XMM-Newton Data Research Articles

Evidence for radio and X-ray auroral emissions from the magnetic B-type star ρ Oph A

Abstract We present new ATCA multiwavelength radio measurements (range 2.1–21.2 GHz) of the early-type magnetic star ρ Oph A, performed in 2019 March during three different observing sessions. These new ATCA observations evidence a clear rotational modulation of the stellar radio emission and the detection of coherent auroral radio emission from ρ Oph A at 2.1 GHz. We collected high-resolution optical spectra of ρ Oph A acquired by several instruments over a time span of about 10 yr. We also report new magnetic field measurements of ρ Oph A that, together with the radio light curves and the temporal variation of the equivalent width of the He i line (λ = 5015 Å), were used to constrain the rotation period and the stellar magnetic field geometry. The above results have been used to model the stellar radio emission, modelling that allowed us to constrain the physical condition of ρ Oph A’s magnetosphere. Past XMM–Newton measurements showed periodic X-ray pulses from ρ Oph A. We correlate the X-ray light curve with the magnetic field geometry of ρ Oph A. The already published XMM–Newton data have been re-analysed showing that the X-ray spectra of ρ Oph A are compatible with the presence of a non-thermal X-ray component. We discuss a scenario where the emission phenomena occurring at the extremes of the electromagnetic spectrum, radio and X-ray, are directly induced by the same plasma process. We interpret the observed X-ray and radio features of ρ Oph A as having an auroral origin.

Deep XMM-Newton Observations Reveal the Origin of Recombining Plasma in the Supernova Remnant W44

Abstract Recent X-ray studies have revealed overionized recombining plasmas in a dozen mixed-morphology (MM) supernova remnants (SNRs). However, the physical process of the overionization has not yet been fully understood. Here we report on spatially resolved spectroscopy of X-ray emission from W44, one of the overionized MM SNRs, using XMM-Newton data from deep observations, with the aim of clarifying the physical origin of the overionization. We find that combination of low electron temperature and low recombination timescale is achieved in the region interacting with dense molecular clouds. Moreover, a clear anticorrelation between the electron temperature and the recombination timescale is obtained from each of the regions with and without the molecular clouds. The results are well explained if the plasma was overionized by rapid cooling through thermal conduction with the dense clouds hit by the blast wave of W44. Given that a few other overionized SNRs show evidence for adiabatic expansion as the major driver of the rapid cooling, our new result indicates that both processes can contribute to overionization in SNRs, with the dominant channel depending on the evolutionary stage.

Incoherent fast variability of X-ray obscurers

Context. Obscuration events caused by outflowing clumps or streams of high column density and low ionised gas, shown to absorb the X-ray continuum heavily, have been witnessed across a number of Seyfert galaxies. Aims. We report on the X-ray spectral-timing analysis of the December 2016 obscuration event in NGC 3783, which was aimed at probing variability of the X-ray obscurer on the shortest possible timescales. The main goals of this study are to obtain independent constraints on the density and, ultimately on the distance of the obscuring gas, as well as to characterise the impact of variable obscuration on the observed X-ray spectral-timing characteristics of Seyfert galaxies. Methods. We carried out a comparative analysis of NGC 3783 during unobscured (using archival 2000–2001 XMM-Newton data) and obscured states (using XMM-Newton and NuSTAR data from the 2016 observational campaign). The analysed timescales range between ten hours and about one hour. This study was then generalised to discuss the signatures of variable obscuration in the X-ray spectral-timing characteristics of Seyfert galaxies as a function of the physical properties of the obscuring gas. Results. The X-ray obscurer in NGC 3783 is found to vary on timescales between about one hour to ten hours. This variability is incoherent with respect to the variations of the X-ray continuum. A fast response (on timescales shorter than about 1.5 ks) of the ionisation state of the obscuring gas to the short timescale variability of the primary X-ray continuum provides a satisfactory interpretation of all the observed X-ray spectral-timing properties. This study enabled us to put independent constraints on the density and location of the obscuring gas. We found the gas to have a density of ne > 7.1 × 107 cm−3, which is consistent with a location in the broad line region.

EXTraS discovery of an X-ray superflare from an L dwarf

We present the first detection of an X-ray flare from an ultracool dwarf of spectral class L. The event was identified in the EXTraS database of XMM-Newton variable sources, and its optical counterpart, J0331−27, was found through a cross-match with the Dark Energy Survey Year 3 release. Next to an earlier four-photon detection of Kelu-1, J0331−27 is only the second L dwarf detected in X-rays, and much more distant than other ultracool dwarfs with X-ray detections (photometric distance of 240 pc). From an optical spectrum with the VIMOS instrument at the VLT, we determine the spectral type of J0331−27 to be L1. The X-ray flare has an energy of EX, F ∼ 2 × 1033 erg, placing it in the regime of superflares. No quiescent emission is detected, and from 2.5 Ms of XMM-Newton data we derive an upper limit of LX, qui < 1027 erg s−1. The flare peak luminosity (LX, peak = 6.3 × 1029 erg s−1), flare duration (τdecay ≈ 2400 s), and plasma temperature (≈16 MK) are similar to values observed in X-ray flares of M dwarfs. This shows that strong magnetic reconnection events and the ensuing plasma heating are still present even in objects with photospheres as cool as ∼2100 K. However, the absence of any other flares above the detection threshold of EX, F ∼ 2.5 × 1032 erg in a total of ∼2.5 Ms of X-ray data yields a flare energy number distribution inconsistent with the canonical power law dN/dE ∼ E−2, suggesting that magnetic energy release in J0331−27 – and possibly in all L dwarfs – takes place predominantly in the form of giant flares.

Two Quasi-periodic Oscillations in ESO 113-G010

In the narrow-line Seyfert galaxy (NLS1) ESO 113-G010, two quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) signals are detected in the XMM-Newton data collected in 2005 November. The XMM-Newton telescope has an exposure longer than 100ks in the energy range of 0.3–10 keV. The data are analyzed using the Lomb-Scargle periodogram (LSP) and the weighted wavelet Z-transform (WWZ) methods. It is found that there are ∼2.24 hour and ∼4.09 hour QPOs in the observation with the confidence levels of 7.3σ and 4.8σ, respectively. The two QPO signals have a relationship of approximately 1:2 (1:1.83). The absence of QPO in another observation of the object suggests that it is a transient phenomenon. The relationship between the mass of the ESO 113-G010 central black hole (BH) MBH and its frequency fQPO satisfies the known logarithmic linear relation in highly accreting BH systems, from stellar-mass BHs to supermassive BHs. The energy spectrum analysis reveals that the source has a soft X-ray excess below 1 keV.

NICER X-Ray Observations of Seven Nearby Rotation-powered Millisecond Pulsars

Abstract The Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer observed several rotation-powered millisecond pulsars (MSPs) to search for or confirm the presence of X-ray pulsations. When broad and sine-like, these pulsations may indicate thermal emission from hot polar caps at the magnetic poles on the neutron star surface. We report confident detections (≥4.7σ after background filtering) of X-ray pulsations for five of the seven pulsars in our target sample: PSR J0614−3329, PSR J0636+5129, PSR J0751+1807, PSR J1012+5307, and PSR J2241−5236, while PSR J1552+5437 and PSR J1744−1134 remain undetected. Of those, only PSR J0751+1807 and PSR J1012+5307 had pulsations previously detected at the 1.7σ and almost 3σ confidence levels, respectively, in XMM-Newton data. All detected sources exhibit broad sine-like pulses, which are indicative of surface thermal radiation. As such, these MSPs are promising targets for future X-ray observations aimed at constraining the neutron star mass–radius relation and the dense matter equation of state using detailed pulse profile modeling. Furthermore, we find that three of the detected MSPs exhibit a significant phase offset between their X-ray and radio pulses.

X-ray properties of high-richness CAMIRA clusters in the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program field

Abstract We present the first results of a pilot X-ray study of 37 rich galaxy clusters at 0.1 < z < 1.1 in the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program field. Diffuse X-ray emissions from these clusters were serendipitously detected in the XMM-Newton fields of view. We systematically analyze X-ray images of 37 clusters and emission spectra of a subsample of 17 clusters with high photon statistics by using the XMM-Newton archive data. The frequency distribution of the offset between the X-ray centroid or peak and the position of the brightest cluster galaxy was derived for the optical cluster sample. The fraction of relaxed clusters estimated from the X-ray peak offsets in 17 clusters is 29 ± 11(±13)%, which is smaller than that of the X-ray cluster samples such as HIFLUGCS. Since the optical cluster search is immune to the physical state of X-ray-emitting gas, it is likely to cover a larger range of the cluster morphology. We also derive the luminosity–temperature relation and found that the slope is marginally shallower than those of X-ray-selected samples and consistent with the self-similar model prediction of 2. Accordingly, our results show that the X-ray properties of the optical clusters are marginally different from those observed in the X-ray samples. The implication of the results and future prospects are briefly discussed.

Similar shot profile morphology of fast variability in a cataclysmic variable, X-ray binary, and blazar: The MV Lyrae case

Context. The cataclysmic variable MV Lyr has been found to be present in the Kepler field, yielding a light curve with the duration of almost 1500 days with 60 s cadence. Such high quality data of this nova-like system with obvious fast optical variability reveal multi-component power density spectra, as shown by previous works. Aims. Our goal is to study the light curve from a different point of view and perform a shot profile analysis. We search for characteristics that have not been discovered with standard methods based on power density spectrum. Methods. The shot profile method identifies individual shots in the light curve and averages these shots to reveal all substructures with typical timescales. We also tested the robustness of our analysis using a simple shot noise model. Although the principle of this method is not completely physically correct, we used it as a purely phenomenological approach. Results. We obtain mean profiles with multi-component features. The shot profile method distinguishes substructures with similar timescales which appear as a single degenerate feature in power density spectra. Furthermore, this method yields the identification of another high frequency component in the power density spectra of Kepler and XMM-Newton data that have not been detected so far. Moreover, we found side lobes accompanied with the central spike, making the profile very similar to the Kepler data of blazar W2R 1926+42 and the Ginga data of Cyg X-1. All three objects show similar timescale ratios of the rising versus declining part of the central spikes, while the two binaries also have similar rising profiles of the shots described by a power-law function. Conclusions. The similarity of both binary shot profiles suggests that the shots originate from the same origin, namely, aperiodic mass accretion in the accretion disc. Moreover, the similarity with the blazar may imply that the ejection fluctuations in the blazar jet are connected to accretion fluctuations driving the variability in binaries. This points out the connection between the jet and the accretion disc.

First Hard X-Ray Observation of a Compact Symmetric Object: A Broadband X-Ray Study of a Radio Galaxy OQ+208 with NuSTAR and Chandra

Abstract Compact symmetric objects (CSOs) have been observed with Chandra and XMM-Newton to gain insights into the initial stages of a radio source evolution and to probe the black hole activity at the time of relativistic outflow formation. However, there have been no CSO observations to date at the hard X-ray energies (>10 keV), impeding our ability to robustly constrain the properties of the intrinsic X-ray emission and of the medium surrounding the young expanding jets. We present the first hard X-ray observation of a CSO performed with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR). Our target, OQ +208, is detected up to 30 keV, and thus we establish CSOs as a new class of the NuSTAR sources. We analyze the NuSTAR data jointly with our new Chandra and archival XMM-Newton data and find that a young (∼250 yr old) radio jet spanning the length of 10 pc coexists with cold obscuring matter, consistent with a dusty torus, with an equivalent hydrogen column density of N H = 1023–1024 cm−2. The primary X-ray emission is characterized by a photon index of Γ ∼ 1.45 and an intrinsic 0.5–30 keV luminosity of L ≃ 1043 erg s−1. The results of our spectral modeling and broad-line optical classification of the source suggest a porous structure of the obscuring torus. Alternatively, the source may belong to the class of optically unobscured/X-ray-obscured active galactic nucleus. The observed X-ray emission is too weak compared to that predicted by the expanding radio lobes model, leaving an accretion disk corona or jets as the possible origins of the X-ray emission from this young radio galaxy.

Multi-wavelength variability of the young solar analog ι Horologii

Context. Chromospheric activity cycles are common in late-type stars; however, only a handful of coronal activity cycles have been discovered. ι Hor is the most active and youngest star with known coronal cycles. It is also a young solar analog, and we are likely facing the earliest cycles in the evolution of solar-like stars, at an age (~600 Myr) when life appeared on Earth. Aims. Our aim is to confirm the ~1.6 yr coronal cycle and characterize its stability over time. We use X-ray observations of ι Hor to study the corona of a star representing the solar past through variability, thermal structure, and coronal abundances. Methods. We analyzed multi-wavelength observations of ι Hor using XMM-Newton, TESS, and HST data. We monitored ι Hor throughout almost seven years in X-rays and in two UV bands. The summed RGS and STIS spectra were used for a detailed thermal structure model, and the determination of coronal abundances. We studied rotation and flares in the TESS light curve. Results. We find a stable coronal cycle along four complete periods, more than covered in the Sun. There is no evidence for a second longer X-ray cycle. Coronal abundances are consistent with photospheric values, discarding any effects related to the first ionization potential. From the TESS light curve we derived the first photometric measurement of the rotation period (8.2 d). No flares were detected in the TESS light curve of ι Hor. We estimate the probability of having detected zero flares with TESS to be ~2%. Conclusions. We corroborate the presence of an activity cycle of ~1.6 yr in ι Hor in X-rays, more regular than its Ca II H&K counterpart. A decoupling of the activity between the northern and southern hemispheres of the star might explain the disagreement. The inclination of the system would result in an irregular behavior in the chromospheric indicators. The more extended coronal material would be less sensitive to this effect.

Compton-thick AGNs in the NuSTAR Era. V. Joint NuSTAR and XMM-Newton Spectral Analysis of Three “Soft-gamma” Candidate CT-AGNs in the Swift/BAT 100-month Catalog

Abstract We present the joint NuSTAR and XMM-Newton spectral analysis in the 0.6–70 keV band of three candidate Compton-thick (CT-) active galactic nuclei (AGNs) selected in the 100-month Swift-BAT catalog. These objects were previously classified as CT-AGNs based on low-quality Swift-X-ray Telescope (XRT) and Swift-Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) data, and had soft photon indices (Γ > 2.2) that suggested a potential overestimation of the line-of-sight column density (N H,LOS). Thanks to the high-quality NuSTAR and XMM-Newton data we were able to determine that in all three objects the photon index was significantly overestimated, and two out of three sources are reclassified from CT to Compton thin, confirming a previously observed trend, i.e., that a significant fraction of BAT-selected, candidate CT-AGNs with poor soft X-ray data are reclassified as Compton thin when the NuSTAR data are added to the fit. Finally, thanks to both the good XMM-Newton spatial resolution and the high NuSTAR and XMM-Newton spectral quality, we found that the third object in our sample was associated to the wrong counterpart: the correct one, 2MASX J10331570+5252182, has redshift z = 0.14036, which makes it one of the very few candidate CT-AGNs in the 100 months BAT catalog detected at z > 0.1, and a rare CT quasar.

X-ray properties of dwarf nova EY Cyg and the companion star using an XMM-Newton observation

We present the X-ray analysis of dwarf nova EY Cyg using the 45 ks XMM-Newton observatory archival data obtained in quiescence. We find orbital modulations in X-rays. We simultaneously fitted EPIC pn, MOS1 and MOS2 data using a model for interstellar medium absorption (tbabs) and a multi-temperature plasma emission model with a power-law distribution of temperatures (CEVMKL) as expected from low accretion rate quiescent dwarf novae. The XMM-Newton EPIC spectra of the source yields a maximum temperature kTmax∼14.9-2.2+3.3 keV with an unabsorbed X-ray flux and luminosity of (1.8–2.0) ×10-12 ergs−1 cm−1 and (8.7–9.7) ×1031 ergs−1, respectively, in the energy range 0.1–50 keV. There is 3–4 sigma excess at energies below 0.5 keV, we model the excess using MEKAL, POWERLAW and BBODY models and favor the model MEKAL which is physical. According to previous studies, the secondary in this system is thought to be a K-type star which may radiate in the soft X-ray region. The fit with an additive MEKAL model gives a temperature of kT ∼ 0.1 keV with an unabsorbed X-ray flux and luminosity of (2.7–8.8) ×10-14 ergs−1 cm−1 and (1.3–4.2) ×1030 ergs−1, respectively, for the companion star. Based on the results from the timing and spectral analysis, we highly suggest that the secondary of EY Cyg is a K-type star.

X-ray emission in the enigmatic CVSO 30 system

CVSO 30 is a young, active, weak-line T Tauri star; it possibly hosts the only known planetary system with both a transiting hot-Jupiter and a cold-Jupiter candidate (CVSO 30 b and CVSO 30 c). We analyzed archival ROSAT, Chandra, and XMM-Newton data to study the coronal emission in the system. According to our modeling, CVSO 30 shows a quiescent X-ray luminosity of ≈8 × 1029 erg s−1. The X-ray absorbing column is consistent with interstellar absorption. XMM-Newton observed a flare, during which a transit of the candidate CVSO 30 b was expected, but no significant transit-induced variation in the X-ray flux is detectable. While the hot-Jupiter candidate CVSO 30 b has continuously been undergoing mass loss powered by the high-energy irradiation, we conclude that its evaporation lifetime is considerably longer than the estimated stellar age of 2.6 Myr.

A NuSTAR and XMM-Newton Study of the Two Most Actively Star-forming Green Pea Galaxies (SDSS J0749+3337 and SDSS J0822+2241)

Abstract We explore X-ray evidence for the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the two most actively star-forming Green Pea galaxies (GPs), SDSS J0749+3337 and SDSS J0822+2241, which have star formation rates (SFRs) of 123 M ⊙ yr−1 and 78 M ⊙ yr−1, respectively. The GPs have red mid-infrared (MIR) spectral energy distributions and higher 22 μm luminosities than expected from a proxy of the SFR (Hα luminosity), consistent with hosting AGNs with 2–10 keV luminosities of ∼1044 erg s−1. We thus obtain and analyze the first hard (>10 keV) X-ray data observed with NuSTAR and archival XMM-Newton data below 10 keV. From the NuSTAR ≈20 ks data, however, we find no significant hard X-ray emission. By contrast, soft X-ray emission with 0.5–8 keV luminosities of ≈1042 erg s−1 is significantly detected in both targets, which can be explained only by star formation (SF). A possible reason for the lack of clear evidence is that a putative AGN torus absorbs most of the X-ray emission. Applying a smooth-density AGN torus model, we determine minimum hydrogen column densities along the equatorial plane ( ) consistent with the nondetection. The results indicate cm−2 for SDSS J0749+3337 and cm−2 for SDSS J0822+2241. Therefore, the GPs may host such heavily obscured AGNs. Otherwise, no AGN exists and the MIR emission is ascribed to SF. Active SF in low-mass galaxies is indeed suggested to reproduce red MIR colors. This would imply that diagnostics based on MIR photometry data alone may misidentify such galaxies as AGNs.

LOFAR Discovery of a Radio Halo in the High-redshift Galaxy Cluster PSZ2 G099.86+58.45

Abstract In this Letter, we report the discovery of a radio halo in the high-redshift galaxy cluster PSZ2 G099.86+58.45 (z = 0.616) with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) at 120–168 MHz. This is one of the most distant radio halos discovered so far. The diffuse emission extends over ∼1 Mpc and has a morphology similar to that of the X-ray emission as revealed by XMM-Newton data. The halo is very faint at higher frequencies and is barely detected by follow-up 1–2 GHz Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array observations, which enable us to constrain the radio spectral index to be α ≲ 1.5–1.6, i.e., with properties between canonical and ultra-steep spectrum radio halos. Radio halos are currently explained as synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons that are re-accelerated in the intracluster medium by turbulence driven by energetic mergers. We show that in such a framework radio halos are expected to be relatively common at ∼150 MHz (∼30%–60%) in clusters with mass and redshift similar to PSZ2 G099.86+58.45; however, at least two-thirds of these radio halos should have a steep spectrum and thus be very faint above ∼1 GHz frequencies. Furthermore, because the luminosity of radio halos at high redshift depends strongly on the magnetic field strength in the hosting clusters, future LOFAR observations will also provide vital information on the origin and amplification of magnetic fields in galaxy clusters.

Progenitors and explosion properties of supernova remnants hosting central compact objects: I. RCW 103 associated with the peculiar source 1E 161348−5055

ABSTRACT We present a Chandra and XMM–Newton imaging and spectroscopic study of the supernova remnant (SNR) RCW 103 (G332.4−00.4) containing the central compact object 1E 161348−5055. The high-resolution Chandra X-ray images reveal enhanced emission in the south-eastern and north-western regions. Equivalent width line images of Fe L, Mg, Si, and S using XMM–Newton data were used to map the distribution of ejecta. The SNR was sectioned into 56 regions best characterized by two-component thermal models. The harder component (kT ∼ 0.6 keV) is adequately fitted by the VPSHOCK non-equilibrium ionization model with an ionization time-scale net ∼ 1011–1012 cm−3 s, and slightly enhanced abundances over solar values. The soft component (kT ∼ 0.2 keV), fitted by the APEC model, is well described by plasma in collisional ionization equilibrium with abundances consistent with solar values. Assuming a distance of 3.1 kpc and a Sedov phase of expansion into a uniform medium, we estimate an SNR age of 4.4 kyr, a swept-up mass Msw = 16$f_\mathrm{ s}^{-1/2}$ D$_{3.1}^{5/2}$ M⊙, and a low explosion energy E* = 3.7 × 1049 $f_\mathrm{ s}^{-1/2}$ D$_{3.1}^{5/2}$ erg. This energy could be an order of magnitude higher if we relax the Sedov assumption, the plasma has a low filling factor, the plasma temperature is underestimated, or if the SNR is expanding into the progenitor’s wind-blown bubble. Standard explosion models did not match the ejecta yields. By comparing the fitted abundances to the most recent core-collapse nucleosynthesis models, our best estimate yields a low-mass progenitor of around 12–13 M⊙, lower than previously reported. We discuss degeneracies in the model fitting, particularly the effect of altering the explosion energy on the progenitor mass estimate.

Spectral Properties of Heavily Obscured Seyfert Galaxies from the INTEGRAL All-Sky Survey

We have investigated the X-ray spectral properties of the ten heavily obscured nearby (z < 0.1) active galactic nuclei (AGNs) IGR J00256+6821, NGC 1194, CGCG 420−015, IGR J09253+6929, NGC 3281, NGC 4939, IGR J14175−4641, NGC 5643, NGC 5728, and ESO 137−G034 from the catalogue of hard X-ray sources detected during the INTEGRAL seven-year all-sky survey. Based on data from the NuSTAR space telescope supplemented with XMM-Newton and Chandra data at low energies, we have estimated the intrinsic absorption column densities, photon indices, and intrinsic luminosities of these AGNs. In three objects (NGC 5643, NGC 3281, and ESO 137−G034) the absorption column density (NH) exceeds 2 × 1024 cm−2, while the observed spectrum is dominated by the emission from the central source scattered in the surrounding gas-dust torus. In five objects (IGR J00256+6821, IGR J14175−4641, CGCG 420−015, NGC 1194, and NGC 5728) NH = 1−2 × 1024 cm−2, while the emissions transmitted through the torus and reflected from it make comparable contributions to the recorded X-ray flux. Two more sources (IGR J09253+6929 and NGC 4939) manifested themselves as Compton-thin (NH < 5 × 1023 cm−2) AGNs during the NuSTAR observations. The intrinsic luminosities of the investigated AGNs exceed the observed ones by up to a factor of 7. Given the results obtained now for almost the entire sample of AGNs from the catalogue of the INTEGRAL seven-year all-sky survey, there are reliable absorption column density and intrinsic luminosity estimates, which make it one of the best samples for investigating the population of AGNs in the local Universe.

X-ray activity from different types of stars

X-ray emission is an important indicator of stellar activity. In this paper, we study stellar X-ray activity using the XMM-Newton and LAMOST data for different types of stars. We provide a sample including 1259 X-ray-emitting stars, of which 1090 have accurate stellar parameter estimations. Our sample size is much larger than those used in previous works. We find a bimodal distribution of the X-ray to optical flux ratio (log(fX/fV)) for G and K stars. We interpret that this bimodality is due to two subpopulations with different coronal heating rates. Furthermore, using the full widths at half maxima calculated from Hα and Hβ lines, we show that these stars in the inactive peaks have smaller rotational velocities. This is consistent with the magnetic dynamo theory that presumes stars with low rotational velocities have low levels of stellar activity. We also examine the correlation between log(fX/fV) and luminosity of the excess emission in the Hα line, and find a tight relation between the coronal and chromospheric activity indicators.

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 &gt; 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 (&gt; 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.

Thermal X-ray emission identified from the millisecond pulsar PSR J1909–3744

Context. Pulsating thermal X-ray emission from millisecond pulsars can be used to obtain constraints on the neutron star equation of state, but to date only five such sources have been identified. Of these five millisecond pulsars, only two have well-constrained neutron star masses, which improve the determination of the radius via modelling of the X-ray waveform. Aims. We aim to find other millisecond pulsars that already have well-constrained mass and distance measurements that show pulsed thermal X-ray emission in order to obtain tight constraints on the neutron star equation of state. Methods. The millisecond pulsar PSR J1909–3744 has an accurately determined mass, M = 1.54 ± 0.03 M⊙ (1σ error) and distance, D = 1.07 ± 0.04 kpc. We analysed XMM-Newton data of this 2.95 ms pulsar to identify the nature of the X-ray emission. Results. We show that the X-ray emission from PSR J1909–3744 appears to be dominated by thermal emission from the polar cap. Only a single component model is required to fit the data. The black-body temperature of this emission is $ {kT}=0.26^{0.03}_{0.02} $ keV and we find a 0.2–10 keV un-absorbed flux of 1.1 × 10−14 erg cm−2 s−1 or an un-absorbed luminosity of 1.5 × 1030 erg s−1. Conclusion. Thanks to the previously determined mass and distance constraints of the neutron star PSR J1909–3744, and its predominantly thermal emission, deep observations of this object with future X-ray facilities should provide useful constraints on the neutron star equation of state.