COSMOGRAIL: the COSmological MOnitoring of GRAvItational Lenses: XII. Time delays of the doubly lensed quasars SDSS~J1206+4332 and HS~2209+1914

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (in press)

Aims. Within the framework of the COSMOGRAIL collaboration we present 7- and 8.5-year-long light curves and time-delay esti- mates for two gravitationally lensed quasars: SDSS J1206+4332 and HS 2209+1914 ... [more ▼]

Aims. Within the framework of the COSMOGRAIL collaboration we present 7- and 8.5-year-long light curves and time-delay esti- mates for two gravitationally lensed quasars: SDSS J1206+4332 and HS 2209+1914. Methods. We monitored these doubly lensed quasars in the R-band using four telescopes: the Mercator, Maidanak, Himalayan Chandra, and Euler Telescopes, together spanning a period of 7 to 8.5 observing seasons from mid-2004 to mid-2011. The pho- tometry of the quasar images was obtained through simultaneous deconvolution of these data. The time delays were determined from these resulting light curves using four very different techniques: a dispersion method, a spline fit, a regression difference technique, and a numerical model fit. This minimizes the bias that might be introduced by the use of a single method. Results. The time delay for SDSS J1206+4332 is ∆tAB = 111.3 ± 3 days with A leading B, confirming a previously published result within the error bars. For HS 2209+1914 we present a new time delay of ∆tBA = 20.0 ± 5 days with B leading A. Conclusions. The combination of data from up to four telescopes have led to well-sampled and nearly 9-season-long light curves, which were necessary to obtain these results, especially for the compact doubly lensed quasar HS 2209+1914. [less ▲]

Gravitationall lensing evidence against extended dark matter halos

E-print/Working paper (2013)

It is generally thought that galaxies are embedded in dark matter halos extending well beyond their luminous matter. The existence of these galactic halos is mainly derived from the larger than expected ... [more ▼]

It is generally thought that galaxies are embedded in dark matter halos extending well beyond their luminous matter. The existence of these galactic halos is mainly derived from the larger than expected velocities of stars and gas in the outskirts of spiral galaxies. Much less is known about dark matter around early-type (elliptical or lenticular) galaxies. We use gravitational lensing to derive the masses of early-type galaxies deflecting light of background quasars. This provides a robust measurement of the total mass within the Einstein ring, a circle whose diameter is comparable to the separation of the different quasar images. We find that the mass-to-light ratio of the lensing galaxies does not depend on radius, from inner galactic regions out to several half-light radii. Moreover, its value does not exceed the value predicted by stellar population models by more than a factor two, which may be explained by baryonic dark matter alone, without any need for exotic matter. Our results thus suggest that, if dark matter is present in early-type galaxies, its amount does not exceed the amount of luminous matter and its density follows that of luminous matter, in sharp contrast to what is found from rotation curves of spiral galaxies. [less ▲]

COSMOGRAIL: Measuring Time Delays of Gravitationally Lensed Quasars to Constrain Cosmology

in The Messenger (2012)

COSMOGRAIL is a long-term programme for the photometric monitoring of gravitationally lensed quasars. It makes use of several medium-size telescopes to derive long and well-sampled light curves of lensed ... [more ▼]

COSMOGRAIL is a long-term programme for the photometric monitoring of gravitationally lensed quasars. It makes use of several medium-size telescopes to derive long and well-sampled light curves of lensed quasars, in order to measure the time delays between the quasar images. These delays directly relate to the Hubble constant H0, without any need for secondary distance calibrations. COSMOGRAIL was initiated in 2004, and has now secured almost a decade of data, resulting in cosmological constraints that are very complementary to other cosmological probes. [less ▲]

The TRAPPIST survey of southern transiting planets. I. Thirty eclipses of the ultra-short period planet WASP-43 b

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 542

We present twenty-three transit light curves and seven occultation light curves for the ultra-short period planet WASP-43 b, in addition to eight new measurements of the radial velocity of the star ... [more ▼]

We present twenty-three transit light curves and seven occultation light curves for the ultra-short period planet WASP-43 b, in addition to eight new measurements of the radial velocity of the star. Thanks to this extensive data set, we improve significantly the parameters of the system. Notably, the largely improved precision on the stellar density (2.41 ± 0.08 ρsun) combined with constraining the age to be younger than a Hubble time allows us to break the degeneracy of the stellar solution mentioned in the discovery paper. The resulting stellar mass and size are 0.717 ± 0.025 Msun and 0.667 ± 0.011 Rsun. Our deduced physical parameters for the planet are 2.034 ± 0.052 MJup and 1.036 ± 0.019 RJup. Taking into account its level of irradiation, the high density of the planet favors an old age and a massive core. Our deduced orbital eccentricity, 0.0035-0.0025+0.0060, is consistent with a fully circularized orbit. We detect the emission of the planet at 2.09 μm at better than 11-σ, the deduced occultation depth being 1560 ± 140 ppm. Our detection of the occultation at 1.19 μm is marginal (790 ± 320 ppm) and more observations are needed to confirm it. We place a 3-σ upper limit of 850 ppm on the depth of the occultation at ~0.9 μm. Together, these results strongly favor a poor redistribution of the heat to the night-side of the planet, and marginally favor a model with no day-side temperature inversion. [less ▲]

COSMOGRAIL: the COSmological MOnitoring of GRAvItational Lenses X. Modeling based on high-precision astrometry of a sample of 25 lensed quasars: consequences for ellipticity, shear, and astrometric anomalies

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 538

Gravitationally lensed quasars can be used as powerful cosmological and astrophysical probes. We can (i) infer the Hubble constant H0 based on the so-called time-delay technique, (ii) unveil substructures ... [more ▼]

Gravitationally lensed quasars can be used as powerful cosmological and astrophysical probes. We can (i) infer the Hubble constant H0 based on the so-called time-delay technique, (ii) unveil substructures along the line-of-sight toward distant galaxies, and (iii) compare the shape and the slope of baryons and dark matter distributions in the inner regions of galaxies. To reach these goals, we need high-accuracy astrometry of the quasar images relative to the lensing galaxy and morphology measurements of the lens. In this work, we first present new astrometry for 11 lenses with measured time delays, namely, JVAS B0218+357, SBS 0909+532, RX J0911.4+0551, FBQS J0951+2635, HE 1104-1805, PG 1115+080, JVAS B1422+231, SBS 1520+530, CLASS B1600+434, CLASS B1608+656, and HE 2149-2745. These measurements proceed from the use of the Magain-Courbin-Sohy (MCS) deconvolution algorithm applied in an iterative way (ISMCS) to near-IR HST images. We obtain a typical astrometric accuracy of about 1-2.5 mas and an accurate shape measurement of the lens galaxy. Second, we combined these measurements with those of 14 other lensing systems, mostly from the COSMOGRAIL set of targets, to present new mass models of these lenses. The modeling of these 25 gravitational lenses led to the following results: 1) in four double-image quasars (HE0047-1746, J1226-006, SBS 1520+530, and HE 2149-2745), we show that the influence of the lens environment on the time delay can easily be quantified and modeled, hence putting these lenses with high priority for time-delay determination; 2) for quadruple-image quasars, the difficulty often encountered in reproducing the image positions to milli-arcsec accuracy (astrometric anomaly problem) is overcome by explicitly including the nearest visible galaxy/satellite in the lens model. However, one anomalous system (RXS J1131-1231) does not show any luminous perturber in its vicinity, and three others (WFI 2026-4536, WFI 2033-4723, and B2045+265) have problematic modeling. These four systems are the best candidates for a pertubation by a dark matter substructure along the line-of-sight; 3) we revisit the correlation between the position angle (PA) and ellipticity of the light and of the mass distribution in lensing galaxies. As in previous studies, we find a significant correlation between the PA of the light and of the mass distributions. However, in contrast with these same studies, we find that the ellipticity of the light and of the mass also correlate well, suggesting that the overall spatial distribution of matter is not very different from the baryon distribution in the inner ~5 kpc of lensing galaxies. This offers a new test for high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations. Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA HST Hubble Space Telescope by the CfA-Arizona Space Telescope Lens Survey (CASTLeS) collaboration, obtained from the data archive at the Space Science Institute, which is operated by AURA, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS-5-26555. [less ▲]

An expanding Universe without dark matter and dark energy

E-print/Working paper (2012)

Assuming that observers located inside the Universe measure a time flow which is different from the time appearing in the Friedmann-Lemaıtre equation, and determining this time flow such that the Universe ... [more ▼]

Assuming that observers located inside the Universe measure a time flow which is different from the time appearing in the Friedmann-Lemaıtre equation, and determining this time flow such that the Universe always appears flat to these observers, we derive a simple cosmological model which allows to explain the velocity dispersions of galaxies in galaxy clusters without introducing dark matter. It also solves the horizon problem without recourse to inflation. Moreover, it explains the present acceleration of the expansion without any resort to dark energy and provides a good fit to the observations of distant supernovæ. Depending on the present value of the matter-energy density, we calculate an age of the Universe between 15.4 and 16.5 billion years, ignificantly larger than the 13.7 billion years of the standard CDM model. Our model has a slower expansion rate in the early epochs, thus leaving more time for the formation of structures such as stars and galaxies. [less ▲]

COSMOGRAIL: the COSmological MOnitoring of GRAvItational Lenses. IX. Time delays, lens dynamics and baryonic fraction in HE 0435-1223

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2011), 536

We present accurate time delays for the quadruply imaged quasar HE 0435-1223. The delays were measured from 575 independent photometric points obtained in the R-band between January 2004 and March 2010 ... [more ▼]

We present accurate time delays for the quadruply imaged quasar HE 0435-1223. The delays were measured from 575 independent photometric points obtained in the R-band between January 2004 and March 2010. With seven years of data, we clearly show that quasar image A is affected by strong microlensing variations and that the time delays are best expressed relative to quasar image B. We measured ΔtBC = 7.8 ± 0.8 days, ΔtBD = -6.5 ± 0.7 days and ΔtCD = -14.3 ± 0.8 days. We spacially deconvolved HST NICMOS2 F160W images to derive accurate astrometry of the quasar images and to infer the light profile of the lensing galaxy. We combined these images with a stellar population fitting of a deep VLT spectrum of the lensing galaxy to estimate the baryonic fraction, fb, in the Einstein radius. We measured fb = 0.65-0.10+0.13 if the lensing galaxy has a Salpeter IMF and fb = 0.45-0.07+0.04 if it has a Kroupa IMF. The spectrum also allowed us to estimate the velocity dispersion of the lensing galaxy, σap = 222 ± 34 km s-1. We used fb and σap to constrain an analytical model of the lensing galaxy composed of an Hernquist plus generalized NFW profile. We solved the Jeans equations numerically for the model and explored the parameter space under the additional requirement that the model must predict the correct astrometry for the quasar images. Given the current error bars on fb and σap, we did not constrain H0 yet with high accuracy, i.e., we found a broad range of models with χ2 < 1. However, narrowing this range is possible, provided a better velocity dispersion measurement becomes available. In addition, increasing the depth of the current HST imaging data of HE 0435-1223 will allow us to combine ourconstraints with lens reconstruction techniques that make use of the full Einstein ring that is visible in this object. Based on observations made with the 1.2 m Euler Swiss Telescope, the 1.5 m telescope of Maidanak Observatory in Uzbekistan, and with the 1.2 m Mercator Telescope, operated on the island of La Palma by the Flemish Community, at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope data was obtained from the data archive at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by AURA, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS-5-26555.Light curves are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/536/A53 [less ▲]

WASP-50 b: a hot Jupiter transiting a moderately active solar-type star

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2011), 533

We report the discovery by the WASP transit survey of a giant planet in a close orbit (0.0295 ± 0.0009 AU) around a moderately bright (V = 11.6, K = 10) G9 dwarf (0.89 ± 0.08 M[SUB]&sun;[/SUB], 0.84 ± 0 ... [more ▼]

We report the discovery by the WASP transit survey of a giant planet in a close orbit (0.0295 ± 0.0009 AU) around a moderately bright (V = 11.6, K = 10) G9 dwarf (0.89 ± 0.08 M[SUB]&sun;[/SUB], 0.84 ± 0.03 R[SUB]&sun;[/SUB]) in the Southern constellation Eridanus. Thanks to high-precision follow-up photometry and spectroscopy obtained by the telescopes TRAPPIST and Euler, the mass and size of this planet, WASP-50 b, are well constrained to 1.47 ± 0.09 M[SUB]Jup[/SUB] and 1.15 ± 0.05 R[SUB]Jup[/SUB], respectively. The transit ephemeris is 2 455 558.6120 (±0.0002) + N × 1.955096 (±0.000005) HJD[SUB]UTC[/SUB]. The size of the planet is consistent with basic models of irradiated giant planets. The chromospheric activity (log R'[SUB]HK = -4.67[/SUB]) and rotational period (P[SUB]rot[/SUB] = 16.3 ± 0.5 days) of the host star suggest an age of 0.8 ± 0.4 Gy that is discrepant with a stellar-evolution estimate based on the measured stellar parameters (ρ[SUB]∗[/SUB] = 1.48 ± 0.10 ρ[SUB]&sun;[/SUB], T[SUB]eff[/SUB] = 5400 ± 100 K, [Fe/H] = -0.12 ± 0.08) which favors an age of 7 ± 3.5 Gy. This discrepancy could be explained by the tidal and magnetic influence of the planet on the star, in good agreement with the observations that stars hosting hot Jupiters tend to show faster rotation and magnetic activity. We measure a stellar inclination of 84[SUB]-31[SUP]+6[/SUP][/SUB] deg, disfavoring a high stellar obliquity. Thanks to its large irradiation and the relatively small size of its host star, WASP-50 b is a good target for occultation spectrophotometry, making it able to constrain the relationship between hot Jupiters' atmospheric thermal profiles and the chromospheric activity of their host stars. The photometric time-series used in this work are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via <A href="http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/533/A88">http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/533/A88</A> [less ▲]

EPOXI: Comet 103P/Hartley 2 Observations from a Worldwide Campaign

in Astrophysical Journal (2011), 734(Letters), 11-9

Earth- and space-based observations provide synergistic information for space mission encounters by providing data over longer timescales, at different wavelengths and using techniques that are impossible ... [more ▼]

Earth- and space-based observations provide synergistic information for space mission encounters by providing data over longer timescales, at different wavelengths and using techniques that are impossible with an in situ flyby. We report here such observations in support of the EPOXI spacecraft flyby of comet 103P/Hartley 2. The nucleus is small and dark, and exhibited a very rapidly changing rotation period. Prior to the onset of activity, the period was ~16.4 hr. Starting in 2010 August the period changed from 16.6 hr to near 19 hr in December. With respect to dust composition, most volatiles and carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, the comet is similar to other Jupiter-family comets. What is unusual is the dominance of CO[SUB]2[/SUB]-driven activity near perihelion, which likely persists out to aphelion. Near perihelion the comet nucleus was surrounded by a large halo of water-ice grains that contributed significantly to the total water production. [less ▲]

(596) Scheila

in Central Bureau Electronic Telegrams (CBETs) (2011), 2632

E. Jehin, J. Manfroid, D. Hutsemekers, M. Gillon, and P. Magain, Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique, Liege University, report on broad- and narrow-band imaging of the (596) Scheila outburst (CBET ... [more ▼]

E. Jehin, J. Manfroid, D. Hutsemekers, M. Gillon, and P. Magain, Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique, Liege University, report on broad- and narrow-band imaging of the (596) Scheila outburst (CBET 2583) with the TRAPPIST 0.60-m telescope at La Silla, and on optical spectroscopy with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal. R-band imaging from 2010 Dec. 12.3 to 21.3 UT revealed two arc-like coma features expanding at a regular pace. The first such feature was 1' long on 2010 Dec. 12, oriented to the northeast and bending to p.a. 280 deg (the anti-solar direction). The second feature was shorter, 30" on Dec. 12, oriented to the south and bending to p.a. 230 deg. Both features were getting larger and fainter with time (4' and 2' long, respectively, on Dec. 21.3). A narrow 45"-long tail, opposite the sun (p.a. 280 deg), was also observed in good seeing. R-band images taken on 2011 Jan. 4.3 and 5.3 after the full moon allowed Jehin et al. to again observe these features, seen as 7' and 4' long, respectively -- and much fainter. This discards any sustained activity of the minor planet. Narrow-band images obtained on 2010 Dec. 12.3 with cometary filters do not show any contribution from gases. A 20-min optical spectrum was obtained with FORS2 at the VLT on Dec. 13.3; it does not show any extended cometary gaseous emissions, but only a spatially extended continuum due to dust-scattered sunlight. Short B, V, R, and I exposures performed nearly every two nights from 2010 Dec. 12.3 to 2011 Jan. 5.3 give a magnitude for the nuclear condensation of V = 14.2 +/- 0.1 over the whole period, in agreement with the "APmag" value reported in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory ephemeris. No flux variation of the nuclear condensation was observed. Those preliminary results are in favor of a collisional scenario to explain the outburst of (596) Scheila, rather than a cometary driven activity. This case might be similar to the outburst of comet P/2010 A2, which may have resulted from an impact of a minor planet (Snodgrass 2010, Nature 467, 814). [less ▲]