The X-ray binary population in M33: II. X-ray spectra and variability

Details The X-ray binary population in M33: II. X-ray spectra and variability The X-ray binary population in M33: II. X-ray spectra and variability

2007-06-27

arxiv.org/abs/0706.3927v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

25 pages, ApJ accepted

Scientific paper

10.1086/519952

In this paper we investigate the X-ray spectra and X-ray spectral variability of compact X-ray sources for 3 Chandra observations of the Local Group galaxy M33. The observations are centered on the nucleus and the star forming region NGC 604. In the observations 261 sources have been detected. For a total of 43 sources the number of net counts is above 100, sufficient for a more detailed spectral fitting. Of these sources, 25 have been observed in more than one observation, allowing the study of spectral variability on ~months timescales. A quarter of the sources are found to be variable between observations. However, except for two foreground sources, no source is variable within any observation above the 99% confidence level. Only six sources show significant spectral variability between observations. A comparison of N_H values with HI observations shows that X-ray absorption values are consistent with Galactic X-ray binaries and most sources in M33 are intrinsically absorbed. The pattern of variability and the spectral parameters of these sources are consistent with the M33 X-ray source population being dominated by X-ray binaries: Two thirds of the 43 bright sources have spectral and timing properties consistent with X-ray binaries; we also find two candidates for super-soft sources and two candidates for quasi-soft sources.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The X-ray binary population in M33: II. X-ray spectra and variability does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The X-ray binary population in M33: II. X-ray spectra and variability, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The X-ray binary population in M33: II. X-ray spectra and variability will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-255290