Decelerated non-relativistic expansion in a tidal disruption event with a potential neutrino association


Abstract in English

A tidal disruption event (TDE) involves the tidal shredding of a star in the vicinity of a dormant supermassive black hole. The nearby ($approx$230 mega-parsec) radio-quiet (radio luminosity of $4 times 10^{38}$ erg s$^{-1}$) AT2019dsg is the first TDE potentially associated with a neutrino event. The origin of the non-thermal emission in AT2019dsg remains inconclusive; possibilities include a relativistic jet or a sub-relativistic outflow. Distinguishing between them can address neutrino production mechanisms. High resolution very long baseline interferometry monitoring provides uniquely constraining flux densities and proper motion of the ejecta. A non-relativistic (outflow velocity of $approx$0.1 $c$) decelerated expansion in a relatively dense environment is found to produce the radio emission. Neutrino production may be related to the acceleration of protons by the outflow. The present study thus helps exclude jet-related origins for the non-thermal emission and neutrino production, and constrains non-jetted scenarios.

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