Swift Multi-wavelength High Cadence Monitoring of MAXI J0556-332
Abstract
The JAXA "Monitor of All-Sky X-ray Image” (MAXI) on-board the International Space Station, and NASA Swift satellite are uniquely complementary in the discovery of and localization and follow-up of Galactic X-ray transients. The moderate sensitivity ( 50 mCrab in one orbit) all sky scanning abilities of MAXI in the 2-20 keV range, allows for discovery and localization to 0.2 degree accuracy of outbursts of new sources. Swift's rapid response target of opportunity observing capabilities, and sensitive X-ray (0.3-10 keV) and UV/Optical telescopes allow for MAXI discovered transients to be both rapidly localized (often to better than 2 arc-second resolution), and also monitored with high cadence (daily or better), to track both flux and spectral evolution throughout the outburst. Here we present results from the Swift XRT and UVOT monitoring of MAXI J0556-332, a bright transient discovered by MAXI in January 2011. Due to a low absorption in the direction of the transient, the source is detected by Swift XRT and UVOT. Here we discuss the nature of MAXI J0556-332, presenting temporal and spectral analysis of the broad band optical/UV/X-ray data obtained by Swift throughout the outburst.
- Publication:
-
AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #12
- Pub Date:
- September 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011HEAD...12.1309K