X-ray spectral characterization of the ULXs in NGC 4559
Abstract
We propose to perform a 80 ks observation of NGC 4559 with XMM-Newton in order to obtain an unprecedented counting statistics spectrum of NGC 4559 X-7 and X-10, that would allow us to uniquely characterize the spectral shape of these two ultraluminous X-ray sorces (ULXs). These are among the few brightest and nearby ULXs for which such a crucial information is still missing. At the same time such an observation will also enable us to determine if intrinsic short term variability is present in the light curve of these sources. Along with the spectral information, this will serve to characterize their spectral states. If observations of this type are not carried out, we will never fully understand the behaviour of the accretion flow in ULXs.
- Publication:
-
XMM-Newton Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011xmm..prop..157Z
- Keywords:
-
- White Dwarf Binaries;
- Neutron Star Binaries;
- Cataclysmic Variables;
- ULXs;
- Black Holes;
- NGC4559;
- NGC4559