HST observations rule out the association between Cir X-1 and SNR G321.9-0.3

Abstract

Cir X-1 is one of the most intriguing galactic X-ray sources. It is a16.6 days variable X/radio source, a type-I X-ray burster and a QPO emitter. In spite of an uncertain optical counterpart classication, all these properties identify the source as an LMXB. The morphology of the surrounding radio nebula has suggested an association with the nearby (25 arcmin) SNR G321.9-0.3, implying that Cir X-1 is a runaway binary originated from the supernova explosion 10 5 years ago. To investigate this hypothesis, we carried out a proper motion measurement of the Cir X-1 m 19 optical counterpart using a set of HST/WFC and WFPC2 observations taken 8.6 years apart. We obtained a 3 upper limit of 5m as yr 1 on the source proper motion. Since the runaway hypothesis would have implied a proper motion due North ranging between 15 and 75 mas yr 1 , depending on the actual age of the SNR, our result denitively rules out the association between Cir X-1 and SNR G321.9-0.3.