Lifting the dust veil from the globular cluster Palomar 2

This work employs high-quality Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) F606W and F814W photometry to correct for the differential reddening affecting the colour–magnitude diagram (CMD) of the poorly studied globular cluster (GC) Palomar 2. Differential reddening is taken into account by assuming that morphological differences among CMDs extracted across the field of view of Palomar 2 correspond essentially to shifts (quantified in terms of δE(B − V)) along the reddening vector due to a non-uniform dust distribution. The average reddening difference over all partial CMDs is δE(B−V)=0.24±0.08, with the highest reaching δE(B − V) = 0.52. The corrected CMD displays well-defined and relatively narrow evolutionary sequences, especially for the evolved stars, i.e. the red giant, horizontal, and asymptotic giant branches (RGB, HB, and AGB, respectively). The average width of the upper main sequence and RGB profiles of the corrected CMD corresponds to 56 per cent of the original one. Parameters measured on this CMD show that Palomar 2 is ≈13.25 Gyr old, has the mass M∼1.4×105M⊙ stored in stars, is affected by the foreground E(B − V) ≈ 0.93, is located at d⊙ ≈ 26 kpc from the Sun, and is characterized by the global metallicity Z/Z⊙ ≈ 0.03, which corresponds to the range −1.9 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ −1.6 (for 0.0 ≤ [α/Fe] ≤ +0.4), quite consistent with other outer halo GCs. Additional parameters are the absolute magnitude MV ≈ −7.8, and the core and half-light radii rC ≈ 2.6 pc and RHL ≈ 4.7 pc, respectively

The miniJPAS survey : white dwarf science with 56 optical filters

Aims. We analyze the white dwarf population in miniJPAS, the first square degree observed with 56 medium-band, 145 Å in width optical filters by the Javalambre Physics of the accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS), to provide a data-based forecast for the white dwarf science with low-resolution (R ∼ 50) photo-spectra. Methods. We define the sample of the bluest point-like sources in miniJPAS with r 7000 K can be segregated from the bluest extragalactic QSOs, providing a clean sample based on optical photometry alone. Conclusions. The J-PAS low-resolution photo-spectra would produce precise effective temperatures and atmospheric compositions for white dwarfs, complementing the data from Gaia. J-PAS will also detect and characterize new white dwarfs beyond the Gaia magnitude limit, providing faint candidates for spectroscopic follow-up

J-PLUS: a wide-field multi-band study of the M 15 globular cluster : evidence of multiple stellar populations in the RGB

Context. As a consequence of internal and external dynamical processes, Galactic globular clusters (GCs) have properties that vary radially. Wide-field observations covering the entire projected area of GCs out to their tidal radii (rtidal) can therefore give crucial information on these important relics of the Milky Way formation era. Aims. The Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey (J-PLUS) provides wide field-of-view (2 deg2) images in 12 narrow, intermediate and broad-band filters optimized for stellar photometry. Here we have applied J-PLUS data for the first time for the study of Galactic GCs using science verification data obtained for the very metal-poor ([Fe/H] ≈−2.3) GC M 15 located at ~10 kpc from the Sun. Previous studies based on spectroscopy found evidence of multiple stellar populations (MPs) through their different abundances of C, N, O, and Na. Our J-PLUS data provide low-resolution spectral energy distributions covering the near-UV to the near-IR, allowing us to instead search for MPs based on pseudo-spectral fitting diagnostics. Methods. We have built and discussed the stellar radial density profile (RDP) and surface brightness profiles (SBPs) reaching up to rtidal. Since J-PLUS FoV is larger than M 15’s rtidal, the field contamination can be properly taken into account. We also demonstrated the power of J-PLUS unique filter system by showing colour-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) using different filter combinations and for different cluster regions. Results. J-PLUS photometric quality and depth are good enough to reach the upper end of M 15’s main-sequence. CMDs based on the colours (u − z) and (J0378 − J0861) are found to be particularly useful to search for splits in the sequences formed by the upper red giant branch (RGB) and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. We interpret these split sequences as evidence for the presence of MPs. Furthermore, we show that the (u − z) × (J0378 − g) colour–colour diagram allows us to distinguish clearly between field and M 15 stars, which is important to minimize the sample contamination. Conclusions. The J-PLUS filter combinations (u − z) and (J0378 − J0861), which are sensitive to metal abundances, are able to distinguish different sequences in the upper RGB and AGB regions of the CMD of M 15, showing the feasibility of identifying MPs without the need of spectroscopy. This demonstrates that the J-PLUS survey will have sufficient spatial coverage and spectral resolution to perform a large statistical study of GCs through multi-band photometry in the coming years

An environmental dependence of the physical and structural properties in the Hydra cluster galaxies

The nearby Hydra cluster (∼50 Mpc) is an ideal laboratory to understand, in detail, the influence of the environment on the morphology and quenching of galaxies in dense environments. We study the Hydra cluster galaxies in the inner regions (1R200) of the cluster using data from the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey, which uses 12 narrow and broad-band filters in the visible region of the spectrum. We analyse structural (Sérsic index, effective radius) and physical (colours, stellar masses, and star formation rates) properties. Based on this analysis, we find that ∼88 per cent of the Hydra cluster galaxies are quenched. Using the Dressler–Schectman test approach, we also find that the cluster shows possible substructures. Our analysis of the phase-space diagram together with density-based spatial clustering algorithm indicates that Hydra shows an additional substructure that appears to be in front of the cluster centre, which is still falling into it. Our results, thus, suggest that the Hydra cluster might not be relaxed. We analyse the median Sérsic index as a function of wavelength and find that for red [(u − r) ≥2.3] and early-type galaxies it displays a slight increase towards redder filters (13 and 18 per cent, for red and early type, respectively), whereas for blue + green [(u − r)<2.3] galaxies it remains constant. Late-type galaxies show a small decrease of the median Sérsic index towards redder filters. Also, the Sérsic index of galaxies, and thus their structural properties, do not significantly vary as a function of clustercentric distance and density within the cluster; and this is the case regardless of the filter

The miniJPAS survey : detection of the double-core Lyα morphology for two high-redshift QSOs

Context. The Lyα emission is an important tracer of neutral gas in a circum-galactic medium (CGM) around high-z quasi-stellar objects (QSOs). The origin of Lyα emission around QSOs is still under debate, bringing on significant implications for galaxy formation and evolution. Aims. In this paper, we study Lyα nebulae around two high redshift QSOs, SDSS J141935.58+525710.7 at z = 3.218 (hereafter QSO1) and SDSS J141813.40+525240.4 at z = 3.287 (hereafter QSO2), from the miniJPAS survey within the All-wavelength Extended Groth Strip International Survey (AEGIS) field. Methods. Using the contiguous narrow-band (NB) images from the miniJPAS survey and Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectra, we analyzed their morphology, nature, and origin. Results. We report the serendipitous detection of double-core Lyα morphology around two QSOs, which is rarely seen among other QSOs. The separations of the two Lyα cores are 11.07 ± 2.26 kpcs (1.47 ± 0.300) and 9.73 ± 1.55 kpcs (1.31 ± 0.2100), with Lyα line luminosities of ∼ 3.35 × 1044 erg s−1 and ∼ 6.99 × 1044 erg s −1 for QSO1 and QSO2, respectively. The miniJPAS NB images show evidence of extended Lyα and CIV morphology for both QSOs and extended HeII morphology for QSO1. Conclusions. These two QSOs may be potential candidates for the new enormous Lyman alpha nebula (ELAN) found from the miniJPAS survey due to their extended morphology in the shallow depth and relatively high Lyα luminosities. We suggest that galactic outflows are the major powering mechanism for the double-core Lyα morphology. Considering the relatively shallow exposures of miniJPAS, the objects found here could merely form the cusp of a promising number of such objects that will be uncovered in the upcoming full Javalambre-Physics of the Accelerated Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS) survey and deep integral field units (IFU) observations with 8–10 m telescopes will be essential for constraining the underlying physical mechanism that is responsible for the double-cored morphology

J-PLUS : measuring Hα emission line fluxes in the nearby universe

n this paper we aim to validate a methodology designed to obtain Hα emission line fluxes from J-PLUS photometric data. J-PLUS is a multi narrow-band filter survey carried out with the 2 deg2 field of view T80Cam camera, mounted on the JAST/T80 telescope in the OAJ, Teruel, Spain. The information of the twelve J-PLUS bands, including the J0660 narrow-band filter located at rest-frame Hα, is used over the first 42 deg2 observed to retrieve de-reddened and [NII] decontaminated Hα emission line fluxes of 46 star-forming regions with previous SDSS and/or CALIFA spectroscopic information. The agreement between the J-PLUS Hα fluxes and those obtained with spectroscopic data is remarkable, finding a median comparison ratio with a scatter of R = F J−PLUS Hα /F spec Hα = 1.05 ± 0.25. This demonstrates that it is possible to retrieve reliable Hα emission line fluxes from J-PLUS photometric data. With an expected area of thousands of square degrees upon completion, the J-PLUS dataset will allow the study of several star formation science cases in the nearby universe, as the spatially resolved star formation rate of nearby galaxies at z  ≤  0.015, and how it is influenced by the environment, morphology, stellar mass, and nuclear activity. As an illustrative example, the close pair of interacting galaxies NGC 3994 and NGC 3995 is analysed, finding an enhancement of the star formation rate not only in the centre, but also in outer parts of the disk of NGC 3994

J-PLUS : analysis of the intracluster light in the Coma cluster

Context. The intracluster light (ICL) is a luminous component of galaxy clusters composed of stars that are gravitationally bound to the cluster potential, but do not belong to the individual galaxies. Previous studies of the ICL have shown that its formation and evolution are intimately linked to the evolutionary stage of the cluster. Thus, the analysis of the ICL in the Coma cluster will give insights into the main processes driving the dynamics in this highly complex system. Aims. Using a recently developed technique, we measure the ICL fraction in Coma at several wavelengths, using the J-PLUS unique filter system. The combination of narrow- and broadband filters provides valuable information on the dynamical state of the cluster, the ICL stellar types, and the morphology of the diffuse light. Methods. We used the Chebyshev-Fourier intracluster light estimator (CICLE) to distinguish the ICL from the light of the galaxies, and to robustly measure the ICL fraction in seven J-PLUS filters. Results. We obtain the ICL fraction distribution of the Coma cluster at different optical wavelengths, which varies from ∼7%−21%, showing the highest values in the narrowband filters J0395, J0410, and J0430. This ICL fraction excess is a distinctive pattern that has recently been observed in dynamically active clusters (mergers), indicating a higher amount of bluer stars in the ICL than in cluster galaxies. Conclusions. The high ICL fractions and the excess in the bluer filters are indicative of a merging state. The presence of younger stars or stars with lower metallicity in the ICL suggests that the main mechanism of ICL formation for the Coma cluster is the stripping of the stars in the outskirts of infalling galaxies and possibly the disruption of dwarf galaxies during past or ongoing mergers

J-PLUS : impact of bars on quenching timescales in nearby green valley disc galaxies

Context. Between the blue cloud and the red sequence peaks on the galaxy colour–magnitude diagram there is a region sparsely populated by galaxies called the green valley. In a framework where galaxies mostly migrate on the colour–magnitude diagram from star forming to quiescent, the green valley is considered a transitional galaxy stage. The details of the processes that drive galaxies from star-forming to passive systems still remain unknown. Aims.We aim to measure the transitional timescales of nearby galaxies across the green valley, through the analysis of Galaxy Evolution Explorer and Javalambre Photometric of Local Universe Survey photometric data. Specifically, we seek to study the impact of bars on the quenching timescales. Methods. We developed a method that estimates empirically the star formation quenching timescales of green valley galaxies, assuming an exponential decay model of the star formation histories and through a combination of narrow and broad bands from the Javalambre Photometric of Local Universe Survey and Galaxy Evolution Explorer. We correlated these quenching timescales with the presence of bars. Results.We find that the Javalambre Photometric of Local Universe Survey colours F0395 g and F0410 g are sensitive to di erent star formation histories, showing, consequently, a clear correlation with the Dn(4000) and H ;A spectral indices.We measured quenching timescales based on these colours and we find that quenching timescales obtained with our new approach are in agreement with those determined using spectral indices. We also compared the quenching timescales of green valley disc galaxies as a function of the probability of hosting a bar. We find that galaxies with high bar probability tend to quench their star formation slowly. Conclusions. We conclude that: (1) Javalambre Photometric of Local Universe Survey filters can be used to measure quenching timescales in nearby green valley galaxies; and (2) the resulting star formation quenching timescales are longer for barred green valley galaxies. Considering that the presence of a bar indicates that more violent processes (e.g. major mergers) are absent in host galaxies, we conclude that the presence of a bar can be used as a morphological signature for slow star formation quenching

The miniJPAS survey : galaxy populations in the most massive cluster in miniJPAS: mJPC2470-1771

The Javalambre-Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS) is a photometric survey that is poised to scan several thousands of square degrees of the sky. It will use 54 narrow-band filters, combining the benefits of low-resolution spectra and photometry. Its offshoot, miniJPAS, is a 1 deg2 survey that uses J-PAS filter system with the Pathfinder camera. In this work, we study mJPC2470-1771, the most massive cluster detected in miniJPAS. We survey the stellar population properties of the members, their star formation rates (SFR), star formation histories (SFH), the emission line galaxy (ELG) population, spatial distribution of these properties, and the ensuing effects of the environment. This work shows the power of J-PAS to study the role of environment in galaxy evolution. We used a spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting code to derive the stellar population properties of the galaxy members: stellar mass, extinction, metallicity, (u − r)res and (u − r)int colours, mass-weighted age, the SFH that is parametrised by a delayed-τ model (τ, t0), and SFRs. We used artificial neural networks for the identification of the ELG population via the detection of the Hα, [NII], Hβ, and [OIII] nebular emission. We used the Ew(Hα)-[NII] (WHAN) and [OIII]/Hα-[NII]/Hα (BPT) diagrams to separate them into individual star-forming galaxies and AGNs. We find that the fraction of red galaxies increases with the cluster-centric radius; and at 0.5R200 the red and blue fractions are both equal. The redder, more metallic, and more massive galaxies tend to be inside the central part of the cluster, whereas blue, less metallic, and less massive galaxies are mainly located outside of the inner 0.5R200. We selected 49 ELG, with 65.3% of them likely to be star-forming galaxies, dominated by blue galaxies, and 24% likely to have an AGN (Seyfert or LINER galaxies). The rest are difficult to classify and are most likely composite galaxies. These latter galaxies are red, and their abundance decreases with the cluster-centric radius; in contrast, the fraction of star-forming galaxies increases outwards up to R200. Our results are compatible with an scenario in which galaxy members were formed roughly at the same epoch, but blue galaxies have had more recent star formation episodes, and they are quenching out from within the cluster centre. The spatial distribution of red galaxies and their properties suggest that they were quenched prior to the cluster accretion or an earlier cluster accretion epoch. AGN feedback or mass might also stand as an obstacle in the quenching of these galaxies

Assessing the photometric redshift precision of the S-PLUS survey : the Stripe-82 as a test-case

In this paper we present a thorough discussion about the photometric redshift (photo-z) performance of the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS). This survey combines a seven narrow +5 broad passband filter system, with a typical photometric-depth of r ∼ 21 AB. For this exercise, we utilize the Data Release 1 (DR1), corresponding to 336 deg2 from the Stripe-82 region. We rely on the BPZ2 code to compute our estimates, using a new library of SED models, which includes additional templates for quiescent galaxies. When compared to a spectroscopic redshift control sample of ∼100 k galaxies, we find a precision of σz <0.8 per cent, <2.0 per cent, or <3.0 per cent for galaxies with magnitudes r < 17, <19, and <21, respectively. A precision of 0.6 per cent is attained for galaxies with the highest Odds values. These estimates have a negligible bias and a fraction of catastrophic outliers inferior to 1 per cent. We identify a redshift window (i.e. 0.26 <z< 0.32) where our estimates double their precision, due to the simultaneous detection of two emission lines in two distinct narrow bands; representing a window opportunity to conduct statistical studies such as luminosity functions. We forecast a total of ∼2 M, ∼16 M and ∼32 M galaxies in the S-PLUS survey with a photo-z precision of σz <1.0 per cent, <2.0 per cent, and <2.5 per cent after observing 8000 deg2. We also derive redshift probability density functions, proving their reliability encoding redshift uncertainties and their potential recovering the n(z) of galaxies at z < 0.4, with an unprecedented precision for a photometric survey in the Southern hemispher