The new gamma-ray binary system 1FGL J1018.6-5856
Abstract
Fermi-LAT unveiled a 16.6 day modulation in flux and spectral shape in the bright gamma-ray source 1FGL J1018.6-5856. Using Swift/XRT, we singled out the X-ray counterpart as a bright source, displaying a large flux and spectral modulation along the 16.6 day cycle, remarkably stable from one cycle to another, featuring a peculiar "flare-like" peak in phase with the gamma-ray maximum. With an O6V optical counterpart, 1FGL J1018.6-5856 is a new member of the class of gamma-ray binaries, possibly similar (but with surprising differences!) to LS 5039. We propose a deep XMM-Newton observation devoted to study the sharp flare-like peak. Detailed (time-resolved) spectroscopy and a sensitive search for pulsations will shed light on the physics of such a powerful, enigmatic particle accelerator.
- Publication:
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XMM-Newton Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011xmm..prop..165D
- Keywords:
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- White Dwarf Binaries;
- Neutron Star Binaries;
- Cataclysmic Variables;
- ULXs;
- Black Holes;
- 1FGL J1018.6-58