Search

Tracking the motions of transient jets launched by low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) is critical for determining the moment of jet ejection, and identifying any corresponding signatures in the accretion flow. However, these jets are often highly variable and can travel across the resolution element of an image within a single observation, violating a fundamental assumption of aperture synthesis. We present a novel approach in which we directly fit a single time-dependent model to the full set of interferometer visibilities, where we explicitly parametrize the motion and flux density variability of the emission components, to minimize the number of free parameters in the fit, while leveraging information from the full observation. This technique allows us to detect and characterize faint, fast-moving sources, for which the standard time binning technique is inadequate. We validate our technique with synthetic observations, before applying it to three Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations of the black hole candidate LMXB MAXI J1803−298 during its 2021 outburst. We measured the proper motion of a discrete jet component to be 1.37 ± 0.14 mas h−1, and thus we infer an ejection date of MJD |$59348.08_{-0.06}^{+0.05}$|⁠ , which occurs just after the peak of a radio flare observed by the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/Sub-Millimeter Array (ALMA), while MAXI J1803−298 was in the intermediate state. Further development of these new VLBI analysis techniques will lead to more precise measurements of jet ejection dates, which, combined with dense, simultaneous multiwavelength monitoring, will allow for clearer identification of jet ejection signatures in the accretion flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a 2018 outburst, the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820 + 070 was comprehensively monitored at multiple wavelengths as it underwent a hard to soft state transition. During this transition, a rapid evolution in X-ray timing properties and a short-lived radio flare were observed, both of which were linked to the launching of bi-polar, long-lived relativistic ejecta. We provide a detailed analysis of two Very Long Baseline Array observations, using both time binning and a new dynamic phase centre tracking technique to mitigate the effects of smearing when observing fast-moving ejecta at high angular resolution. We identify a second, earlier ejection, with a lower proper motion of 18.0 ± 1.1 mas d−1. This new jet knot was ejected 4 ± 1 h before the beginning of the rise of the radio flare, and 2 ± 1 h before a switch from type-C to type-B X-ray quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs). We show that this jet was ejected over a period of ∼6 h and thus its ejection was contemporaneous with the QPO transition. Our new technique locates the original, faster ejection in an observation in which it was previously undetected. With this detection, we revised the fits to the proper motions of the ejecta and calculated a jet inclination angle of (64 ± 5)°, and jet velocities of |$0.97_{-0.09}^{+0.03}c$| for the fast-moving ejecta (Γ > 2.1) and (0.30 ± 0.05) c for the newly identified slow-moving ejection (Γ = 1.05 ± 0.02). We show that the approaching slow-moving component is predominantly responsible for the radio flare, and is likely linked to the switch from type-C to type-B QPOs, while no definitive signature of ejection was identified for the fast-moving ejecta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black hole X-ray binaries undergo occasional outbursts caused by changing inner accretion flows. Here we report high angular resolution radio observations of the 2013 outburst of the black hole candidate X-ray binary system XTE J1908+094, using data from the Very Long Baseline Array and European VLBI Network. We show that following a hard-to-soft state transition, we detect moving jet knots that appear asymmetric in morphology and brightness, and expand to become laterally resolved as they move away from the core, along an axis aligned approximately -11° east of north. We initially see only the southern component, whose evolution gives rise to a 15-mJy radio flare and generates the observed radio polarization. This fades and becomes resolved out after 4 days, after which a second component appears to the north, moving in the opposite direction. From the timing of the appearance of the knots relative to the X-ray state transition, a 90° swing of the inferred magnetic field orientation, the asymmetric appearance of the knots, their complex and evolving morphology, and their low speeds, we interpret the knots as working surfaces where the jets impact the surrounding medium. This would imply a substantially denser environment surrounding XTE J1908+094 than has been inferred to exist around the microquasar sources GRS 1915+105 and GRO J1655-40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT With frequent flaring activity of its relativistic jets, Cygnus X-3 (Cyg X-3) is one of the most active microquasars and is the only Galactic black hole candidate with confirmed high-energy γ-ray emission, thanks to detections by Fermi Large Area Telescope ( Fermi/LAT) and AGILE. In 2011, Cyg X-3 was observed to transit to a soft X-ray state, which is known to be associated with high-energy γ-ray emission. We present the results of a multiwavelength campaign covering a quenched state, when radio emission from Cyg X-3 is at its weakest and the X-ray spectrum is very soft. A giant (∼20 Jy) optically thin radio flare marks the end of the quenched state, accompanied by rising non-thermal hard X-rays. Fermi/LAT observations ( E≥ 100 MeV) reveal renewed γ-ray activity associated with this giant radio flare, suggesting a common origin for all non-thermal components. In addition, current observations unambiguously show that the γ-ray emission is not exclusively related to the rare giant radio flares. A three-week period of γ-ray emission is also detected when Cyg X-3 was weakly flaring in radio, right before transition to the radio quenched state. No γ-rays are observed during the ∼1-month long quenched state, when the radio flux is weakest. Our results suggest transitions into and out of the ultrasoft X-ray (radio-quenched) state trigger γ-ray emission, implying a connection to the accretion process, and also that the γ-ray activity is related to the level of radio flux (and possibly shock formation), strengthening the connection to the relativistic jets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We present an intensive radio and X-ray monitoring campaign on the 2009 outburst of the Galactic black hole candidate X-ray binary H1743−322. With the high angular resolution of the Very Long Baseline Array, we resolve the jet ejection event and measure the proper motions of the jet ejecta relative to the position of the compact core jets detected at the beginning of the outburst. This allows us to accurately couple the moment when the jet ejection event occurred with X-ray spectral and timing signatures. We find that X-ray timing signatures are the best diagnostic of the jet ejection event in this outburst, which occurred as the X-ray variability began to decrease and the Type C quasi-periodic oscillations disappeared from the X-ray power density spectrum. However, this sequence of events does not appear to be replicated in all black hole X-ray binary outbursts, even within an individual source. In our observations of H1743−322, the ejection was contemporaneous with a quenching of the radio emission, prior to the start of the major radio flare. This contradicts previous assumptions that the onset of the radio flare marks the moment of ejection. The jet speed appears to vary between outbursts, with a possible positive correlation with outburst luminosity. The compact core radio jet reactivated on transition to the hard intermediate state at the end of the outburst, and not when the source reached the low hard spectral state. Comparison with the known near-infrared behaviour of the compact jets suggests a gradual evolution of the compact jet power over a few days near the beginning and end of an outburst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We present evidence for the presence of a weak compact jet during a soft X-ray state of Cygnus X-1. Very-high-resolution radio observations were taken with the VLBA, EVN and MERLIN during a hard-to-soft spectral state change, showing the hard state jet to be suppressed by a factor of about 3-5 in radio flux and unresolved to direct imaging observations (i.e. ≲1 mas at 4 cm). High time-resolution X-ray observations with the RXTE-PCA were also taken during the radio monitoring period, showing the source to make the transition from the hard state to a softer state (via an intermediate state), although the source may never have reached the canonical soft state. Using astrometric very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) analysis and removing proper motion, parallax and orbital motion signatures, the residual positions show a scatter of ∼0.2 mas (at 4 cm) and ∼3 mas (at 13 cm) along the position angle of the known jet axis; these residuals suggest that there is a weak unresolved outflow, with varying size or opacity, during intermediate and soft X-ray states. Furthermore, no evidence was found for extended knots or shocks forming within the jet during the state transition, suggesting that the change in outflow rate may not be sufficiently high to produce superluminal knots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We present the first resolved imaging of the milliarcsecond-scale jets in the neutron star X-ray binary Circinus X-1, made using the Australian Long Baseline Array. The angular extent of the resolved jets is ∼20 mas, corresponding to a physical scale of ∼150 au at the assumed distance of 7.8 kpc. The jet position angle is relatively consistent with previous arcsecond-scale imaging with the Australia Telescope Compact Array. The radio emission is symmetric about the peak, and is unresolved along the minor axis, constraining the opening angle to be <20°. We observe evidence for outward motion of the components between the two halves of the observation. Constraints on the proper motion of the radio-emitting components suggest that they are only mildly relativistic, although we cannot definitively rule out the presence of the unseen, ultrarelativistic (Γ > 15) flow previously inferred to exist in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bright submillimetre (sub-mm) galaxy MM 18423+5938 at redshift 3.9296 has been predicted from mid-infrared (MIR) and millimetre photometry to have an exceptionally large total IR luminosity. We present new radio imaging at 1.4 GHz with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope that is used to determine a radio-derived total IR luminosity for MM 18423+5938 via the well-established radio-far-IR correlation. The flux density is found to be Jy, which corresponds to a rest-frame luminosity density of W Hz, where μ is the magnification from a probable gravitational lens. The radio-derived total IR luminosity and star formation rate are and SFR =, respectively, which are ∼9 times smaller than those previously reported. These differences are attributed to the IR spectral energy distribution of MM 18423+5938 being poorly constrained by the limited number of reliable photometric data that are currently available, and from a previous misidentification of the object at 70 μm. Using the radio derived total IR luminosity as a constraint, the temperature of the cold dust component is found to be for a dust emissivity of . The radio-derived properties of this galaxy are still large given the low excitation temperature implied by the CO emission lines and the temperature of the cold dust. Therefore, we conclude that MM 18423+5938 is probably gravitationally lensed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present intensive quasi-simultaneous X-ray and radio monitoring of the narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4051, over a 16-month period in 2000-01. The X-ray observations were made with the Proportional Counter Array on the Rossi Timing X-ray Explorer (RXTE) and radio observations were made at 8.4 and 4.8 GHz with the Very Large Array (VLA). In the X-ray band NGC 4051 behaves very much like the analogue of a Galactic black hole binary (GBH) system in a 'soft state'. In such systems, there has so far been no firm evidence for an active, radio-emitting jet like those found in 'hard-state' GBHs. VLBI observations of NGC 4051 show three well-separated compact components almost in a line. This structure resembles the core and outer hot spots seen in powerful, jet-dominated, extragalactic radio sources and, although no jet is visible in NGC 4051, suggests that a weak jet may exist. However it has not previously been clear whether the nucleus is currently active in the radio band and whether there is any link between the radio and X-ray emission processes. Radio monitoring of the core of NGC 4051 is complicated by the presence of surrounding extended emission and by the changing array configurations of the VLA. Only in the A configuration is the core reasonably resolved. We have carefully removed the differing contaminations of the core by extended emission in the various arrays. The resulting lightcurve shows no sign of large amplitude variability (i.e. factor 50 per cent) over the 16-month period and is consistent with being constant. Within the 6 A configuration observations where we have greatest sensitivity we see marginal evidence for radio core variability of ∼25 per cent (∼0.12 mJy at 8.4 GHz) on a 2-week time-scale, correlated with X-ray variations. These percentage variations are similar to those of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 5548, which is 10 times brighter. Even if the radio variations in NGC 4051 are real, the percentage variability is much less than in the X-ray band. Within the B configuration observations, although sensitivity is somewhat reduced, there is no sign of correlated X-ray/radio variability. NGC 4051 is one decade lower in radio luminosity than the radio/X-ray/mass fundamental plane for jet-dominated hard-state black holes, although the scatter around the plane is of the same order. The lack of radio variability commonly seen in hard-state GBHs may be explained by orientation effects. Another possibility, consistent with the lack of radio variability, is that the radio emission arises from the X-ray corona although, in that case, the linear structure of the compact radio components is hard to explain. A combination of corona and jet may explain the observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In studies of accreting black holes in binary systems, empirical relations have been proposed to quantify the coupling between accretion processes and ejection mechanisms. These processes are probed, respectively, by means of X-ray and radio/optical–infrared observations. The relations predict, given certain accretion conditions, the expected energy output in the form of a jet. We investigated this coupling by studying the black hole candidate Swift J 0127, via multiwavelength-coordinated observations over a period of ∼4 yr. We present the results of our campaign showing that, all along the outburst, the source features a jet that is fainter than expected from the empirical correlation between the radio and the X-ray luminosities in a hard spectral state. Because the jet is so weak in this system the near-infrared emission is, unusually for this state and luminosity, dominated by thermal emission from the accretion disc. We briefly discuss the importance and the implications of a precise determination of both the slope and the normalization of the correlations, listing some possible parameters that broad-band jet models should take into account to explain the population of sources characterized by a dim jet. We also investigate whether our data can give any hint on the nature of the compact object in the system, since its mass has not been dynamically measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to test the recently proposed classification of the radio/X-ray states of the X-ray binary Cygnus X-3 (Cyg X-3), we present an analysis of the radio data available for the system at much higher spatial resolutions than used for defining the states. The radio data set consists of archival Very Long Baseline Array data at 5 or 15 GHz and new electronic European Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network data at 5 GHz. We also present 5-GHz Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network observations of an outburst of Cyg X-3. In the X-ray regime, we use quasi-simultaneous with radio, monitoring and pointed Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer observations. We find that when the radio emission from both jet and core is globally considered, the behaviour of Cyg X-3 at mas scales is consistent with that described at arcsec-scales. However, when the radio emission is disentangled in a core component and a jet component, the situation changes. It becomes clear that in active states the radio emission from the jet is dominating that from the core. This shows that in these states the overall radio flux cannot be used as a direct tracer of the accretion state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the accretion/ejection processes (i.e. disc/jet coupling) in the neutron star X-ray binary Aquila X-1 via a multiwavelength approach. We use in the radio band the publicly available Very Large Array archive containing observations of the object between 1986 and 2005, in the X-ray band the archival Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer data (Proportional Counter Array and High Energy X-ray Timing Experiment) between 1997 and 2008, and in optical ( R band) observations with the Small and Moderate Aperture Research Telescope System recorded between 1998 and 2007. In the combined data set, we find three outbursts for which quasi-simultaneous radio, optical ( R band) and X-ray data exist and focus on them to some extent. We provide evidence that the disc/jet coupling in Aquila X-1 is similar to what has been observed in black hole X-ray binaries, at least from the point of view of the behaviour in the hardness–intensity diagrams (the hysteresis effect included), when the phenomenology of the jet is taken into account. Although based on a very small number of observations, a radio/X-ray correlation seems to exist for this system, with a slope of ), which is different than the slope of found for another atoll source, 4U , but interestingly enough is relatively close to the values obtained for several black hole X-ray binaries. No significant correlation is found between the radio and optical ( R-band) emissions. We also report a significant drop in the radio flux from Aquila X-1 above an X-ray flux of . This behaviour, also reported in the neutron star X-ray binary 4U , may be analogous to the suppression of radio emission in black hole X-ray binaries in bright, soft X-ray states. It suggests that from this point of view neutron star X-ray binaries can mimic the behaviour of black hole X-ray binaries in suppressing the jet in soft/disc-dominated X-ray states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present observations of the neutron star X-ray binary and relativistic jet source Circinus X-1 made at 4.8 and 8.6 GHz with the Australia Telescope Compact Array during a time interval of almost 10 yr. The system shows significant variations in the morphology and brightness of the radio features on all time-scales from days to years. Using the time delay between the successive brightening of the different components of the radio emission we were able to provide further evidence for the relativistic nature of the arcsec-scale outflow, with an apparent velocity . No compelling evidence for an evolution of the orientation of the jet axis was found. We also place an upper limit on the proper motion of the system which is consistent with previous optical studies. Besides the previously reported radio flares close to the orbital phase 0.0 (interpreted as enhanced accretion at periastron passage), we identified outbursts with similar properties near the orbital phase 0.5. The global spectral index revealed a preferentially steep spectrum over the entire period of monitoring with a mean value and standard deviation , which became significantly flatter during the outbursts. Polarization was detected in one third of the epochs, and in one case Faraday rotation close to the core of the system was measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of the first two 5-GHz electronic very-long-baseline interferometry (e-VLBI) observations of the X-ray binary Cygnus X-3 using the European VLBI Network. Two successful observing sessions were held, on 2006 April 20, when the system was in a quasi-quiescent state several weeks after a major flare, and on 2006 May 18, a few days after another flare. At the first epoch we detected faint emission probably associated with a fading jet, spatially separated from the X-ray binary. The second epoch in contrast reveals a bright, curved, relativistic jet more than 40 milliarcsec in extent. In the first and probably also second epochs the X-ray binary core is not detected, which may indicate a temporary suppression of jet production as seen in some black hole X-ray binaries in certain X-ray states. Spatially resolved polarization maps at the second epoch provide evidence of interaction between the ejecta and the surrounding medium. These results clearly demonstrate the importance of rapid analysis of long-baseline observations of transients, such as facilitated by e-VLBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results from the first successful open call electronic very-long-baseline interferometry (e-VLBI) science run, observing the X-ray binary GRS 1915+105. e-VLBI science allows the rapid production of VLBI radio maps, within hours of an observation rather than weeks, facilitating a decision for follow-up observations. A total of six telescopes observing at 5 GHz across the European VLBI Network (EVN) were correlated in real time at the Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE). Constant data rates of 128 Mbps were transferred from each telescope, giving 4 TB of raw sampled data over the 12 hours of the whole experiment. Throughout this, GRS 1915+105 was observed for a total of 5.5 h, producing 2.8 GB of visibilities of correlated data. A weak flare occurred during our observations, and we detected a slightly resolved component of 2.7 × 1.2 ms with a position angle of 140°± 2°. The peak brightness was 10.2 mJy per beam, with a total integrated radio flux of 11.1 mJy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present multi-epoch observations of the radio nebula around the neutron star X-ray binary Circinus X-1 made at 1.4 and 2.5 GHz with the Australia Telescope Compact Array between 2000 October and 2004 September. The nebula can be seen as a result of the interaction between the jet from the system and the interstellar medium and it is likely that we are actually looking toward the central X-ray binary system through the jet-powered radio lobe. The study of the nebula thus offers a unique opportunity to estimate for the first time using calorimetry the energetics of a jet from an object clearly identified as a neutron star. An extensive discussion on the energetics of the complex is presented: a first approach is based on the minimum energy estimation, while a second one employs a self-similar model of the interaction between the jets and the surrounding medium. The results suggest an age for the nebula of and a corresponding time-averaged jet power . During periodic flaring episodes, the instantaneous jet power may reach values of similar magnitude to the X-ray luminosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 2004 December 27, the magnetar SGR 1806-20 underwent an enormous outburst resulting in the formation of an expanding, moving, and fading radio source. We report observations of this radio source with the Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network and the Very Long Baseline Array. The observations confirm the elongation and expansion already reported based on observations at lower angular resolutions, but suggest that at early epochs the structure is not consistent with the very simplest models such as a smooth flux distribution. In particular, there appears to be significant structure on small angular scales, with ∼10 per cent of the radio flux arising on angular scales ≤100 milliarcsec. This structure may correspond to localized sites of particle acceleration during the early phases of expansion and interaction with the ambient medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results from the first successful open call e-VLBI science run, observing the X-ray binary GRS 1915+105. e-VLBI science allows the rapid production of VLBI radio maps, within hours of an observation rather than weeks. A total of 6 telescopes observing at 5 GHz across the European VLBI Network (EVN) were correlated in real time at the Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE). Throughout this, GRS 1915+105 was observed for a total of 5.5 hours, producing 2.8 GB of visibilities of correlated data. The peak brightness was 10.2 mJy per beam, with a total integrated radio flux of 11.1 mJy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present the results of the analysis of two Chandra observations of Circinus X−1 performed in 2007, for a total exposure time of ∼50 ks. The source was observed with the High Resolution Camera during a long X-ray low-flux state of the source. Cir X−1 is an accreting neutron star binary system that exhibits ultra-relativistic arcsec-scale radio jets and an extended arcmin-scale radio nebula. Furthermore, a recent paper has shown an X-ray excess on arcmin-scale prominent on the side of the receding radio jet. In our images, we clearly detect X-ray structures on both the side of the receding and the approaching radio jet. The X-ray emission is consistent with a synchrotron origin. Our detection is consistent with neutron star binaries being as efficient as black hole binaries in producing X-ray outflows, despite their shallower gravitational potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circinus X-1 has recently returned to a state of strong radio flaring. Here we report on the first VLBI observations, and detection, undertaken in the 25 years since the 1975–1985 period of strong recurrent flaring activity. We detected Circinus X-1 with the first observations conducted by a recently developed Southern hemisphere e-VLBI array, at both 1.6 and 8.4 GHz, over a three-day period. At 1.6 GHz, the compact source has a total flux density of 11 mJy and a size of 60 ± 15 mas (Gaussian model full width at half maximum). At 8.4 GHz, the compact source is less than 60 mas. The size variation with frequency is consistent with a broadened image due to scattering in the turbulent, ionized interstellar medium of our Galaxy. However, these size measurements appear inconsistent with the λ2.2 variation expected for strong interstellar scattering and previous VLBI observations made at 2.3 GHz in the early 1980s. To explain this apparent inconsistency, we suggest that Circinus X-1 supports a weak, non-varying component of 35 mas extent (175 au at 5 kpc distance), corresponding to compact structure in the extended radio nebula. No significant variation in the flux density at 1.6 GHz is evident between two observations 24 h apart. No jet-like structures are evident on scales of tens of mas, simply a scatter broadened source, presumably coincident with the suggested neutron star in the binary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]