Monitoring of the Jet and X-ray Binary Population of Centaurus A
Abstract
We propose 2x5ks ACIS-I observations of Centaurus A separated by 6 months to monitor the X-ray jet and LMXB population. Variability of the jet knots would provide unique insights into the particle acceleration mechanism that could not be obtained in any other source. The lifetime of particles responsible for the X-ray synchrotron emission is tens of years and, Cen A is the only object for which Chandra's resolution probes this scale. We also will monitor the LMXB population to study the bright transients and detect previously unknown ULXs. Cen A is known to contain at least 2 highly variable ULXs. These observations will provide a unique database for studying the variability of the brightest LMXBs. Multi-wavelength follow-up will be conducted if jet flaring or ULXs are detected.
- Publication:
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Chandra Proposal
- Pub Date:
- September 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010cxo..prop.2997M
- Keywords:
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- Chandra Proposal ID #12700027