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We present the first and deepest Australia Telescope Compact Array radio continuum images of the Honeycomb Nebula at 2000 and 5500MHz solely from archival data. The resolutions of these images are 3:6 x 2:8 arcsec2 and 1:3 x 1:2 arcsec2 at 2000 and 5500 MHz. We find an average radio spectral index for the remnant of -0:76±0:07. Polarisation maps at 5500MHz reveal an average fractional polarisation of 25 ± 5% with a maximum value of 95 ± 16. We estimate the equipartition field for Honeycomb Nebula of 48 ± 5 µG, with an estimated minimum energy of Emin = 3 x 1049 erg. The estimated surface brightness, Σ1 GHz, is 30 x 10-20Wm-2 Hz-1 sr-1; applying the Σ-D relation suggests this supernova remnant is expanding into a low-density environment. Finally, using Hi data, we can support the idea that the Honeycomb Nebula exploded inside a low-density wind cavity. We suggest that this remnant is likely to be between late free expansion stage and early Sedov phase of evolution and expanding into a low-density medium.

In this paper we present the updated empirical radio surface- brightness-to-diameter (Σ-D) relation for Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) calibrated using 110 SNRs with reliable distances. We apply orthogonal fitting procedure and kernel density smoothing in the Σ ¡ D plane and compare the results with the latest theoretical Σ - D relations derived from simulations of radio evolution of SNRs. We argue that the best agreement between the empirical and simulated Σ ¡ D relations is achieved if the mixed-morphology SNRs and SNRs of both, low brightness and small diameter, are filtered out from the calibration sample. The distances to 5 newly discovered remnants and 27 new candidates for shell SNRs are estimated from our full and filtered calibration samples. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 176005: Emission nebulae: structure and evolution]

In this paper, the integrated continuum radio spectrum of supernova remnant (SNR) W44 was analyzed up to 70 GHz, testing the different emission models that can be responsible for its particular shape. The observations by the Planck space telescope made it possible to analyze the high frequency part of radio emission from SNRs. Although the quality of radio continuum spectrum (a high scatter of data points at same frequencies) prevents us to make definite conclusions, the possibility of spinning dust emission detection towards this remnant is emphasized. In addition, a concave-down feature, due to synchrotron losses, can not be definitely dismissed by the present knowledge of the integrated radio continuum spectrum of this SNR. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 176005: Emission Nebulae: Structure and Evolution]

The Arcminute Microkelvin Imager (AMI) carried out a blind survey for galaxy clusters via their Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect decrements between 2008 and 2011. The first detection, known as AMI-CL J0300+2613, has been reobserved with AMI equipped with a new digital correlator with high dynamic range. The combination of the new AMI data and more recent high-resolution sub-mm and infrared maps now shows the feature in fact to be a ring of positive dust-correlated Galactic emission, which is likely to be anomalous microwave emission (AME). If so, this is the first completely blind detection of AME at arcminute scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the updated empirical radio surface-brightness-to-diameter (Σ − D) relation for supernova remnants (SNRs) in our Galaxy. Our original calibration sample of Galactic SNRs with independently determined distances (Pavlović et al. 2013, hereafter Paper I) is reconsidered and updated with data which became available in the past two years. The orthogonal fitting procedure and probability-density-function-based (PDF) method are applied to the calibration sample in the logΣ − logD plane. Non-standard orthogonal regression keeps the Σ−D and D−Σ relations invariant within estimated uncertainties. Our previous Monte Carlo simulations verified that the slopes of the empirical Σ−D relation should be determined by using the orthogonal regression, because of its good performances for data sets with severe scatter. The updated calibration sample contains 65 shell SNRs. 6 new Galactic SNRs are added to the sample from Paper I, one is omitted and distances are changed for 10 SNRs. The slope derived is here slightly steeper (β ≈ 5.2) than the Σ−D slope in Paper I (β ≈ 4.8). The PDF method relies on data points density maps which can provide more reliable calibrations that preserve more information contained in the calibration sample. We estimate distances to five new faint Galactic SNRs discovered for the first time by Canadian Galactic Plane Survey, and obtained distances of 2.3, 4.0, 1.3, 2.9 and 4.7 kiloparsecs for G108.5+11.0, G128.5+2.6, G149.5+3.2, G150.8+3.8 and G160.1−1.1, respectively. The updated empirical relation is used to estimate distances of 160 shell Galactic SNRs and new results change their distance scales up to 15 per cent, compared to the results from Paper I. The PDF calculation can provide even few times higher or lower values in comparison with the orthogonal fit, as it uses a totally different approach. However, on average, this difference is 32, 24 and 18 per cent for mode, median and mean distances. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 176005: Emission nebulae: structure and evolution’. B.V. also acknowledges financial support through the Project i br. 176021: Visible and invisible matter in nearby galaxies: theory and observations]

The Galactic magnetic field is an integral constituent of the interstellar medium (ISM), and knowledge of its structure is crucial to understanding Galactic dynamics. The Rotation Measures (RM) of extragalactic (EG) sources have been the basis of comprehensive Galactic magnetic field models. Polarised extended emission (XE) is also seen along lines of sight through the Galactic disk, and also displays the effects of Faraday rotation. Our aim is to investigate and understand the relationship between EG and XE RMs near the Galactic plane, and to determine how the XE RMs, a hitherto unused resource, can be used as a probe of the large-scale Galactic magnetic field. We used polarisation data from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (CGPS), observed near 1420 MHz with the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) Synthesis Telescope. We calculated RMs from a linear fit to the polarisation angles as a function of wavelength squared in four frequency channels, for both the EG sources and the XE. Across the CGPS area, 55 ∘ < ℓ < 193 ∘ , − 3 ∘ < b < 5 ∘ , the RMs of the XE closely track the RMs of the EG sources, with XE RMs about half the value of EG-source RMs. The exceptions are places where large local HII complexes heavily depolarise more distant emission. We conclude that there is valuable information in the XE RM dataset. The factor of 2 between the two types of RM values is close to that expected from a Burn slab model of the ISM. This result indicates that, at least in the outer Galaxy, the EG and XE sources are likely probing similar depths, and that the Faraday rotating medium and the synchrotron emitting medium have similar variation with galactocentric distance.

We present a method for determining the directions of magnetic-field vectors in a spiral galaxy using two synchrotron polarization maps, an optical image, and a velocity field. The orientation of the transverse magnetic field is determined with a synchrotron polarization map of a higher-frequency band, and the 180°-ambiguity is solved by using a sign of Rotation Measure (RM) after determining the geometrical orientation of a disk based on an assumption of trailing spiral arms. The advantage of this method is that the direction of a magnetic vector for each line of sight throughout the galaxy can inexpensively be determined, with easily available data and simple assumptions. We applied this method to three nearby spiral galaxies using archival data obtained with a Very Large Array (VLA) to demonstrate how it works. The three galaxies have both clockwise and counterclockwise magnetic fields, which implies that none of the three galaxies is classified in a simple Axis-Symmetric type, but types of higher modes, and that magnetic reversals commonly exist.

Faraday tomography, the study of the distribution of extended polarized emission by strength of Faraday rotation, is a powerful tool for studying magnetic fields in the interstellar medium of our Galaxy and nearby galaxies. The strong frequency dependence of Faraday rotation results in very different observational strengths and limitations for different frequency regimes. I discuss the role these effects take in Faraday tomography below 1 GHz, emphasizing the 100⁻200 MHz band observed by the Low Frequency Array and the Murchison Widefield Array. With that theoretical context, I review recent Faraday tomography results in this frequency regime, and discuss expectations for future observations.

We present 21 new radio-continuum detections at catalogued planetary nebula (PN) positions in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) using all presently available data from the Australia Telescope Online Archive at 3, 6, 13 and 20 cm. Additionally, 11 previously detected LMC radio PNe are re-examined with seven detections confirmed and reported here. An additional three PNe from our previous surveys are also studied. The last of the 11 previous detections is now classified as a compact H ii region that makes for a total sample of 31 radio PNe in the LMC. The radio-surface-brightness-to-diameter (&#931--D) relation is parametrized as Σ ∝ D-β. With the available 6 cm Σ–D data, we construct Σ–D samples from 28 LMC PNe and nine Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) radio-detected PNe. The results of our sampled PNe in the MCs are comparable to previous measurements of the Galactic PNe. We obtain β = 2.9 ± 0.4 for the MC PNe compared to β = 3.1 ± 0.4 for the Galaxy. For a better insight into sample completeness and evolutionary features, we reconstruct the &#931--D data probability density function (PDF). The PDF analysis implies that PNe are not likely to follow linear evolutionary paths. To estimate the significance of sensitivity selection effects, we perform a Monte Carlo sensitivity simulation on the &#931--D data. The results suggest that selection effects are significant for values larger than β ~ 2.6 and that a measured slope of β = 2.9 should correspond to a sensitivity-free value of ~3.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on new Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of SNR J0519-6902. The Supernova Remnant (SNR) is small in size (~8 pc) and exhibits a typical SNR spectrum with α = -0.53±0.07, with steeper spectral indices towards the northern limb of the remnant. SNR J0519-6902 contains a low level of radially orientated polarisation at wavelengths of 3 and 6 cm, which is typical of younger SNRs. A fairly strong magnetic field was estimated to ~171µG. The remnant appears to be the result of a typical Type Ia supernova, sharing many properties with another small and young Type Ia LMC SNR, J0509-6731. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 176005]

We present and discuss a new catalogue of 48 compact Hii regions in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and a newly created deep 1420 MHz (λ=20 cm) radio-continuum image of the N19 region located in the southwestern part of the SMC. The new images were created by merging 1420 MHz radiocontinuum archival data from the Australian Telescope Compact Array. The majority of these detected radio compact Hii regions have rather flat spectral indices which indicates, as expected, that the dominant emission mechanism is of thermal nature.

We present a study of new Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of supernova remnant, SNR J0536-6735. This remnant appears to follow a shell morphology with a diameter of D=36x29 pc (with 1 pc uncertainty in each direction). There is an embedded HII region on the northern limb of the remnant which made various analysis and measurements (such as flux density, spectral index and polarisation) difficult. The radio-continuum emission followed the same structure as the optical emission, allowing for extent and flux density estimates at 20 cm. We estimate the surface brightness at 1 GHz of 2.55x10−21 Wm−2 Hz−1 sr−1 for the SNR. Also, we detect a distinctive radio-continuum point source which confirms the previous suggestion of this remnant being associated with pulsar wind nebula (PWN). The tail of this remnant is not seen in the radio-continuum images and is only seen in the optical and X-ray images.

We present IDL (Interactive Data Language) codes for fitting a theoretical emission profile of a shell supernova remnant (SNR) to the mean profile of an SNR obtained from radio observations. Two considered theoretical models are: 1) a shell with constant emissivity and 2) a synchrotron shell with radially aligned magnetic field. The codes were applied to several observed supernova remnants. Good results are obtained in five considered cases, which justify the use of our code for remnants that are bright (so that observational errors are not large) and spherically symmetric enough.

We present a detailed study and results of new Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of supernova remnant SNR J0527-6549. This Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) object follows a typical supernova remnant (SNR) horseshoe morphology with a diameter of D=(66$imes$58)$pm$1~pc which is among the largest SNRs in the LMC. Its relatively large size indicates older age while a steeper than expected radio spectral index of $alpha$=-0.92$pm$0.11 is more typical of younger and energetic SNRs. Also, we report detections of regions with a high order of polarization at a peak value of $sim$ 54 per cent $pm$ 17 per cent at 6~cm.

In this paper we report a new radio-continuum detection of an extragalactic planetary nebula (PN): SMC~SMP~24. We show the radio-continuum image of this PN and present the measured radio data. The newly reduced radio observations are consistent with the multi-wavelength data and derived parameters found in the literature. SMC~SMP~24 appears to be a young and compact PN, optically thick at frequencies below 2~GHz.

We present the results of new Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of one of the largest supernova remnants, SNR J0450-709, in the Local Group of galaxies. We found that this Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) object exhibits a typical morphology of an old supernova remnant (SNR) with diameter $D = 102 x 75 pm 1$ pc and radio spectral index $alpha = -0.43 pm 0.06$. Regions of high polarisation were detected with peak value of $sim$40 per cent.

We present the results of new Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of one of the largest supernova remnants, SNR J0450-709, in the Local Group of galaxies. We found that this Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) object exhibits a typical morphology of an old supernova remnant (SNR) with diameter D=102x75±1 pc and radio spectral index α=-0.43±0.06. Regions of high polarization were detected with peak value of ~40%.

We present the results of new moderate resolution ATCA observations of SNR. We found that this SNR exhibits a mostly typical appearance with rather steep and curved $alpha$=--0.81$pm$0.18 and D=43$imes$31$pm$1~pc. Regions of high polarisation were detected, including unusually strong ($sim$70\%) region corresponding to the northern breakout. Such a strong polarisation in breakout regions has not been observed in any other SNR.

An analysis of the relation between radio surface brightness and diameter, so-called Σ − D relation, for planetary nebulae (PNe) is presented: i) the theoretical Σ − D relation for the evolution of bremsstrahlung surface brightness is derived; ii) contrary to the results obtained earlier for the Galactic supernova remnant (SNR) samples, our results show that the updated sample of Galactic PNe does not severely suffer from volume selection effect - Malmquist bias (same as for the extragalactic SNR samples) and; iii) we conclude that the empirical S − D relation for PNe derived in this paper is not useful for valid determination of distances for all observed PNe with unknown distances. .

We present a high-resolution radio-continuum study of Galactic supernova remnant MSH11-61A. We combine moderate resolution X-ray, radio-continuum and CO data to study the morphology and kinematics of MSH 11-61A. We estimate the radio-continuum spectral index to be α843−4850=- 0.33±0.07 based on our flux density measurements and also note that this SNR has significant 'turn­over' spectra at lower (29.9843 MHz) frequencies. The diameter of MSH1161A is estimated to be 12.5' with 'ear' extensions of 41 to the northwest and southeast. The striking anticorrelation between X-ray and radio-continuum images confirms a mixed-morphology classification of this remnant. The CO images are consistent with a distance reported by Rosado et al.(1996) of about 7 kpc. .

We present a modification of the theoretical Σ − D relation for supernova remnants (SNRs) in the adiabatic expansion phase. This modification is based on the convolution of the relation first derived by Shklovsky with the Σ − D relation derived in this paper for thermal bremsstrahlung radiation from the ionized gas cloud. We adopt McKee & Ostriker’s model for the components of the interstellar medium as part of our derivation. The modified Shklovsky theory agrees well with empirical results. Kesteven’s modified theoretical relation gives the best agreement with the updated Galactic empirical Σ − D relation.

Aims. G15.4+0.1 is a faint supernova remnant (SNR) that has recently been associated with the γ-ray source HESS J1818-154. We investigate a hadronic scenario for the production of the γ-ray emission. Methods. Molecular 13CO (J = 1-0) taken from the Galactic Ring Survey (GRS) and neutral hydrogen (HI) data from the Southern Galactic Plane Survey (SGPS) have been used in combination with new 1420 MHz radio continuum observations carried out with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). Results. From the new observations and analysis of archival data we provided for the first time a reliable estimate for the distance to the SNR G15.4+0.1 and discovered molecular clouds located at the same distance. On the basis of HI absorption features, we estimate the distance to G15.4+0.1 in 4.8± 1.0 kpc. The 13CO observations clearly show a molecular cloud about 5' in size with two bright clumps, labeled A and B, clump A positionally associated with the location of HESS J1818-154 and clump B in coincidence with the brightest northern border of the radio SNR shell. The HI absorption and the 13CO emission study indicates a possible interaction between the molecular material and the remnant. We estimate the masses and densities of the molecular gas as (1.2 ± 0.5) × 103 M☉ and (1.5± 0.4) × 103 cm-3 for clump A and (3.0 ± 0.7) × 103 M☉ and (1.1 ± 0.3) × 103 cm-3 for clump B. Calculations show that the average density of the molecular clump A is sufficient to produce the detected γ-ray flux, thus favoring a hadronic origin for the high-energy emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive the distribution of the synchrotron spectral index across NGC6946 and investigate the correlation between the radio continuum (synchrotron) and far-infrared (FIR) emission using the KINGFISH Herschel-PACS and SPIRE data. The radio-FIR correlation is studied as a function of star formation rate, magnetic field strength, radiation field strength, and the total gas surface density. The synchrotron emission follows both star-forming regions and the so-called magnetic arms present in the inter-arm regions. The synchrotron spectral index is steepest along the magnetic arms (αn ~ 1), while it is flat in places of giant Hii regions and in the center of the galaxy (αn ~ 0.6-0.7). The map of αn provides observational evidence for aging and energy loss of cosmic ray electrons (CREs) propagating in the disk of the galaxy. Variations in the synchrotron-FIR correlation across the galaxy are shown to be a function of both star formation and magnetic field strength. We find that the synchrotron emission correlates better with cold rather than with warm dust emission, when the diffuse interstellar radiation field is the main heating source of dust. The synchrotron-FIR correlation suggests a coupling between the magnetic field and the gas density. NGC6946 shows a power-law behavior between the total (turbulent) magnetic field strength B and the star formation rate surface density ΣSFR with an index of 0.14 (0.16) ± 0.01. This indicates an efficient production of the turbulent magnetic field with the increasing gas turbulence expected in actively star forming regions. Moreover, it is suggested that the B-ΣSFR power law index is similar for the turbulent and the total fields in normal galaxies. On the other hand, for galaxies interacting with the cluster environment this index is steeper for turbulent magnetic fields than it is for the total magnetic fields. The scale-by-scale analysis of the synchrotron-FIR correlation indicates that the ISM affects the propagation of old/diffused CREs, resulting in a diffusion coefficient of D0 = 4.6 × 1028 cm2 s-1 for 2.2 GeV CREs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. It has been suggested that the ratio of total-to-selective extinction RV in dust in the interstellar medium differs in the Galactic bulge from its value in the local neighborhood. Aims. We attempt to test this suggestion. Methods. The mid-infrared hydrogen lines in 16 Galactic bulge PNe measured by the Spitzer Space Telescope are used to determine the extinction corrected Hβ flux. This is compared to the observed Hβ flux to obtain the total extinction at Hβ. The selective extinction is obtained from the observed Balmer decrement in these nebulae. The value of RV can then be found. Results. The ratio of total-to-selective extinction in the Galactic bulge is consistent with the value RV = 3.1, which is the same as has been found in the local neighborhood. Conclusions. The suggestion that RV is different in the Galactic bulge is incorrect. The reasons for this are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT New radio continuum and H i line observations of the old supernova remnant CTB80 are analysed. The radio continuum emission is more extended than previously known. We analyse archival ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter images of CTB80 and find extended X-ray emission associated with CTB80 over a 1°.2 diameter region. A new H i absorption spectrum towards the core of CTB80 yields a kinematic distance of ≃1.5 kpc. An analysis of the H i channel maps confirms the inner shell discovered by Koo et al. In addition, we discover an outer slowly moving shell centred on CTB80's centre, with radius 76 arcmin and velocity 40 km s−1. The shell's size and velocity are inconsistent with a stellar wind origin, but are consistent with what is expected for a cool dense shell in the cooling (snowplough) phase of a supernova remnant. Taking into account deceleration of the shell, its age also agrees with that of CTB80 (∼60 000 yr). The resulting picture of CTB80 is that of a large old supernova remnant, with an H i shell moving out slowly behind the slow outer shock and a hot interior which is still emitting X-rays and visible in the ROSAT images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Frying Pan (G315.9-0.0) is a radio supernova remnant with a peculiar linear feature (G315.78-0.23) extending 10' radially outward from the rim of the shell. We present radio imaging and polarization observations obtained from the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope and the Australia Telescope Compact Array, confirming G315.78-0.23 as a bow-shock pulsar wind nebula (PWN) powered by the young pulsar J1437-5959. This is one of the longest pulsar tails observed in radio and it has a physical extent over 20 pc. We found a bow-shock standoff distance of 0.002 pc, smallest among similar systems, suggesting a large pulsar velocity over 1000 km s-1 and a high Mach number ~200. The magnetic field geometry inferred from radio polarimetry shows a good alignment with the tail orientation, which could be a result of high flow speed. There are also hints that the postshock wind has a low magnetization and is dominated by electrons and positrons in energy. This study shows that PWNe can offer a powerful probe of their local environment, particularly for the case of a bow shock where the parent supernova shell is also detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent interferometric observations have called into question the traditional view of the Orion-KL region, which displays one of the most well-defined cases of chemical differentiation in a star-forming region. Previous lower- resolution images of Orion-KL show emission signatures for oxygen-bearing organic molecules toward the Orion Compact Ridge and emission for nitrogen-bearing organic molecules toward the Orion Hot Core. However, more recent observations at higher spatial resolution indicate that the bulk of the molecular emission arises from many smaller, compact clumps that are spatially distinct from the traditional Hot Core and Compact Ridge sources. It is this type of observational information that is critical for guiding astrochemical models, as the spatial distribution of molecules and their relation to energetic sources will govern the chemical mechanisms at play in star-forming regions. We have conducted millimeter-imaging studies of Orion-KL with various beam sizes using the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-Wave Astronomy in order to investigate the continuum structure. These λ = 3 mm observations have synthesized beam sizes of ~0".5-5".0. These observations reveal the complex continuum structure of this region, which stands in sharp contrast to the previous structural models assumed for Orion-KL based on lower spatial resolution images. The new results indicate that the spatial scaling previously used in determination of molecular abundances for this region are in need of complete revision. Here we present the results of the continuum observations, discuss the sizes and structures of the detected sources, and suggest an observational strategy for determining the proper spatial scaling to accurately determine molecular abundances in the Orion-KL region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G35.6−0.4 is an extended radio source in the Galactic plane which has previously been identified as either a supernova remnant or an H ii region. Observations from the Very Large Array Galactic Plane Survey at 1.4 GHz with a resolution of 1 arcmin allow the extent of G35.6−0.4 to be defined for the first time. Comparison with other radio survey observations show that this source has a non-thermal spectral index, with . G35.6−0.4 does not have obvious associated infrared emission, so it is identified as a Galactic supernova remnant, not an H ii region. It is in extent, showing partial limb brightening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present observations between 1.4 and 18 GHz confirming that G64.5+0.9 is a new Galactic shell supernova remnant, using the Very Large Array and the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager. The remnant is a shell ≃8 arcmin in diameter with a spectral index of (with α defined such that flux density S varies with frequency ν as ). There is also emission near the centre of the shell, ≃1 arcmin in extent, with a spectral index of . We do not find any evidence for spectral breaks for either source within our frequency range. The nature of the central object is unclear and requires further investigation, but we argue that it is most unlikely to be extragalactic. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that it is associated with the shell, although its spectrum is very unlike that of known pulsar wind nebulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revised catalogue of 274 Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) is presented, along with some simple statistics of their parameters. It is shown that the remnants that have recently been identified are generally faint, as is expected from the selection effects that apply to the identification of remnants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent ammonia (1,1) inversion line data on the Galactic star-forming region Sgr B2 show that the column density is consistent with a radial Gaussian density profile with a standard deviation of 2.75 pc. Deriving a formula for the virial mass of spherical Gaussian clouds, we obtain for Sgr B2. For this matter distribution, a reasonable magnetic field and an impinging flux of cosmic rays of solar neighbourhood intensity, we predict the expected synchrotron emission from the Sgr B2 giant molecular cloud due to secondary electrons and positrons resulting from cosmic-ray interactions, including effects of losses due to pion production collisions during diffusive propagation into the cloud complex. We assemble radio-continuum data at frequencies between 330 MHz and 230 GHz. From the spectral-energy distribution, the emission appears to be thermal at all frequencies. Before using these data to constrain the predicted synchrotron flux, we first model the spectrum as free–free emission from the known ultra compact H ii regions plus emission from an envelope or wind with a radial-density gradient, and obtain an excellent fit. We thus find the spectrum at all frequencies to be dominated by thermal emission, and this severely constrains the possible synchrotron emission by secondary electrons to quite low-flux levels. The absence of a significant contribution by secondary electrons is almost certainly due to multi-GeV energy cosmic rays being unable to penetrate far into giant molecular clouds. This would also explain why 100 MeV–GeV gamma-rays (from neutral pion decay or bremsstrahlung by secondary electrons) were not observed from Sgr B2 by the EGRET instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, while TeV energy gamma-rays were observed by the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS), being produced by higher energy cosmic rays which more readily penetrate giant molecular clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent radio observations of the small Galactic supernova remnant G1.9 + 0.3 made at 4.86 GHz with the Very Large Array are presented, and compared with earlier observations at 1.49 GHz which have a comparable resolution . These show that the radio emission from this remnant has expanded significantly, by about 15 per cent over 23 yr, with a current outer diameter of ≈92 arcsec. This expansion confirms that G1.9 + 0.3 is the youngest Galactic remnant yet identified, only about 150 yr old at most. Recent, lower resolution, 1.43-GHz observations are also discussed, and the integrated flux densities from these and the 4.86-GHz observations are compared with earlier results. This shows that the integrated flux density of G1.9 + 0.3 has been increasing recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a centimetre-wave (cm-wave, 5–31 GHz) excess over free–free emission in planetary nebulae (PNe). Accurate 31- and 250-GHz measurements show that the 31-GHz flux densities in our sample are systematically higher than the level of optically thin free–free continuum extrapolated from 250-GHz. The 31-GHz excess is observed, within one standard deviation, in all 18 PNe with reliable 31- and 250-GHz data, and is significant in nine PNe. The only exception is the peculiar object M2-9, whose radio spectrum is that of an optically thick stellar wind. On average the fraction of non-free–free emission represents 51 per cent of the total flux density at 31 GHz, with a scatter of 11 per cent. The average 31–250 GHz spectral index of our sample is (in flux density, with a scatter of 0.14). The 31–250 GHz drop is reminiscent of the anomalous foreground observed in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) by cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy experiments. The 5–31 GHz spectral indices are consistent with both flat spectra and spinning dust emissivities, given the 10 per cent calibration uncertainty of the comparison 5-GHz data. However, a detailed study of the objects with the largest cm-excess, including the low-frequency data available in the literature, shows that present spinning dust models alone cannot explain the cm-wave excess in PNe. Although we have no definitive interpretation of our data, the least implausible explanation involves a synchrotron component absorbed by a cold nebular screen. We give flux densities for 37 objects at 31 GHz, and for 26 objects at 250 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correlated Component Analysis (CCA) allows us to estimate how the different diffuse emissions mix in observations by cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments, also taking into account complementary information from other surveys. It is especially useful for dealing with possible additional components for which little or no prior information exists. An application of CCA to the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe ( WMAP) maps assuming that only the canonical Galactic emissions (synchrotron, free–free and thermal dust) are present highlights the widespread presence of a spectrally flat ‘synchrotron’ component, largely uncorrelated with the synchrotron template, suggesting that an additional foreground is indeed required. We have tested various spectral shapes for such a component, namely a power law as is expected if it is flat synchrotron, and two spectral shapes that may fit the spinning dust emission: a parabola in the plane and a grey body. If the spatial distribution of the additional (‘anomalous’) component is not constrained a priori, it is found to be always tightly correlated with thermal dust, but the correlation is not perfect. Quality tests applied to the reconstructed CMB maps clearly disfavour two of the models. The CMB power spectra, estimated from CMB maps reconstructed exploiting the three surviving foreground models, are generally consistent with those obtained by the WMAP team, although at least one of the models gives a significantly higher quadrupole moment than found by WMAP. Taking foreground modelling uncertainties into account, we find that the mean quadrupole amplitude for the three ‘good’ models is less than 1σ below the expectation from the standard Λcold dark matter (ΛCDM) model. Also, the other reported deviations from model predictions are found not to be statistically significant, except for the excess power at . We confirm the evidence for a marked north–south asymmetry in the large-scale CMB anisotropies, which is stable with respect to the foreground parametrization we adopted. We also present a first, albeit preliminary, all-sky template of the ‘anomalous emission’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first data release from the second epoch Molonglo Galactic Plane Survey (MGPS-2). MGPS-2 was carried out with the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope at a frequency of 843 MHz and with a restoring beam of 45 × 45 arcsec2, making it the highest resolution large-scale radio survey of the southern Galactic plane. It covers the range , and is the Galactic counterpart to the Sydney University Molonglo Sky Survey (SUMSS) which covers the whole southern sky with ). In this paper, we present the MGPS-2 compact source catalogue. The catalogue has 48 850 sources above a limiting peak brightness of 10 mJy beam−1. Positions in the catalogue are accurate to 1–2 arcsec. A full catalogue including extended sources is in preparation. We have carried out an analysis of the compact source density across the Galactic plane and find that the source density is not statistically higher than the density expected from the extragalactic source density alone. We also present version 2.0 of the SUMSS image data and catalogue which is now available online. The data consist of 629 4.3°× 4.3° mosaic images covering the 8100 deg2 of sky with . The catalogue contains 210 412 radio sources to a limiting peak brightness of 6 mJy beam−1 at and 10 mJy beam−1 at . We describe the updates and improvements made to the SUMSS cataloguing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we compute theoretically the flux density and the spectral index of the free–free radiation at radio wavelengths produced by shocks in the inner bipolar emission nebula called the little Homunculus around the star η Carinae. The little Homunculus is believed to have formed as a result of the minor eruption suffered by the star in the 1890s. In our model, we consider a simplified interacting stellar wind scenario where the post-outburst η Carinae wind collides with the eruptive outflow (both assumed to be bipolar with conical symmetry). As a result of the interaction, shock-wave structures are formed and generate the development of two polar caps moving in opposite directions. After ∼100 yr (i.e. at present times), the polar caps are located ±2.3 arcsec on each side of the star, and remain embedded within the larger bipolar Homunculus that extends from −8 to +8 arcsec along its major axis. Using observational estimates of the characteristics of the eruptive event of the 1890s, and of the ambient wind powered by η Carinae in the decades after the eruption ended, we study the evolution of the polar caps formed as a result of a sudden increase in the wind velocity and an instantaneous drop in the mass-loss rate (just after the eruption) at the injection radius. We found that the little Homunculus emits continuum radiation that can be detected at radio frequencies and that indeed represents an important contribution to the total free–free emission detected from the η Carinae nebula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have observed a sample of 64 small-diameter sources towards the central of the Galaxy with the aim of studying the Faraday rotation measure near the Galactic Centre region. All the sources were observed at 6- and 3.6-cm wavelengths using the ATCA and the VLA. 59 of these sources are inferred to be extragalactic. The observations presented here constitute the first systematic study of the radio polarization properties of the background sources towards this direction and increase the number of known extragalactic radio sources in this part of the sky by almost an order of magnitude. Based on the morphology, spectral indices and lack of polarized emission, we identify four Galactic H ii regions in the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the L– D correlation (possible dependence of radio luminosity on linear diameter) for supernova remnants (SNRs) in order to see whether the Σ– D relation actually exists and whether determination of SNR distances on the basis of the Σ– D relation is possible. We do not find any significant correlation, except for the M82 starburst galaxy for which a good Σ– D relation does exist. Finally, we suggest that a similar relation might exist for Galactic SNRs associated with large molecular clouds, indicating once again that the density of the SNR environment is probably the crucial parameter in SNR evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]