High Energy Astrophysics at Southampton
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
On the stellar scale we are interested in the significance of different environments on the evolution of high mass X-ray binary (HMXB) populations, in particular between the Milky Way and the SMC, where differing star formation rates and metallicities could be crucial. What are the relative importances of local and interstellar obscuration in what we see? Here the upcoming 2Msec INTEGRAL Key Programme observation of the SMC, almost unaffected by obscuration, will be of great value. Globular clusters are outstanding laboratories for studying stellar dynamics and stellar evolution, especially for understanding the most exotic stellar populations. We are drawing together observations of large samples of globular clusters to understand which cluster properties are most important for the production of these exotic stars, and comparing with low stellar density dwarf spheroidal galaxies to isolate the stellar evolution from stellar dynamics. The Netherlands-based low frequency radio array, LOFAR, is about to open a new window on the universe providing the first radio `all sky monitor'. We will study coherent radio bursts, perhaps associated with merging neutron stars, detectable at enormous distances (to z=7), providing a unique probe of the intergalactic medium and possibly even testing theories of gravity and cosmological distance scales via identification of LIGO inspiral events We will continue our research into the coupling between accretion and outflow (jets) in X-ray binaries, and how it relates to parallel processes in AGN (where scaling laws with black hole mass are established), accreting neutron stars and white dwarfs. We have amassed the first comprehensive database of black hole spectral states and will extend this analysis to include X-ray timing and radio results. Thus we will produce the most comprehensive analysis to date of the relation between black hole accretion flows and the formation and power of relativistic jets. The results can be applied to AGN feedback in galaxies and clusters. We will greatly improve our knowledge of the scaling relationship between characteristic X-ray timescale, mass and accretion rate in Seyfert galaxies and Galactic binaries, thus testing physical models for this important universal relationship. We will determine whether the relationship applies in jet dominated ``blazars'', implying a universal origin for variability. We are building a model, based on propagating fluctuations, to provide physical understanding of all spectral-timing relationships to derive physical parameters, eg disc emissivity profile. This model, with additional X-ray reprocessing, should also explain X-ray/optical correlations in AGN so we will test it against our X-ray/optical monitoring. To provide a census of the nearby universe on which models of the more distant universe can be built, we are heavily involved in eMERLIN legacy surveys of nearby galaxy samples It is now widely accepted that some process must reheat the gas in galaxy clusters or large amounts of cool gas, which are not seen, would be found in the cores of clusters of galaxies. But what is the heating mechanism? In our most theoretical project we will investigate, via MHD simulations, whether the dissipation of turbulent energy, driven by merger events, galaxy motions and AGN outflows, may be responsible. On the largest scales, both AGN and starforming galaxies (SFGs) contribute to the faint radio source population, but what is the mix? By combining radio morphology with a variety of spectral energy diagnostics we can distinguish AGN from SFGs. Hence, using radio luminosity as a starformation rate (SFR) indicator, we can determine the evolution of the cosmic SFR in an absorption-independent manner. We will push this technique to much higher redshifts, as major contributors to eMERLIN deep field legacy surveys, and also probe the relationship between SFGs and AGN.
Organisations
Publications
Peacock M
(2010)
The M31 globular cluster system: ugriz and K -band photometry and structural parameters
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Pratt G
(2009)
Galaxy cluster X-ray luminosity scaling relations from a representative local sample (REXCESS)
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pratt G
(2010)
Gas entropy in a representative sample of nearby X-ray galaxy clusters (REXCESS): relationship to gas mass fraction
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Pretorius M
(2012)
The space density and X-ray luminosity function of non-magnetic cataclysmic variables Space density and luminosity function of CVs
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Rajoelimanana A
(2011)
Very long-term optical variability of high-mass X-ray binaries in the Small Magellanic Cloud Very long optical variability in BeX sources
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
RodrÃguez-Gil P
(2010)
The orbital period of V458 Vulpeculae, a post-double common-envelope nova The 98.10-min orbital period of nova V458 Vul
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Rushton A
(2012)
A weak compact jet in a soft state of Cygnus X-1 A weak compact jet in a soft state of Cygnus X-1
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Rushton A
(2010)
Steady jets from radiatively efficient hard states in GRS 1915+105
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Russell D
(2011)
TESTING THE JET QUENCHING PARADIGM WITH AN ULTRADEEP OBSERVATION OF A STEADILY SOFT STATE BLACK HOLE
in The Astrophysical Journal
Russell D
(2011)
A tool to separate optical/infrared disc and jet emission in X-ray transient outbursts: the colour-magnitude diagrams of XTE J1550-564 CMDs to separate OIR disc/jet emission
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Russell D
(2010)
A long-term optical-X-ray correlation in 4U 1957+11
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sale S
(2010)
The structure of the outer Galactic disc as revealed by IPHAS early A stars
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Scaringi S
(2011)
Confirmation of 1RXS J165443.5-191620 as an intermediate polar and its orbital and spin periods
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Scaringi S
(2010)
A new determination of the INTEGRAL /IBIS point source location accuracy
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Scaringi S
(2010)
Hard X-ray properties of magnetic cataclysmic variables
Scaringi S
(2009)
Classifying broad absorption line quasars: metrics, issues and a new catalogue constructed from SDSS DR5
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Scaringi S
(2010)
Hard X-ray properties of magnetic cataclysmic variables
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Schurch M
(2011)
Orbital period determinations for four SMC Be/X-ray binaries Orbital period determinations for four BeXRBs
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Scott T
(2010)
Probing evolutionary mechanisms in galaxy clusters: neutral atomic hydrogen in Abell 1367
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sell P
(2010)
PARSEC-SCALE BIPOLAR X-RAY SHOCKS PRODUCED BY POWERFUL JETS FROM THE NEUTRON STAR CIRCINUS X-1
in The Astrophysical Journal
Servillat M
(2011)
A DWARF NOVA IN THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER M13
in The Astrophysical Journal
Seymour N
(2009)
Investigating the far-IR/radio correlation of star-forming Galaxies to z = 3
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Seymour N
(2010)
The comoving infrared luminosity density: domination of cold galaxies across 0 < z < 1
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sguera V
(2009)
DISSECTING THE REGION OF 3EG J1837-0423 AND HESS J1841-055 WITH INTEGRAL
in The Astrophysical Journal
Sguera V
(2011)
IGR J17354-3255 as a candidate intermediate supergiant fast X-ray transient possibly associated with the transient MeV AGL J1734-3310 IGR J17354-3255 as candidate SFXT
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Shahbaz T
(2010)
Observations of the quiescent X-ray transients GRS 1124-684 (=GU Mus) and Cen X-4 (=V822 Cen) taken with ULTRACAM on the VLT
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Shelton D
(2011)
The dynamics and environmental impact of 3C 452 The dynamics & environmental impact of 3C 452
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Shih I
(2011)
Correlated optical/X-ray long-term variability in LMXB 4U 1636-536 Long term variability in LMXB 4U 1636-536
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Skipper C
(2016)
Probing the hard and intermediate states of X-ray binaries using short time-scale variability
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Soleri P
(2011)
On the nature of the 'radio-quiet' black hole binaries Radio-quiet black hole binaries
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Soleri P
(2009)
Linking jet emission and X-ray properties in the peculiar neutron star X-ray binary Circinus X-1
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Soleri P
(2009)
A parsec scale X-ray extended structure from the X-ray binary Circinus X-1
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Soleri P
(2010)
Investigating the disc-jet coupling in accreting compact objects using the black hole candidate Swift J1753.5-0127 Disc-jet coupling in black hole candidates
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Somero A
(2012)
Phase-resolved optical and X-ray spectroscopy of low-mass X-ray binary X1822-371
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Spreeuw H
(2009)
A new perspective on GCRT J1745-3009
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Stappers B
(2011)
Observing pulsars and fast transients with LOFAR
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Sturm R
(2012)
A new super-soft X-ray source in the Small Magellanic Cloud: Discovery of the first Be/white dwarf system in the SMC?
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Sturm R
(2011)
The XMM-Newton survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud: discovery of the 11.866 s Be/X-ray binary pulsar XMMU J004814.0-732204(SXP11.87)
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Symeonidis M
(2009)
The link between SCUBA and Spitzer : cold galaxies at z ? 1
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Thomson G
(2010)
A far-ultraviolet variability survey of the globular cluster M 80 A far-ultraviolet variability survey of M 80
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Townsend L
(2010)
Be/X-ray binary SXP6.85 undergoes large Type II outburst in the Small Magellanic Cloud
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Townsend L
(2011)
On the orbital parameters of Be/X-ray binaries in the Small Magellanic Cloud Orbital parameters of BeXRBs in the SMC
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Townsend L
(2010)
The orbital solution and spectral classification of the high-mass X-ray binary IGR J01054-7253 in the Small Magellanic Cloud Orbital solution to the HMXB IGR J01054-7253
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Tudose V
(2010)
Probing the behaviour of the X-ray binary Cygnus X-3 with very long baseline radio interferometry
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Tudose V
(2009)
The discâ??jet coupling in the neutron star X-ray binary Aquila X-1 The discâ??jet coupling in Aql X-1
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Ubertini P
(2009)
THE FERMI /LAT SKY AS SEEN BY INTEGRAL/IBIS
in The Astrophysical Journal
Ubertini P
(2011)
The INTEGRAL high energy sky and the MeV-GeV connection
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Uthas H
(2012)
Two new accreting, pulsating white dwarfs: SDSS J1457+51 and BW Sculptoris Two new pulsating CVs: J1457 and BW Scl
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Uthas H
(2010)
The orbital period and system parameters of the recurrent nova T Pyx The orbital period of T Pyx
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Uthas H
(2011)
The cataclysmic variable SDSS J1507+52: an eclipsing period bouncer in the Galactic halo J1507: an eclipsing CV in the Galactic halo
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
| Description | Many details regarding the accretion of material onto compact objects such as black holes, and the resulting emission, particularly with regard to the variability properties and to jets |
| Exploitation Route | We work on some of the major questions in high energy astrophysics and our work on timing properties and scaling relationships between different mass and accretion rates will certainly form the basis of future examinations of scaling relationships, ie are black holes the same, apart from scale? |
| Sectors | Creative Economy,Education |
| Description | Other researchers have applied the techniques developed during the course of this grant to different types of astrophysical objects. We have also used them in the context of undergraduate projects on the time series analysis of stock market data, resulting the in the said undergraduates getting better paid jobs than their lecturers. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Education,Financial Services, and Management Consultancy |
| Impact Types | Cultural |