Identification of the optical and near-infrared counterpart of GRS 1758-258

Context. Understood to be a microquasar in the Galactic center region, GRS 1758-258 has not yet been unambiguously identified to have an optical/near-infrared counterpart, mainly because of the high absorption and the historic lack of suitable astrometric stars, which led to the use of secondary astrometric solutions. Although it is considered with 1E 1740.7-2942 as the prototypical microquasar in the Galactic center region, the Galactic origin of both sources has not yet been confirmed. Aims. We attempt to improve previous astrometry to identify a candidate counterpart to GRS 1758-258. We present observations with the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC), in which we try to detect any powerful emission lines that would infer an extragalactic origin of this source. Methods. We use modern star catalogues to reanalyze archival images of the GRS 1758-258 field in the optical and near-infrared wavelengths, and compute a new astrometric solution. We also reanalyzed archival radio data of GRS 1758-258 to determine a new and more accurate radio position. Results. Our improved astrometric solution for the GRS 1758-258 field represents a significant advancement on previous works and allows us to identify a single optical/near-infrared source, which we propose as the counterpart of GRS 1758-258. The GTC spectrum of this source is however of low signal-to-noise ratio and does not rule out a Galactic origin. Hence, new spectral observations are required to confirm or discard a Galactic nature.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, accepted by Astronomy and Astrophysic

Real-time evolution of a large-scale relativistic jet

Context. Astrophysical jets are ubiquitous in the Universe on all scales, but their large-scale dynamics and evolution in time are hard to observe since they usually develop at a very slow pace. Aims. We aim to obtain the first observational proof of the expected large-scale evolution and interaction with the environment in an astrophysical jet. Only jets from microquasars offer a chance to witness the real-time, full-jet evolution within a human lifetime, since they combine a 'short', few parsec length with relativistic velocities. Methods. The methodology of this work is based on a systematic recalibraton of interferometric radio observations of microquasars available in public archives. In particular, radio observations of the microquasar GRS 1758-258 over less than two decades have provided the most striking results. Results. Significant morphological variations in the extended jet structure of GRS 1758-258 are reported here that were previously missed. Its northern radio lobe underwent a major morphological variation that rendered the hotspot undetectable in 2001 and reappeared again in the following years. The reported changes confirm the Galactic nature of the source. We tentatively interpret them in terms of the growth of instabilities in the jet flow. There is also evidence of surrounding cocoon. These results can provide a testbed for models accounting for the evolution of jets and their interaction with the environment.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables. Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics Letter

Counterpart candidates to the unidentified Fermi source 0FGL J1848.6-0138

Aims: We aim to contribute to the identification of the counterpart for one of the bright sources of gamma-rays in the catalogue obtained and released by the Fermi collaboration. Methods: Our work is based on a extensive identification of sources from different wavelength catalogues and databases. Results: As a first result, we report the finding of a few counterpart candidates inside the 95% confidence error box of the Fermi LAT unidentified gamma-ray source 0FGL J1848.6-0138. The globular cluster GLIMPSE-C01 is remarkably distinctive being among the most peculiar objects consistent with both the position uncertainty in the gamma-ray source and a conceivable physical scenario for gamma-ray production. The Fermi-observed spectrum is compared with theoretical predictions in the literature and the association is found to be plausible but not yet certain because of its low X-ray to gamma-ray luminosity ratio. Other competing counterparts are also discussed. In particular, we pay special attention to a possible Pulsar Wind Nebula inside the Fermi error box, whose nature is yet to be confirmed. Conclusions: Both a globular cluster and an infrared source resembling a Pulsar Wind Nebula were found to be in positional agreement with 0FGL J1848.6-0138. In addition, other interesting objects in the field are also reported. Future gamma-ray observations will reduce the position uncertainty and we hope eventually confirm one of the counterpart candidates reported here. If GLIMPSE-C01 is confirmed together with the possible Fermi detection of the well known globular cluster 47 Tuc, then this would provide strong support to theoretical predictions that globular clusters are possible gamma-ray sources.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Candidate counterparts to the soft gamma-ray flare in the direction of LS i +61 303

Context. A short duration burst reminiscent of a soft gamma-ray repeater/anomalous X-ray pulsar behaviour was detected in the direction of LS I +61 303 by the Swift satellite. While the association with this well known gamma-ray binary is likely, a different origin cannot be excluded. Aims. We explore the error box of this unexpected flaring event and establish the radio, near-infrared and X-ray sources in our search for any peculiar alternative counterpart. Methods. We carried out a combined analysis of archive Very Large Array radio data of LS I +61 303 sensitive to both compact and extended emission. We also reanalysed previous near infrared observations with the 3.5 m telescope of the Centro Astronómico Hispano Alemn and X-ray observations with the Chandra satellite. Results. Our deep radio maps of the LS I +61 303 environment represent a significant advancement on previous work and 16 compact radio sources in the LS I +61 303 vicinity are detected. For some detections, we also identify near infrared and X-ray counterparts. Extended emission features in the field are also detected and confirmed. The possible connection of some of these sources with the observed flaring event is considered. Based on these data, we are unable to claim a clear association between the Swift-BAT flare and any of the sources reported here. However, this study represents the most sophisticated attempt to determine possible alternative counterparts other than LS I +61 303.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Candidate counterparts to the soft gamma-ray flare in the direction of LS i +61 303

Context. A short duration burst reminiscent of a soft gamma-ray repeater/anomalous X-ray pulsar behaviour was detected in the direction of LS I +61 303 by the Swift satellite. While the association with this well known gamma-ray binary is likely, a different origin cannot be excluded. Aims. We explore the error box of this unexpected flaring event and establish the radio, near-infrared and X-ray sources in our search for any peculiar alternative counterpart. Methods. We carried out a combined analysis of archive Very Large Array radio data of LS I +61 303 sensitive to both compact and extended emission. We also reanalysed previous near infrared observations with the 3.5 m telescope of the Centro Astronómico Hispano Alemn and X-ray observations with the Chandra satellite. Results. Our deep radio maps of the LS I +61 303 environment represent a significant advancement on previous work and 16 compact radio sources in the LS I +61 303 vicinity are detected. For some detections, we also identify near infrared and X-ray counterparts. Extended emission features in the field are also detected and confirmed. The possible connection of some of these sources with the observed flaring event is considered. Based on these data, we are unable to claim a clear association between the Swift-BAT flare and any of the sources reported here. However, this study represents the most sophisticated attempt to determine possible alternative counterparts other than LS I +61 303.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

High-resolution radio emission from RCW 49/Westerlund 2

Aims. The HII region RCW49 and its ionizing cluster form an extensive, complex region that has been widely studied at infrared (IR) and optical wavelengths. The Molonglo 843 MHz and Australia Telescope Compact Array data at 1.4 and 2.4 GHz showed two shells. Recent high-resolution IR imaging revealed a complex dust structure and ongoing star formation. New high-bandwidth and high-resolution data of the RCW 49 field have been obtained to survey the radio emission at arcsec scale and investigate the smallscale features and nature of the HII region. Methods. Radio observations were collected with the new 2-GHz bandwidth receivers and the CABB correlator of the Australia Telescope Compact Array [ATCA], at 5.5 and 9.0 GHz. In addition, archival observations at 1.4 and 2.4 GHz have been re-reduced and re-analyzed in conjunction with observations in the optical, IR, X-ray, and gamma-ray regimes. Results. The new 2-GHz bandwidth data result in the most detailed radio continuum images of RCW 49 to date. The radio emission closely mimics the near-IR emission observed by Spitzer, showing pillars and filaments. The brightest continuum emission comes from the region known as the bridge. The overall flattish spectral index is typically consistent with a free-free emission mechanism. However, hints of nonthermal components are also present in the bridge. An interesting jet-like structure surrounded by a bubble feature whose nature is still unclear has been discovered close to the Westerlund 2 core. Two apparent bow shocks and a number of discrete sources have been detected as well in the surroundings of RCW 49. In addition, we also report on and discuss the possible detection of a hydrogen recombination line. Conclusions. The radio results support an association between the cm continuum and molecular emission. The detection of the radio recombination line kinematically favors a RCW49 distance of 6-7 kpc. If the negative spectral indices measured at the bridge should be confirmed to be caused by synchrotron emission, we propose a scenario where high-energy emission could be produced. Finally, the newly discovered jet-like structure appears to be an intriguing source that deserves a detailed study by itself.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto Argentino de Radioastronomí

The star forming region Monoceros R2 as a gamma-ray source

Context. After the release of the gamma-ray source catalog produced by the Fermi satellite during its first two years of operation, a significant fraction of sources still remain unassociated at lower energies. In addition to well-known high-energy emitters (pulsars, blazars, supernova remnants, etc.), theoretical expectations predict new classes of gamma-ray sources. In particular, gamma-ray emission could be associated with some of the early phases of stellar evolution, but this interesting possibility is still poorly understood. Aims. The aim of this paper is to assess the possibility of the Fermi gamma-ray source 2FGL J0607.5-0618c being associated with the massive star forming region Monoceros R2. Methods. A multi-wavelength analysis of the Monoceros R2 region is carried out using archival data at radio, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. The resulting observational properties are used to estimate the physical parameters needed to test the different physical scenarios. Results. We confirm the 2FGL J0607.5-0618c detection with improved confidence over the Fermi two-year catalog. We find that a combined effect of the multiple young stellar objects in Monoceros R2 is a viable picture for the nature of the source.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto Argentino de Radioastronomí

Counterpart candidates to the unidentified Fermi source 0FGL J1848.6-0138

Aims: We aim to contribute to the identification of the counterpart for one of the bright sources of gamma-rays in the catalogue obtained and released by the Fermi collaboration. Methods: Our work is based on a extensive identification of sources from different wavelength catalogues and databases. Results: As a first result, we report the finding of a few counterpart candidates inside the 95% confidence error box of the Fermi LAT unidentified gamma-ray source 0FGL J1848.6-0138. The globular cluster GLIMPSE-C01 is remarkably distinctive being among the most peculiar objects consistent with both the position uncertainty in the gamma-ray source and a conceivable physical scenario for gamma-ray production. The Fermi-observed spectrum is compared with theoretical predictions in the literature and the association is found to be plausible but not yet certain because of its low X-ray to gamma-ray luminosity ratio. Other competing counterparts are also discussed. In particular, we pay special attention to a possible Pulsar Wind Nebula inside the Fermi error box, whose nature is yet to be confirmed. Conclusions: Both a globular cluster and an infrared source resembling a Pulsar Wind Nebula were found to be in positional agreement with 0FGL J1848.6-0138. In addition, other interesting objects in the field are also reported. Future gamma-ray observations will reduce the position uncertainty and we hope eventually confirm one of the counterpart candidates reported here. If GLIMPSE-C01 is confirmed together with the possible Fermi detection of the well known globular cluster 47 Tuc, then this would provide strong support to theoretical predictions that globular clusters are possible gamma-ray sources.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

An X-ray study of the SNR G344.7-0.1 and the central object CXOU J170357.8-414302

Aims. We report results of an X-ray study of the supernova remnant (SNR) G344.7-0.1 and the point-like X-ray source located at the geometrical center of the SNR radio structure. Methods. The morphology and spectral properties of the remnant and the central X-ray point-like source were studied using data from the XMM-Newton and Chandra satellites. Archival radio data and infrared Spitzer observations at 8 and 24 μm were used to compare and study its multi-band properties at different wavelengths. Results. The XMM-Newton and Chandra observations reveal that the overall X-ray emission of G344.7-0.1 is extended and correlates very well with regions of bright radio and infrared emission. The X-ray spectrum is dominated by prominent atomic emission lines. These characteristics suggest that the X-ray emission originated in a thin thermal plasma, whose radiation is represented well by a plane-parallel shock plasma model (PSHOCK). Our study favors the scenario in which G344.7-0.1 is a 6 × 103 year old SNR expanding in a medium with a high density gradient and is most likely encountering a molecular cloud on the western side. In addition, we report the discovery of a soft point-like X-ray source located at the geometrical center of the radio SNR structure. The object presents some characteristics of the so-called compact central objects (CCO). However, its neutral hydrogen absorption column (NH) is inconsistent with that of the SNR. Coincident with the position of the source, we found infrared and optical objects with typical early-K star characteristics. The X-ray source may be a foreground star or the CCO associated with the SNR. If this latter possibility were confirmed, the point-like source would be the farthest CCO detected so far and the eighth member of the new population of isolated and weakly magnetized neutron stars.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica