The Geminga X-Ray Counterpart and a Blue Optical Identification
Abstract
The authors report the identification of the X-ray source 1E 0630+178, itself a candidate for identification with the high-energy γ-ray source "Geminga", with a blue object inside the Einstein error circle. Deep CCD photometry shows that the star in question has g = 25.14, g - r = -0.32, and is the bluest object in the field by a wide margin. The Einstein X-ray spectral data are also analyzed. Contrary to previous claims, no upper limit to the distance can be derived from the X-ray spectrum. The new results support previous models in which Geminga was predicted to be a Vela-type pulsar, since placing Geminga at a distance of 500 - 1000 pc would mean that the absolute luminosities in each of the optical, X-ray and γ-ray bands would be nearly the same as those of Vela.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1086/166467
- Bibcode:
- 1988ApJ...330..201H
- Keywords:
-
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Gamma Rays;
- Neutron Stars;
- Pulsars;
- Spectral Bands;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Black Body Radiation;
- Optical Emission Spectroscopy;
- Radio Emission;
- Synchrotron Radiation;
- Astrophysics;
- GAMMA RAYS: GENERAL;
- PULSARS;
- STARS: NEUTRON;
- X-RAYS: SOURCES