arXiv subjects

I. Negueruela

Publications and source records attributed to I. Negueruela.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

arXiv2003

Unveiling the Nature of the 321 s Modulation in RX J0806.3+1527: Near-Simultaneous Chandra and VLT Observations

We report on the first near-simultaneous X-ray and optical observations of RX J0806.3+1527. The source is believed to be a 321s orbital period ultra-compact binary system hosting an X-ray emitting white dwarf. Data were obtained with Chandra and the ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) in November 2001. We found an optical/X-ray phase-shift in the periodic modulation of about 0.5, strongly favoring the existance of two distinct emission regions in the two bands (for the pulsed fluxes). The Chandra data allow us to study, for the first time, the spectral continuum of RX J0806.3+1527 in soft X-rays. This was well fitted by a blackbody spectrum with kT about 65eV and hydrogen column density of N_H about 5 x 10^20 cm^-2. The average (unabsorbed) source 0.1-2.5 keV luminosity during the modulation-on is L_X about 5 x 10^32 erg s^-1 (assuming a distance of 500pc). Such a value is lower than the luminosity expected if stable mass transfer between two white dwarfs were driven by gravitational radiation. Evidence for absorption-like features are present in the phase-averaged spectrum at about 0.53, 0.64, and 1.26 keV, which may be attributed to heavy elements (C and N). We compare and discuss these findings with other binary systems hosting an accreting white dwarf.

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arXiv2003

Highlights from XMM-Newton

The launch of the Chandra (NASA) and XMM-Newton (ESA) X-ray observatories in 1999 has revolutionized our view of the Universe, by providing astrophysical information about many classes of sources with unprecedent detail. The high throughput of XMM-Newton makes it the ideal instrument to provide low to moderate resolution spectroscopy of faint and extended sources. After 3 years of operations, XMM-Newton has observed many types of astronomical sources and delivered very interesting results in many areas. In this review, we highlight a few points where the contribution of XMM-Newton has significantly furthered our knowledge of the energetic Universe.

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arXiv2003

XTE J0111.2-7317 : a nebula-embedded X-ray binary in the SMC

The observed characteristics of the nebulosity surrounding the SMC High Mass X-ray Binary XTE J0111.2-7317 are examined in the context of three possible nebular types: SNR, bowshock and HII region. Observational evidence is presented which appears to support the interpretation that the nebulosity surrounding XTE J0111.2-7317 is an HII region. The source therefore appears to be a normal SMC Be X-ray binary (BeXRB) embedded in a locally enhanced ISM which it has photoionised to create an HII region. This is supported by observations of the X-ray outburst seen with BATSE and RXTE in 1998-1999. It exhibited characteristics typical of a giant or type II outburst in a BeXRB including large spin-up rates, Lx~10E38 erg/sq.cm-s, and a correlation between spin-up rate and pulsed flux. However, the temporal profile of the outburst was unusual, consisting of two similar intensity peaks, with the first peak of shorter duration than the second.

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arXiv2003

The IR counterpart to the Anomalouos X-ray Pulsar 1RXS J1708-4009

We report the discovery of the likely IR counterpart to the Anomalous X-ray Pulsar (AXP) 1RXS J1708-4009, based on the combination of Chandra HRC-I X-ray position, and deep optical/IR observations carried out from ESO telescopes and the Canada France Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) during 1999-2002. Within the narrow uncertainty region we found two relatively faint (K'=20.0 and K'=17.53) IR objects. Based on their color and position in the J-K' versus J-H diagram only the brighter object is consistent with the known IR properties of the counterparts to other AXPs. No variability was detected for this source, similarly to what is observed in the case of 4U 0142+614. Like in other AXPs, we found that the IR flux of 1RXSJ1708-4009 is higher then expected for a simple blackbody component extrapolated from the X-ray data. If confirmed, this object would be the fourth IR counterpart to a source of the AXP class, and would make the IR excess a likely new characteristic of AXPs.

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arXiv2002

The detection of variability from the candidate IR counterpart to the Anomalous X-ray Pulsar 1E1048.1-5937

We report on the detection of variability from the proposed IR counterpart to the Anomalous X-ray Pulsar (AXP) 1E1048.1-5937 based on Chandra and ESO optical/IR deep observations carried out in 2001-2002. Within the narrow Chandra uncertainty region for 1E1048.1-5937 we found only one relatively faint (J=22.1+/-0.3, J-Ks=2.4) source, while the recently proposed IR counterpart was not detected down to a limiting Ks magnitude of about 20.7 (3sigma confidence level). This implies a remarkable IR brightening of this object, Delta Ks>1.3, on a timescale of about 50 days. Although our knowledge of the IR properties of AXPs is rather limited (there is only another source, 1E2259+586, for which IR variability has been detected), the observed IR variability of the proposed counterpart strengthens its association with 1E1048.1-5937. Our results make the IR (and presumably optical) variability a likely common characteristic of AXPs, and provide new constraints on this class of objects.

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arXiv2002

The identification of the optical/IR counterpart of the 15.8-s transient X-ray pulsar XTE J1946+274

We report on the discovery of the optical/IR counterpart of the 15.8s transient X-ray pulsar XTE J1946+274. We re-analysed archival BeppoSAX observations of XTE J1946+274, obtaining a new refined position (a circle with 22" radius at 90% confidence level). Based on this new position we carried out optical and infra-red (IR) follow-up observations. Within the new error circle we found a relatively optical faint (B=18.6) IR bright (H=12.1) early type reddened star (V--R=1.6). The optical spectra show strong H-alpha and H-beta emission lines. The IR photometric observations of the field confirm the presence of an IR excess for the H-alpha--emitting star (K=11.6, J--H=0.6) which is likely surrounded by a circumstellar envelope. Spectroscopic and photometric data indicate a B0--1V--IVe spectral-type star located at a distance of 8--10kpc and confirm the Be-star/X-ray binary nature of XTE J1946+274.

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arXiv2002

Spectroscopic observations of the candidate sgB[e]/X-ray binary CI Cam

We present a compilation of spectroscopic observations of the sgB[e] star CI Cam. This includes data from before, during, and after its 1998 outburst. The object shows a rich emission line spectrum originating from circumstellar material, rendering it difficult to determine the nature of either star involved or the cause of the outburst. We collate pre-outburst data to determine the state of the system before this occurred and provide a baseline for comparison with later data. During the outburst all lines become stronger, and hydrogen and helium lines become significantly broader and asymmetric. After the outburst, spectral changes persist for at least three years, with FeII and [NII] lines still a factor of ~2 above the pre-outburst level and HeI, HeII, and NII lines suppressed by a factor of 2-10. We find that the spectral properties of CI Cam are similar to other sgB[e] stars and therefore suggest that the geometry of the circumstellar material is similar to that proposed for the other objects: a two component outflow, with a fast, hot, rarefied polar wind indistinguishable from that of a normal supergiant and a dense, cooler equatorial outflow with a much lower velocity. We suggest that CI Cam is among the hotter members of the class and is viewed nearly pole-on. The nature of the compact object and the mechanism for the outburst remain uncertain, although it is likely that the compact object is a black hole or neutron star, and that the outburst was precipitated by its passage through the equatorial material. We suggest that this prompted a burst of supercritical accretion resulting in ejection of much of the material, which was later seen as an expanding radio remnant. [Abbreviated]

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arXiv2002

RXJ0806.3+1527: a double degenerate binary with the shortest known orbital period (321s)

We carried out optical observations of the field of the X-ray pulsator RXJ0806.3+1527. A blue V=21.1 star was found to be the only object consistent with the X-ray position. VLT FORS spectra revealed a blue continuum with no intrinsic absorption lines. Broad (v~1500 km/s), low equivalent width (about -1/-6A) emission lines from the HeII Pickering series were clearly detected. B, V and R time-resolved photometry revealed the presence of about 15% pulsations at the 321s X-ray period, confirming the identification. These findings, together with the period stability and absence of any additional modulation in the 1min-5hr period range, argue in favour of the orbital interpretation of the 321s pulsations. The most likely scenario is thus that RXJ0806.3+1527 is a double degenerate system of the AM CVn class. This would make RXJ0806.3+1527 the shortest orbital period binary currently known and one of the best candidates for gravitational wave detection.

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arXiv2002

Observations of the unusual counterpart to the X-ray pulsar AX J0051-733

We report optical and IR observations of the ASCA X-ray pulsar system AX J0051-733. The relationship between the X-ray source and possible optical counterparts is discussed. Long term optical data from over 7 years are presented which reveal both a 1.4d modulation and an unusually rapid change in this possible binary period. Various models are discussed.

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arXiv2002

Pulsations and orbital modulation of the intermediate polar 1WGA J1958.2+3232

We present optical photometry, spectroscopy and photopolarimetry, as well as ASCA X-ray observations, of the recently discovered intermediate polar 1WGA J1958.2+3232. Through the first detection of an optical beat frequency, we confirm the previously tentative suggestion that the spin period of the white dwarf is twice the X-ray and optical pulsation period, which we also confirm in each case. We detect an orbital modulation in each of the U, B, V, R and I bands for the first time, and suggest that the true orbital period is the -1d alias of that previously suggested. We also confirm the presence of circular polarization in this system, detecting a variable polarization which has opposite signs in each of the B and R bands. The double peaked pulse profile and oppositely signed polarization pulses suggest that 1WGA J1958.2+3232 accretes onto both magnetic poles via a disc which is truncated relatively close to the white dwarf.

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arXiv2001

The XMM-Newton Serendipitous Survey. II. First results from the AXIS high galactic latitude medium sensitivity survey

We present the first results on the identifications of a medium sensitivity survey (X-ray flux limit 2E-14 erg/cm2/s in the 0.5-4.5 keV band) at high galactic latitude (|b|>20 deg) carried out with the XMM-Newton X-ray observatory within the AXIS observing programme. This study is being conducted as part of the XMM-Newton Survey Science Centre activities towards the identification of the sources in the X-ray serendipitous sky survey. The sample contains 29 X-ray sources in a solid angle of 0.26deg2 (source density 113 +/- 21 sources/deg2), out of which 27 (93%) have been identified. The majority of the sources are broad-line AGN (19), followed by narrow emission line X-ray emitting galaxies (6, all of which turn out to be AGN), 1 nearby non-emission line galaxy (NGC 4291) and 1 active coronal star. Among the identified sources we find 2 broad-absorption line QSOs (z~1.8 and z~1.9), which constitute ~10% of the AGN population at this flux level, similar to optically selected samples. Identifications of a further 10 X-ray sources fainter than our survey limit are also presented.

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arXiv2001

A natural explanation for periodic X-ray outbursts in Be/X-ray binaries

When applied to Be/X-ray binaries, the viscous decretion disc model for Be stars naturally predicts the truncation of the circumstellar disc. The distance at which the circumstellar disc is truncated depends mainly on the orbital parameters and the viscosity. In systems with low eccentricity, the disc is expected to be truncated at the 3:1 resonance radius, for which the gap between the disc outer radius and the critical lobe radius of the Be star is so wide that, under normal conditions, the neutron star cannot accrete enough gas at periastron passage to show Type I X-ray outbursts. These systems will display only Type II X-ray outbursts. On the other hand, in systems with high orbital eccentricity, the disc truncation occurs at a much higher resonance radius, which is very close to or slightly beyond the critical lobe radius at periastron unless the viscosity is very low. In these systems, disc truncation cannot be efficient, allowing the neutron star to capture gas from the disc at every periastron passage and display Type I outbursts regularly. In contrast to the rather robust results for systems with low eccentricity and high eccentricity, the result for systems with moderate eccentricity depends on rather subtle details. Systems in which the disc is truncated in the vicinity of the critical lobe will regularly display Type I outbursts, whereas those with the disc significantly smaller than the critical lobe will show only Type II outbursts under normal conditions and temporary Type I outbursts when the disc is strongly disturbed.

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arXiv2001

Spectroscopic Observations of the Delta Scorpii Binary during Its Recent Periastron Passage

The bright star delta Sco has been considered a typical B0-type object for many years. Spectra of the star published prior to 1990 showed no evidence of emission, but only of short-term line profile variations attributed to nonradial pulsations. Speckle interferometric observations show that delta Sco is a binary system with a highly-eccentric orbit and a period of 10.6 years. Weak emission in the H-alpha line was detected in its spectrum for the first time during a periastron passage in 1990. Shortly before the next periastron passage in the summer of 2000, the binary entered a strong H-alpha emission and enhanced mass loss phase. We monitored the spectroscopic development of the Be outburst from July 2000 through March 2001. In this paper we present results from our spectroscopy, refine elements of the binary orbit, and discuss possible mechanisms for the mass loss.

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arXiv2001

Photometric and spectroscopic study of the young open cluster NGC 1893

We present uvby-beta CCD photometry of the field of the open cluster NGC 1893. Our photometry is deep enough to cover the complete main sequence B spectral type. We identify ~50 very likely members of the cluster down to spectral type B9-A0, some of which have much higher reddenings than the average. We derive a color excess E(b-y) = 0.33+-0.03 and a dereddened distance modulus V_0 - M_V = 13.9+-0.2. From the beta index, we identify several candidates as emission-line stars, for which we have obtained spectroscopy. Three of them display spectra corresponding to spectral type F, but showing H-alpha in emission. Photometric measurements in this and previous studies indicate strong variability. These characteristics show them to be pre-main-sequence stars of spectral type F. We also identify two likely Herbig Be stars. These results hint at the existence of a sizable pre-main-sequence population in NGC 1893.

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arXiv2001

The Be/X-ray transient 4U 0115+63/V635 Cas: II. Outburst mechanisms

We present multi-wavelength long-term monitoring observations of V635 Cas, the optical counterpart to the transient X-ray pulsar 4U0115+63. The evolution of emission lines and photometric magnitudes indicates that the Be star undergoes relatively fast (~ 3-5 yr) quasi-cyclic activity, losing and reforming its circumstellar disc. We show that the general optical, infrared and X-ray behaviour can be explained by the dynamical evolution of the viscous circumstellar disc around the Be star. After each disc-loss episode, the disc starts reforming and grows until it reaches the radius at which the resonant interaction of the neutron star truncates it. At some point, the disc becomes unstable to (presumably radiative) warping and then tilts and starts precessing. The tilting is very large and disc precession leads to a succession of single-peaked and shell profiles in the emission lines. Type II X-ray outbursts take place after the disc has been strongly disturbed and we speculate that the distortion of the disc leads to interaction with the orbiting neutron star. We discuss the implications of these correlated optical/X-ray variations for the different models proposed to explain the occurrence of X-ray outbursts in Be/X-ray binaries. We show that the hypothesis of mass ejection events as the cause of the spectacular variability and X-ray outbursts is unlikely to be meaningful for any Be/X-ray binary.

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arXiv2001

Optical studies of two LMC X-ray transients : RX J0544.1-7100 and RX J0520.5-6932

We report observations which confirm the identities of the optical counterpart to the transient sources RX J0544.1-7100 and RX J0520.5-6932. The counterparts are suggested to be a B-type stars. Optical data from the observations carried out at ESO and SAAO, together with results from the OGLE data base, are presented. In addition, X-ray data from the RXTE all-sky monitor are investigated for long term periodicities. A strong suggestion for a binary period of 24.4d is seen in RX J0520.5-6932 from the OGLE data.

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arXiv2000

The Be/X-ray transient 4U 0115+63/V635 Cas I. A consistent model

We present photometry and high SNR spectroscopy in the classification region of V635 Cas, the optical counterpart to the transient X-ray pulsator 4U 0115+63, taken at a time when the circumstellar envelope had disappeared. V635 Cas is classified as a B0.2Ve star at a distance of 7-8 kpc. We use the physical parameters derived from these observations and the orbit derived from X-ray observations to elaborate a model of the system based on the theory of decretion discs around Be stars. We show that the disc surrounding the Be star must be truncated by the tidal/resonant interaction with the neutron star and cannot be in a steady state. This explains many of the observed properties of 4U 0115+63. In particular, because of this effect, under normal circumstances, the neutron star cannot accrete from the disc, which explains the lack of regular Type I outbursts from the source.

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arXiv2000

The Be/X-ray binary LS 992/RX J0812.4-3114: physical parameters and long-term variability

We present the first long-term optical and infrared study of the optical counterpart to the source RX J0812.4-3114, an X-ray pulsar with a Be type companion. During the period covered by the observations the profile of some Balmer lines changed from absorption to emission and back again to absorption. Contemporaneously, the infrared magnitudes varied by more than 0.8 mag. This long-term variability is interpreted as the formation and subsequent dissipation of the Be star's disc. The building up of the disc ended up in an active X-ray state characterised by regular outbursts occurring at 80 day intervals. The overall duration of the formation/dissipation of the disc is found to be < 4.3 years. Optical spectroscopic and infrared photometric observations were used to refine the spectral type of the primary (B0.2IV) and to monitor the circumstellar envelope around the Be star. UBVRI and uvbyβphotometric observations allowed the determination of the astrophysical parameters of the optical companion.

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