X-Ray Observations of M32 with ASCA
Abstract
The nearest dwarf elliptical M32 was observed with ASCA two times in 1996. An X-ray source was detected at the center of M32 with X-ray flux of 0.6-0.8 times 10-12erg/s/cm2 (0.5-4keV). It was fainter than the X-ray flux of 3-4 times 10-12erg/s/cm2 in the same energy range measured with ROSAT PSPC in 1991. X-ray spectrum of the source is fitted with a power law model with photon index of 1.6-2.2 or thin thermal model with temperature of 4-10 keV. M32 center is known to have a mass concentration of 3 times 106 Mo, which is usually interpreted as an evidence of super massive black hole. ASCA observations of M32 limits the activity of the central black hole is less than 10-6 times of its Eddington limit. We also found two bright sources within 12 arc min from M32 center. We would report their X-ray characteristics, too.
- Publication:
-
The Hot Universe
- Pub Date:
- 1998
- Bibcode:
- 1998IAUS..188..291T