Abstract
We investigate the long-term variability exhibited by the X-ray point sources in the starburst galaxy M82. By combining 9 Chandra observations taken between 1999 and 2007, we detect 58 X-ray point sources within the D25 isophote of M82 down to a luminosity of ~ 10^37 ergs/s. Of these 58 sources, we identify 3 supernova remnant candidates and one supersoft source. Twenty-six sources in M82 exhibit long-term (i.e., days to years) flux variability and 3 show long-term spectral variability. Furthermore, we classify 26 sources as variables and 10 as persistent sources. Among the total 26 variables, 17 varied by a flux ratio of > 3 and 6 are transient candidates. By comparing with other nearby galaxies, M82 shows extremely strong long-term X-ray variability that 47% of the X-ray sources are variables with a flux ratio of > 3. The strong X-ray variability of M82 suggests that the population is dominated by X-ray binaries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
