On the Nature of the X-ray Emission from the Galactic Center Region

Details On the Nature of the X-ray Emission from the Galactic Center Region On the Nature of the X-ray Emission from the Galactic Center Region

2002-01-05

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0201070v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

An updated version of a paper that will appear in Nature (Jan. 10, 2002 issue).8 pages plus 2 additional jpeg figures. A singl

Scientific paper

The origin of the X-ray emission from the central region of the Galaxy has remained a mystery, despite extensive study over the past two decades. A fundamental question is the relative contribution of the point-source and diffuse components of this emission, which is critical to understanding the high-energy phenomena and processes unique to this Galactic nuclear environment. Here, we report on results from a large-scale imaging survey of the Galactic center with sufficient spatial resolution to allow a clean separation of the two components. The highly-ionized Fe emission, previously attributed to the diffuse emission, is found largely due to the discrete X-ray source population. The number and spectrum of such sources indicate the presence of numerous accreting white dwarfs, neutron stars, and/or black holes in the region. The diffuse X-ray emission dominates over the contribution from the faint discrete sources and is shown to be associated with distinct interstellar structures observed at radio and mid-infrared wavelengths, suggesting that it arises from the recent formation of massive stars. We have also mapped out the 6.4-keV fluorescence line emission from neutral to moderately ionized irons. The ubiquitous association of the emission with molecular gas indicates that either the X-ray radiation from the Galactic center was substantially more intense in the past than at present or non-relativistic cosmic-rays are important in producing Fe K shell vacancies.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the Nature of the X-ray Emission from the Galactic Center Region 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 On the Nature of the X-ray Emission from the Galactic Center Region, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Nature of the X-ray Emission from the Galactic Center Region will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-693278