Context. Out-of-focus (OOF) holography can be used to determine the aperture deformations of radio telescopes that lead to errors in the phase of the complex aperture distribution. In contrast to traditional methods, OOF holography can be performed without a reference antenna, which has a number of practical advantages. Aims. The aim of this work is to develop a standard procedure for OOF holography at the Effelsberg telescope. This includes performing OOF holography observations and the development of dedicated software, the pyoof package, to compute aberrations of the telescope’s optical system. Methods. Based on the OOF holography method developed at the Green Bank telescope, we adapted the approach to the Effelsberg 100 m telescope in order to determine the aberrations of the aperture phase distribution (phase-error maps). Results. The developed OOF holography software is presented as well as the results from observations at Effelsberg. Early results reveal gravitation-related residual deformation not contained in the previously existing aperture and pointing model, and hence we propose changes to the model to counteract aberrations in the telescope’s surface. Conclusions. The OOF holography method (observations and pyoof package) works as expected at the Effelsberg 100 m telescope and is able to validate the good performance of the existing finite element model. Test measurements show that slight improvements of the aperture efficiency and gain elevation dependence are possible but limited in the current configuration.

The quasar 3C 286, a well-known calibrator source in radio astronomy, was found to exhibit exceptional multiwavelength properties. Its rich and complex optical emission-line spectrum revealed its narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) nature. Given its strong radio emission, this makes 3C 286 one of the radio-loudest NLS1 galaxies known to date. 3C 286 is also one of very few known compact steep-spectrum (CSS) sources detected in the gamma-ray regime. Observations in the X-ray regime, rarely carried out so far, revealed evidence for variability, raising the question whether it is driven by the accretion disk or jet. 3C 286 is also well known for its damped Lyman alpha system from an intervening absorber at z = 0.692, triggering a search for the corresponding X-ray absorption along the line-of-sight. Here, we present new observations in the radio, X-ray, optical, and UV bands. The nature of the X-ray variability is addressed. Spectral evidence suggests that it is primarily driven by the accretion disk (not the jet), and the X-ray spectrum is well fit by a powerlaw plus soft excess model. The radio flux density and polarization remain constant at the Effelsberg telescope resolution, reconfirming the use of 3C 286 as radio calibrator. The amount of reddening/absorption along the line-of-sight intrinsic to 3C 286 is rigorously assessed. None is found, validating the derivation of a high Eddington ratio (L/LEdd ∼ 1) and of the very high radio-loudness index of 3C 286. Based on the first deep Chandra image of 3C 286, tentative evidence for hard X-ray emission from the SW radio lobe is reported. A large variety of models for the gamma-ray emission of 3C 286 are briefly discussed.

We introduce the TELAMON program, which is using the Effelsberg 100-m telescope to monitor the radio spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGN) under scrutiny in astroparticle physics, namely TeV blazars and candidate neutrino-associated AGN. Thanks to its large dish aperture and sensitive instrumentation, the Effelsberg telescope can yield radio data superior over other programs in the low flux-density regime down to several 10 mJy. This is a particular strength in the case of TeV-emitting blazars, which are often comparatively faint radio sources of the high-synchrotron peaked type. We perform high-cadence high-frequency observations every 2-4 weeks at multiple frequencies up to 44 GHz. This setup is well suited to trace dynamical processes in the compact parsec-scale jets of blazars related to high-energy flares or neutrino detections. Our sample currently covers about 40 sources and puts its focus on AGN with very-high-energy astroparticle emission, i.e., TeV blazars and neutrino-associated AGN. Here, we introduce the TELAMON program characteristics and present first results obtained since fall 2020.

We present the results of a search for ammonia maser emission in 119 Galactic high-mass star-forming regions (HMSFRs) known to host 22 GHz H2O maser emission. Our survey has led to the discovery of non-metastable NH3 inversion line masers toward 14 of these sources. This doubles the number of known non-metastable ammonia masers in our Galaxy, including nine new very high-excitation (J, K) = (9,6) maser sources. These maser lines, including NH3 (5,4), (6,4), (6,5), (7,6), (8,6), (9,6), (9,8), (10,8), and (11,9), arise from energy levels of 342 K, 513 K, 465 K, 606 K, 834 K, 1090 K, 942 K, 1226 K, and 1449 K above the ground state. Additionally, we tentatively report a new metastable NH3 (3,3) maser in G048.49 and an NH3 (7,7) maser in G029.95. Our observations reveal that all of the newly detected NH(3 )maser lines exhibit either blueshifted or redshifted velocities with respect to the source systemic velocities. Among the non-metastable ammonia maser lines, larger velocity distributions, offset from the source systemic velocities, are found in the ortho-NH3 (K = 3n) transitions than in the para-NH3 (K not equal 3n) ones.

A well-known calibrator source in radio astronomy, 3C 286 (z=0.85), is a compact steep-spectrum (CSS) radio source and spectroscopically classified as a narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxy. It is also known for its damped Lyα system from an intervening galaxy at z=0.692 detected in both ultraviolet (UV) and radio spectra. In addition, despite being a misaligned active galactic nuclei (AGN), 3C 286 is also detected in γ-rays by Fermi. Thus, this unique object combines the characteristics of CSS sources, NLS1 galaxies, and γ-ray emitters with misaligned jets, providing an excellent laboratory for extending our knowledge of AGN disk-jet coupling. Despite its significance, 3C 286 has been rarely observed in X-rays. In this study, we present our deep XMM-Newton and Chandra observations of 3C 286. The results reveal that the X-ray spectrum can be well described by models including an intervening absorber with redshift and column density consistent with previous UV and radio observations. The most important finding is that the spectrum cannot be described by a single power law, but a soft excess is required which is parameterized by a blackbody. Furthermore, we find evidence suggesting the presence of off-nuclear X-ray emission at a radius that corresponds to the location of the radio lobes. While further theoretical work is still needed, our findings offer new clues to understand the specific mechanism for γ-ray emission from this unique object.

The project MOMO (Multiwavelength Observations and Modelling of OJ 287) was set up to test predictions of binary supermassive black hole (SMBH) scenarios and to understand disk-jet physics of the blazar OJ 287. After a correction, the precessing binary (PB) SMBH model predicted the next main outburst of OJ 287 in 2022 October, no longer in July, making the outburst well observable and the model testable. We have densely covered this period in our ongoing multi-frequency radio, optical, UV, and X-ray monitoring. The predicted outburst was not detected. Instead, OJ 287 was at low optical-UV emission levels, declining further into November. The predicted thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum was not observed either, at any epoch. Further, applying scaling relations, we estimate a SMBH mass of OJ 287 of 10^8 M_sun. The latest in a sequence of deep low-states that recur every 1-2 yrs is used to determine an upper limit on the Eddington ratio and on the accretion-disk luminosity. This limit is at least a factor of 10 lower than required by the PB model with its massive primary SMBH of >10^10 M_sun. All these results favor alternative binary SMBH models of OJ 287 that neither require strong orbital precession nor a very large mass of the primary SMBH.

Based on our dedicated Swift monitoring program, MOMO, OJ 287 is one of the best-monitored blazars in the X-ray–UV–optical regime. Here, we report results from our accompanying, dense, multifrequency (1.4–44 GHz) radio monitoring of OJ 287 between 2015 and 2022 covering a broad range of activity states. Fermi γ -ray observations were added. We characterize the radio flux and spectral variability in detail, including discrete correlation function and other variability analyses, and discuss its connection with the multiwavelength emission. Deep fades of the radio and optical–UV fluxes are found to occur every 1–2 yr. Further, it is shown that a precursor flare of thermal bremsstrahlung predicted by one of the binary supermassive black hole (SMBH) models of OJ 287 was absent. We then focus on the nature of the extraordinary, nonthermal, 2016/2017 outburst that we initially discovered with Swift. We interpret it as the latest of the famous optical double-peaked outbursts of OJ 287, favoring binary scenarios that do not require a highly precessing secondary SMBH.

We are carrying out the densest and longest multiyear, multiwavelength monitoring project of OJ 287 ever done. The project MOMO (Multiwavelength Observations and Modelling of OJ 287) covers wavelengths from the radio to the high-energy regime. A few selected observations are simultaneous with those of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). MOMO aims at understanding disk-jet physics and at testing predictions of the binary black hole scenario of OJ 287. Here, we present a discussion of extreme outburst and minima states in context, and then focus on the recent flux and spectral evolution between 2021 and May 2022, including an ongoing bright radio flare. Further, we show that there is no evidence for precursor flare activity in our optical-UV-X-ray light curves that would be associated with any secondary supermassive black hole (SMBH) disk impact and that was predicted to start as thermal flare on 2021 December 23.

ABSTRACT There are indications that the third-known eruption of the recurrent nova T CrB is imminent, and multiwavelength observations prior to the eruption are important to characterize the system before it erupts. T CrB is known to display the SiO fundamental vibrational feature at 8 $\, \mu$m. When the anticipated eruption occurs, it is possible that the shock produced when the ejected material runs into the wind of the red giant in the system may be traced using SiO maser emission. We have used the 100 m Effelsberg Radio Telescope to search for 28SiO emission in the υ = 1, υ = 2, J = 1 → 0 transitions, at 43.122 GHz and 42.820 GHz, respectively, while the system is in quiescence. We find no evidence for such emission. We set stringent 3σ upper limits of 1.66 mJy on emission in the υ = 1, J = 1 → 0 transition, and 1.72 mJy in the υ = 2, J = 1 → 0 transition, respectively, for a noise bandwidth of 250 kHz. The corresponding limits for a 31.25 kHz bandwidth are 4.69 and 4.86 mJy, respectively. These upper limits improve on previous upper limits for this system by more than two orders of magnitude.

ABSTRACT We report results from our ongoing project MOMO (Multiwavelength Observations and Modelling of OJ 287). In this latest publication of a sequence, we combine our Swift UVOT–XRT and Effelsberg radio data (2.6–44 GHz) between 2019 and 2022.04 with public SMA data and gamma-ray data from the Fermi satellite. The observational epoch covers OJ 287 in a high state of activity from radio to X-rays. The epoch also covers two major events predicted by the binary supermassive black hole (SMBH) model of OJ 287. Spectral and timing analyses clearly establish: a new UV–optical minimum state in 2021 December at an epoch where the secondary SMBH is predicted to cross the disc surrounding the primary SMBH; an overall low level of gamma-ray activity in comparison to pre-2017 epochs; the presence of a remarkable, long-lasting UV–optical flare event of intermediate amplitude in 2020–2021; a high level of activity in the radio band with multiple flares; and particularly a bright, ongoing radio flare peaking in 2021 November that may be associated with a gamma-ray flare, the strongest in 6 yr. Several explanations for the UV–optical minimum state are explored, including the possibility that a secondary SMBH launches a temporary jet, but the observations are best explained by variability associated with the main jet.

We searched for shocked carbon chain chemistry (SCCC) sources with C3S abundances surpassing those of HC5N toward the dark cloud L1251, using the Effelsberg telescope at the K band (18–26 GHz). L1251-1 and L1251-3 are identified as the most promising SCCC sources. The two sources harbor young stellar objects. We conducted mapping observations toward L1251-A, the western tail of L1251, at λ ∼ 3 mm with the Purple Mountain Observatory 13.7 m and the Nobeyama Radio Observatory 45 m telescopes in lines of C2H, N2H+, CS, HCO+, SO, HC3N, and C18O as well as in CO 3–2 using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). The spectral data were combined with archival data including Spitzer and Herschel continuum maps for further analysis. Filamentary substructures labeled as F1–F6 were extracted in L1251, with F1 being associated with L1251-A hosting L1251-1. The peak positions of dense gas traced by HCO+ are misaligned relative to those of the dust clumps. Episodic outflows are common in this region. The twisted morphology of F1 and velocity distribution along L1251-A may originate from stellar feedback. SCCC in L1251-1 may have been caused by outflow activities originated from the infrared source IRS1. The signposts of ongoing SCCC and the broadened line widths of C3S and C4H in L1251-1 as well as the distribution of HC3N are also related to outflow activities in this region. L1251-1 (IRS1) together with the previously identified SCCC source IRS3 demonstrate that L1251-A is an excellent region to study SCCC.

Supermassive binary black holes (SMBBHs) are laboratories par excellence for relativistic effects, including precession effects in the Kerr metric and the emission of gravitational waves. Binaries form in the course of galaxy mergers, and are a key component in our understanding of galaxy evolution. Dedicated searches for SMBBHs in all stages of their evolution are therefore ongoing and many systems have been discovered in recent years. Here we provide a review of the status of observations with a focus on the multiwavelength detection methods and the underlying physics. Finally, we highlight our ongoing, dedicated multiwavelength program MOMO (for Multiwavelength Observations and Modelling of OJ 287). OJ 287 is one of the best candidates to date for hosting a sub-parsec SMBBH. The MOMO program carries out a dense monitoring at >13 frequencies from radio to X-rays and especially with Swift since 2015. Results so far included: (1) The detection of two major UV-X-ray outbursts with Swift in 2016/17 and 2020; exhibiting softer-when-brighter behaviour. The non-thermal nature of the outbursts was clearly established and shown to be synchrotron radiation. (2) Swift multi-band dense coverage and XMM-Newton spectroscopy during EHT campaigns caught OJ 287 at an intermediate flux level with synchrotron and IC spectral components. (3) Discovery of a remarkable, giant soft X-ray excess with XMM and NuSTAR during the 2020 outburst. (4) Spectral evidence (at 2sigma) for a relativistically shifted iron absorption line in 2020. (5) The non-thermal 2020 outburst is consistent with an after-flare predicted by the SMBBH model of OJ 287.

ABSTRACT The high-mass X-ray binary LS I +61°303 exhibits variability in its radio and X-ray emissions, ranging from minute to hour time-scales. At such short time-scales, not much is known about the possible correlations between these two emissions from this source, which might offer hints to their origin. Here, we study the relationship between these emissions using simultaneous X-ray and radio monitoring. We present new radio observations using the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager Large Array telescope at two frequency bands, 13–15.5 and 15.5–18 GHz. We also describe new X-ray observations performed using the XMM–Newton telescope. These X-ray and radio observations overlapped for five hours. We find for the first time that the radio and X-ray emission are correlated up to 81${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ with their few per cent variability correlated up to 40 ${{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We discuss possible physical scenarios that produces the observed correlations and variability in the radio and X-ray emission of LS I +61°303.

Our project MOMO (Multiwavelength observations and modeling of OJ 287) consists of dedicated, dense, long-term flux and spectroscopic monitoring, and deep follow-up observations of the blazar OJ 287 at >13 frequencies from the radio to the X-ray band since late 2015. In particular, we are using Swift to obtain optical-UV-X-ray spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and the Effelsberg telescope to obtain radio measurements between 2 and 40 GHz. MOMO is the densest long-term monitoring of OJ 287 involving X-rays and broad-band SEDs. The theoretical part of the project aims at understanding jet and accretion physics of the blazar central engine in general and the supermassive binary black hole scenario in particular. Results are presented in a sequence of publications and so far included: detection and detailed analysis of the bright 2016/17 and 2020 outbursts and the long-term light curve; Swift, XMM, and NuSTAR spectroscopy of the 2020 outburst around maximum; and interpretation of selected events in the context of the binary black hole scenario of OJ 287 (papers I–IV). Here, we provide a description of the project MOMO, a summary of previous results, the latest results, and we discuss future prospects.

The stellar binary system LS I +61 degrees 303, composed of a compact object in an eccentric orbit around a B0 Ve star, emits from radio up to gamma-ray energies. The orbital modulation of radio spectral index, X-ray, and GeV gamma-ray data suggests the presence of two peaks. This two-peaked profile is in line with the accretion theory predicting two accretion-ejection events for LS I +61 degrees 303 along the 26.5 d orbit. However, the existing multiwavelength data are not simultaneous. In this paper, we report the results of a campaign covering radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray observations of the system along one single orbit. Our results confirm the two predicted events along the orbit and in addition show that the positions of radio and gamma-ray peaks are coincident with X-ray dips as expected for radio and gamma-ray emitting ejections depleting the X-ray emitting accretion flow. We discuss future observing strategies for a systematic study of the accretion-ejection physical processes in LS I +61 degrees 303.

ABSTRACT The stellar binary system LS I +61°303, composed of a compact object in an eccentric orbit around a B0 Ve star, emits from radio up to γ-ray energies. The orbital modulation of radio spectral index, X-ray, and GeV γ-ray data suggests the presence of two peaks. This two-peaked profile is in line with the accretion theory predicting two accretion–ejection events for LS I +61°303 along the 26.5 d orbit. However, the existing multiwavelength data are not simultaneous. In this paper, we report the results of a campaign covering radio, X-ray, and γ-ray observations of the system along one single orbit. Our results confirm the two predicted events along the orbit and in addition show that the positions of radio and γ-ray peaks are coincident with X-ray dips as expected for radio and γ-ray emitting ejections depleting the X-ray emitting accretion flow. We discuss future observing strategies for a systematic study of the accretion–ejection physical processes in LS I +61°303.

This paper presents a survey of microwave front-end receivers installed at radio telescopes throughout the world. This unprecedented analysis was conducted as part of a review of front-end developments for Italian radio telescopes, initiated by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics in 2016. Fifteen international radio telescopes have been selected to be representative of the instrumentation used for radio astronomical observations in the frequency domain from 300 MHz to 116 GHz. A comprehensive description of the existing receivers is presented and their characteristics are compared and discussed. The observing performances of the complete receiving chains are also presented. An overview of ongoing developments illustrates and anticipates future trends in front-end projects to meet the most ambitious scientific research goals.

The most powerful flare ever registered in the Galactic water-maser source W49N has been detected in long-term monitoring data in the 6 16 –5 23 transition with line frequency f = 22.235 GHz carried out on the 22-m Simeiz, 32-m Toruń, 100-m Effelsberg, and 32-m Medicina radio telescopes, beginning in September 2017 and continuing in 2018. Some stages of the flare were monitored daily. Detailed variations of the source spectral flux density with time have been obtained. At the flare maximum, the flux exceeded P ≈ 8 × 10 4 Jy, and this was record highest flux registered over the entire history of observations of this source. Important conclusions related to details of the mechanism for the H 2 O line emission have been drawn. An exponential increase in the flare flux density was detected during both the rise and decline of the flare. The data obtained indicate that the maser is unsaturated, and remained in this state up to the maximum observed flux densities. Additional support for the idea that the maser is unsaturated is the shape of the dependence of the line width on the flux. The characteristics of the variations of the spectral flux density are probably associated with a sharp increase in the density of the medium and the photon flux that led to an increase in the temperature from an initial level of 10–40 K to hundreds of Kelvins. Interferometric maps of the object during the increase in the spectral flux density of the flare have been obtained. A possible mechanism for the primary energy release in W49N is considered.