Optical Identification of X-ray Sources in the LMC using ROSAT Data
Abstract
In an attempt to understand the global properties of the stellar X-ray sources in the Large Magellanic Cloud, ROSAT-HRI images have been obtained for fields containing previously known (from Einstein data), but optically unidentified, point sources. To date, 18 fields have been observed with ROSAT. The primary target has been detected in 12 cases, indicating that some of the Einstein sources are variable or may have been spurious detections. In the ROSAT fields 18 additional point sources have been found. Nine were previously known, but the remainder are serendipitous detections of new sources. Accurate (3-4") positions have been derived for all sources, and optical searches, using both spectroscopy and photometry, are being carried out at CTIO. Optical observations have been completed in 6 ROSAT fields, with firm identifications for 10 X-ray sources. These include 4 late-type galactic stars, 2 Seyfert galaxies, and 4 hot LMC stars with variable spectra. This project is ongoing, with additional fields to be observed by ROSAT this year and further optical work to be undertaken at CTIO during the 1992-93 season.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992AAS...181.2009C