Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2011-09-20
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
12 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ
Scientific paper
We obtained 3 epochs of simultaneous Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Wide Field Camera 3 and Chandra observations of the ultraluminous X-ray source NGC 5408 X-1. The counterpart of the X-ray source is seen in all HST filters, from the UV through the NIR, and for the first time, we resolve the optical nebula around the ULX. We identified a small OB association near the ULX that may be the birthplace of the system. The stellar association is young, ~ 5 Myr, contains massive stars up to 40 solar masses, and is thus similar to associations seen near other ULXs, albeit younger. The UV/Optical/NIR spectral energy distribution (SED) of the ULX counterpart is consistent with that of a B0I supergiant star. We are also able to fit the whole SED from the X-rays to the NIR with an irradiated disk model. The three epochs of data show only marginal variability and thus, we cannot firmly conclude on the nature of the optical emission.
Corbel Stephane
Cseh Dávid
Feng Hua
Grise' Fabien
Kaaret Philip
No associations
LandOfFree
Optical emission of the ultraluminous X-ray source NGC 5408 X-1: donor star or irradiated accretion disk? 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 Optical emission of the ultraluminous X-ray source NGC 5408 X-1: donor star or irradiated accretion disk?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical emission of the ultraluminous X-ray source NGC 5408 X-1: donor star or irradiated accretion disk? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-255856