A Swift Program of Follow-up Observations of MAXI Galactic Transients
Abstract
Beginning in April 2010, as part of a Cycle 6 Swift Guest Investigator program, we have been performing rapid follow-up observations of MAXI detected X-ray transients with the Swift X-ray telescope (XRT) and the Ultra-violet/Optical telescope (UVOT), with the aim to provide accurate localizations and identifications of these sources. XRTs 24 arc-minute diameter field of view is well matched to cover the MAXI error circles, and Swifts rapid slewing capability means that we can be on target of a MAXI transient within hours of it being reported. By combining XRT and UVOT data, we are able to provide localizations of transients with 2 arc-second accuracy. Here we present results of the follow-up observations so far. Highlights include confirmation that a MAXI detected transient is indeed HD 347929/1RXS J180724.2+194217 in X-ray outburst, and a Swift BAT trigger and subsequent XRT/UVOT follow-up observation of LS V +44 17, shortly after the initial MAXI detection of the X-ray rise of this object. We present future plans for this program.
- Publication:
-
The First Year of MAXI: Monitoring Variable X-ray Sources
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010fym..confE...7K