177 research outputs found
Detailed study of SNR G306.3-0.9 using XMM-Newton and Chandra observations
We used combined data from XMM-Newton and Chandra observatories to study the
X-ray morphology of SNR G306.3-0.9. A spatially-resolved spectral analysis was
used to obtain physical and geometrical parameters of different regions of the
remnant. Spitzer infrared observations were also used to constrain the
progenitor supernova and study the environment in which the SNR evolved. The
X-ray morphology of the remnant displays a non-uniform structure of
semi-circular appearance, with a bright southwest region and very weak or
almost negligible X-ray emission in its northern part. These results indicate
that the remnant is propagating in a non-uniform environment as the shock
fronts are encountering a high-density medium, where enhanced infrared emission
is detected. The X-ray spectral analysis of the selected regions shows distinct
emission-line features of several metal elements, confirming the thermal origin
of the emission. The X-ray spectra are well represented by a combination of two
absorbed thermal plasma models: one in equilibrium ionization with a mean
temperature of ~0.19 keV, and another out of equilibrium ionization at a higher
temperature of ~1.1 or 1.6-1.9 keV. For regions located in the northeast,
central, and southwest part of the SNR, we found elevated abundances of Si, S,
Ar, Ca, and Fe, typical of ejecta material. The outer regions located northwest
and south show values of the abundances above solar but lower than to those
found in the central regions. This suggests that the composition of the
emitting outer parts of the SNR is a combination of ejecta and shocked material
of the interstellar medium. The comparison between the S/Si, Ar/Si, and Ca/Si
abundances ratios (1.75, 1.27, and 2.72 in the central region, respectively),
favor a Type Ia progenitor for this SNR, a result that is also supported by an
independent morphological analysis using X-ray and IR data.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures. Accepted by Astronomy and Astrophysic
H-alpha observations of the gamma-ray-emitting Be/X-ray binary LSI+61303: orbital modulation, disk truncation, and long-term variability
We report 138 spectral observations of the H-alpha emission line of the
radio- and gamma-ray-emitting Be/X-ray binary LSI+61303 obtained during the
period of September 1998 -- January 2013. From measuring various H-alpha
parameters, we found that the orbital modulation of the H-alpha is best visible
in the equivalent width ratio EW(B)/EW(R), the equivalent width of the blue
hump, and in the radial velocity of the central dip. The periodogram analysis
confirmed that the H-alpha emission is modulated with the orbital and
superorbital periods. For the past 20 years the radius of the circumstellar
disk is similar to the Roche lobe size at the periastron. It is probably
truncated by a 6:1 resonance. The orbital maximum of the equivalent width of
H-alpha emission peaks after the periastron and coincides on average with the
X-ray and gamma-ray maxima. All the spectra are available upon request from the
authors and through the CDS.Comment: 11 pages, accepted for publication in A&
A radio and infrared exploration of the Cygnus X-3 environments
To confirm, or rule out, the possible hot spot nature of two previously
detected radio sources in the vicinity of the Cygnus X-3 microquasar.
We present the results of a radio and near infrared exploration of the
several arc-minute field around the well known galactic relativistic jet source
Cygnus X-3 using the Very Large Array and the Calar Alto 3.5~m telescope.
The data this paper is based on do not presently support the hot spot
hypothesis. Instead, our new observations suggest that these sources are most
likely background or foreground objects. Actually, none of them appears to be
even barely extended as would be expected if they were part of a bow shock
structure. Our near infrared observations also include a search for extended
emission in the Bracket (2.166 m) and (2.122 m)
lines as possible tracers of shocked gas in the Cygnus X-3 surroundings. The
results were similarly negative and the corresponding upper limits are
reported.Comment: Accepted for publication in A&A; 5 pages, 4 figure
Chandra X-ray counterpart of KS 1741-293
We aim to investigate the nature of the high energy source KS 1741-293 by
revisiting the radio and infrared associations proposed in the early 1990s. Our
work is mostly based on the analysis of modern survey and archive data,
including the NRAO, MSX, 2MASS and Chandra archives, and catalogues. We also
have obtained deep CCD optical observations by ourselves. The coincidence of KS
1741-293 with an extended radio and far-infrared source, tentatively suggested
in 1994, is no longer supported by modern observational data. Instead, a
Chandra source is the only peculiar object found to be consistent with all
high-energy error circles of KS 1741-293 and we propose it to be its most
likely X-ray counterpart. We also report the existence of a non-thermal radio
nebula in the vicinity of the KS 1741-293 position with the appearance of a
supernova remnant. The possibility of being associated to this X-ray binary is
discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables. Accepted for publication in Astronomy &
Astrophysic
Detailed study of SNR G306.3–0.9 using XMM-Newton and Chandra observations
Aims. We aim to study the spatial distribution of the physical and chemical properties of the X-ray emitting plasma of the supernova remnant (SNR) G306.3-0.9 in detail to obtain constraints on its ionization stage, the progenitor supernova explosion, and the age of the remnant.
Methods. We used combined data from XMM-Newton and Chandra observatories to study the X-ray morphology of G306.3-0.9 in detail. A spatially resolved spectral analysis was used to obtain physical and geometrical parameters of different regions of the remnant. Spitzer infrared observations, available in the archive, were also used to constrain the progenitor supernova and study the environment in which the remnant evolved.
Results. The X-ray morphology of the remnant displays a non-uniform structure of semi-circular appearance, with a bright southwest region and very weak or almost negligible X-ray emission in its northern part. These results indicate that the remnant is propagating in a non-uniform environment as the shock fronts are encountering a high-density medium, where enhanced infrared emission is detected. The X-ray spectral analysis of the selected regions shows distinct emission-line features of several metal elements, confirming the thermal origin of the emission. The X-ray spectra are well represented by a combination of two absorbed thermal plasma models: one in equilibrium ionization (VAPEC) with a mean temperature of ∼0.19 keV, and another out of equilibrium ionization (VNEI) at a higher temperature of ∼1.1 or 1.6-1.9 keV. For regions located in the northeast, central, and southwest part of the SNR, we found elevated abundances of Si, S, Ar, Ca, and Fe, typical of ejecta material. The outer regions located northwest and south show values of the abundances above solar but lower than to those found in the central regions. This suggests that the composition of the emitting outer parts of the SNR is a combination of ejecta and shocked material of the interstellar medium. The comparison between the S/Si, Ar/Si, and Ca/Si abundances ratios (1.75, 1.27, and 2.72 in the central region, respectively), favor a Type Ia progenitor for this remnant, a result that is also supported by an independent morphological analysis using the X-ray and 24 μm IR data.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto Argentino de Radioastronomí
An X-ray study of the SNR G344.7-0.1 and the central object CXOU J170357.8-414302
Aims. We report results of an X-ray study of the supernova remnant (SNR)
G344.7-0.1 and the point-like X-ray source located at the geometrical center of
the SNR radio structure. Methods. The morphology and spectral properties of the
remnant and the central X-ray point-like source were studied using data from
the XMM-Newton and Chandra satellites. Archival radio data and infrared Spitzer
observations at 8 and 24 m were used to compare and study its multi-band
properties at different wavelengths. Results. The XMM-Newton and Chandra
observations reveal that the overall X-ray emission of G344.7-0.1 is extended
and correlates very well with regions of bright radio and infrared emission.
The X-ray spectrum is dominated by prominent atomic emission lines. These
characteristics suggest that the X-ray emission originated in a thin thermal
plasma, whose radiation is represented well by a plane-parallel shock plasma
model (PSHOCK). Our study favors the scenario in which G344.7-0.1 is a 6 x 10^3
year old SNR expanding in a medium with a high density gradient and is most
likely encountering a molecular cloud on the western side. In addition, we
report the discovery of a soft point-like X-ray source located at the
geometrical center of the radio SNR structure. The object presents some
characteristics of the so-called compact central objects (CCO). However, its
neutral hydrogen absorption column (N_{H}) is inconsistent with that of the
SNR. Coincident with the position of the source, we found infrared and optical
objects with typical early-K star characteristics. The X-ray source may be a
foreground star or the CCO associated with the SNR. If this latter possibility
were confirmed, the point-like source would be the farthest CCO detected so far
and the eighth member of the new population of isolated and weakly magnetized
neutron stars.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and
Astrophysics. Higher resolution figures can be seen on A&
Counterpart candidates to the unidentified Fermi source 0FGL J1848.6-0138
Aims: We aim to contribute to the identification of the counterpart for one of the bright sources of gamma-rays in the catalogue obtained and released by the Fermi collaboration. Methods: Our work is based on a extensive identification of sources from different wavelength catalogues and databases. Results: As a first result, we report the finding of a few counterpart candidates inside the 95% confidence error box of the Fermi LAT unidentified gamma-ray source 0FGL J1848.6-0138. The globular cluster GLIMPSE-C01 is remarkably distinctive being among the most peculiar objects consistent with both the position uncertainty in the gamma-ray source and a conceivable physical scenario for gamma-ray production. The Fermi-observed spectrum is compared with theoretical predictions in the literature and the association is found to be plausible but not yet certain because of its low X-ray to gamma-ray luminosity ratio. Other competing counterparts are also discussed. In particular, we pay special attention to a possible Pulsar Wind Nebula inside the Fermi error box, whose nature is yet to be confirmed. Conclusions: Both a globular cluster and an infrared source resembling a Pulsar Wind Nebula were found to be in positional agreement with 0FGL J1848.6-0138. In addition, other interesting objects in the field are also reported. Future gamma-ray observations will reduce the position uncertainty and we hope eventually confirm one of the counterpart candidates reported here. If GLIMPSE-C01 is confirmed together with the possible Fermi detection of the well known globular cluster 47 Tuc, then this would provide strong support to theoretical predictions that globular clusters are possible gamma-ray sources.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica
Counterpart candidates to the unidentified Fermi source 0FGL J1848.6-0138
Aims. We aim here to contribute to the identification of unassociated bright
sources of gamma-rays in the recently released catalogue obtained by the Fermi
collaboration.
Methods. Our work is based on a extensive cross-identification of sources
from different wavelength catalogues and databases.
Results. As a first result, we report the finding of a few counterpart
candidates inside the 95% confidence error box of the Fermi LAT unidentified
gamma-ray source 0FGL J1848.60138. The globular cluster GLIMPSE-C01
remarkably stands out among the most peculiar objects consistent with the
position uncertainty of the gamma-ray source and with a conceivable physical
scenario for gamma-ray production. The Fermi observed spectrum is compared
against theoretical predictions in the literature making the association
plausible but not yet certain due to its low X-ray to gamma-ray luminosity
ratio. Other competing counterparts are also discussed. In particular, we pay a
special attention to a possible Pulsar Wind Nebula inside the Fermi error box
whose nature is yet to be confirmed.
Conclusions.Both a globular cluster and an infrared source resembling a
Pulsar Wind Nebula have been found in positional agreement with 0FGL
J1848.60138. In addition, other interesting objects in the field are also
reported. Future gamma-ray observations will narrow the position uncertainty
and we hope to eventually confirm one of the counterpart candidates reported
here. If GLIMPSE-C01 is confirmed, together with the Fermi possible detection
of the well known globular cluster 47 Tuc, then it would provide strong support
to theoretical predictions of globular clusters as gamma-ray sources.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures and 1 table. Accepted for publication in Astronomy
and Astrophysic
Detailed study of SNR G306.3–0.9 using XMM-Newton and Chandra observations
Aims. We aim to study the spatial distribution of the physical and chemical properties of the X-ray emitting plasma of the supernova remnant (SNR) G306.3-0.9 in detail to obtain constraints on its ionization stage, the progenitor supernova explosion, and the age of the remnant.
Methods. We used combined data from XMM-Newton and Chandra observatories to study the X-ray morphology of G306.3-0.9 in detail. A spatially resolved spectral analysis was used to obtain physical and geometrical parameters of different regions of the remnant. Spitzer infrared observations, available in the archive, were also used to constrain the progenitor supernova and study the environment in which the remnant evolved.
Results. The X-ray morphology of the remnant displays a non-uniform structure of semi-circular appearance, with a bright southwest region and very weak or almost negligible X-ray emission in its northern part. These results indicate that the remnant is propagating in a non-uniform environment as the shock fronts are encountering a high-density medium, where enhanced infrared emission is detected. The X-ray spectral analysis of the selected regions shows distinct emission-line features of several metal elements, confirming the thermal origin of the emission. The X-ray spectra are well represented by a combination of two absorbed thermal plasma models: one in equilibrium ionization (VAPEC) with a mean temperature of ∼0.19 keV, and another out of equilibrium ionization (VNEI) at a higher temperature of ∼1.1 or 1.6-1.9 keV. For regions located in the northeast, central, and southwest part of the SNR, we found elevated abundances of Si, S, Ar, Ca, and Fe, typical of ejecta material. The outer regions located northwest and south show values of the abundances above solar but lower than to those found in the central regions. This suggests that the composition of the emitting outer parts of the SNR is a combination of ejecta and shocked material of the interstellar medium. The comparison between the S/Si, Ar/Si, and Ca/Si abundances ratios (1.75, 1.27, and 2.72 in the central region, respectively), favor a Type Ia progenitor for this remnant, a result that is also supported by an independent morphological analysis using the X-ray and 24 μm IR data.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto Argentino de Radioastronomí
Sub-arcsecond radio and optical observations of the likely counterpart to the gamma-ray source 2FGL J2056.7+4939
We have searched and reviewed all multi- wavelength data available for the
region towards the gamma-ray source 2FGL J2056.7+4939 in order to con- strain
its possible counterpart at lower energies. As a result, only a point-like
optical/infrared source with flat-spectrum radio emission is found to be
consistent with all X-ray and gamma-ray error circles. Its struc- ture is
marginally resolved at radio wavelengths at the sub-arcsecond level. An
extragalactic scenario appears to be the most likely interpretation for this
object.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl
- …