Dr Lauren Rhodes

Abstract:

Fast X-ray transients (FXTs) are a new observational class of phenomena with no clear physical origin. This is at least partially a consequence of limited multiwavelength follow-up of this class of transients in real time. Here we present deep optical (g- and i-band) photometry with Keck, and prompt radio observations with the Very Large Array of FXT 210423 obtained at δ t ≈ 14–36 days since the X-ray trigger. We use these multiband observations, combined with publicly available data sets, to constrain the presence and physical properties of on-axis and off-axis relativistic jets such as those that can be launched by neutron star mergers and tidal disruption events, which are among the proposed theoretical scenarios of FXTs. Considering a wide range of possible redshifts z ≤ 3.5, circumstellar medium density n = 10−6–10−1 cm−3, and isotropic-equivalent jet kinetic energy E k,iso = 1048–1055 erg, we find that we can rule out wide jets with opening angle θ j = 15° viewed within 10° off-axis. For more collimated jets (θ j = 3°) we can only rule out on-axis (θ obs = 0°) orientations. This study highlights the constraining power of prompt multiwavelength observations of FXTs discovered in real time by current (e.g., Einstein Probe) and future facilities.

Abstract:

In this work, we study the circumstellar material (CSM) around massive stars, and the mass-loss rates depositing this CSM, using a large sample of radio observations of 325 core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe; only ~22% of them being detected). This sample comprises both archival data and our new observations of 99 CCSNe conducted with the AMI-LA radio array in a systematic approach devised to constrain the mass loss at different stages of stellar evolution. In the supernova (SN)–CSM interaction model, observing the peak of the radio emission of an SN provides the CSM density at a given radius (and therefore the mass-loss rate that deposited this CSM). On the other hand, limits on the radio emission, and/or on the peak of the radio emission provide a region in the CSM phase space that can be ruled out. Our analysis shows a discrepancy between the values of mass-loss rates derived from radio-detected and radio-nondetected SNe. Furthermore, we rule out mass-loss rates in the range of 2 × 10−6–10−4 M⊙ yr−1 for different epochs during the last 1000 yr before the explosion (assuming wind velocity of 10 km s−1) for the progenitors of ~80% of the Type II supernovae (SNe II) in our sample. In addition, we rule out the ranges of mass-loss rates suggested for red supergiants for ~50% of the progenitors of SNe II in our sample. We emphasize here that these results take a step forward in constraining mass loss in winds from a statistical point of view.

Abstract:

We present multifrequency (5–345 GHz) and multiresolution radio observations of 1ES 1927+654, widely considered one of the most unusual and extreme changing-look active galactic nuclei (CL-AGNs). The source was first designated a CL-AGN after an optical outburst in late 2017 and has since displayed considerable changes in X-ray emission, including the destruction and rebuilding of the X-ray corona in 2019–2020. Radio observations prior to 2023 show a faint and compact radio source typical of a radio-quiet AGN. Starting in 2023 February, 1ES 1927+654 began exhibiting a radio flare with a steep exponential rise, reaching a peak 60 times previous flux levels, and has maintained this higher level of radio emission for over a year to date. The 5–23 GHz spectrum is broadly similar to gigahertz-peaked radio sources, which are understood to be young radio jets less than ∼1000 yr old. Recent high-resolution Very Long Baseline Array observations at 23.5 GHz now show resolved extensions on either side of the core, with a separation of ∼0.15 pc, consistent with a new and mildly relativistic bipolar outflow. A steady increase in the soft X-ray band (0.3–2 keV) concurrent with the radio may be consistent with jet-driven shocked gas, though further observations are needed to test alternate scenarios. This source joins a growing number of CL-AGNs and tidal disruption events that show late-time radio activity, years after the initial outburst.

Abstract:

Fast X-ray transients (FXTs) are extragalactic bursts of X-rays first identified in archival X-ray data and are now routinely discovered in real time by the Einstein Probe, which is continuously surveying the night sky in the soft (0.5–4 keV) X-ray regime. In this Letter, we report the discovery of the second optical counterpart (AT 2024gsa) to an FXT (EP 240414a). EP 240414a is located at a projected radial separation of 27 kpc from its likely host galaxy at z = 0.4018 ± 0.0010. The optical light curve of AT 2024gsa displays three distinct components. The initial decay from our first observation is followed by a rebrightening episode, displaying a rapid rise in luminosity to an absolute magnitude Mr ∼ −21 after two rest-frame days. While the early optical luminosity and decline rate are similar to those of luminous fast blue optical transients, the color temperature of AT 2024gsa is distinctly red and we show that the peak flux is inconsistent with a thermal origin. The third component peaks at Mi ∼ −19 at ≳16 rest-frame days post-FXT, and is compatible with an emerging supernova. We fit the riz-band data with a series of power laws and find that the decaying components are in agreement with gamma-ray burst afterglow models, and that the rebrightening may originate from refreshed shocks. By considering EP 240414a in context with all previously reported known-redshift FXT events, we propose that Einstein Probe FXT discoveries may predominantly result from (high-redshift) gamma-ray bursts, and thus appear to be distinct from the previously discovered lower-redshift, lower-luminosity population of FXTs.