The LMXB Population of the Nearest Large Elliptical Galaxy: Implications on the Distance to Maffei 1

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As a member of the Maffei 1 group of galaxies that also includes Maffei 2 and IC342, Maffei 1 is the nearest normal large elliptical galaxy. Its distance, however, is the subject of debate with estimates ranging from 2.9-4.1 Mpc, with much of the confusion stemming from the large absorbing column density toward this low Galactic latitude galaxy. We have used Chandra to study the low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) population of Maffei 1, which is only minimally affected by the large absorption as compared to optical and near-infrared wavelengths. Assuming a smaller distance for Maffei I leads to a dearth of LMXBs with luminosities in the 2-5 x 1038 ergs/s range as would be expected from a large elliptical galaxy. We discuss how the luminosity function of the LMXBs can lead to constraints on the distance to Maffei I. The nearness of Maffei 1 also allows us to probe the faint end of the LMXB luminosity function to depths comparable to other much longer observed elliptical galaxies with only a modest 55 ksec observation.

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