Background Active Galactic Nuclei Research Articles

Triggering nuclear and galaxy activity in the Bullet cluster

The analysis of a cluster environment is a valuable instrument to investigate the origin of gas fuelling and trigger mechanisms in active galactic nuclei (AGN) and star-forming galaxies. To this purpose, we present a detailed analysis of the point-like X-ray sources in the Bullet cluster field. Based on ∼600 ks Chandra observations, we produced a catalogue of 381 X-ray point sources up to a distance of ∼1.5 virial radius and with flux limits ∼1 × 10−16 and ∼8 × 10−16 erg cm−2 s−1 in the 0.5–2 keV and 2–10 keV bands, respectively. We find a strong (up to a factor 1.5–2) and significant (≥4σ) over-density in the full region studied 0.3R200 < R < 1.5R200. We identified optical (R band) and infrared (Spitzer IRAC) counterparts for ∼84% and ∼48% of the X-ray sources, respectively. We obtained new spectroscopic redshifts for 106 X-ray sources and collected from the literature additional 13 spectroscopic and 8 photometric redshifts of X-ray sources. Twenty-nine X-ray sources turned out to be cluster members. Spectroscopic and photometric redshifts of optical and infrared sources were also collected, and these sources were used as ancillary samples. We used these multi-wavelength data to characterise the nature of the Bullet cluster X-ray point sources. We find that the over-density in the region 0.3R200 < R < R200 is likely due to X-ray AGN (mostly obscured) and star-forming galaxies associated with the cluster, while in the more external region this over-density is likely to be mostly due to background AGN. The fraction of cluster galaxies hosting an X-ray detected AGN is 1.0 ± 0.4%, which is nearly constant with the radius; this fraction is similar to that reported in other clusters of galaxies at similar redshift. The fraction of X-ray bright AGN (L2 − 10 keV > 1043 ergs s−1) in the region 0.3R200 < R < R200 is 0.5−0.2+0.6%, which is higher than that in other clusters at similar redshift and more similar to the AGN fraction in the field. Finally, the spatial distributions of AGN and star-forming galaxies, which we selected for their infrared emission, appear similar, thus suggesting that both are triggered by the same mechanism.

Runaway O-star Bow Shocks as Particle Accelerators? The Case of AE Aur Revisited

Abstract We present results of our Chandra/ACIS observations of the field centered on the fast, runaway O star AE Aur and its bow shock. Previous XMM-Newton observations revealed an X-ray “blob” near the IR arc tracing the bow shock, possibly a nonthermal source consistent with models of Inverse Compton scattering of dust IR photons by electrons accelerated at the shock. The new, subarcsecond-resolution Chandra data, while confirming the presence of the XMM-Newton source, clearly indicate that the latter is neither extended nor coincident with the IR arc and strongly suggest it is a background active galactic nucleus. Motivated by results published for the bow shock of BD+43°3654, we extended our study to the radio domain by analyzing archival EVLA data. We find no radio emission from the AE Aur bow shock either. The corresponding upper limits for the absorbed (unabsorbed) X-ray flux of 5.9(7.8) × 10−15 erg cm−2 s−1 (3σ) and, in the radio range of 2 mJy (1.4 GHz) and 0.4 mJy (5.0 GHz), are used to put constraints on model predictions for particle acceleration within the bow shock. In the “classical” framework of diffusive shock acceleration, we find that the predicted X-ray and radio emission by the bow shock is at least two orders of magnitude below the current upper limits, consistent with the systematic nondetections of up to 60 stellar bow shocks. The only exception so far remains that of BD+43°3654, which is probably the result of its very large mass-loss rate among runaway O stars.

Classification of low-luminosity stellar X-ray sources in the field of the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy

Aims. A previous study of the X-ray luminosity function of the X-ray sources in the Draco dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy field indicates the presence of a population of unknown X-ray sources in the soft energy range of 0.5–2 keV. In 2015, there were twenty-six further deep XMM-Newton observations of Draco dSph, providing an opportunity for a new study of the as yet unclassified sources. Methods. We applied the classification criteria presented in our previous multi-wavelength study of the X-ray sources of the Draco dSph to the sources detected in the combined 2009 and 2015 XMM-Newton data set. These criteria are based on X-ray studies and properties of the optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared counterparts and allows us to distinguish background active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and galaxies from other types of X-ray sources. In this work we performed X-ray spectral and timing analyses for fifteen sources in the field of Draco dSph with stellar counterparts. Results. We present the classification of X-ray sources, for which the counterpart is identified as a stellar object based on our criteria from multi-wavelength data. We identify three new symbiotic stars in the Draco dSph with X-ray luminosities between ∼3.5 × 1034 erg s−1 and 5.5 × 1034 erg s−1. The X-ray spectral analysis shows that two of the classified symbiotic stars are β-type. This is the first identification of this class of symbiotic stars in a nearby galaxy. Eight sources are classified as Galactic M dwarfs in the field of the Draco dSph. These M dwarfs are between ∼140 and 800 pc distant, with X-ray luminosities are between 1028 and 1029 erg s−1 and logarithmic ratios of X-ray to bolometric luminosity, log(LX/Lbol), between −3.4 and −2.1. The multiple observations allowed us to investigate flare activity of the M dwarfs. For 5 M dwarfs flare(s) are observed with a significance of > 3σ level of confidence. Moreover, we classified three foreground sources, located at distances of the order of ∼1–3 kpc in the field of the Draco dSph. Based on both the X-ray luminosities of these foreground sources (> 1030 erg s−1) and their optical counterparts (late type G or K stars), these X-ray sources are classified as candidates of contact binary systems. Conclusions. Our study of X-ray sources of the Draco dSph shows that accreting white dwarfs are the most promising X-ray population of dSphs, which is in line with theoretical expectations. The number of Galactic M dwarfs detected at our X-ray sensitivity limit is consistent with the expectation based on the space density of M dwarfs.

Uncovering Red and Dusty Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources with Spitzer

Abstract We present a mid-infrared (IR) sample study of nearby ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) using multiepoch observations with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on the Spitzer Space Telescope. Spitzer/IRAC observations taken after 2014 were obtained as part of the Spitzer Infrared Intensive Transients Survey. Our sample includes 96 ULXs located within 10 Mpc. Of the 96 ULXs, 12 have candidate counterparts consistent with absolute mid-IR magnitudes of supergiants, and 16 counterparts exceeded the mid-IR brightness of single supergiants and are thus more consistent with star clusters or non-ULX background active galactic nuclei. The supergiant candidate counterparts exhibit a bimodal color distribution in a Spitzer/IRAC color–magnitude diagram, where “red” and “‘blue” ULXs fall in IRAC colors [3.6] – [4.5] ∼ 0.7 and [3.6] – [4.5] ∼ 0.0, respectively. The mid-IR colors and absolute magnitudes of four “red” and five “blue” ULXs are consistent with those of supergiant B[e] (sgB[e]) and red supergiant (RSG) stars, respectively. Although “blue,” RSG-like mid-IR ULX counterparts likely host RSG mass donors; we propose that “red” counterparts are ULXs exhibiting the “B[e] phenomenon” rather than hosts of sgB[e] mass donors. We show that the mid-IR excess from the “red” ULXs is likely due to thermal emission from circumstellar or circumbinary dust. Using dust as a probe for total mass, we estimate mass-loss rates of M ˙ ∼ 1 × 10 − 4 M ⊙ yr−1 in dust-forming outflows of red ULXs. Based on the transient mid-IR behavior and its relatively flat spectral index, α = −0.19 ± 0.1, we suggest that the mid-IR emission from Holmberg IX X-1 originates from a variable jet.

HST/COS Observations of the Warm Ionized Gaseous Halo of NGC 891

Abstract The metallicity of galactic gaseous halos provides insights into accretion and feedback of galaxies. The nearby edge-on galaxy NGC 891 has a multicomponent gaseous halo and a background active galactic nucleus (AGN; LQAC 035+042 003) projected 5 kpc above the disk near the minor axis. Against the UV continuum of this AGN, we detect lines from 13 ions associated with NGC 891 in new Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origin Spectrograph spectra. Most of the absorption is from the warm ionized gas with log T = 4.22 ± 0.04, log n H = −1.26 ± 0.51, and log N H = 20.81 ± 0.20. The metallicity of volatile elements (i.e., C, N, and S) is about half solar ([X/H] ≈ −0.3 ± 0.3), while Mg, Fe, and Ni show lower metallicities of [X/H] ≈ −0.9. The absorption system shows the depletion pattern seen for warm Galactic diffuse clouds, which is consistent with a mixture of ejected solar-metallicity disk gases and the hot X-ray-emitting halo (Z = 0.1–0.2 Z ⊙). The warm ionized gases are about five times more massive than the cold H i-emitting gases around the galactic center, which might lead to accretion with a mean rate of 102 M ⊙ yr−1 for a period of time. We also detect low-metallicity (≈0.1 Z ⊙) gases toward LQAC 035+042 003 at 110 km s−1 (a high-velocity cloud) and toward another sight line (3C 66A; 108 kpc projected from NGC 891) at 30 km s−1. This low-metallicity material could be the cold mode accretion from the intergalactic medium or the tidal disruption of satellites in the NGC 891 halo.

Identifications of faintChandrasources in the globular cluster M3

We report a $30~\mathrm{ks}$ $Chandra$ ACIS-S survey of the globular cluster M3. Sixteen X-ray sources were detected within the half-light radius ($2.3'$) with $L_X \gtrsim 2.3 \times 10^{31}~\mathrm{erg~s^{-1}}$. We used $Hubble~Space~Telescope$ WFC3/UVIS and ACS/WFC images to find 10 plausible optical/UV counterparts. We fit the spectral energy distribution of the known cataclysmic variable 1E1339.8+2837 with a blue ($T_\mathrm{eff} = 2.10^{+1.96}_{-0.58}\times 10^4~\mathrm{K}$, 90% conf.) spectral component from an accretion disc, plus a red component ($T_\mathrm{eff} = 3.75_{-0.15}^{+1.05}\times 10^3~\mathrm{K}$) potentially from a subgiant donor. The second brightest source (CX2) has a soft blackbody-like spectrum suggesting a quiescent low-mass X-ray binary (qLMXB) containing a neutron star. Six new counterparts have obvious UV and/or blue excesses, suggesting a cataclysmic variable (CV) or background active galactic nucleus (AGN) nature. Two (CX6 and CX8) have proper motions indicating cluster membership, suggesting a CV nature. CX6 is blue in UV filters but red in V-I, which is difficult to interpret. Two CV candidates, CX7 and CX13, show blue excesses in B-V colour but were not detected in the UV. The other two CV candidates were only detected in the two UV bands ($\mathrm{UV_{275}}$ and $\mathrm{NUV_{336}}$), so do not have proper motion measurements, and may well be AGNs. One $Chandra$ source can be confidently identified with a red straggler (a star redward of the giant branch). The observed X-ray source population of M3 appears consistent with its predicted stellar interaction rate.

Spatially Resolved Broadband Synchrotron Emission from the Nonthermal Limbs of SN1006

Abstract We present ∼400 ks NuSTAR observations of the northeast (NE) and southwest (SW) nonthermal limbs of the Galactic SNR SN1006. We discovered three sources with X-ray emission detected at ≳50 keV. Two of them are identified as background active galactic nuclei. We extract the NuSTAR spectra from a few regions along the nonthermal limbs and jointly analyze them with the XMM-Newton spectra and the radio data. The broadband radio/X-ray spectra can be well described with a synchrotron emission model from a single population of CR electrons with a power-law energy distribution and an exponential cutoff. The power-law index of the electron particle distribution function (PDF) is ≈1.88–1.95 for both the NE and SW limbs, and we do not find significant evidence for a variation of this index at different energy (curvature). There are significant spatial variations of the synchrotron emission parameters. The highest energy electrons are accelerated in regions with the lowest expansion velocity, which is opposite to what has been found in Tycho’s supernova remnant. In addition to a gradual steepening of synchrotron emission from the center of the nonthermal limbs to larger azimuthal angles, we also find that both the emission spectrum and the PDF are significantly flatter in three regions in the SW limb where the shock encounters a higher density ambient medium. The NE limb also shows significantly higher cutoff energy in the PDF than the SW limb. By comparing with the roughly symmetric TeV emission and largely asymmetric GeV emission from the two nonthermal limbs, we conclude that the asymmetry in the ambient medium and magnetic fields may have largely modified the acceleration and emission of CR leptons.

J0453-6655, the Supernova Remnant in N4D

Abstract The Large Magellanic Cloud supernova remnant J0453-6655 in the H ii region N4 has been observed with XMM-Newton and with Chandra. Almost all of the diffuse X-ray emission is from within a 3.′5 × 2.′3 region of bright optical filaments, and X-ray results from XMM-Newton and Chandra are very similar. Spectra indicate that the plasma is close to equilibrium and that the remnant is likely the result of a Type II supernova powered by the collapse of a <12 M ⊙ star. Composition, density, and mass of the X-ray-emitting plasma are derived, and the age of the remnant is estimated to be 60–80 kyr. There is an apparent blowout of energy into an adjoining cavity. Because cooling neutron stars are objects of interest, the surrounding sky is searched for possible compact remnants of the core. There are six point-like sources within the remnant, all rather faint. Two are probably background active galactic nuclei. The others have soft spectral components and no IR counterparts, but, with the present data, none can be proved to be a neutron star. They do represent upper limits to any neutron star luminosity.

An Excess of Low-mass X-Ray Binaries in the Outer Halo of NGC 4472

Abstract We present new Chandra observations of the outer halo of the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 4472 (M49) in the Virgo Cluster. The data extend to 130 kpc (28′), and have a combined exposure time of 150 ks. After identifying optical counterparts using the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey to remove background active galactic nuclei and globular cluster (GC) sources, and correcting for completeness, we find that the number of field low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) per unit stellar V-band light increases significantly with the galactocentric radius. Because the flux limit of the complete sample corresponds to the Eddington limit for neutron stars in NGC 4472, many of the ∼90 field LMXBs in this sample could host black holes. The excess of field LMXBs at large galactocentric radii may be partially caused by natal kicks on black holes and neutron stars in binary systems in the inner part of the galaxy. Furthermore, because the metallicity in the halo of NGC 4472 strongly decreases toward larger galactocentric radii, the number of field LMXBs per unit stellar mass is anticorrelated with metallicity, opposite to what is observed in GCs. Another way to explain the spatial distribution of field LMXBs is therefore a reversed metallicity effect, although we have not identified a mechanism to explain this in terms of stellar and binary evolution.

A Mote in Andromeda's Disk: A Misidentified Periodic AGN behind M31

Abstract We identify an object previously thought to be a star in the disk of M31, J0045+41, as a background active galactic nucleus (AGN) seen through a low-absorption region of M31. We present moderate resolution spectroscopy of J0045+41 obtained using GMOS at Gemini-North. The spectrum contains features attributable to the host galaxy. We model the spectrum to estimate the AGN contribution, from which we estimate the luminosity and virial mass of the central engine. Residuals to our fit reveal a blueshifted component to the broad Hα and Hβ at a relative velocity of ∼4800 km s−1. We also detect Na i absorption in the Milky Way rest-frame. We search for evidence of periodicity using g-band photometry from the Palomar Transient Factory and find evidence for multiple periodicities ranging from ∼80–350 days. Two of the detected periods are in a 1:4 ratio, which is identical to the predictions of hydrodynamical simulations of binary supermassive black hole systems. If these signals arise due to such a system, J0045+41 is well within the gravitational wave regime. We calculate the time until inspiral due to gravitational radiation, assuming reasonable values of the mass ratio of the two black holes. We discuss the implications of our findings and forthcoming work to identify other such interlopers in the light of upcoming photometric surveys such as the Zwicky Transient Facility or the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope projects.

The X-Ray Binary Population of the Nearby Dwarf Starburst Galaxy IC 10: Variable and Transient X-Ray Sources

Abstract We have monitored the Cassiopeia dwarf galaxy (IC 10) in a series of 10 Chandra ACIS-S observations to capture its variable and transient X-ray source population, which is expected to be dominated by High Mass X-ray Binaries (HMXBs). We present a sample of 21 X-ray sources that are variable between observations at the 3σ level, from a catalog of 110 unique point sources. We find four transients (flux variability ratio greater than 10) and a further eight objects with ratios >5. The observations span the years 2003–2010 and reach a limiting luminosity of >1035 erg s−1, providing sensitivity to X-ray binaries in IC 10 as well as flare stars in the foreground Milky Way. The nature of the variable sources is investigated from light curves, X-ray spectra, energy quantiles, and optical counterparts. The purpose of this study is to discover the composition of the X-ray binary population in a young starburst environment. IC 10 provides a sharp contrast in stellar population age (<10 My) when compared to the Magellanic Clouds (40–200 My) where most of the known HMXBs reside. We find 10 strong HMXB candidates, 2 probable background Active Galactic Nuclei, 4 foreground flare-stars or active binaries, and 5 not yet classifiable sources. Complete classification of the sample requires optical spectroscopy for radial velocity analysis and deeper X-ray observations to obtain higher S/N spectra and search for pulsations. A catalog and supporting data set are provided.

THE EFFECT OF VARIABILITY ON X-RAY BINARY LUMINOSITY FUNCTIONS: MULTIPLE-EPOCH OBSERVATIONS OF NGC 300 WITH CHANDRA

ABSTRACT We have obtained three epochs of Chandra ACIS-I observations (totaling ∼184 ks) of the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 300 to study the logN–logS distributions of its X-ray point-source population down to ∼2 × 10−15 erg s−1 cm−2 in the 0.35–8 keV band (equivalent to ∼1036 erg s−1). The individual epoch logN–logS distributions are best described as the sum of a background active galactic nucleus (AGN) component, a simple power law, and a broken power law, with the shape of the logN–logS distributions sometimes varying between observations. The simple power law and AGN components produce a good fit for “persistent” sources (i.e., with fluxes that remain constant within a factor of ∼2). The differential power-law index of ∼1.2 and high fluxes suggest that the persistent sources intrinsic to NGC 300 are dominated by Roche-lobe-overflowing low-mass X-ray binaries. The variable X-ray sources are described by a broken power law, with a faint-end power-law index of ∼1.7, a bright-end index of ∼2.8–4.9, and a break flux of erg s−1 cm−2 (∼4 × 1036 erg s−1), suggesting that they are mostly outbursting, wind-fed high-mass X-ray binaries, although the logN–logS distribution of variable sources likely also contains low-mass X-ray binaries. We generate model logN–logS distributions for synthetic X-ray binaries and constrain the distribution of maximum X-ray fluxes attained during outburst. Our observations suggest that the majority of outbursting X-ray binaries occur at sub-Eddington luminosities, where mass transfer likely occurs through direct wind accretion at ∼1%–3% of the Eddington rate.

Candidate Hα emission and absorption line sources in the Galactic Bulge Survey

We present a catalogue of candidate H{\alpha} emission and absorption line sources and blue objects in the Galactic Bulge Survey (GBS) region. We use a point source catalogue of the GBS fields (two strips of (l x b) = (6 x 1) degrees centred at b = 1.5 above and below the Galactic centre), covering the magnitude range 16 < r' < 22.5. We utilize (r'-i', r'-H{\alpha}) colour-colour diagrams to select H{\alpha} emission and absorption line candidates, and also identify blue objects (compared to field stars) using the r'-i' colour index. We identify 1337 H{\alpha} emission line candidates and 336 H{\alpha} absorption line candidates. These catalogues likely contain a plethora of sources, ranging from active (binary) stars, early-type emission line objects, cataclysmic variables (CVs) and low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) to background active galactic nuclei (AGN). The 389 blue objects we identify are likely systems containing a compact object, such as CVs, planetary nebulae and LMXBs. Hot subluminous dwarfs (sdO/B stars) are also expected to be found as blue outliers. Crossmatching our outliers with the GBS X-ray catalogue yields sixteen sources, including seven (magnetic) CVs and one qLMXB candidate among the emission line candidates, and one background AGN for the absorption line candidates. One of the blue outliers is a high state AM CVn system. Spectroscopic observations combined with the multi-wavelength coverage of this area, including X-ray, ultraviolet and (time-resolved) optical and infrared observations, can be used to further constrain the nature of individual sources.

HARD X-RAY EMISSION FROM SH 2‐104: A NuSTAR SEARCH FOR GAMMA-RAY COUNTERPARTS

ABSTRACT We present NuSTAR hard X-ray observations of Sh 2–104, a compact H ii region containing several young massive stellar clusters (YMSCs). We have detected distinct hard X-ray sources coincident with localized VERITAS TeV emission recently resolved from the giant gamma-ray complex MGRO J2019+37 in the Cygnus region. Fainter, diffuse X-rays coincident with the eastern YMSC in Sh2-104 likely result from the colliding winds of a component star. Just outside the radio shell of Sh 2–104 lies 3XMM J201744.7+365045 and a nearby nebula, NuSTAR J201744.3+364812, whose properties are most consistent with extragalactic objects. The combined XMM-Newton and NuSTAR spectrum of 3XMM J201744.7+365045 is well-fit to an absorbed power-law model with cm−2 and a photon index . Based on possible long-term flux variation and the lack of detected pulsations (≤43% modulation), this object is likely a background active galactic nucleus rather than a Galactic pulsar. The spectrum of the NuSTAR nebula shows evidence of an emission line at E = 5.6 keV, suggesting an optically obscured galaxy cluster at z = 0.19 ± 0.02 (d = 800 Mpc) and L X = 1.2 × 1044 erg s−1. Follow-up Chandra observations of Sh 2–104 will help identify the nature of the X-ray sources and their relation to MGRO J2019+37. We also show that the putative VERITAS excess south of Sh 2–104, is most likely associated with the newly discovered Fermi pulsar PSR J2017+3625 and not the H ii region.

XMM-Newtonobservation of SNR J0533–7202 in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Aims. We present an X-ray study of the supernova remnant SNR J0533-7202 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and determine its physical characteristics based on its X-ray emission. Methods. We observed SNR J0533-7202 with XMM-Newton (flare-filtered exposure times of 18 ks EPIC-pn and 31 ks EPIC-MOS1/MOS2). We produced X-ray images of the SNR, performed an X-ray spectral analysis, and compared the results to multi-wavelength studies. Results. The distribution of X-ray emission is highly non-uniform, with the south-west region brighter than the north-east. The X-ray emission is correlated with the radio emission from the remnant. We determine that this morphology is likely due to the SNR expanding into a non-uniform ambient medium and not an absorption effect. We estimate the size to be 53.9 (\pm 3.4) x 43.6 (\pm 3.4) pc, with the major axis rotated ~64 degrees east of north. We find no spectral signatures of ejecta and infer that the X-ray plasma is dominated by swept-up interstellar medium. Using the spectral fit results and the Sedov self-similar solution, we estimate an age of ~17-27 kyr, with an initial explosion energy of (0.09-0.83) x 10^51 erg. We detected an X-ray source located near the centre of the remnant, namely XMMU J053348.2-720233. The source type could not be conclusively determined due to the lack of a multi-wavelength counterpart and low X-ray counts. We find that it is likely either a background active galactic nucleus or a low-mass X-ray binary in the LMC. Conclusions. We detected bright thermal X-ray emission from SNR J0533-7202 and determined that the remnant is in the Sedov phase of its evolution. The lack of ejecta emission prohibits us from typing the remnant with the X-ray data. Therefore, the likely Type Ia classification based on the local stellar population and star formation history reported in the literature cannot be improved upon.

XMM-NEWTON SURVEY OF LOCAL ${\rm O}\;{\rm VII}$ ABSORPTION LINES IN THE SPECTRA OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

Highly ionized, z=0 metal absorption lines detected in the X-ray spectra of background active galactic nuclei (AGNs) provide an effective method to probe the hot ($T\sim10^6$ K) gas and its metal content in and around the Milky Way. We present an all-sky survey of the $K_{\alpha}$ transition of the local O VII absorption lines obtained by Voigt-profile fitting archival XMM-Newton observations. A total of 43 AGNs were selected, among which 12 are BL Lac-type AGNs, and the rest are Seyfert 1 galaxies. At above the $3\sigma$ level the local O VII absorption lines were detected in 21 AGNs, among which 7 were newly discovered in this work. The sky covering fraction, defined as the ratio between the number of detections and the sample size, increases from at about 40% for all targets to 100% for the brightest targets, suggesting a uniform distribution of the O VII absorbers. We correlate the line equivalent width with the Galactic coordinates and do not find any strong correlations between these quantities. Some AGNs have warm absorbers that may complicate the analysis of the local X-ray absorber since the recession velocity can be compensated by the outflow velocity, especially for the nearby targets. We discuss the potential impact of the warm absorbers on our analysis. A comprehensive theoretical modelling of the X-ray absorbers will be presented in a later paper.

Long term optical variability of bright X-ray point sources in elliptical galaxies

We present long term optical variability studies of bright X-ray sources in four nearby elliptical galaxies with the Chandra Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer array (ACIS-S) and observations from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Advanced Camera for Surveys. Out of the 46 bright (X-ray counts > 60) sources that are in the common field of view of the Chandra and HST observations, 34 of them have potential optical counterparts, while the rest of them are optically dark. After taking into account systematic errors, estimated using optical sources in the field as a reference, we find that four of the X-ray sources (three in NGC 1399 and one in NGC 1427) have variable optical counterparts at a high level of significance. The X-ray luminosities of these sources are ∼ 1038 erg s−1 and are also variable on similar time scales. The optical variability implies that the optical emission is associated with the X-ray source itself rather than being the integrated light from a host globular cluster. For one source, the change in optical magnitude is > 0.3, which is one of the highest reported for this class of X-ray sources and this suggests that the optical variability is induced by the X-ray activity. However, the optically variable sources in NGC 1399 have been reported to have blue colors (g — z > 1). All four sources have been detected in the infrared (IR) by Spitzer as point sources, and their ratios of 5.8 to 3.6 μm flux are > 0.63, indicating that their IR spectra are like those of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). While spectroscopic confirmation is required, it is likely that all four sources are background AGNs. We find none of the X-ray sources having optical/IR colors different from AGNs to be optically variable.

ON DISCOVERING ELECTROMAGNETIC EMISSION FROM NEUTRON STAR MERGERS: THE EARLY YEARS OF TWO GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTORS

We present the first simulation addressing the prospects of finding an electromagnetic (EM) counterpart to gravitational wave (GW) detections during the early years of only two advanced detectors. The perils of such a search may have appeared insurmountable when considering the coarse ring-shaped GW localizations spanning thousands of square degrees using time-of-arrival information alone. Leveraging the amplitude and phase information of the predicted GW signal narrows the localization to arcs with a median area of only a few hundred square degrees, thereby making an EM search tractable. Based on the locations and orientations of the two LIGO detectors, we find that the GW sensitivity is limited to only two of the four sky quadrants. Thus, the rates of GW events with two interferometers is only ≈40% of the rate with three interferometers of similar sensitivity. Another important implication of the sky quadrant bias is that EM observatories in North America and Southern Africa would be able to systematically respond to GW triggers several hours sooner than Russia and Chile. Given the larger sky areas and the relative proximity of detected mergers, 1 m class telescopes with very wide-field cameras are well-positioned for the challenge of finding an EM counterpart. Identification of the EM counterpart amidst the larger numbers of false positives further underscores the importance of building a comprehensive catalog of foreground stellar sources, background active galactic nucleus and potential host galaxies in the local universe. This initial study is based on a small sample of 17 detected mergers; future works will expand this sample.

Near-infrared counterparts of ultraluminous X-ray sources

In this paper we present the results of the first systematic search for counterparts to nearby ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) in the near-infrared (NIR). We observed 62 ULXs in 37 galaxies within 10 Mpc and discovered 17 candidate NIR counterparts. The detection of 17 out of 62 ULX candidates points to intrinsic differences between systems that show and those that do not show infrared emission. For six counterparts we conclude from the absolute magnitudes and - - in some cases - additional information such as morphology and previously reported photometric or spectroscopic observations, that they are likely background active galactic nuclei or ULXs residing in star clusters. Eleven counterparts have absolute magnitudes consistent with them being single red supergiant stars. Alternatively, these systems may have larger accretion discs that emit more NIR light than the systems that we do not detect. Other scenarios such as emission from a surrounding nebula or from a compact radio jet are also possible, although for Holmberg II X-1 the NIR luminosity far exceeds the expected jet contribution. The eleven possible red supergiant counterparts are excellent candidates for spectroscopic follow-up observations. This may enable us to measure the mass function in these systems if they are indeed red supergiant donor stars where we can observe absorption lines.

A DEEP CHANDRA ACIS SURVEY OF M83

We have obtained a series of deep X-ray images of the nearby galaxy M83 using Chandra, with a total exposure of 729 ks. Combining the new data with earlier archival observations totaling 61 ks, we find 378 point sources within the D25 contour of the galaxy. We find 80 more sources, mostly background active galactic nuclei (AGNs), outside of the D25 contour. Of the X-ray sources, 47 have been detected in a new radio survey of M83 obtained using the Australia Telescope Compact Array. Of the X-ray sources, at least 87 seem likely to be supernova remnants (SNRs), based on a combination of their properties in X-rays and at other wavelengths. We attempt to classify the point source population of M83 through a combination of spectral and temporal analysis. As part of this effort, we carry out an initial spectral analysis of the 29 brightest X-ray sources. The soft X-ray sources in the disk, many of which are SNRs, are associated with the spiral arms, while the harder X-ray sources, mostly X-ray binaries (XRBs), do not appear to be. After eliminating AGNs, foreground stars, and identified SNRs from the sample, we construct the cumulative luminosity function (CLF) of XRBs brighter than 8 × 1035 erg s−1. Despite M83's relatively high star formation rate, the CLF indicates that most of the XRBs in the disk are low mass XRBs.