X-ray Point Sources Research Articles

Transfer learning from an artificial radiograph-landmark dataset for registration of the anatomic skull model to dual fluoroscopic X-ray images

Registration of 3D anatomic structures to their 2D dual fluoroscopic X-ray images is a widely used motion tracking technique. However, deep learning implementation is often impeded by a paucity of medical images and ground truths. In this study, we proposed a transfer learning strategy for 3D-to-2D registration using deep neural networks trained from an artificial dataset. Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) and radiographic skull landmarks were automatically created from craniocervical CT data of a female subject. They were used to train a residual network (ResNet) for landmark detection and a cycle generative adversarial network (GAN) to eliminate the style difference between DRRs and actual X-rays. Landmarks on the X-rays experiencing GAN style translation were detected by the ResNet, and were used in triangulation optimization for 3D-to-2D registration of the skull in actual dual-fluoroscope images (with a non-orthogonal setup, point X-ray sources, image distortions, and partially captured skull regions). The registration accuracy was evaluated in multiple scenarios of craniocervical motions. In walking, learning-based registration for the skull had angular/position errors of 3.9 ± 2.1°/4.6 ± 2.2 mm. However, the accuracy was lower during functional neck activity, due to overly small skull regions imaged on the dual fluoroscopic images at end-range positions. The methodology to strategically augment artificial training data can tackle the complicated skull registration scenario, and has potentials to extend to widespread registration scenarios.

Ultraluminous X-ray sources in seven edge-on spiral galaxies

ABSTRACT We investigate a sample of seven edge-on spiral galaxies using Chandra observations. Edge-on spiral galaxies allow us to clearly separate source associated with their star-forming regions versus the outer edges of the system, offering a clear advantage over other systems. We uncover a number of X-ray point sources across these galaxies, and after eliminating contaminating foreground and background sources, we identify 12 candidate ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs). All of these sources are projected on to the central regions, implying that the majority of ULXs in this sample of spiral galaxies are disc/bulge, and thus not halo sources. This also includes two transient ULXs, which may be long-duration transients and low-mass X-ray binaries. This finding illustrates the need for further studies of transient ULXs.

Discovery of galaxy clusters and a head–tail radio galaxy in the direction of globular cluster NGC 6752

ABSTRACT We report on the discovery of CXOU J191100–595621 and CXOU J191012–595619, two galaxy clusters serendipitously detected in the direction of globular cluster NGC 6752, based on archival Chandra observations with a total exposure time of ∼344 ks. The deep Chandra X-ray data enabled us to measure the properties of both systems. We found a redshift of z = 0.239 ± 0.013 and z = 0.375 ± 0.016, a temperature of $kT=3.32^{+0.57}_{-0.46}$ keV and $kT=3.71^{+1.18}_{-0.86}$ keV, an iron abundance of $Z_{\rm Fe}=0.64^{+0.34}_{-0.29}Z_{\rm Fe\odot }$ and $Z_{\rm Fe}=1.29^{+0.97}_{-0.65}Z_{\rm Fe\odot }$ and a rest-frame full band (0.5–7 keV) luminosity of $L_{\rm X}=9.2^{+1.2}_{-1.1}\times 10^{43} {\rm \, erg\, s^{-1}}$ and $L_{\rm X}=9.9^{+2.7}_{-2.2}\times 10^{43} {\rm \, erg\, s^{-1}}$ for CXOU J191100–595621 and CXOU J191012–595619, respectively. The temperature profile of CXOU J191100–595621 is found to decrease with decreasing radius, indicating a cool core in this cluster. The hydrostatic equilibrium estimation suggests that the clusters are moderately weighted, with $M_{500}=(1.3\pm 0.4)\times 10^{14}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ and $M_{500}=(2.0\pm 1.5)\times 10^{14}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, respectively. We search for optical and radio counterparts of X-ray point sources in the clusters. Three active galactic nuclei are found, among which one is identified with a narrow-angle-tail radio galaxy, and one is found to be associated with the brightest central galaxy of CXOU J191100–595621.

The XMM-SERVS Survey: XMM-Newton Point-source Catalogs for the W-CDF-S and ELAIS-S1 Fields

Abstract We present the X-ray point-source catalogs in two of the XMM-Spitzer Extragalactic Representative Volume Survey (XMM-SERVS) fields, W-CDF-S (4.6 deg2) and ELAIS-S1 (3.2 deg2), aiming to fill the gap between deep pencil-beam X-ray surveys and shallow X-ray surveys over large areas. The W-CDF-S and ELAIS-S1 regions were targeted with 2.3 and 1.0 Ms of XMM-Newton observations, respectively; 1.8 and 0.9 Ms exposures remain after flare filtering. The survey in W-CDF-S has a flux limit of 1.0 × 10−14 erg cm−2 s−1 over 90% of its area in the 0.5–10 keV band; 4053 sources are detected in total. The survey in ELAIS-S1 has a flux limit of 1.3 × 10−14 erg cm−2 s−1 over 90% of its area in the 0.5–10 keV band; 2630 sources are detected in total. Reliable optical-to-IR multiwavelength counterpart candidates are identified for ≈89% of the sources in W-CDF-S and ≈87% of the sources in ELAIS-S1. A total of 3129 sources in W-CDF-S and 1957 sources in ELAIS-S1 are classified as active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We also provide photometric redshifts for X-ray sources; ≈84% of the 3319/2001 sources in W-CDF-S/ELAIS-S1 with optical-to-near-IR forced photometry available have either spectroscopic redshifts or high-quality photometric redshifts. The completion of the XMM-Newton observations in the W-CDF-S and ELAIS-S1 fields marks the end of the XMM-SERVS survey data gathering. The ≈12,000 pointlike X-ray sources detected in the whole ≈13 deg2 XMM-SERVS survey will benefit future large-sample AGN studies.

The Origin of Intergalactic Light in Compact Groups of Galaxies

We investigate the origin of intergalactic light (IGL) in close groups of galaxies. IGL is hypothesized to be the byproduct of interaction and merger within compact groups. Comparing the X-ray point source population in our sample of compact groups that have intergalactic light with compact groups without IGL, we find marginal evidence for a small increase in ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs). There is also a significant bias towards lower luminosity high mass X-ray binaries (HMXRBs). We interpret this as an indication that groups with visible IGL represent a later evolutionary phase than other compact groups. They have galaxies characterized by quenching of star formation (lower star formation rate (SFR) inferred from lower HMXRB luminosity) after stellar material has been removed from the galaxies into the intergalactic medium, which is the source of the IGL. We conclude that the presence of an increased fraction of ULXs is due to past interaction and mergers within groups that have IGL.

Spectrum composition of galactic center X-ray emission with point and diffuse X-ray sources

Abstract This paper reports that the X-ray spectrum from the Galactic Center X-ray Emission (GCXE) is expressed by an assembly of active binaries, non-magnetic cataclysmic variables, magnetic cataclysmic variables (X-ray active stars: XASs), cold matter, and diffuse sources. In the fitting of the limited components of the XASs, the GCXE spectrum exhibits significant excesses with χ2/d.o.f. = 5.67. The excesses are found at the energies of Kα, Heα, Lyα, and the radiative recombination continuum of S, Fe, and Ni. By adding components of the cold matter and the diffuse sources, the GCXE spectrum is nicely reproduced with χ2/d.o.f. = 1.53, which is the first quantitative model for the origin of the GCXE spectrum. The drastic improvement is mainly due to the recombining plasmas in the diffuse sources, which indicate the presence of high-energy activity of Sgr A* in the past of >1000 yr.

Multi-scale Radio and X-Ray Structure of the High-redshift Quasar PMN J0909+0354

Abstract The high-redshift quasar PMN J0909+0354 (z = 3.288) is known to have a parsec-scale compact jet structure, based on global 5 GHz very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations performed in 1992. Its kiloparsec-scale structure was studied with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in the radio and the Chandra space telescope in X-rays. Apart from the north-northwestern jet component seen in both the VLA and Chandra images at 2.″3 separation from the core, there is another X-ray feature at 6.″48 in the northeastern (NE) direction. To uncover more details and possible structural changes in the inner jet, we conducted new observations at 5 GHz using the European VLBI Network in 2019. These data confirm the northward direction of the one-sided inner jet already suspected from the 1992 observations. A compact core and multiple jet components were identified that can be traced up to ∼0.25 kpc projected distance toward the north, where the structure becomes more and more diffuse. A comparison with arcsecond-resolution imaging with the VLA shows that the radio jet bends by ∼30° between the two scales. The direction of the parsec-scale jet as well as the faint optical counterpart found for the newly detected X-ray point source (NE) favors the nature of the latter as being a background or foreground object in the field of view. However, the extended (∼160 kpc) emission around the positions of the quasar core and NE detected by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer in the mid-infrared might suggest a physical interaction of the two objects.

A Chandra and HST View of WISE-selected AGN Candidates in Dwarf Galaxies

Abstract Reliably identifying active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in dwarf galaxies is key to understanding black hole (BH) demographics at low masses and constraining models for BH seed formation. Here we present Chandra X-ray Observatory observations of 11 dwarf galaxies that were chosen as AGN candidates using Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mid-infrared (mid-IR) color–color selection. Hubble Space Telescope images are also presented for 10 of the galaxies. Based on Sloan Digital Sky Survey spectroscopy, six galaxies in our sample have optical evidence for hosting AGNs and five are classified as star-forming. We detect X-ray point sources with luminosities above that expected from X-ray binaries in the nuclei of five of the six galaxies with optical evidence of AGNs. However, the X-ray emission from these AGNs is generally much lower than expected based on AGN scaling relations with infrared and optical tracers. We do not find compelling evidence for AGNs in the five optically-selected star-forming galaxies despite having red mid-IR colors. Only two are detected in X-rays and their properties are consistent with stellar-mass X-ray binaries. Based on this multiwavelength study, we conclude that two-color mid-IR AGN diagnostics at the resolution of WISE cannot be used to reliably select AGNs in optically-star-forming dwarf galaxies. Future observations in the infrared with the James Webb Space Telescope offer a promising path forward.

Hoinga: a supernova remnant discovered in the SRG/eROSITA All-Sky Survey eRASS1

Supernova remnants (SNRs) are observable for about (6−15) × 104yr before they fade into the Galactic interstellar medium. With a Galactic supernova rate of approximately two per century, we can expect to have of the order of 1200 SNRs in our Galaxy. However, only about 300 of them are known to date, with the majority having been discovered in Galactic plane radio surveys. Given that these SNRs represent the brightest tail of the distribution and are mostly located close to the plane, they are not representative of the complete sample. The launch of the Russian-German observatory SRG/eROSITA in July 2019 brought a promising new opportunity to explore the Universe. Here we report findings from the search for new SNRs in the eROSITA all-sky survey data which led to the detection of one of the largest SNRs discovered at wavelengths other than the radio: G249.5+24.5. This source is located at a relatively high Galactic latitude, where SNRs are not usually expected to be found. The remnant, ‘Hoinga’, has a diameter of about 4. °4 and shows a circular shaped morphology with diffuse X-ray emission filling almost the entire remnant. Spectral analysis of the remnant emission reveals that an APEC spectrum from collisionally ionised diffuse gas and a plane-parallel shock plasma model with non-equilibrium ionisation are both able to provide an adequate description of the data, suggesting a gas temperature of the order of kT = 0.1−0.02+0.02keV and an absorbing column density ofNH = 3.6−0.6+0.7 × 1020cm−2. Various X-ray point sources are found to be located within the remnant boundary but none seem to be associated with the remnant itself. Subsequent searches for a radio counterpart of the Hoinga remnant identified its radio emission in archival data from the Continuum HI Parkes All-Sky Survey and the 408-MHz ‘Haslam’ all-sky survey. The radio spectral indexα= −0.69 ± 0.08 obtained from these data definitely confirms the SNR nature of Hoinga. We also analysed INTEGRAL SPI data for fingerprints of44Ti emission, which is an ideal candidate with which to study nucleosynthesis imprinting in young SNRs. Although no44Ti emission from Hoinga was detected, we were able to set a 3σupper flux limit of 9.2 × 10−5ph cm−2s−1. From its size and X-ray and radio spectral properties we conclude that Hoinga is a middle-aged Vela-like SNR located at a distance of about twice that of the Vela SNR, i.e. at ~500 pc.

Enhanced X-Ray Emission from the Most Radio-powerful Quasar in the Universe’s First Billion Years

Abstract We present deep (265 ks) Chandra X-ray observations of PSO J352.4034−15.3373, a quasar at z = 5.831 that, with a radio-to-optical flux ratio of R > 1000, is one of the radio-loudest quasars in the early universe and is the only quasar with observed extended radio jets of kiloparsec scale at z ≳ 6. Modeling the X-ray spectrum of the quasar with a power law, we find a best fit of Γ = 1.99 − 0.28 + 0.29 , leading to an X-ray luminosity of L 2 – 10 = 1.26 − 0.33 + 0.45 × 10 45 erg s − 1 and an X-ray to UV brightness ratio of α OX = −1.45 ± −0.11. We identify a diffuse structure 50 kpc (∼8″) to the NW of the quasar along the jet axis that corresponds to a 3σ enhancement in the angular density of emission and can be ruled out as a background fluctuation with a probability of P = 0.9985. While with few detected photons the spectral fit of the structure is uncertain, we find that it has a luminosity of L 2–10 ∼ 1044 erg s−1. These observations therefore potentially represent the most distant quasar jet yet seen in X-rays. We find no evidence for excess X-ray emission where the previously reported radio jets are seen (which have an overall linear extent of 0.″28), and a bright X-ray point source located along the jet axis to the SE is revealed by optical and NIR imaging to not be associated with the quasar.

AGN Triality of Triple Mergers: Detection of Faint X-Ray Point Sources

Abstract We present results from our X-ray analysis of a systematic search for triple active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in nearby (z < 0.077) triple galaxy mergers. We analyze archival Chandra observations of seven triple galaxy mergers with baymax (Bayesian Analysis of Multiple AGNs in X-rays), fitting each observation with single, dual, and triple X-ray point-source models. In doing so, we conclude that one triple merger has one X-ray point source (SDSS J0858+1822, although it is unlikely to be an AGN), five triple mergers are likely composed of two X-ray point sources (NGC 3341, SDSS J1027+1749, SDSS J1631+2352, SDSS J1708+2153, and SDSS J2356−1016), and one system is composed of three X-ray point sources (SDSS J0849+1114). By fitting the individual X-ray spectra of each point source, we analyze the 2−7 keV luminosities, as well as the levels of obscuration associated with each potential AGN. We find that 4/5 dual X-ray point-source systems have primary and secondary point sources with bright X-ray luminosities (L 2−7kev > 1040 erg s−1), possibly associated with four new undetected dual AGNs. The dual and triple-point-source systems are found to have physical separations between 3 and 9 kpc and flux ratios between 2 × 10−3 and 0.84. A multiwavelength analysis to determine the origin of the X-ray point sources discovered in this work is presented in our companion paper (Foord et al. 2020c).

GAMA/XXL: X-ray point sources in low-luminosity galaxies in the GAMA G02/XXL-N field

ABSTRACT Relatively few X-ray sources are known that have low-mass galaxies as hosts. This is an important restriction on studies of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), hence black holes, and of X-ray binaries (XRBs) in low-mass galaxies; addressing it requires very large samples of both galaxies and X-ray sources. Here, we have matched the X-ray point sources found in the XXL-N field of the XXL survey (with an X-ray flux limit of ∼6 × 10−15 erg s−1 cm−2 in the [0.5–2] keV band) to galaxies with redshifts from the Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) G02 survey field (down to a magnitude limit r = 19.8) in order to search for AGNs and XRBs in GAMA galaxies, particularly those of low optical luminosity or stellar mass (fainter than Mr = −19 or $M_* \lesssim 10^{9.5}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$). Out of a total of 1200 low-mass galaxies in the overlap region, we find a total of 28 potential X-ray source hosts, though this includes possible background contaminants. From a combination of photometry (optical and infrared colours), positional information, and optical spectra, we deduce that most of the ≃20 X-ray sources genuinely in low-mass galaxies are high-mass X-ray binaries in star-forming galaxies. None of the matched sources in a low-mass galaxy has a BPT classification as an AGN, and even ignoring this requirement, none passes both criteria of close match between the X-ray source position and optical galaxy centre (separation ≤3 arcsec) and high [O iii] line luminosity (above 1040.3 erg s−1).

Developing a novel point X-ray source by regulating the formation of a micropinch with an imploding gas-puff plasma

Implosion mediated gas-puff hybrid X-pinch approach can control the timing, size and location of x-ray sources and can be operated repeatedly without manual reloading

The Clusters Hiding in Plain Sight (CHiPS) Survey: CHIPS1911+4455, a Rapidly Cooling Core in a Merging Cluster

Abstract We present high-resolution optical images from the Hubble Space Telescope, X-ray images from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and optical spectra from the Nordic Optical Telescope for a newly discovered galaxy cluster, CHIPS1911+4455, at z = 0.485 ± 0.005. CHIPS1911+4455 was discovered in the Clusters Hiding in Plain Sight survey, which sought to discover galaxy clusters with extreme central galaxies that were misidentified as isolated X-ray point sources in the ROSAT All-Sky Survey. With new Chandra X-ray observations, we find the core (r = 10 kpc) entropy to be , suggesting a strong cool core, which is typically found at the centers of relaxed clusters. However, the large-scale morphology of CHIPS1911+4455 is highly asymmetric, pointing to a more dynamically active and turbulent cluster. Furthermore, the Hubble images reveal a massive, filamentary starburst near the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG). We measure the star formation rate for the BCG to be 140–190 M ⊙ yr−1, which is one of the highest rates measured in a central cluster galaxy to date. One possible scenario for CHIPS1911+4455 is that the cool core was displaced during a major merger and rapidly cooled, with cool, star-forming gas raining back toward the core. This unique system is an excellent case study for high-redshift clusters, where such phenomena are proving to be more common. Further studies of such systems will drastically improve our understanding of the relation between cluster mergers and cooling, and how these fit in the bigger picture of active galactic nuclei feedback.

X-Ray Phase-Contrast Image Reconstruction Based on the Chambolle-Pock Algorithm

The X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging technique requires that the light source provides a spatially coherent X-ray beam typically generated by a microfocus X-ray tube in most laboratories. However, its small focal spot limits the lightness. An arrayed X-ray point source can overcome this drawback and provide an adequately bright spatial coherent light. However, the arrayed source will introduce artefacts to the phase-contrast image due to the point source spatial distribution. To eliminate these artefacts, an optimization-based algorithm is used to reconstruct the image as an optimization problem. An iterative method was developed to numerically solve the optimization problem by using the first-order primal-dual algorithm. The simulations demonstrate its convergence and reconstruction accuracy.

The Metallicity Dependence of the High-mass X-Ray Binary Luminosity Function

Abstract In this work, we present detailed constraints on the metallicity dependence of the high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) X-ray luminosity function (XLF). We analyze ≈5 Ms of Chandra data for 55 actively star-forming galaxies at D ≲ 30 Mpc, with gas-phase metallicities spanning ≈ 7–9.2. Within the galactic footprints, our sample contains a total of 1311 X-ray point sources, of which ≈49% are expected to be HMXBs, with the remaining sources likely to be low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs; ≈22%) and unrelated background sources (≈29%). We construct a model that successfully characterizes the average HMXB XLF over the full metallicity range. We demonstrate that the SFR-normalized HMXB XLF shows clear trends with metallicity, showing steadily increasing numbers of luminous and ultraluminous X-ray sources ( (erg s−1) = 38–40.5) with declining metallicity. However, we find that the low-luminosity ( (erg s−1) = 36–38) HMXB XLF appears to show a nearly constant SFR scaling and slope with metallicity. Our model provides a revised scaling relation of integrated L X/SFR versus , and a new characterization of its SFR-dependent stochastic scatter. The general trend of this relation is broadly consistent with past studies based on integrated galaxy emission; however, our model suggests that this relation is driven primarily by the high-luminosity end of the HMXB XLF. Our results have implications for binary population synthesis models, the nature of super-Eddington accreting objects (e.g., ultraluminous X-ray sources), recent efforts to identify active galactic nucleus candidates in dwarf galaxies, and the X-ray radiation fields in the early universe during the epoch of cosmic heating at z ≳ 10.

Implosion mediated gas-puff hybrid X-pinch

Imploding gas-puff z-pinches are efficient sources of intense x-rays. However, the unpredictable size, number, and location of hot spots along the pinch axis make them unsuitable for applications such as point-projection radiography. Crossed wire or hybrid X-pinches, on the other hand, provide small, localized sources but require fast current rise times and must be reloaded after each pulse. In this Letter, we present the first experimental demonstration of an implosion mediated gas-puff hybrid x-pinch in which an annular gas-puff implosion is shaped and focused onto a pair of conical electrodes separated by a small gap. This setup produces an intense x-ray source with controllable timing that can be operated with or without a central wire. Because the gas-puff implosion time determines the formation of the pinch, this configuration can continue to operate efficiently as a point x-ray source for longer current pulses than conventional x-pinches.

PERIODIC AND SPORADIC VARIATIONS IN THE SPECTRAL FLUX DENSITY OF THE CAS A SUPERNOVA REMNANT

Purpose: Based on the long-term study data in all radio spectrum ranges, the nature of deviations of spectral flux density of the Cas A supernova remnant from the tendency of its secular decrease is considered. The aim of this work is determining the presence of quasiperiodic variations and sporadic changes in the Cas A spectral radiation flux density depending on frequency. Design/methodology/approach: The main database is using the published results obtained with the method of absolute measurements of the Cas A spectral radiation flux density in a wide range from millimeter to decimeter wavelengths, as well as the results obtained with the method of relative measurements of the ratio of the flux densities of the Cas A supernova remnant and radio galaxy Cyg A, this latter being used as a reference source in the meter wavelength range. For making comparison with the aforesaid data obtained with different methods, the results of a long-term monitoring (since 1987) of the variation of the ratio of the spectral flux densities of Cas A and Cyg A made with the URAN-4 radio telescope of the Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine at 25 MHz were used. Findings: As a result of the analysis of the observed data for the Cas A radiation flux density in the entire radio wavelength range, the existence of quasiperiodic variations in the range from millimeter to meter wavelengths within 2 to 9 years has been noted. The reason for the detected quasiperiodic variations can be the processes in the Cas A remnant itself. In the decameter wavelength range, according to monitoring data obtained with the URAN-4 radio telescope, the seasonal-diurnal and long-term variations are noted, being associated with changes in the ionosphere state in the solar activity cycle, with some weak appearance of the secular decrease of the Cas A radiation flux. The presence of sporadic variations in the ratio of the spectral flux densities of Cas A and Cyg A is associated with the effect of the increased solar activity. For explaining the lowering of the Cas A spectral flux density to the Cyg A level and maintaining the excess of the Cas A flux at decameter waves, the quasi-simultaneous observations made with radiotelescopes for different wavelength ranges will be required. Conclusions: The evolution of the Cas A supernova remnant remains the focus of interest of current research efforts. An intriguing moment was the discovery of a point X-ray source in the center of radio source Cas A as a possible supernova remnant. The role of this source in the Cas A radio flux secular decrease and in its variations needs to be clarified. A detailed analysis of the long-term data and making quasi-simultaneous observations will allow to reveal the processes occurring in the radio source itself and to determine the influence of the ionosphere state on the results of measurements. A joint program is suggested for observations of Cas A and Cyg A flux variations with the RT-32 and RT-16 radio telescopes, the LOFAR element of the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (Latvia), and the URAN, UTR-2 and GURT radio telescopes of the Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Key words: Cas A; secular radiation flux decrease; supernova remnant; ionosphere; solar activity

An X-Ray View of Two Infrared Dark Clouds G034.43+00.24 and G035.39−00.33

Abstract We present a high spatial resolution Chandra X-ray study of two infrared dark clouds (IRDCs), G034.43+00.24 and G035.39−00.33, which are expected to be in the early phases of star cluster formation. We detect 112 and 209 valid X-ray point sources toward G034.43+00.24 and G035.39−00.33, respectively. We cross-match the X-ray point sources with the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), Galactic Legacy Infrared Midplane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE), and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) catalogs and find 53% and 59% of the X-ray sources in G034.43+00.24 and in G035.39−00.33 have corresponding infrared counterparts, respectively. These sources are probable members of young massive clusters in formation, and using stellar isochrones we estimate that a population of 1–2 Myr old, intermediate- to high-mass young stellar objects (YSOs) exist in both IRDCs. Two and 10 Class II counterparts to X-ray sources were identified in G034.43+00.24 and in G035.39−00.33, respectively, which are located in or near dark filaments. The X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of G035.39−00.33 implies that the total mass consists of up to ∼1700M ⊙ of stars, using the XLF of the well-studied Orion Nebula Cluster as a calibrator. This corresponds to a star formation efficiency of at most 5%, indicating the system is still very much gas dominated and in an early stage of the star formation process. The population of G034.43+00.24 is less well determined due to the lower sensitivity of its observations.

First detection of stacked X-ray emission from cosmic web filaments

We report the first statistical detection of X-ray emission from cosmic web filaments in ROSAT data. We selected 15 165 filaments at 0.2 < z < 0.6 ranging from 30 Mpc to 100 Mpc in length, identified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey survey. We stacked the X-ray count-rate maps from ROSAT around the filaments, excluding resolved galaxy groups and clusters above the mass of ∼3 × 1013 M⊙as well as the detected X-ray point sources from the ROSAT,Chandra, andXMM-Newtonobservations. The stacked signal results in the detection of the X-ray emission from the cosmic filaments at a significance of 4.2σin the energy band of 0.56−1.21 keV. The signal is interpreted, assuming the Astrophysical Plasma Emission Code model, as an emission from the hot gas in the filament-core regions with an average gas temperature of 0.9−0.6+1.0keV and a gas overdensity ofδ ∼ 30 at the center of the filaments. Furthermore, we show that stacking the SRG/eROSITA data for ∼2000 filaments only would lead to a ≳5σdetection of their X-ray signal, even with an average gas temperature as low as ∼0.3 keV.