Abstract

Six X-ray point sources, with luminosities of 4 × 1038-2 × 1039 ergs s-1 in the 0.4-7 keV band, were detected in Chandra observations of the spiral galaxy M100. One source is identified with supernova SN 1979C and appears to have roughly constant X-ray flux for the period 16-20 yr after the outburst. The X-ray spectrum is soft, as would be expected if the X-ray emission is due to the interaction of supernova ejecta with circumstellar matter. Most of the other sources are variable either within the Chandra observation or when compared to archival data. None are coincident with the peak of the radio emission at the nucleus. These sources have harder spectra than the supernova and are likely X-ray binaries. M100 has more bright X-ray sources than typical for spiral galaxies of its size. This is likely related to active star formation occurring in the galaxy.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call