We present an approach to testing the gravitational redshift effect using the RadioAstron satellite. The experiment is based on a modification of the Gravity Probe A scheme of nonrelativistic Doppler compensation and benefits from the highly eccentric orbit and ultra-stable atomic hydrogen maser frequency standard of the RadioAstron satellite. Using the presented techniques we expect to reach an accuracy of the gravitational redshift test of order 10 −5 , a magnitude better than that of Gravity Probe A. Data processing is ongoing, our preliminary results agree with the validity of the Einstein Equivalence Principle.

Context. Γ-ray-detected radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 (γ-NLS1) galaxies constitute a small but interesting sample of the γ-ray-loud AGN. The radio-loudest γ-NLS1 known, PKS 2004−447, is located in the southern hemisphere and is monitored in the radio regime by the multiwavelength monitoring programme TANAMI. Aims. We aim for the first detailed study of the radio morphology and long-term radio spectral evolution of PKS 2004−447, which are essential for understanding the diversity of the radio properties of γ-NLS1s. Methods. The TANAMI VLBI monitoring program uses the Australian Long Baseline Array (LBA) and telescopes in Antarctica, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa to monitor the jets of radio-loud active galaxies in the southern hemisphere. Lower resolution radio flux density measurements at multiple radio frequencies over four years of observations were obtained with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). Results. The TANAMI VLBI image at 8.4 GHz shows an extended one-sided jet with a dominant compact VLBI core. Its brightness temperature is consistent with equipartition, but it is an order of magnitude below other γ-NLS1s with the sample value varying over two orders of magnitude. We find a compact morphology with a projected large-scale size <11 kpc and a persistent steep radio spectrum with moderate flux-density variability. Conclusions. PKS 2004−447 appears to be a unique member of the γ-NLS1 sample. It exhibits blazar-like features, such as a flat featureless X-ray spectrum and a core-dominated, one-sided parsec-scale jet with indications for relativistic beaming. However, the data also reveal properties atypical for blazars, such as a radio spectrum and large-scale size consistent with compact-steep-spectrum (CSS) objects, which are usually associated with young radio sources. These characteristics are unique among all γ-NLS1s and extremely rare among γ-ray-loud AGN.

We report the results of a multi-epoch survey of water maser observations at 22.2 GHz with the Medicina radiotelescope from 44 bright rimmed clouds (BRCs) of the northern hemisphere identified by Sugitani et al. (1989, ApJ, 342, L87) as potential sites of star formation. The data span 16 years of observations and allow to draw conclusions about the maser detection rate in this class of objects. In spite of the relatively high far-infrared luminosities of the embedded sources (L FIR > ∼ 10 2 L ), H 2 O maser emission was detected towards three globules only. Since the occurrence of water masers is higher towards bright IRAS sources, the lack of frequent H 2 O maser emission is somewhat surprising if the suggestion of induced intermediate-and high-mass star formation within these globules is correct. The maser properties of two BRCs are characteristic of exciting sources of low-mass, while the last one (BRC 38) is consistent with an intermediate-mass object. We argue that most BRCs host young stellar objects of low-luminosity, likely in an evolutionary phase later than the protostellar Class 0 sources, and that a significant contribution to the observd IRAS luminosity comes from warm dust heated by the radiation from the bright rim.

Abstract. In 1998 September, the X-ray transient XTE J1550−564 underwent a major outburst in soft and hard X-rays, followed by a radio flare. Australian Long Baseline Array images obtained shortly after the peak in the radio flare showed evolving structure. The components observed have an apparent separation velocity of > 2c.

The AUSTRAL observing program was started in 2011, performing geodetic and astrometric very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) sessions using the new Australian AuScope VLBI antennas at Hobart, Katherine, and Yarragadee, with contribution from the Warkworth (New Zealand) 12 m and Hartebeesthoek (South Africa) 15 m antennas to make a southern hemisphere array of telescopes with similar design and capability. Designed in the style of the nextgeneration VLBI system, these small and fast antennas allow for a new way of observing, comprising higher data rates and more observations than the standard observing sessions coordinated by the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). In this contribution, the continuous development of the AUSTRAL sessions is described, leading to an improvement of the results in terms of baseline length repeatabilities by a factor of two since the start of this program. The focus is on the scheduling strategy and increased number of observations, aspects of automated operation, and data logistics, as well as results of the 151 AUSTRAL sessions performed so far. The high number of the AUSTRAL