X-ray Binaries and Feedback in Lyman-α Galaxies
Abstract
We describe evidence for a compact, extremely luminous (LX ≈ 1041 ergs s-1) X-ray source in the Lyman Break Analog (LBA) galaxy Haro 11. The X-ray spectrum is hard with a power-law photon index γ≈1.2. This source is most likely dominated by an extreme ULX with LX ≧ 5 × 1040 ergs s-1, possibly with a contribution of other X-ray binaries and Inverse Compton emission. If this source is a Black Hole Binary (BHB) in the low state, as suggested by the hard X-ray spectrum, the compact object is almost certainly an Intermediate Mass Black Hole (IMBH). Discovery of an IMBH in a low metallicity star bursting dwarf would be significant because (1) such objects may be accreted into larger galaxies to form HLX such as ESO 243-49 HLX-1 and (2) Haro 11 X-1 may be a ``seed'' black hole which is currently growing rapidly to form a supermassive black hole. This source is also coincident with the center of the Lyman-α emission. Outflow from the ULX may occur very early in the life of the starburst and inject enough mechanical power into the Interstellar Medium (ISM) to accelerate it and thus reduce resonant scattering. ULX may be critical to allow Lyman-α photons to escape. Haro 11 and other LBAs are important for understanding the role X-ray binaries play in the evolution of young galaxies.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #223
- Pub Date:
- January 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014AAS...22342807P