IGR J17497-2821: a new X-ray nova

Context: A new hard X-ray transient has been discovered by INTEGRAL on 2006 Sep. 17 at 1 degree from the Galactic Centre.
Aims: INTEGRAL, Swift/XRT and optical photometric observations are used to characterize IGR J17497-2821 and to unveil its nature.
Methods: The X-ray position has been refined to arcsec level through a study of the optical variability of the possible counterparts. Hard X-ray variability and spectroscopy are used to determine the nature of the source outburst.
Results: IGR J17497-2821 is a new X-ray Nova in low-hard state, probably a new Black-Hole Candidate.