are not satisfied in the presence of extra degrees of freedom during inflation or violation of the Equivalence Principle (extra forces) in the late universe.

large scale structure
long mode
single-field model
non-relativistic limit
diffeomorphism invariance


Accreting Millisecond X-Ray Pulsars

Abstract: Accreting Millisecond X-Ray Pulsars (AMXPs) are astrophysical laboratories without parallel in the study of extreme physics. In this chapter we review the past fifteen years of discoveries in the field. We summarize the observations of the fifteen known AMXPs, with a particular emphasis on the multi-wavelength observations that have been carried out since the discovery of the first AMXP in 1998. We review accretion torque theory, the pulse formation process, and how AMXP observations have changed our view on the interaction of plasma and magnetic fields in strong gravity. We also explain how the AMXPs have deepened our understanding of the thermonuclear burst process, in particular the phenomenon of burst oscillations. We conclude with a discussion of the open problems that remain to be addressed in the future.

millisecond x-ray pulsars
accretion
neutron star


Constraints on Dark Matter Annihilation in Clusters of Galaxies from Diffuse Radio Emission

Abstract: Annihilation of dark matter can result in the production of stable Standard Model particles including electrons and positrons that, in the presence of magnetic fields, lose energy via synchrotron radiation, observable as radio emission. Galaxy clusters are excellent targets to search for or to constrain the rate of dark matter annihilation, as they are both massive and dark matter dominated. In this study, we place limits on dark matter annihilation in a sample of nearby clusters using upper limits on the diffuse radio emission, low levels of observed diffuse emission, or detections of radio mini-haloes. We find that the strongest limits on the annihilation cross section are better than limits derived from the non-detection of clusters in the gamma-ray band by a factor of approximately 3 or more when the same annihilation channel and subtructure model, but different best-case clusters, are compared. The limits on the cross section depend on the assumed amount of substructure, varying by as much as 2 orders of magnitude for increasingly optimistic substructure models as compared to a smooth NFW profile. In our most optimistic case, using the results of the Phoenix Project (Gao et al. 2012b) we find that the derived limits reach below the thermal relic cross section of 3x10^-26 cm^3 s^-1 for dark matter masses as large as 400 GeV, for the bbar annihilation channel. We discuss uncertainties due to the limited available data on the magnetic field structure of individual clusters. We also report the discovery of diffuse radio emission from the central 30-40 kpc regions of the groups M49 and NGC4636.

dark matter annihilation
diffuse radio emission
galaxy cluster


X-ray Pulsars

Abstract: X-ray pulsars shine thanks to the conversion of the gravitational energy of accreted material to X-ray radiation. The accretion rate is modulated by geometrical and hydrodynamical effects in the stellar wind of the pulsar companions and/or by instabilities in accretion discs. Wind driven flows are highly unstable close to neutron stars and responsible for X-ray variability by factors 10^3 on time scale of hours. Disk driven flows feature slower state transitions and quasi periodic oscillations related to orbital motion and precession or resonance. On shorter time scales, and closer to the surface of the neutron star, X-ray variability is dominated by the interactions of the accreting flow with the spinning magnetosphere. When the pulsar magnetic field is large, the flow is confined in a relatively narrow accretion column, whose geometrical properties drive the observed X-ray emission. In low magnetized systems, an increasing accretion rate allows the ignition of powerful explosive thermonuclear burning at the neutron star surface. Transitions from rotation- to accretion-powered activity has been observed in rare cases and proved the link between these classes of pulsars.

neutron star
x-ray pulsar
low-mass white dwarf
companion star


Prospective constraints on the primordial black hole abundance from the stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds produced by coalescing events and curvature perturbations

Abstract: For a variety of on-going and planned gravitational-wave (GW) experiments, we study expected constraints on the fraction (f_ PBH) of primordial black holes (PBHs) in dark matter by evaluating the energy-density spectra of two kinds of stochastic GW backgrounds. The first one is produced from an incoherent superposition of GWs emitted from coalescences of all the binary PBHs. The second one is induced through non-linear mode couplings of large primordial curvature perturbations inevitably associated with the generation of PBHs in the early Universe. In this paper, we focus on the PBHs with their masses of 10^-8M_⊙≤ M_PBH < 1M_⊙, since they are not expected to be of a stellar origin. In almost all ranges of the masses, we show that the experiments are sensitive to constrain the fraction for 10^-5≲ f_ PBH≲ 1 by considering the GWs from coalescing events and 10^-13≲ f_ PBH≲ 1 by considering the GWs from curvature perturbations. Exceptionally, only in a narrow range of masses for M_PBH≃ 10^-7 M_⊙, the fraction cannot be constrained for f_ PBH≲ 10^-13 by those two GW backgrounds.

primordial black hole
early universe
gravitational wave
pbh mass function


Neutrinos in the holographic dark energy model: constraints from latest measurements of expansion history and growth of structure

Abstract: The model of holographic dark energy (HDE) with massive neutrinos and/or dark radiation is investigated in detail. The background and perturbation evolutions in the HDE model are calculated. We employ the PPF approach to overcome the gravity instability difficulty (perturbation divergence of dark energy) led by the equation-of-state parameter w evolving across the phantom divide w=-1 in the HDE model with c<1. We thus derive the evolutions of density perturbations of various components and metric fluctuations in the HDE model. The impacts of massive neutrino and dark radiation on the CMB anisotropy power spectrum and the matter power spectrum in the HDE scenario are discussed. Furthermore, we constrain the models of HDE with massive neutrinos and/or dark radiation by using the latest measurements of expansion history and growth of structure, including the Planck CMB temperature data, the baryon acoustic oscillation data, the JLA supernova data, the Hubble constant direct measurement, the cosmic shear data of weak lensing, the Planck CMB lensing data, and the redshift space distortions data. We find that ∑ m_ν<0.186 eV (95% CL) and N_ eff=3.75^+0.28_-0.32 in the HDE model from the constraints of these data.

holographic dark energy
dark energy model
neutrino mass
cosmology


The IceCube Neutrino Observatory - Contributions to ICRC 2015 Part II: Atmospheric and Astrophysical Diffuse Neutrino Searches of All Flavors

Abstract: Papers on atmospheric and astrophysical diffuse neutrino searches of all flavors submitted to the 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference (ICRC 2015, The Hague) by the IceCube Collaboration.

icecube neutrino observatory
atmospheric background
ultra-high energy


Dynamically avoiding fine-tuning the cosmological constant: the "Relaxed Universe"

Abstract: We demonstrate that there exists a large class of action functionals of the scalar curvature and of the Gauss-Bonnet invariant which are able to relax dynamically a large cosmological constant (CC), whatever it be its starting value in the early universe. Hence, it is possible to understand, without fine-tuning, the very small current value of the CC as compared to its theoretically expected large value in quantum field theory and string theory. In our framework, this relaxation appears as a pure gravitational effect, where no ad hoc scalar fields are needed. The action involves a positive power of a characteristic mass parameter, M, whose value can be, interestingly enough, of the order of a typical particle physics mass of the Standard Model of the strong and electroweak interactions or extensions thereof, including the neutrino mass. The model universe emerging from this scenario (the "Relaxed Universe") falls within the class of the so-called LXCDM models of the cosmic evolution. Therefore, there is a "cosmon" entity X (represented by an effective object, not a field), which in this case is generated by the effective functional and is responsible for the dynamical adjustment of the cosmological constant. This model universe successfully mimics the essential past epochs of the standard (or "concordance") cosmological model (LCDM). Furthermore, it provides interesting clues to the coincidence problem and it may even connect naturally with primordial inflation.

universe
dynamical adjustment
relaxation mechanism


Ultra Low Surface Brightness Imaging with the Dragonfly Telephoto Array

Abstract: We describe the Dragonfly Telephoto Array, a robotic imaging system optimized for the detection of extended ultra low surface brightness structures. The array consists of eight Canon 400mm f/2.8 telephoto lenses coupled to eight science-grade commercial CCD cameras. The lenses are mounted on a common framework and are co-aligned to image simultaneously the same position on the sky. The system provides an imaging capability equivalent to a 0.4m aperture f/1.0 refractor with a 2.6 deg X 1.9 deg field of view. The system has no obstructions in the light path, optimized baffling, and internal optical surfaces coated with a new generation of anti-reflection coatings based on sub-wavelength nanostructures. As a result, the array's point spread function has a factor of 10 less scattered light at large radii than well-baffled reflecting telescopes. The Dragonfly Telephoto Array is capable of imaging extended structures to surface brightness levels below 30 mag/arcsec^2 in 10h integrations (without binning or foreground star removal). This is considerably deeper than the surface brightness limit of any existing wide-field telescope. At present no systematic errors limiting the usefulness of much longer integration times has been identified. With longer integrations (50-100h), foreground star removal and modest binning the Dragonfly Telephoto Array is capable of probing structures with surface brightnesses below 32 mag/arcsec^2. Detection of structures at these surface brightness levels may hold the key to solving the "missing substructure" and "missing satellite" problems of conventional hierarchical galaxy formation models. The Dragonfly Telephoto Array is therefore executing a fully-automated multi-year imaging survey of a complete sample of nearby galaxies in order to undertake the first census of ultra-faint substructures in the nearby Universe.

surface brightness
dragonfly telephoto array
imaging system
telescope


Primordial Non-Gaussianity and Extreme-Value Statistics of Galaxy Clusters

Abstract: What is the size of the most massive object one expects to find in a survey of a given volume? In this paper, we present a solution to this problem using Extreme-Value Statistics, taking into account primordial non-Gaussianity and its effects on the abundance and the clustering of rare objects. We calculate the probability density function (pdf) of extreme-mass clusters in a survey volume, and show how primordial non-Gaussianity shifts the peak of this pdf. We also study the sensitivity of the extreme-value pdfs to changes in the mass functions, survey volume, redshift coverage and the normalization of the matter power spectrum, σ_8. For 'local' non-Gaussianity parametrized by f_NL, our correction for the extreme-value pdf due to the bias is important when f_NL > O(100), and becomes more significant for wider and deeper surveys. Applying our formalism to the massive high-redshift cluster XMMUJ0044.0-2-33, we find that its existence is consistent with f_NL = 0, although the conclusion is sensitive to the assumed values of the survey area and σ_8. We also discuss the convergence of the extreme-value distribution to one of the three possible asymptotic forms, and argue that the convergence is insensitive to the presence of non-Gaussianity.

extreme-value statistics
cluster
primordial non-gaussianity


Fitting the integrated Spectral Energy Distributions of Galaxies

Abstract: Fitting the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of galaxies is an almost universally used technique that has matured significantly in the last decade. Model predictions and fitting procedures have improved significantly over this time, attempting to keep up with the vastly increased volume and quality of available data. We review here the field of SED fitting, describing the modelling of ultraviolet to infrared galaxy SEDs, the creation of multiwavelength data sets, and the methods used to fit model SEDs to observed galaxy data sets. We touch upon the achievements and challenges in the major ingredients of SED fitting, with a special emphasis on describing the interplay between the quality of the available data, the quality of the available models, and the best fitting technique to use in order to obtain a realistic measurement as well as realistic uncertainties. We conclude that SED fitting can be used effectively to derive a range of physical properties of galaxies, such as redshift, stellar masses, star formation rates, dust masses, and metallicities, with care taken not to over-interpret the available data. Yet there still exist many issues such as estimating the age of the oldest stars in a galaxy, finer details ofdust properties and dust-star geometry, and the influences of poorly understood, luminous stellar types and phases. The challenge for the coming years will be to improve both the models and the observational data sets to resolve these uncertainties. The present review will be made available on an interactive, moderated web page (sedfitting.org), where the community can access and change the text. The intention is to expand the text and keep it up to date over the coming years.

spectral energy distribution
galaxy
sed
challenge


Primordial Fluctuations within Teleparallelism

Abstract: We study the cosmological perturbations for the possible inflation scenario in the teleparallel equivalence of general relativity specified with parallelizable topological conditions. By acquiring the identical physical observables to general relativity under the teleparallel formalism, we perform a 3+1 decomposition of the vierbein field, which can be interpreted as the time gauge fixing between coordinate and tangent frames. We also extend our discussion to the higher-order action, f(T) gravity.


Considerations for a Multi-beam Multi-purpose Survey with FAST

Abstract: Having achieved 'first-light' right before the opening ceremony on September 25, 2016, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) is being busily commissioned. Its innovative design requires 1000 points to be measured and driven instead of just the two axes of motion, e.g. Azimuth and Elevation for most of the conventional antennae, to realize pointing and tracking. We have devised a survey plan to utilized the full sensitivity of FAST, while minimizing the complexities in operation the system. The 19-beam L band focal plan array will be rotated to specific angles and taking continuous data streams while the surface shape and the focal cabin stay fixed. Such a survey will cover the northern sky in about 220 full days. Our aim is to obtain data for pulsar search, HI (neutral hydrogen) galaxies, HI imaging, and radio transients, simultaneously, through multiple backends. These data sets could be a significant contribution to all related fields in radio astronomy and remain relevant for decades.


Flattened non-Gaussianities from the effective field theory of inflation with imaginary speed of sound

Abstract: Inflationary perturbations in multi-field theories can exhibit a transient tachyonic instability as a consequence of their non-trivial motion in the internal field space. When an effective single-field description is applicable, the resulting theory is characterized by fluctuations that propagate with an imaginary speed of sound. We use the effective field theory of fluctuations to study such a set-up in a model-independent manner, highlighting the peculiarities and subtleties that make it different from the standard case. In particular, perturbations feature exponentially growing and decaying modes whose relative amplitude is undetermined within the effective field theory. Nevertheless, we prove that in an interesting limit the dimensionless bispectrum is in fact universal, depending only on the speed of sound and on the cutoff scale that limits the validity of the effective theory. Contrary to the power spectrum, we find that the bispectrum does not display an exponential enhancement. The amplitude of non-Gaussianities in the equilateral configuration is similar to the one of conventional models, but it is enhanced in flattened configurations in a way that is ultraviolet sensitive.

effective field theory
imaginary speed
bispectrum
non-gaussianitie


Evolution of linear cosmological perturbations and its observational implications in Galileon-type modified gravity

Abstract: A scalar-tensor theory of gravity can be made not only to account for the current cosmic acceleration, but also to satisfy solar-system and laboratory constraints, by introducing a non-linear derivative interaction for the scalar field. Such an additional scalar degree of freedom is called "Galileon". The basic idea is inspired by the DGP braneworld, but one can construct a ghost-free model that admits a self-accelerating solution. We perform a fully relativistic analysis of linear perturbations in Galileon cosmology. Although the Galileon model can mimic the background evolution of standard ΛCDM cosmology, the behavior of perturbation is quite different. It is shown that there exists a super-horizon growing mode in the metric and Galileon perturbations at early times, suggesting that the background is unstable. A fine-tuning of the initial condition for the Galileon fluctuation is thus required in order to promote a desirable evolution of perturbations at early times. Assuming the safe initial condition, we then compute the late-time evolution of perturbations and discuss observational implications in Galileon cosmology. In particular, we find anticorrelations in the cross-correlation of the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect and large scale structure, similar to the normal branch of the DGP model.

cosmology
gravity
matter density perturbation


Gravitational bending angle of light for finite distance and the Gauss-Bonnet theorem

Abstract: We discuss a possible extension of calculations of the bending angle of light in a static, spherically symmetric and asymptotically flat spacetime to a non-asymptotically flat case. We examine a relation between the bending angle of light and the Gauss-Bonnet theorem by using the optical metric. A correspondence between the deflection angle of light and the surface integral of the Gaussian curvature may allow us to take account of the finite distance from a lens object to a light source and a receiver. Using this relation, we propose a method for calculating the bending angle of light for such cases. Finally, this method is applied to two examples of the non-asymptotically flat spacetimes to suggest finite-distance corrections: Kottler (Schwarzschild-de Sitter) solution to the Einstein equation and an exact solution in Weyl conformal gravity.

theorem
spacetime
optical metric
deflection angle
spherical symmetry


Linearized flavor-stability analysis of dense neutrino streams

Abstract: Neutrino-neutrino interactions in dense neutrino streams, like those emitted by a core-collapse supernova, can lead to self-induced neutrino flavor conversions. While this is a nonlinear phenomenon, the onset of these conversions can be examined through a standard stability analysis of the linearized equations of motion. The problem is reduced to a linear eigenvalue equation that involves the neutrino density, energy spectrum, angular distribution, and matter density. In the single-angle case, we reproduce previous results and use them to identify two generic instabilities: The system is stable above a cutoff density ("cutoff mode"), or can approach an asymptotic instability for increasing density ("saturation mode"). We analyze multi-angle effects on these generic types of instabilities and find that even the saturation mode is suppressed at large densities. For both types of modes, a given multi-angle spectrum typically is unstable when the neutrino and electron densities are comparable, but stable when the neutrino density is much smaller or much larger than the electron density. The role of an instability in the SN context depends on the available growth time and on the range of affected modes. At large matter density, most modes are off-resonance even when the system is unstable.

dense neutrino stream
neutrino-neutrino interaction
flavor conversion


On Dark Matter, Spiral Galaxies, and the Axioms of General Relativity

Abstract: Beginning with a geometric motivation for dark matter going back to the axioms of general relativity, we show how scalar field dark matter, which naturally forms dark matter density waves due to its wave nature, may cause the observed barred spiral pattern density waves in many disk galaxies and triaxial shapes with plausible brightness profiles in many elliptical galaxies. If correct, this would provide a unified explanation for spirals and bars in spiral galaxies and for the brightness profiles of elliptical galaxies. We compare the results of preliminary computer simulations with photos of actual galaxies.

dark matter
general relativity
disk galaxy
actual galaxy


Axially symmetric static sources: A general framework and some analytical solutions

Abstract: We provide all basic equations and concepts required to carry out a general study on axially symmetric static sources. The Einstein equations and the conservation equations are written down for a general anisotropic static fluid endowed with axial symmetry. The structure scalars are calculated and the inhomogeneity factors are identified. Finally some exact analytical solutions were found. One of these solutions describes an incompressible spheroid with isotropic pressure and becomes the well known interior Schwarzschild solution in the spherically symmetric limit, however it cannot be matched smoothly to any Weyl exterior metric. Another family of solutions was found that corresponds to an anisotropic fluid distribution and can in principle be matched to a Weyl exterior.

symmetric static source
hydrostatic equilibrium equation
symmetric spacetime


Variation of fundamental constants and white dwarfs

Abstract: Theories that attempt to unify the four fundamental interactions and alternative theories of gravity predict time and/or spatial variation of the fundamental constants of nature. Different versions of these theories predict different behaviours for these variations. In consequence, experimental and observational bounds are an important tool to check the validity of such proposals. In this paper, we review constraints on the possible variation of the fundamental constants from astronomical observations and geophysical experiments designed to test the constancy of the fundamental constants of nature over different timescales. We also focus on the limits that can be obtained from white dwarfs, which can constrain the variation of the constants with the gravitational potential.

fundamental constant
white dwarf
astronomical observation
gravitational potential


Open clusters and associations in the Gaia era

Abstract: Open clusters and associations are groups of young stars, respectively bound and unbound, that share the same origin and disperse over time into the galactic field. As such, their formation and evolution are the key to understand the origin and properties of galactic stellar populations. Moreover, since their members have about the same age, they are ideal laboratories to study the properties of young stars and constrain stellar evolution theories. In this contribution, I present our current knowledge on open clusters and associations. I focus on the methods used to derive the statistical properties (IMF, spatial distribution, IMF) of young stars and briefly discuss how they depend on the environment. I then describe how open clusters can be used as probes to investigate the structure, dynamics and chemical composition of the Milky Way. I conclude by presenting the Gaia mission and discuss how it will revolutionize this field of research.


Recent searches for continuous gravitational waves

Abstract: Gravitational wave astronomy opened dramatically in September 2015 with the LIGO discovery of a distant and massive binary black hole coalescence. The more recent discovery of a binary neutron star merger, followed by a gamma ray burst and a kilonova, reinforces the excitement of this new era, in which we may soon see other sources of gravitational waves, including continuous, nearly monochromatic signals. Potential continuous wave (CW) sources include rapidly spinning galactic neutron stars and more exotic possibilities, such as emission from axion Bose Einstein "clouds" surrounding black holes. Recent searches in Advanced LIGO data are presented, and prospects for more sensitive future searches discussed.

gravitational wave
neutron star
recent search


An Observational Overview of Solar Flares

Abstract: We present an overview of solar flares and associated phenomena, drawing upon a wide range of observational data primarily from the RHESSI era. Following an introductory discussion and overview of the status of observational capabilities, the article is split into topical sections which deal with different areas of flare phenomena (footpoints and ribbons, coronal sources, relationship to coronal mass ejections) and their interconnections. We also discuss flare soft X-ray spectroscopy and the energetics of the process. The emphasis is to describe the observations from multiple points of view, while bearing in mind the models that link them to each other and to theory. The present theoretical and observational understanding of solar flares is far from complete, so we conclude with a brief discussion of models, and a list of missing but important observations.

solar flare
coronal mass ejection
atmosphere
electromagnetic spectrum


How to Run Through Walls: Dynamics of Bubble and Soliton Collisions

Abstract: It has recently been shown in high resolution numerical simulations that relativistic collisions of bubbles in the context of a multi-vacua potential may lead to the creation of bubbles in a new vacuum. In this paper, we show that scalar fields with only potential interactions behave like free fields during high-speed collisions; the kick received by them in a collision can be deduced simply by a linear superposition of the bubble wall profiles. This process is equivalent to the scattering of solitons in 1+1 dimensions. We deduce an expression for the field excursion (shortly after a collision), which is related simply to the field difference between the parent and bubble vacua, i.e. contrary to expectations, the excursion cannot be made arbitrarily large by raising the collision energy. There is however a minimum energy threshold for this excursion to be realized. We verify these predictions using a number of 3+1 and 1+1 numerical simulations. A rich phenomenology follows from these collision induced excursions - they provide a new mechanism for scanning the landscape, they might end/begin inflation, and they might constitute our very own big bang, leaving behind a potentially observable anisotropy.

bubble
numerical simulation
classical transition


The Drake Equation as a Function of Spectral Type and Time

Abstract: This chapter draws upon astronomical observations and modeling to constrain the prevalence of communicative civilizations in the galaxy. We discuss the dependence of the Drake equation parameters on the spectral type of the host star and the time since the galaxy formed, which allow us to examine trajectories for the emergence of communicative civilizations over the history of the galaxy. We suggest that the maximum lifetime of communicative civilizations depends on the spectral type of the host star, which implies that F- and G-dwarf stars are the best places to search for signs of technological intelligence today.

spectral type
drake equation parameter
trajectory


On the time lags of the LIGO signals

Abstract: To date, the LIGO collaboration has detected three gravitational wave (GW) events appearing in both its Hanford and Livingston detectors. In this article we reexamine the LIGO data with regard to correlations between the two detectors. With special focus on GW150914, we report correlations in the detector noise which, at the time of the event, happen to be maximized for the same time lag as that found for the event itself. Specifically, we analyze correlations in the calibration lines in the vicinity of 35 Hz as well as the residual noise in the data after subtraction of the best-fit theoretical templates. The residual noise for the other two events, GW151226 and GW170104, exhibits similar behavior. A clear distinction between signal and noise therefore remains to be established in order to determine the contribution of gravitational waves to the detected signals.

time lag
ligo data
residual noise
gw150914 signal


Limits on Neutrino-Neutrino Scattering in the Early Universe

Abstract: In the standard model neutrinos are assumed to have streamed across the Universe since they last scattered at the weak decoupling epoch when the temperature of the standard-model plasma was MeV. The shear stress of free-streaming neutrinos imprints itself gravitationally on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and makes the CMB a sensitive probe of neutrino scattering. Yet, the presence of nonstandard physics in the neutrino sector may alter this standard chronology and delay neutrino free-streaming until a much later epoch. We use observations of the CMB to constrain the strength of neutrino self-interactions G_eff and put limits on new physics in the neutrino sector from the early Universe. Recent measurements of the CMB at large multipoles made by the Planck satellite and high-l experiments are critical for probing this physics. Within the context of conventional LambdaCDM parameters cosmological data are compatible with G_eff < 1/(56 MeV)^2 and neutrino free-streaming might be delayed until their temperature has cooled to as low as 25 eV. Intriguingly, we also find an alternative cosmology compatible with cosmological data in which neutrinos scatter off each other until z 10^4 with a preferred interaction strength in a narrow region around G_ eff≃ 1/( 10 MeV)^2≃ 8.6×10^8 G_ F, where G_ F is the Fermi constant. This distinct self-interacting neutrino cosmology is characterized by somewhat lower values of both the scalar spectral index and the amplitude of primordial fluctuations. While we phrase our discussion here in terms of a specific scenario in which a late onset of neutrino free-streaming could occur, our constraints on the neutrino visibility function are very general.

early universe
self-interacting neutrino
heavy scalar
hidden dark sector


Planet Populations as a Function of Stellar Properties

Abstract: Exoplanets around different types of stars provide a window into the diverse environments in which planets form. This chapter describes the observed relations between exoplanet populations and stellar properties and how they connect to planet formation in protoplanetary disks. Giant planets occur more frequently around more metal-rich and more massive stars. These findings support the core accretion theory of planet formation, in which the cores of giant planets form more rapidly in more metal-rich and more massive protoplanetary disks. Smaller planets, those with sizes roughly between Earth and Neptune, exhibit different scaling relations with stellar properties. These planets are found around stars with a wide range of metallicities and occur more frequently around lower mass stars. This indicates that planet formation takes place in a wide range of environments, yet it is not clear why planets form more efficiently around low mass stars. Going forward, exoplanet surveys targeting M dwarfs will characterize the exoplanet population around the lowest mass stars. In combination with ongoing stellar characterization, this will help us understand the formation of planets in a large range of environments.


Testing standard perturbation theory and the Eulerian local biasing scheme against N-body simulations

Abstract: We test third-order standard perturbation theory (SPT) as an approximation to non-linear cosmological structure formation. A novel approach is used to numerically calculate the three-dimensional dark matter density field using SPT from the initial conditions of two high-resolution cosmological simulations. The calculated density field is compared to the non-linear dark matter field of the simulations both point-by-point and statistically. For smoothing scales above 8 Mpc/h it shows a good agreement up to redshift 0. We present a simple fitting formula to relate the linear and non-linear density contrast that accurately recovers the non-linear time evolution for 0 <= z <= 10 at the per cent level. To address the problem of biasing between the matter field and the haloes identified in the simulation, we employ the Eulerian local bias model (ELB), including non-linear bias up to the third order. The bias parameters are obtained by fitting a scatter plot of halo and matter density (both from the simulation and from SPT). Using these bias parameters, we can reconstruct the halo density field. We find that this reconstruction is not able to capture all the details of the halo distribution. We investigate how well the large scale bias can be described by a constant and if it corresponds to the linear bias parameter b_1 of the local bias model. We also discuss how well the halo-halo power spectrum and the halo-mass cross spectrum from the reconstructed halo density field agree with the corresponding statistics from the simulation. The results show that while SPT is an excellent approximation for the matter field for suitably large smoothing scales even at redshift 0, the ELB model can only account for some of the properties of the halo density field.

standard perturbation theory
simulation
density field