Abstract
ABSTRACT Reflection of X-ray emission on molecular clouds in the inner ∼100 pc of our Galaxy reveals that, despite being extremely quiet at the moment, our supermassive black hole Sgr A* should have experienced bright flares of X-ray emission in the recent past. Thanks to the improving characterization of the reflection signal, we are able to infer parameters of the most recent flare(s) (age, duration, and luminosity) and relative line-of-sight disposition of the brightest individual molecular complexes. We show that combining these data with measurements of polarization in the reflected X-ray continuum will not only justify Sgr A* as the primary source but also allow deriving intrinsic polarization properties of the flare emission. This will help to identify radiation mechanisms and underlying astrophysical phenomena behind them. For the currently brightest reflecting molecular complex, Sgr A, the required level of sensitivity might be already accessible with upcoming X-ray polarimeters.
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
