An Irradiated Disk in an Ultraluminous X-Ray Source
Abstract
Whether ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) contain stellar-mass or intermediate-mass black holes is an important, but as yet unresolved question. We have discovered variable optical emission from the ULX NGC 5408 X-1 that we interpret as reprocessed emission in an irradiated disk. We propose simultaneous observations with Chandra and HST to test this interpretation and place constraints on the geometry of the accretion disk. The results should help determine the nature of the compact object.
- Publication:
-
Chandra Proposal
- Pub Date:
- September 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009cxo..prop.2789K