Search

Using the observations of the high-energy detector of the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) for Scorpius X-1 from 2017 to 2020, we search for hard X-ray tails in the X-ray spectra in ∼30–200 keV. The hard X-ray tails are found throughout the Z -track on the hardness–intensity diagram, and the detected hard X-ray tails become hard and weak from the horizontal branch (HB), through the normal branch (NB), to the flaring branch (FB). Comparing the hard X-ray spectra of Insight-HXMT between Cyg X-1 and Sco X-1, it is concluded that the hard X-ray spectrum of Cyg X-1 shows a high-energy cutoff, implying a hot corona in it, but the high-energy cutoff is not seen in the hard X-ray spectrum of Sco X-1. From fitting the broadband spectrum of Sco X-1 in ∼2–200 keV, it is proposed that the hard X-ray tails in the HB and NB can be explained by the overall Comptonization COMPTB model, suggesting that the hard X-ray tails could have resulted from the Comptonization of the photons from the neutron star (NS) surface by the thermal electrons in the region between the NS and the disk and the energetic electrons in the freefall toward the NS in the converging flow onto the NS. However, this model cannot be responsible for the hard X-ray tails in the FB. Further study on the FB hard X-ray tails is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs) are X-ray flares with durations ranging from a few hundred seconds to a few hours. Possible origins include the tidal disruption of a white dwarf by an intermediate-mass black hole, a supernova shock breakout, or a binary neutron star merger. We present the X-ray light curve and spectrum as well as deep optical imaging of the FXT XRT 210423, which has been suggested to be powered by a magnetar produced in a binary neutron star merger. Our Very Large Telescope and Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) observations began on 2021 May 6, thirteen days after the onset of the flare. No transient optical counterpart is found in the 1.″ (3 σ) X-ray uncertainty region of the source to a depth g s = 27.0 AB mag. (We use the word "counterpart" for any transient light in a wave band other than the original X-ray detection wave band, whereas the word "host" refers to the host galaxy.) A candidate host lies within the 1.″ X-ray uncertainty region with a magnitude of 25.9 ± 0.1 in the GTC/HiPERCAM g s filter. Due to its faintness, it was not detected in other bands, precluding a photometric redshift determination. We detect two additional candidate host galaxies: one with z spec = 1.5082 ± 0.0001 and an offset of 4.″2 ± 1.″ (37 ± 9 kpc) from the FXT, and another one with z phot = 1.04 − 0.14 + 0.22 and an offset of 3.″6 ± 1.″ (30 ± 8 kpc). Based on the properties of all the prospective hosts, we favor a binary neutron star merger, as previously suggested in the literature, as the explanation for XRT 210423. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present 18 yr of OGLE photometry together with spectra obtained over 12 yr revealing that the early Oe star AzV 493 shows strong photometric (Δ I < 1.2 mag) and spectroscopic variability with a dominant, 14.6 yr pattern and ∼40 day oscillations. We estimate the stellar parameters T eff = 42,000 K, log L / L ⊙ = 5.83 ± 0.15 , M / M ⊙ = 50 ± 9, and v sin i = 370 ± 40 km s−1. Direct spectroscopic evidence shows episodes of both gas ejection and infall. There is no X-ray detection, and it is likely a runaway star. The star AzV 493 may have an unseen companion on a highly eccentric (e > 0.93) orbit. We propose that close interaction at periastron excites ejection of the decretion disk, whose variable emission-line spectrum suggests separate inner and outer components, with an optically thick outer component obscuring both the stellar photosphere and the emission-line spectrum of the inner disk at early phases in the photometric cycle. It is plausible that AzV 493's mass and rotation have been enhanced by binary interaction followed by the core-collapse supernova explosion of the companion, which now could be either a black hole or a neutron star. This system in the Small Magellanic Cloud can potentially shed light on OBe decretion disk formation and evolution, massive binary evolution, and compact binary progenitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid increase in serendipitous X-ray source detections requires the development of novel approaches to efficiently explore the nature of X-ray sources. If even a fraction of these sources could be reliably classified, it would enable population studies for various astrophysical source types on a much larger scale than currently possible. Classification of large numbers of sources from multiple classes characterized by multiple properties (features) must be done automatically and supervised machine learning (ML) seems to provide the only feasible approach. We perform classification of Chandra Source Catalog version 2.0 (CSCv2) sources to explore the potential of the ML approach and identify various biases, limitations, and bottlenecks that present themselves in these kinds of studies. We establish the framework and present a flexible and expandable Python pipeline, which can be used and improved by others. We also release the training data set of 2941 X-ray sources with confidently established classes. In addition to providing probabilistic classifications of 66,369 CSCv2 sources (21% of the entire CSCv2 catalog), we perform several narrower-focused case studies (high-mass X-ray binary candidates and X-ray sources within the extent of the H.E.S.S. TeV sources) to demonstrate some possible applications of our ML approach. We also discuss future possible modifications of the presented pipeline, which are expected to lead to substantial improvements in classification confidences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We make the first observation-based calculation of the energy that goes into cosmic ray protons versus cosmic ray electrons in shock acceleration during structure formation. We find a ratio of energy in cosmic ray protons to energy in cosmic ray electrons of 0.86. This value, calculated from the nonthermal X-ray component reported here from RTXE and the Fermi LAT upper limit for gamma-ray emission, is significantly lower than theoretical estimates that place most of the nonthermal energy in protons. Our estimate is based on the detection of nonthermal X-ray emission using the 3â€"20 keV RXTE spectrum, which shows residual emission not well modeled by a single thermal component. The statistical significance of adding a nonthermal, power-law component is 96%. The significance of adding a second thermal component is 90%. The addition of a component consisting of full cosmic X-ray background fluctuation to an isothermal model is significant with 92% confidence. The cumulative probability for the two-thermal-component model is 81% and 90% for the thermal plus power law. Thus the model with nonthermal emission is the preferred description of the data. Evidence of shock heating between the clusters in the spectro-imaging data of XMM, Chandra, and Suzaku indicates that a cosmic ray component should also be present and supports a nonthermal interpretation for the additional component. The bolometric nonthermal X-ray luminosity is 1.6 Ă— 1044 ergs sâˆ'1, 36% of the total X-ray emission in the 0.1â€"100 keV band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present observations of ASASSN-20hx, a nearby ambiguous nuclear transient (ANT) discovered in NGC 6297 by the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN). We observed ASASSN-20hx from âˆ'30 to 275 days relative to the peak UV/optical emission using high-cadence, multiwavelength spectroscopy and photometry. From Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data, we determine that the ANT began to brighten on 2020 June 22.8 with a linear rise in flux for at least the first week. ASASSN-20hx peaked in the UV/optical 30 days later on 2020 July 22.8 (MJD = 59052.8) at a bolometric luminosity of L = (3.15 ± 0.04) Ă— 1043 erg sâˆ'1. The subsequent decline is slower than any TDE observed to date and consistent with many other ANTs. Compared to an archival X-ray detection, the X-ray luminosity of ASASSN-20hx increased by an order of magnitude to L x ∼ 1.5 Ă— 1042 erg sâˆ'1 and then slowly declined over time. The X-ray emission is well fit by a power law with a photon index of Î" ∼ 2.3â€"2.6. Both the optical and near-infrared spectra of ASASSN-20hx lack emission lines, unusual for any known class of nuclear transient. While ASASSN-20hx has some characteristics seen in both tidal disruption events and active galactic nuclei, it cannot be definitively classified with current data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progenitors of core-collapse supernovae (SNe) can shed significant mass to circumstellar material (CSM) in the months to years preceding core collapse. The ensuing SN explosion launches ejecta that may subsequently collide with this CSM, producing shocks that can power emissions across the electromagnetic spectrum. In this work we explore the thermal signatures of dense CSM interaction when the CSM density profile is truncated at some outer radius. CSM with optical depth > c/v (where v is the shock velocity) will produce primarily ∼blackbody optical/UV emission, whereas lower optical depth CSM will power bremsstrahlung X-ray emission. Focusing on the latter, we derive light curves and spectra of the resulting X-ray transients that include a detailed treatment of Comptonization. Due to strong photoelectric absorption, the X-ray light curve is dominated by the postinteraction phase that occurs after the shock reaches the CSM truncation radius. We treat this regime here for the first time. Using these results, we present the phase space of optical, UV, and X-ray transients as a function of CSM properties, and discuss detectability prospects. We find that ROSAT would not have been sensitive to CSM X-ray transients but that eROSITA is expected to detect many such events. Future wide-field UV missions such as the Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite will dramatically enhance sensitivity to large optical depth CSM configurations. Finally, we present a framework within which CSM properties may be directly inferred from observable features of X-ray transients. This can serve as an important tool for studying stellar mass loss using SN X-ray detections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) by definition have masses of MIMBH ∼ 102−5M⊙, a range with few observational constraints. Finding IMBHs in globular star clusters (GCs) would validate a formation channel for massive black-hole seeds in the early universe. Here, we simulate a 60 hr observation with the next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) of 728 GC candidates in the Virgo Cluster galaxy NGC 4472. Interpreting the radio detection thresholds as signatures of accretion onto IMBHs, we benchmark IMBH mass thresholds in three scenarios and find the following: (1) radio analogs of ESO 243-49 HLX-1, a strong IMBH candidate with in a star cluster, are easy to access in all 728 GC candidates. (2) For the 30 GC candidates with extant X-ray detections, the empirical fundamental-plane relation involving black-hole mass plus X-ray and radio luminosities suggests access to , with an uncertainty of 0.44 dex. (3) A fiducial Bondi accretion model was applied to all 728 GC candidates and to radio stacks of the GC candidates. This model suggests access to IMBH masses, with a statistical uncertainty of 0.39 dex, of for individual GC candidates, and for radio stacks of about 100–200 GC candidates. The fiducial Bondi model offers initial guidance, but is subject to additional systematic uncertainties and should be superseded by hydrodynamical simulations of gas flows in GCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous detections of an X-ray emission line near 3.5 keV in galaxy clusters and other dark-matter-dominated objects have been interpreted as observational evidence for the decay of sterile neutrino dark matter. Motivated by this, we report on a search for a 3.5 keV emission line from the Milky Way's galactic dark matter halo with HaloSat. As a single pixel, collimated instrument, HaloSat observations are impervious to potential systematic effects due to grazing incidence reflection and CCD pixelization, and thus may offer a check on possible instrumental systematic errors in previous analyses. We report nondetections of a ∼3.5 keV emission line in four HaloSat observations near the Galactic center. In the context of the sterile neutrino decay interpretation of the putative line feature, we provide 90% confidence level upper limits on the 3.5 keV line flux for a field centered 18.6 degrees from the Galactic center and the corresponding 7.1 keV sterile neutrino mixing angle: F ≤ 0.077 ph cm−2 s−1 sr−1 and. The HaloSat mixing angle upper limit was calculated using a modern parameterization of the Milky Way's dark matter distribution, and in order to compare with previous limits, we also report the limit calculated using a common historical model. The HaloSat mixing angle upper limit places constraints on a number of previous mixing angle estimates derived from observations of the Milky Way's dark matter halo and galaxy clusters, and excludes several previous detections of the line. The upper limits cannot, however, entirely rule out the sterile neutrino decay interpretation of the 3.5 keV line feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single AGB stars are not normally expected to be X-ray emitters due to the lack of a corona capable of powering a hot plasma. Therefore, the detection of X-ray emission in AGB stars by the ROSAT, Chandra, and XMM-Newton observatories has been interpreted as evidence for binarity. The number of X-ray-emitting AGB stars is, however, very small, and statistically sound conclusions shall be considered tentative. In this paper we aim at increasing the number of X-ray-emitting AGB stars and at providing a consistent analysis of their X-ray emission to be compared to their UV and optical properties. The XMM-Newton 4XMM-DR9 catalog has been searched for X-ray counterparts of various types of AGB stars: nearby (i.e., listed in Hipparcos), mass-losing, and S- and C-types. Seventeen X-ray counterparts of AGB stars have been found in the 4XMM-DR9. Nine of them have pointed XMM-Newton observations, whereas eight are genuine serendipitous discoveries. Together with the AGB stars detected by ROSAT, this increases the number of X-ray AGB stars to 26. Most of their X-ray spectra can be fit by the emission from an optically thin single-temperature thermal plasma with temperatures typically larger than 107 K. There is no obvious correlation between the X-ray and bolometric luminosity of these stars, but the X-ray luminosity generally increases with the amount of far-UV excess. The high temperature of some X-ray-emitting plasma in AGB stars and the correlation of their X-ray luminosity with the far-UV emission supports the origin of this X-ray emission from accretion disks around unseen companions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present High Sensitivity Array and enhanced Multi-Element Remotely Linked Interferometer Network observations of the radio-loud broad-lined Type Ic supernova PTF11qcj obtained ∼7.5 yr after the explosion. Previous observations of this supernova at 5.5 yr since explosion showed a double-peaked radio light curve accompanied by a detection in the X-rays, but no evidence for broad Hα spectral features. The Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations presented here show that the PTF11qcj GHz radio ejecta remains marginally resolved at the submilliarcsecond level ≈7.5 yr after the explosion, pointing toward a nonrelativistic expansion. Our VLBI observations thus favor a scenario in which the second peak of the PTF11qcj radio light curve is related to the strong interaction of the supernova ejecta with a circumstellar medium of variable density, rather than to the emergence of an off-axis jet. Continued VLBI monitoring of PTF11qcj in the radio may further strengthen this conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a large sample of infrared-luminous candidate active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that lack X-ray detections in Chandra, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR fields. We selected all optically detected SDSS sources with redshift measurements, combined additional broadband photometry from WISE, UKIDSS, 2MASS, and GALEX, and modeled the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of our sample sources. We parameterize nuclear obscuration in our SEDs with and uncover thousands of powerful obscured AGNs that lack X-ray counterparts, many of which are identified as AGN candidates based on straightforward WISE photometric criteria. Using the observed luminosity correlation between rest-frame 2–10 keV () and rest-frame AGN (), we estimate the intrinsic X-ray luminosities of our sample sources and combine these data with flux limits from X-ray catalogs to determine lower limits on nuclear obscuration. Using the ratio of intrinsic-to-observed X-ray luminosity (), we find a significant fraction of sources with column densities approaching cm–2, suggesting that multiwavelength observations are necessary to account for the population of heavily obscured AGNs. We simulate the underlying distribution for the X-ray non-detected sources in our sample through survival analysis, and confirm the presence of AGN activity via X-ray stacking. Our results point to a considerable population of extremely obscured AGNs undetected by current X-ray observatories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While tidal disruption events (TDEs) have long been heralded as laboratories for the study of quiescent black holes, the small number of known TDEs and uncertainties in their emission mechanism have hindered progress toward this promise. Here we present 17 new TDEs that have been detected recently by the Zwicky Transient Facility along with Swift UV and X-ray follow-up observations. Our homogeneous analysis of the optical/UV light curves, including 22 previously known TDEs from the literature, reveals a clean separation of light-curve properties with spectroscopic class. The TDEs with Bowen fluorescence features in their optical spectra have smaller blackbody radii, lower optical luminosities, and higher disruption rates compared to the rest of the sample. The small subset of TDEs that show only helium emission lines in their spectra have the longest rise times, the highest luminosities, and the lowest rates. A high detection rate of Bowen lines in TDEs with small photometric radii could be explained by the high density that is required for this fluorescence mechanism. The stellar debris can provide a source for this dense material. Diffusion of photons through this debris may explain why the rise and fade timescale of the TDEs in our sample are not correlated. We also report, for the first time, the detection of soft X-ray flares from a TDE on ∼day timescales. Based on the fact that the X-ray flares peak at a luminosity similar to the optical/UV blackbody luminosity, we attribute them to brief glimpses through a reprocessing layer that otherwise obscures the inner accretion flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results from our X-ray analysis of a systematic search for triple active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in nearby (z < 0.077) triple galaxy mergers. We analyze archival Chandra observations of seven triple galaxy mergers with baymax (Bayesian Analysis of Multiple AGNs in X-rays), fitting each observation with single, dual, and triple X-ray point-source models. In doing so, we conclude that one triple merger has one X-ray point source (SDSS J0858+1822, although it is unlikely to be an AGN), five triple mergers are likely composed of two X-ray point sources (NGC 3341, SDSS J1027+1749, SDSS J1631+2352, SDSS J1708+2153, and SDSS J2356−1016), and one system is composed of three X-ray point sources (SDSS J0849+1114). By fitting the individual X-ray spectra of each point source, we analyze the 2−7 keV luminosities, as well as the levels of obscuration associated with each potential AGN. We find that 4/5 dual X-ray point-source systems have primary and secondary point sources with bright X-ray luminosities (L2−7kev > 1040 erg s−1), possibly associated with four new undetected dual AGNs. The dual and triple-point-source systems are found to have physical separations between 3 and 9 kpc and flux ratios between 2 × 10−3 and 0.84. A multiwavelength analysis to determine the origin of the X-ray point sources discovered in this work is presented in our companion paper (Foord et al. 2020c). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report Chandra detection of three UV-bright radio-quiet quasars at z ≳ 5. We have collected a sufficient number of photons to extract an X-ray spectrum of each quasar to measure their basic X-ray properties, such as the X-ray flux, power-law photon index (Γ), and optical-to-X-ray spectral slope (αOX). J074749+115352 at z = 5.26 is the X-ray brightest radio-quiet quasar at z > 5. It may have a short timescale variation (on a timescale of ∼3800 s in the observer's frame, or ∼600 s in the rest frame), which is, however, largely embedded in the statistical noise. We extract phase folded spectra of this quasar. There are two distinguishable states: a "high soft" state with an average X-ray flux ∼2.7 times the "low hard" state, and a significantly steeper X-ray spectral slope (versus). We also compare the three quasars detected in this paper to other quasar samples. We find that J074749+115352, with an SMBH mass of MSMBH ≈ 1.8 × 109M⊙ and an Eddington ratio of λEdd ≈ 2.3, is extraordinarily X-ray bright. It has an average αOX = −1.46 ± 0.02 and a 2–10 keV bolometric correction factor of Lbol/L2–10 keV = 42.4 ± 5.8, both significantly depart from some well defined scaling relations. We compare Γ of the three quasars to other samples at different redshifts, and do not find any significant redshift evolution based on the limited sample of z > 5 quasars with reliable measurements of the X-ray spectral properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate active galactic nucleus (AGN) identifications and spatially resolved host galaxy properties are a powerful combination for studies of the role of AGNs and AGN feedback in the coevolution of galaxies and their central supermassive black holes. Here, we present robust identifications of 406 AGNs in the first 6261 galaxies observed by the integral field spectroscopy survey Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory. Instead of using optical line flux ratios, which can be difficult to interpret in light of the effects of shocks and metallicity, we identify the AGNs via mid-infrared Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer colors, Swift/BAT ultrahard X-ray detections, NVSS and FIRST radio observations, and broad emission lines in SDSS spectra. We subdivide the AGNs into radio-quiet and radio-mode AGNs, and examine the correlations of the AGN classes with host galaxy star formation rates and stellar populations. When compared to the radio-quiet AGN host galaxies, we find that the radio-mode AGN host galaxies are preferentially elliptical, lie further beneath the star-forming main sequence (with lower star formation rates at fixed galaxy mass), have older stellar populations, and have more negative stellar age gradients with galactocentric distance (indicating inside-out quenching of star formation). These results establish a connection between radio-mode AGNs and the suppression of star formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a Chandra archival study of optically selected active galactic nucleus (AGN) pairs at a median redshift. Out of 1286 AGN pairs (with projected separations rp < 100 kpc and velocity offsets Δv < 600 km s−1) optically identified from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Seventh Data Release, we find 67 systems with archival Chandra observations, which represents the largest sample of optically selected AGN pairs studied in the X-ray. Among the 67 AGN pairs, 21 systems have both nuclei detected in the X-ray, 36 have one nucleus detected in the X-ray, and 10 have no X-ray detection. The X-ray detection rate, 78/134 = 58% (±7% 1σ Poisson errors), is significantly higher than that (23/134 = 17% ± 4%) of a comparison sample of star-forming galaxy pairs, lending support to the optical AGN classification. In the conservative case where X-ray contamination from star formation is removed, the X-ray detection rate becomes 27% ± 4%, consistent with predictions from the latest galaxy merger simulations. The 2–10 keV X-ray luminosity L2–10 keV increases with decreasing projected separation in AGN pairs for rp ≳ 15 kpc, suggesting an enhancement of black hole accretion even in early-stage mergers. On the other hand, L2–10 keV appears to decrease with decreasing projected separation at rp ≲15 kpc, which is contradictory to predictions from merger simulations. The apparent decrease in L2–10 keV of AGN pairs at rp ≲ 15 kpc may be caused by (i) enhanced absorbing columns from merger-induced gas inflows, (ii) feedback effects from early-stage mergers, and/or (iii) small number statistics. Future X-ray studies with larger samples are needed to put our results on firmer statistical ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population synthesis models of actively accreting supermassive black holes (or active galactic nuclei (AGN)) predict a large fraction that must grow behind dense, obscuring screens of gas and dust. Deep X-ray surveys are thought to have provided the most complete and unbiased samples of AGN, but there is strong observational evidence that a portion of the population of obscured AGN is being missed. In this paper, we use a sample of AGN derived from the deepest X-ray survey to date, the Chandra 7 Ms GOODS-South Survey, to investigate the nature of low-flux X-ray sources. We make full use of the extensive multiwavelength coverage of the GOODS-South field and cross-match our objects with wavelengths from the radio to the IR. We find that the low X-ray flux AGN in our sample have X-ray luminosities that indicate low-luminosity AGN classification, while their radio, IR, and optical counterparts indicate moderate to powerful AGN classification. We find that the predicted column densities are, on average, an order of magnitude higher than the calculated column densities via X-ray detections for X-ray-faint sources. We interpret our results as evidence of obscured AGN disguised as low-luminosity AGN via their X-ray luminosities. When we compare the estimation of the obscured AGN space density with and without these objects, we find a difference of 40% in the lowest X-ray luminosity regime probed by our sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed multiwavelength observations of the previously identified Galactic center X-ray binary CXO 174528.79–290942.8 (XID 6592) and determine that the near-infrared counterpart is a red supergiant based on its spectrum and luminosity. Scutum X-1 is the only previously known X-ray binary with a red supergiant donor star and closely resembles XID 6592 in terms of X-ray luminosity (LX), absolute magnitude, and IR variability (LIR,var), supporting the conclusion that XID 6592 contains a red supergiant donor star. The XID 6592 infrared counterpart shows variability of ∼0.5 mag in the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer-1 band (3.4 μm) on timescales of a few hours. Other infrared data sets also show large-amplitude variability from this source at earlier epochs but do not show significant variability in recent data. We do not expect red supergiants to vary by ∼50% in luminosity over these short timescales, indicating that the variability should be powered by the compact object. However, the X-ray luminosity of this system is typically ∼1000× less than the variable luminosity in the infrared and falls below the Chandra detection limit. While X-ray reprocessing can produce large-amplitude fast infrared variability, it typically requires LIR,var to do so, indicating that another process must be at work. We suggest that this system may be a supergiant fast X-ray transient (SFXT), and that a large (∼1038 ergs s−1), fast (102-4 s) X-ray flare could explain the rapid IR variability and lack of a long-lasting X-ray outburst detection. SFXTs are normally associated with blue supergiant companions, so if confirmed, XID 6592 would be the first red supergiant SFXT, as well as the second X-ray red supergiant binary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the discovery and high-cadence follow-up observations of SN 2018ivc, an unusual SNe II that exploded in NGC 1068 (D = 10.1 Mpc). The light curve of SN 2018ivc declines piecewise-linearly, changing slope frequently, with four clear slope changes in the first 30 days of evolution. This rapidly changing light curve indicates that interaction between the circumstellar material and ejecta plays a significant role in the evolution. Circumstellar interaction is further supported by a strong X-ray detection. The spectra are rapidly evolving and dominated by hydrogen, helium, and calcium emission lines. We identify a rare high-velocity emission-line feature blueshifted at ∼7800 (in Hα, Hβ, Pβ, Pγ, He i , and Ca ii), which is visible from day 18 until at least day 78 and could be evidence of an asymmetric progenitor or explosion. From the overall similarity between SN 2018ivc and SN 1996al, the Hα equivalent width of its parent H ii region, and constraints from pre-explosion archival Hubble Space Telescope images, we find that the progenitor of SN 2018ivc could be as massive as 52 but is more likely <12. SN 2018ivc demonstrates the importance of the early discovery and rapid follow-up observations of nearby supernovae to study the physics and progenitors of these cosmic explosions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We search for high-redshift (z > 4.5) X-ray active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the deep central (off-axis angle < 5.′7) region of the 7 Ms Chandra Deep Field-South X-ray image. We compile an initial candidate sample from direct X-ray detections. We then probe more deeply in the X-ray data by using preselected samples with high spatial resolution near-infrared (NIR)/mid-infrared (MIR) (Hubble Space Telescope (HST) 1.6 μm and Spitzer 4.5 μm) and submillimeter (ALMA 850 μm) observations. The combination of the NIR/MIR and submillimeter preselections allows us to find X-ray sources with a wide range of dust properties and spectral energy distributions (SEDs). We use the SEDs from the optical to the submillimeter to determine if previous photometric redshifts were plausible. Only five possible z > 5 X-ray AGNs are found, all of which might also lie at lower redshifts. If they do lie at high redshifts, then two are Compton-thick AGNs. Three of the five are ALMA 850 μm sources, including the two Compton-thick AGN candidates. We find that (i) the number density of X-ray AGN drops rapidly at high redshifts, (ii) the detected AGNs do not contribute significantly to photoionization at z > 5, and (iii) the measured X-ray light density over z = 5–10 implies a very low black hole accretion density with very little growth in the black hole mass density in this redshift range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present Chandra X-ray observations of four optically selected tidal disruption events (TDEs) obtained 4–9 yr after discovery. Three sources were detected with luminosities between 9 × 1040 and 3 × 1042 erg s−1. The spectrum of PTF09axc is consistent with a power law of index 2.5 ± 0.1, whereas the spectrum of PTF09ge is very soft. The power-law spectrum of PTF09axc and prior literature findings provide evidence that TDEs transition from an early-time soft state to a late-time hard state many years after disruption. We propose that the time to peak luminosity for optical and X-ray emission may differ substantially in TDEs, with X-rays being produced or becoming observable later. This delay helps explain the differences in observed properties such as Lopt/LX of optically and X-ray-selected TDEs. We update TDE rate predictions for the eROSITA instrument: it ranges from 3 to 990 yr−1, depending sensitively on the distribution of black hole spins and the time delay between disruption and peak X-ray brightness. We further predict an asymmetry in the number of retrograde and prograde disks in samples of optically and X-ray-selected TDEs. The details of the observational biases can contribute to observed differences between optically and X-ray-selected TDEs (with optically selected TDEs being fainter in X-rays for retrograde TDE disks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have compiled the most complete census of high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) in the Small Magellanic Cloud with the aim to investigate the formation efficiency of young accreting binaries in its low-metallicity environment. In total, we use 123 X-ray sources with detections in our Chandra X-ray Visionary Program (XVP), supplemented by 14 additional (likely and confirmed) HMXBs identified by Haberl & Sturm that fall within the XVP area, but are neither detected in our survey (nine sources) nor matched with any of the 127 sources identified in the XVP data (five sources). Specifically, we examine the number ratio of the HMXBs [N(HMXBs)] to (a) the number of OB stars, (b) the local star formation rate (SFR), and (c) the stellar mass produced during the specific star formation burst, all as a function of the age of their parent stellar populations. Each of these indicators serves a different role, but in all cases we find that the HMXB formation efficiency increases as a function of time (following a burst of star formation) up to ∼40–60 Myr, and then gradually decreases. The formation efficiency peaks at ∼30–40 Myr with average rates of , and N(HMXB)/M , in good agreement with previous estimates of the average formation efficiency in the broad ∼20–60 Myr age range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the space density of bright active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at z > 4 has been subject to extensive effort given its importance in the estimation of cosmological ionizing emissivity and growth of supermassive black holes. In this context we have recently derived high space densities of AGNs at z ∼ 4 and −25 < M1450 < −23 in the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field from a spectroscopically complete sample. In the present paper we attempt to extend the knowledge of the AGN space density at fainter magnitudes (−22.5 < M1450 < −18.5) in the 4 < z < 6.1 redshift interval by means of a multiwavelength sample of galaxies in the Cosmic Assembly Near-IR Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS) GOODS-South, GOODS-North, and EGS fields. We use an updated criterion to extract faint AGNs from a population of near-IR (rest-frame UV) selected galaxies at photometric z > 4 showing X-ray detection in deep Chandra images available for the three CANDELS fields. We have collected a photometric sample of 32 AGN candidates in the selected redshift interval, six of which having spectroscopic redshifts. Including our COSMOS sample as well as other bright QSO samples allows a first guess on the shape of the UV luminosity function (LF) at z ∼ 4.5. The resulting emissivity and photoionization rate appear consistent with that derived from the photoionization level of the intergalactic medium at z ∼ 4.5. An extrapolation to z ∼ 5.6 suggests an important AGN contribution to the ionization of intergalactic medium if there are no significant changes in the shape of the UV LF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyper-luminous X-ray sources (HLXs; LX > 1041 erg s−1) are off-nuclear X-ray sources in galaxies and strong candidates for intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs). We have constructed a sample of 169 HLX candidates by combining X-ray detections from the Chandra Source Catalog (Version 2) with galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and registering individual images for improved relative astrometric accuracy. The spatial resolution of Chandra allows for the sample to extend out to z ∼ 0.9. Optical counterparts are detected among one-fourth of the sample, one-third of which are consistent with dwarf galaxy stellar masses. The average intrinsic X-ray spectral slope indicates efficient accretion, potentially driven by galaxy mergers, and the column densities suggest one-third of the sample has significant X-ray absorption. We find that 144 of the HLX candidates have X-ray emission that is significantly in excess of the expected contribution from star formation and hot gas, strongly suggesting that they are produced by accretion onto black holes more massive than stars. After correcting for an average background or foreground contamination rate of 8%, we estimate that at least ∼20 of the HLX candidates are consistent with IMBH masses, and this estimate is potentially several times higher assuming more efficient accretion. This catalog currently represents the largest sample of uniformly selected, off-nuclear IMBH candidates. These sources may represent scenarios in which a low-mass galaxy hosting an IMBH has merged with a more massive galaxy and provide an excellent sample for testing models of low-mass BH formation and merger-driven growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our search for γ-ray emission from Be X-ray binaries from the analysis of the data obtained with the Large Area Telescope onboard the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, we find likely detection of GRO J1008−57. The binary has an orbital period of 249.48 days, and it is only significantly detected in its orbital phase 0.8–0.9 (>4σ). Further light-curve analysis indicates that the detection is probably largely due to an emitting event in one orbital cycle around year 2012–2013, following a giant X-ray outburst of the source. This property of having occasional γ-ray emitting events is similar to that seen in another high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) 4U 1036−56. However, models considering possible γ-ray emission from an accreting neutron star have difficulty in explaining the observed ∼1034 erg s−1 luminosity of the source, unless the distance was largely overestimated. Further observational studies are required, in order to more clearly establish the high-energy emission properties of GRO J1008−57 or similar HMXBs and find clues for understanding how γ-ray emission is produced from them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsar wind nebula DA 495 (G65.7+1.2) was detected in TeV gamma-rays by the High Altitude Water Cerenkov Observatory in 2017 (2HWC J1953+294). Follow-up observations by the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System confirmed the association between 2HWC J1953+294 and DA 495 and found the TeV emission to be spatially coincident with the radio emission first reported in 1968. The detection of TeV gamma-rays from DA 495, along with past X-ray detection up to 10 keV, prompted high-energy X-ray observations as part of the NuSTAR Galactic Legacy Survey. We present the results of these NuSTAR observations, combined with archival Chandra and XMM-Newton observations, and confirm the previous X-ray photon index of . We find no spectral cutoff up to 20 keV. With the spectral information for DA 495 extended to TeV gamma-rays, we were able to perform analytical modeling to test leptonic and hadronic emission scenarios. The leptonic models can explain the broadband emission, but also imply a diffuse X-ray nebula of similar extent to the radio and TeV nebulae, which cannot be confirmed by our observations. The hadronic models can simultaneously explain the spectrum and the spatial extent in all wavelengths; however, we need a very high magnetic field strength pervading the radio and TeV nebulae and a surprisingly high particle kinetic energy. These requirements deepen the mystery of the physical nature of DA 495. Future observations in radio to infrared bands and spatially resolved γ-rays can further constrain the physical conditions and radiation mechanisms in DA 495. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on archival Chandra observations with a total exposure of 1.3 Ms, we study X-ray point sources in the Fornax cluster of galaxies, with the primary aim of searching for intracluster X-ray source populations. We detect 1177 point sources out to a projected radius of ∼30 arcmin (∼180 kpc) from the cluster center and down to a limiting 0.5–8 keV luminosity of ∼3 × 1037 erg s−1. We construct the source surface density profile, after excluding sources associated with foreground stars, known globular clusters, ultra-compact dwarfs, and galactic nuclei. From this profile we statistically identify ∼183 excess sources that are not associated with the bulk stellar content of the individual member galaxies of Fornax, nor with the cosmic X-ray background. Taking into account Poisson error and cosmic variance, the cumulative significance of this excess is at the ≳2σ level (with a maximum of 3.6σ) outside three effective radii of the central giant elliptical, NGC 1399. The luminosity function of the excess sources is found to be significantly steeper than that of the GC-hosting sources (presumably low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs)), disfavoring the possibility that unidentified GCs are primarily responsible for the excess. We show that a large fraction of the excess can be related to the extended stellar halo of NGC 1399 and/or the diffuse intracluster light, thus providing strong evidence for the presence of intracluster X-ray sources in Fornax, the second unambiguous case for a galaxy cluster after Virgo. Other possible origins of the excess, including supernova-kicked LMXBs and stripped nucleated dwarf galaxies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of various data such as ALMA, JVLA, Chandra, Herschel, and Spitzer, we confirmed that two protostellar candidates in Oph A are bona fide protostars or proto-brown dwarfs (proto-BDs) in extremely early evolutionary stages. Both objects are barely visible across infrared (IR; i.e., near-IR to far-IR) bands. The physical nature of the cores is very similar to that expected in first hydrostatic cores (FHSCs), objects theoretically predicted in the evolutionary phase prior to stellar core formation with gas densities of ∼1011–12 cm−3. This suggests that the evolutionary stage is close to the FHSC formation phase. The two objects are associated with faint X-ray sources, suggesting that they are in very early phase of stellar core formation with magnetic activity. In addition, we found the CO outflow components around both sources, which may originate from the young outflows driven by these sources. The masses of these objects are calculated to be ∼0.01–0.03 M⊙ from the dust continuum emission. These physical properties are consistent with that expected from the numerical model of forming brown dwarfs. These facts (the X-ray detection, CO outflow association, and FHSC-like spectral energy distributions) strongly indicate that the two objects are proto-BDs or will be in the very early phase of protostars, which will evolve to more massive protostars if they gain enough mass from their surroundings. The ages of these two objects are likely to be within ∼103 years after the protostellar core (or second core) formation, taking into account the outflow dynamical times (≲500 years). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have conducted a systematic survey for the X-ray properties of millisecond pulsars (MSPs). Currently, there are 47 MSPs with confirmed X-ray detections. We have also placed the upper limits for the X-ray emission from the other 36 MSPs by using the archival data. We have normalized their X-ray luminosities Lx and their effective photon indices Γ into a homogeneous data set, which enables us to carry out a detailed statistical analysis. Based on our censored sample, we report a relation of erg s−1 (2–10 keV) for the MSPs. The inferred X-ray conversion efficiency is found to be lower than the previously reported estimate that could be affected by selection bias. Lx also correlates/anti-correlates with the magnetic field strength at the light cylinder BLC/characteristic age τ. On the other hand, there is no correlation between Lx and their surface magnetic field strength Bs. We have further divided the sample into four classes: (i) black-widows, (ii) redbacks, (iii) isolated MSPs, and (iv) other MSP binaries, and compare the properties among them. We noted that while the rotational parameters and the orbital periods of redbacks and black-widows are similar, Lx of redbacks are significantly higher than those of black-widows in the 2–10 keV band. Also the Γ of redbacks are apparently smaller than those of black-widows, which indicates that the X-ray emission of redbacks are harder than that of black-widows. This can be explained by the different contribution of intrabinary shocks in the X-ray emission of these two classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The candidate black hole X-ray binary Swift J1753.5−0127 faded to quiescence in 2016 November after a prolonged outburst that was discovered in 2005. Nearly three months later, the system displayed renewed activity that lasted through 2017 July. Here, we present radio and X-ray monitoring over months of the renewed activity to study the coupling between the jet and the inner regions of the disk/jet system. Our observations cover low X-ray luminosities that have not historically been well-sampled ( 1–10 keV), including time periods when the system was both brightening and fading. At these low luminosities, Swift J1753.5−0127 occupies a parameter space in the radio/X-ray luminosity plane that is comparable to “canonical” systems (e.g., GX 339−4), regardless of whether the system was brightening or fading, even though during its ≳11 year outburst, Swift J1753.5−0127 emitted less radio emission from its jet than expected. We discuss implications for the existence of a single radio/X-ray luminosity correlation for black hole X-ray binaries at the lowest luminosities (), and we compare to supermassive black holes. Our campaign includes the lowest luminosity quasi-simultaneous radio/X-ray detection to date for a black hole X-ray binary during its rise out of quiescence, thanks to early notification from optical monitoring combined with fast responses from sensitive multiwavelength facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observation of a solar microflare, SOL2015-09-01T04. Although it was too faint to be observed by the GOES X-ray Sensor, we estimate the event to be an A0.1 class flare in brightness. This microflare, with only ∼5 counts s−1 detector−1 observed by the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), is fainter than any hard X-ray (HXR) flare in the existing literature. The microflare occurred during a solar pointing by the highly sensitive NuSTAR astrophysical observatory, which used its direct focusing optics to produce detailed HXR microflare spectra and images. The microflare exhibits HXR properties commonly observed in larger flares, including a fast rise and more gradual decay, earlier peak time with higher energy, spatial dimensions similar to the RHESSI microflares, and a high-energy excess beyond an isothermal spectral component during the impulsive phase. The microflare is small in emission measure, temperature, and energy, though not in physical size; observations are consistent with an origin via the interaction of at least two magnetic loops. We estimate the increase in thermal energy at the time of the microflare to be 2.4 × 1027 erg. The observation suggests that flares do indeed scale down to extremely small energies and retain what we customarily think of as “flare-like” properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]