Variable X-ray Emission Research Articles

XMM-Newton Perspective of the Unique Magnetic Binary-ϵ Lupi

The ϵ Lupi A (HD 136504) system stands out among magnetic massive binaries as the only short-period binary system in which both components have detectable magnetic fields. The proximity of the magnetospheres of the components leads to magnetospheric interactions, which are revealed as periodic pulses in the radio light curve of this system. In this work, we aim to investigate the magnetospheric interaction phenomenon in the X-ray domain. We observed this system with the XMM-Newton telescope, covering its orbital period. We observe variable X-ray emission with maximum flux near periastron, showing similarity with radio observations. The X-ray spectra show significantly elevated hard X-ray flux during periastron. We attribute the soft X-ray emission to individual magnetospheres, while the hard X-ray emission is explained by magnetospheric interaction, particularly due to magnetic reconnection. However, unlike in the radio, we do not find any significant short-term X-ray bursts. This exotic system may be an ideal target to study magnetospheric interactions in close binaries with organized magnetospheres.

The HYENAS project: a prediction for the X-ray undetected galaxy groups

Abstract Galaxy groups contain the majority of bound mass with a significant portion of baryons due to the combination of halo mass and abundance (Cui 2024). Hence they serve as a crucial missing piece in the puzzle of galaxy formation and the evolution of large-scale structures in the Universe. In observations, mass-complete group catalogues are normally derived from galaxy redshift surveys detected through various three-dimensional group-finding algorithms. Confirming the reality of such groups, particularly in the X-rays, is critical for ensuring robust studies of galaxy evolution in these environments. Recent works have reported numerous optical groups that are X-ray undetected (see, e.g. Popesso et al. 2024), sparking debates regarding the reasons for the unexpectedly low hot gas fraction in galaxy groups. To address this issue, we utilise zoomed-in simulations of galaxy groups from the novel Hyenas project to explore the range of hot gas fractions within galaxy groups and investigate the intrinsic factors behind the observed variability in X-ray emission. We find that the halo formation time can play a critical role – we see that groups in halos that formed earlier exhibit up to an order of magnitude brighter X-ray luminosities compared to those formed later. This suggests that undetected X-ray groups are preferentially late-formed halos and highlights the connection between gas fraction and halo formation time in galaxy groups. Accounting for these biases in galaxy group identification is essential for advancing our understanding of galaxy formation and achieving precision in cosmological studies.

X-Ray and UV Observations of the Contact Binary KIC 9832227

We investigate the X-ray and UV emission from the contact binary star KIC 9832227, which was observed with XMM-Newton for one orbital cycle. The binary is detected with an average X-ray luminosity of 3.4 × 1030 erg s−1. The X-ray emission is restricted to energies below 3 keV and originates from a multitemperature plasma with temperatures up to 1 keV. The X-ray spectrum has at least two distinct components, a cooler, mostly steady component, and a hotter component exhibiting significant variability. The variable X-ray emission appears to originate from a compact flare near the contact region between the two stars that is being eclipsed by the secondary. We analyze the eclipse profile to constrain the location, size, and density of the flaring region. The remaining X-ray emission is not eclipsed and could originate from the polar region on the primary star or an extended corona. The UV emission exhibits the same nearly sinusoidal modulation at half the orbital period that is observed at longer wavelengths. The primary and secondary eclipses have slightly different depths, which is generally attributed to starspot activity. Using simulations of the UV light curve with stellar atmosphere models, we deduce the presence of a starspot near the polar region of the primary, and we determine the time of primary eclipse.

A rare outburst from the stealthy BeXRB system Swift J0549.7−6812

ABSTRACT Swift J0549.7−6812 is a Be/X-ray binary system (BeXRB) in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) exhibiting an ∼6 s pulse period. Like many such systems, the variable X-ray emission is believed to be driven by the underlying behaviour of the mass donor Be star. In this paper, we report on X-ray observations of the brightest known outburst from this system, which reached a luminosity of ∼8 × 1037 erg s−1. These observations are supported by contemporaneous optical photometric observations, the first reported optical spectrum, as well as several years of historical data from Optical Gravitational Lens Explorer (OGLE) and Gaia. The latter strongly suggest a binary period of 46.1 d. All the observational data indicate that Swift J0549.7−6812 is a system that spends the vast majority of its time in X-ray quiescence, or even switched off completely. This suggests that occasional observations may easily miss it, and many similar systems, and thereby underestimate the massive star evolution numbers for the LMC.

SXP 15.6 – an accreting pulsar close to spin equilibrium?

ABSTRACT SXP 15.6 is a recently established Be star X-ray binary system in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). Like many such systems, the variable X-ray emission is driven by the underlying behaviour of the mass donor Be star. It is shown here that the neutron star in this system is exceptionally close to spin equilibrium averaged over several years, with the angular momentum gain from mass transfer being almost exactly balanced by radiative losses. This makes SXP 15.6 exceptional compared to all other known members of its class in the SMC, all of whom exhibit much higher spin period changes. In this paper, we report on X-ray observations of the brightest known outburst from this system. These observations are supported by contemporaneous optical and radio observations, as well as several years of historical data.

Understanding High-Energy (UV and X-ray) Emission from AGB Stars—Episodic Accretion in Binary Systems

X-ray surveys of UV-emitting AGB stars show that ∼40% of objects with FUV emission and GALEX FUV/NUV flux ratio Rfuv/nuv ∼> 0.2 (fuvAGB stars) have variable X-ray emission characterized by very high temperatures (Tx∼35–160 MK) and luminosities (Lx∼0.002–0.2 L⊙), indicating the presence of accretion associated with a close binary companion. However, the UV-emitting AGB star population is dominated by objects with Rfuv/nuv ≲ 0.06 (nuvAGB stars), and we do not know whether the UV emission from these is intrinsic to the AGB star or extrinsic (i.e., due to binarity). In order to help distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic models of the puzzling high-energy emission of cool AGB stars, we report results from two studies—(i) XMM-Newton X-observations of two nuvAGB stars, and (ii) simple chromosphere modeling. In study (i), we detect the one which has the lower FUV/NUV ratio, with a total Lx = 0.00027 L⊙, and a spectrum best fitted with a dominant component at Tx∼10 MK, most likely coronal emission from a main-sequence companion. Therefore, a significant fraction of nuvAGB stars may also be binaries with active, but weak accretion. Study (ii) shows that chromospheres with temperatures of ∼10,000 K can produce Rfuv/nuv≲0.06; higher ratios require hotter gas, implying active accretion.

Competitive X-Ray and Optical Cooling in the Collisionless Shocks of WR 140

Abstract The long-period, highly eccentric Wolf-Rayet star binary system WR 140 has exceptionally well-determined orbital and stellar parameters. Bright, variable X-ray emission is generated in shocks produced by the collision of the winds of the WC7pd+O5.5fc component stars. We discuss the variations in the context of the colliding-wind model using broadband spectrometry from the RXTE, Swift, and NICER observatories obtained over 20 yr and nearly 1000 observations through three consecutive 7.94 yr orbits, including three periastron passages. The X-ray luminosity varies as expected with the inverse of the stellar separation over most of the orbit; departures near periastron are produced when cooling shifts to excess optical emission in C iii λ5696 in particular. We use X-ray absorption to estimate mass-loss rates for both stars and to constrain the system morphology. The absorption maximum coincides closely with the inferior conjunction of the WC star and provides evidence of the ion-reflection mechanism that underlies the formation of collisionless shocks governed by magnetic fields probably generated by the Weibel instability. Comparisons with K-band emission and He i λ10830 absorption show that both are correlated after periastron with the asymmetric X-ray absorption. Dust appears within a few days of periastron, suggesting formation within shocked gas near the stagnation point. The X-ray flares seen in η Car have not occurred in WR 140, suggesting the absence of large-scale wind inhomogeneities. Relatively constant soft emission revealed during the X-ray minimum is probably not from recombining plasma entrained in outflowing shocked gas.

Chandra X-Ray Observations of V830 Tau: A T Tauri Star Hosting an Evanescent Planet

Abstract The radial velocity study by Donati et al. (2016) reported the detection of a close-in giant planet in a 4.93 day orbit around the ∼2 Myr old weak-lined T Tauri star V830 Tau. Because of the stringent timescale constraints that a very young host star like V830 Tau would place on hot-Jupiter formation models and inward-migration mechanisms, independent confirmation of the planet’s existence is needed but so far has not been obtained. We present new Chandra X-ray observations of V830 Tau. The Chandra observations in combination with previous XMM-Newton observations reveal strong, variable X-ray emission with an X-ray luminosity spanning the range log L x = 30.10–30.87 erg s−1. Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating spectra show emission lines formed over a range of plasma temperatures from ∼4 MK (Ne ix) to ∼16 MK (S xv). At the separation of the reported planet (0.057 au) the X-ray flux is ∼106–107 times greater than the Sun’s X-ray flux at Jupiter. We provide estimates of the X-ray ionization and atmospheric heating rates at the planet’s separation and identify areas of uncertainty that will need to be addressed in any future atmospheric models.

Spectro-timing analysis of a highly variable narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4748 with AstroSat and XMM-Newton

We present a detailed timing and spectral study of an extremely variable narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4748 using observations in the year 2017 and 2014 performed with AstroSat and XMM-Newton, respectively. Both observations show extremely variable soft and hard X-ray emission that are correlated with each other. In the 2014 data set, the source retains its general behaviour of “softer when brighter” while the 2017 observation exhibits a “harder when brighter” nature. Such changing behaviour is rare in AGNs and is usually observed in the black hole binary systems. The “harder when brighter” is confirmed with the anti-correlation between the photon index and the 0.3–10 keV power-law flux. This suggests a possible change in the accretion mode from standard to the advection-dominated flow. Additionally, both the observations show soft X-ray excess below 2 keV over the power-law continuum. This excess was fitted with a single or multiple blackbody component(s). The origin of soft excess during the 2017 observation is likely due to the cool Comptonization as the photon index changes with time. On the other hand, the broad iron line and delayed UV emission during the 2014 observation strongly suggest that X-ray illumination onto the accretion disk and reflection and reprocessing play a significant role in this AGN.

RX J0123.4-7321 – the story continues: major circumstellar disc loss and recovery

ABSTRACT RX J0123.4-7321 is a well-established Be star X-ray binary system in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Like many such systems, the variable X-ray emission is driven by the underlying behaviour of the mass donor Be star. Previous work has shown that the optical and X-ray were characterized by regular outbursts at the proposed binary period of 119 d. However, around 2008 February the optical behaviour changed substantially, with the previously regular optical outbursts ending. Reported here are new optical (OGLE) and X-ray (Swift) observations covering the period after 2008 that suggest an almost total circumstellar disc loss followed by a gradual recovery. This indicates the probable transition of a Be star to a B star, and back again. However, at the time of the most recent OGLE data (2020 March) the characteristic periodic outbursts had yet to return to their early state, indicating that the disc still had some re-building yet to complete.

The MAVERIC Survey: New Compact Binaries Revealed by Deep Radio Continuum Observations of the Galactic Globular Cluster Terzan 5

Abstract Owing to its massive, dense core, Terzan 5 has the richest population of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) known among Galactic globular clusters. Here we report new deep 2–8 GHz radio continuum observations of Terzan 5 obtained with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. We have identified a total of 24 sources within the cluster half-light radius, including 17 within the core radius. Nineteen are associated with previously studied MSPs and X-ray binaries. Three of the new radio sources have steep radio spectra and are located within the cluster core, as expected for MSPs. These three sources have hard X-ray photon indices (Γ = 1.3–1.5) and highly variable X-ray emission, suggesting they are binary MSPs belonging to the spider class. For the most X-ray luminous of these sources, the redback spider classification is confirmed by its X-ray light curve, which shows an orbital period of 12.32 hr and double-peaked structure around X-ray maximum. The likely discovery of bright binary MSPs in a well-studied cluster like Terzan 5 highlights how deep radio continuum imaging can complement pulsar search and timing observations in finding probable eclipsing systems. The other new radio source in the core has a flat radio spectrum and is X-ray faint ( erg s−1) with a photon index Γ = 2.1 ± 0.5, consistent with the properties expected for a quiescent stellar-mass black hole X-ray binary.

Accretion-powered Outflows in AGB Stars

AbstractOne of the big challenges for 21st century stellar astrophysics is the impact of binary interactions on stellar evolution. Such interactions are believed to play a key role in the death throes of 1-8 M⊙ stars, as they evolve from the AGB stars into Planetary Nebulae. X-ray surveys of UV-emitting AGB stars show that ∼40% of objects with FUV emission and GALEX FUV/NUV flux ratios ≳0.2 have variable X-ray emission characterized by very high temperatures (Tx∼35-160 MK) and luminosities (Lx∼0.002-0.2L⊙). We hypothesize that such AGB stars have accretion and (accretion-powered) outflows associated with a close binary companion. UV spectroscopy with HST/STIS of our brightest object (Y Gem) shows the presence of infalling and outflowing gas, providing direct kinematic confirmation of this hypothesis. However, the UV-emitting AGB star population is dominated by objects with little or no FUV emission, and we do not know whether the UV emission from these is intrinsic to the AGB star or extrinsic (i.e., due to binarity). Here we present the first results from a large grid of simple chromospheric models to help discriminate between the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of UV emission for AGB stars.

A non-linear mathematical model for the X-ray variability classes of the microquasar GRS 1915+105 – I. Quiescent, spiking states, and quasi-periodic oscillations

ABSTRACT The microquasar GRS 1915+105 is known to exhibit a very variable X-ray emission on different time-scales and patterns. We propose a system of two ordinary differential equations, adapted from the Hindmarsh–Rose model, with two dynamical variables x(t), y(t), and an input constant parameter J0, to which we added a random white noise, whose solutions for the x(t) variable reproduce consistently the X-ray light curves of several variability classes as well as the development of low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO). We show that changing only the value of J0, the system moves from stable to unstable solutions and the resulting light curves reproduce those of the quiescent classes like ϕ and χ, the δ class and the spiking ρ class. Moreover, we found that increasing the values of J0 the system induces high-frequency oscillations that evolve into QPO when it moves into another stable region. This system of differential equations gives then a unified view of the variability of GRS 1915+105 in term of transitions between stable and unstable states driven by a single input function J0. We also present the results of a stability analysis of the equilibrium points and some considerations on the existence of periodic solutions.

AT 2018cow VLBI: no long-lived relativistic outflow

ABSTRACT We report on Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations of the fast and blue optical transient (FBOT), AT 2018cow. At ∼62 Mpc, AT 2018cow is the first relatively nearby FBOT. The nature of AT 2018cow is not clear, although various hypotheses from a tidal disruption event to different kinds of supernovae have been suggested. It had a very fast rise time (3.5 d) and an almost featureless blue spectrum, although high photospheric velocities (40 000 km s−1) were suggested early on. The X-ray luminosity was very high, ∼1.4 × 1043 erg s−1, larger than those of ordinary supernovae (SNe), and more consistent with those of SNe associated with gamma-ray bursts. Variable hard X-ray emission hints at a long-lived ‘central engine.’ It was also fairly radio luminous, with a peak 8.4-GHz spectral luminosity of ∼4 × 1028 erg s−1 Hz−1, allowing us to make VLBI observations at ages between 22 and 287 d. We do not resolve AT 2018cow. Assuming a circularly symmetric source, our observations constrain the average apparent expansion velocity to be ${\lt}0.49\, c$ by t = 98 d (3σ limit). We also constrain the proper motion of AT 2018cow to be ${\lt}0.51\, c$. Since the radio emission generally traces the fastest ejecta, our observations make the presence of a long-lived relativistic jet with a lifetime of more than 1 month very unlikely.

Variable Hard X-Ray Emission from the Central Star of the Eskimo Nebula

Abstract The central star of NGC 2392 shows the hardest X-ray emission among central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe). The recent discovery of a spectroscopic companion with an orbital period of 1.9 days could provide an explanation for its hard X-ray emission, as well as for the collimation of its fast outflow. Here, we analyze the available Chandra and XMM-Newton X-ray observations to determine accurately the spectral and temporal variation properties of the CSPN of NGC 2392. The X-ray emission can be described by an absorbed thermal plasma model with temperature MK and X-ray luminosity (8.7 ± 1.0) × 1030 erg s−1. No long-term variability is detected in the X-ray emission level, but the Chandra light curve is suggestive of short-term variations with a period ∼0.26 days. The possible origins of this X-ray emission are discussed. X-ray emission from the coronal activity of a companion or shocks in the stellar wind can be ruled out. Accretion of material from an unseen main-sequence companion onto the CSPN or from the CSPN wind onto a white dwarf companion are the most plausible origins for its hard X-ray emission, although the mismatch between the rotational period of the CSPN and the modulation timescale of the X-ray emission seems to preclude the former possibility.

Soft and hard X-ray dips in the light curves of γ Cassiopeiae

ABSTRACT The available six archival XMM–Newton observations of the anomalous X-ray emitter γ Cas (B0.5 IVe) have been surveyed for the presence of soft X-ray ‘dips’ in X-ray light curves. In addition to discovering such events in the soft band (≤2 keV), we show that sometimes they are accompanied by minor, nearly simultaneous dips in the hard X-ray band. Herein, we investigate how these occurrences can be understood in the ‘magnetic star–disc interaction’ hypothesis proposed in the literature to explain the hard, variable X-ray emission of this Be star. In this scenario, the soft X-ray dips are interpreted as transits by comparatively dense, soft X-ray-absorbing blobs that move across the lines of sight to the surface of the Be star. We find that these blobs have similar properties as the ‘cloudlets’ responsible for migrating subfeatures in UV and optical spectral lines and therefore may be part of a common distribution of co-rotating occulters. The frequencies, amplitudes, and longevities of these dips vary widely. Additionally, the most recent spectra from 2014 July suggest that the ‘warm’ (kT ≈ 0.6–4 keV) plasma sources responsible for some of the soft flux are much more widely spread over the Be star’s surface than the hot plasma sites that dominate the flux at all X-ray energies. We finally call attention to a sudden drop in all X-ray energies of the 2014 light curve of γ Cas and a similar sudden drop in a light curve of the ‘analog’ HD 110432. We speculate that these could be related to appearances of particularly strong soft X-ray dips several hours earlier.

Imprints of r-process heating on fall-back accretion: distinguishing black hole–neutron star from double neutron star mergers

ABSTRACT Mergers of compact binaries containing two neutron stars (NS–NS), or a neutron star and a stellar mass black hole (NS–BH), are likely progenitors of short-duration gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs). A fraction ${\gtrsim } 20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of SGRBs is followed by temporally extended (≳minute-long), variable X-ray emission, attributed to ongoing activity of the central engine. One source of late-time engine activity is fall-back accretion of bound tidal ejecta; however, observed extended emission light curves do not track the naively anticipated, uninterrupted t−5/3 power-law decay, instead showing a lull or gap in emission typically lasting tens of seconds after the burst. Here, we re-examine the impact of heating due to rapid neutron capture (r-process) nucleosynthesis on the rate of the fall-back accretion, using ejecta properties extracted from numerical relativity simulations of NS–BH mergers. Heating by the r-process has its greatest impact on marginally bound matter, hence its relevance to late-time fall-back. Depending on the electron fraction of the ejecta and the mass of the remnant black hole, r-process heating can imprint a range of fall-back behaviour, ranging from temporal gaps of up to tens of seconds to complete late-time cut-off in the accretion rate. This behaviour is robust to realistic variations in the nuclear heating experienced by different parts of the ejecta. Central black holes with masses ${\lesssim } 3\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ typically experience absolute cut-offs in the fall-back rate, while more massive ${\gtrsim } 6\!-\!8\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ black holes instead show temporal gaps. We thus propose that SGRBs showing extended X-ray emission arise from NS–BH, rather than NS–NS, mergers. Our model implies an NS–BH merger detection rate by LIGO that, in steady state, is comparable to or greater than that of NS–NS mergers.

An Intrinsic Link between Long-term UV/Optical Variations and X-Ray Loudness in Quasars

Abstract Observations have shown that the UV/optical variation amplitude of quasars depends on several physical parameters including luminosity, Eddington ratio, and possibly black hole mass. Identifying new factors which correlate with the variation is essential to probing the underlying physical processes. Combining around 10 years of quasar light curves from SDSS stripe 82 and X-ray data from Stripe 82X, we build a sample of X-ray-detected quasars to investigate the relation between UV/optical variation amplitude ( ) and X-ray loudness. We find that quasars with more intense X-ray radiation (compared to bolometric luminosity) are more variable in the UV/optical. This correlation remains highly significant after excluding the effect of other parameters including luminosity, black hole mass, Eddington ratio, redshift, and rest frame wavelength (i.e., through partial correlation analyses). We further find that the intrinsic link between X-ray loudness and UV/optical variation is gradually more prominent on longer timescales (up to 10 yr in the observed frame), but tends to disappear at timescales <100 days. This suggests a slow and long-term underlying physical process. The X-ray reprocessing paradigm, in which the UV/optical variation is produced by variable central X-ray emission illuminating the accretion disk, is thus disfavored. This discovery points to an interesting scenario in which both the X-ray coronal heating and UV/optical variation in quasars are closely associated with magnetic disc turbulence, and the innermost disc turbulence (where coronal heating occurs) correlates with slow turbulence at larger radii (where UV/optical emission is produced).

Electron and Proton Acceleration in Trans-relativistic Magnetic Reconnection: Dependence on Plasma Beta and Magnetization

Abstract Nonthermal electron acceleration via magnetic reconnection is thought to play an important role in powering the variable X-ray emission from radiatively inefficient accretion flows around black holes. The trans-relativistic regime of magnetic reconnection—where the magnetization σ, defined as the ratio of magnetic energy density to enthalpy density, is ∼1—is frequently encountered in such flows. By means of a large suite of two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we investigate electron and proton acceleration in the trans-relativistic regime. We focus on the dependence of the electron energy spectrum on σ and the proton β (the ratio of proton thermal pressure to magnetic pressure). We find that the electron spectrum in the reconnection region is nonthermal and can be modeled as a power law. At low β, the slope, p, is independent of β and hardens with increasing σ as p ≃ 1.8 + 0.7 / σ . Electrons are primarily accelerated by the nonideal electric field at X-points, either in the initial current layer or in current sheets generated between merging magnetic islands. At higher values of β, the electron power law steepens, and the electron spectrum eventually approaches a Maxwellian distribution for all values of σ. At values of β near β max ≈ 1/4σ, when both electrons and protons are relativistically hot prior to reconnection, the spectra of both species display an additional component at high energies, containing a few percent of particles. These particles are accelerated via a Fermi-like process by bouncing between the reconnection outflow and a stationary magnetic island

Binarity and Accretion in AGB Stars: HST/STIS Observations of UV Flickering in Y Gem.

Binarity is believed to dramatically affect the history and geometry of mass loss in AGB and post-AGB stars, but observational evidence of binarity is sorely lacking. As part of a project to search for hot binary companions to cool AGB stars using the GALEX archive, we discovered a late-M star, Y Gem, to be a source of strong and variable UV and X-ray emission. Here we report UV spectroscopic observations of Y Gem obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope that show strong flickering in the UV continuum on time-scales of ≲ 20 s, characteristic of an active accretion disk. Several UV lines with P-Cygni-type profiles from species such as Si IV and C IV are also observed, with emission and absorption features that are red- and blue-shifted by velocities of ~500 km s-1 from the systemic velocity. Our model for these (and previous) observations is that material from the primary star is gravitationally captured by a companion, producing a hot accretion disk. The latter powers a fast outflow that produces blue-shifted features due to absorption of UV continuum emited by the disk, whereas the red-shifted emission features arise in heated infalling material from the primary. The outflow velocities support a previous inference by Sahai et al. (2015) that Y Gem's companion is a low-mass main-sequence star. Blackbody fitting of the UV continuum implies an accretion luminosity of about 13 L⊙, and thus a mass-accretion rate > 5 × 10-7M⊙ yr-1; we infer that Roche lobe overflow is the most likely binary accretion mode for Y Gem.