Chandra Observations of Maffei 1
Abstract
We present Chandra observations of Maffei 1, the nearest giant elliptical galaxy (D=3,Mpc) and the dominant member of the Maffei group of galaxies. Although we discover weak nuclear activity, Maffei 1 is shown to have the quietest nucleus of any elliptical galaxy observed by Chandra to date. We also characterize the luminosity function (LF) of the low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) in the core regions of this galaxy. Given the proximity of this galaxy, we can study X-ray binaries down to a 0.5-10keV X-ray luminosity of 1037,erg/s or less; we find that the faint-end LF is rather flat. Above 1037 erg/s, the LF breaks to become rather steeper than typically found in LMXB populations. We discuss implications for the nature of LMXBs in normal elliptical galaxies.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2006
- Bibcode:
- 2006AAS...209.0415R