Pulsars, transients and relativistic astrophysics

Abstract:

We present a complete sample of 24 radio-loud quasars (RLQs) from the new 7C Redshift Survey. Every quasar with a low-frequency (151 MHz) radio flux-density S_151 > 0.5 Jy in two regions of the sky covering 0.013 sr is included; 23 of these have sufficient extended flux to meet the selection criteria, 18 of these have steep radio spectra (hereafter denoted as SSQs). The key advantage of this sample over most samples of RLQs is the lack of an optical magnitude limit. By combining the 7C and 3CRR samples, we have investigated the properties of RLQs as a function of redshift z and radio luminosity L_151. We derive the radio luminosity function (RLF) of RLQs and find that the data are well fitted by a single power-law with slope alpha_1=1.9. We find that there must be a break in the RLQ RLF at log_10(L_151 / W Hz^-1 sr^-1) < 27, in order for the models to be consistent with the 7C and 6C source counts. The z-dependence of the RLF follows a one-tailed gaussian which peaks at z=1.7. We find no evidence for a decline in the co-moving space density of RLQs at higher redshifts. A positive correlation between the radio and optical luminosities of SSQs is observed, confirming a result of Serjeant et al. (1998). We are able to rule out this correlation being due to selection effects or biases in our combined sample. The radio-optical correlation and best-fit model RLF enable us to estimate the distribution of optical magnitudes of quasars in samples selected at low radio frequencies. We conclude that for samples with S_151 < 1 Jy one must use optical data significantly deeper than the POSS-I limit (R approx 20), in order to avoid severe incompleteness.

Abstract:

We present JHK photometry and spectroscopy of RX J0019.8+2156. The spectrum appears to be dominated by the accretion disc to at least 2.4 μm, over any other source of emission. We find Paschen, Brackett and He II lines strongly in emission, but no He I. There are satellite lines approximately 850km s-1 either side of the strongest, unblended hydrogen lines. These satellite lines may be the spectral signature of jets from the accretion disc.

Abstract:

As part of a programme to investigate spatial variations in the Galactic chemical composition, we have been searching for normal B-type stars and A-type supergiants near the Galactic center. During this search we have found eleven peculiar stars, and in some cases performed detailed abundance analyses of them which suggest that they may be at a post-AGB evolutionary stage. The A-type post-AGB candidates show [Fe/H]=-1.0 to -2.0, and [O/Fe]∼+1.4, typical of the post-AGB abundance patterns discussed in the literature. One star, LS 3591 (=SAO 243756), has also been examined recently by Oudmaijer (1996); its spectrum appears to be changing very rapidly, which may indicate erratic mass loss or the incipient formation of a planetary nebula. A B-type post-AGB candidate, LS 4950, has a similar spectrum to a well studied post-AGB star, LSIV -12 111. However, an examination of the line strengths and elemental abundances of LS 4950 show that it is peculiar for both a Population II, post-AGB, B-type star and for a normal, Population I, B-type supergiant. Two other B-type stars, LS 4825 and LS 5112, are either post-AGB stars near the Galactic center or normal B-type supergiants lying well beyond the Galactic center. In addition, several Be-type stars have been newly (or more clearly) identified from our spectra.