X-ray/Optical Comparisons in M83: A Preliminary Chandra/HST Perspective
Abstract
We are obtaining 750 ks of Chandra data for the nearby face-on spiral galaxy M83 as part of a Chandra cycle 12 program (Long PI). With most of the data now in hand, we are finding several hundred X-ray point sources, many of which are embedded in significant diffuse X-ray emission. We also have an HST cycle 19 program (Blair PI) to image 5 new WFC3 fields in M83 which, with two existing fields obtained in the SM4 Early Release Science program, will provide nearly complete coverage of the optical disk. Here we report a preliminary analysis of the optical counterparts of the X-ray sources within the two existing WFC3 fields of view. We find at least 102 X-ray sources in this region. Of these, 20 are in the complex starburst nucleus and will require more detailed analysis. Of the 82 non-nuclear X-ray sources, we find 19 align with supernova remnants, while the remainder are equally split between sources that have apparent stellar counterparts and those that have no obvious optical counterparts. Finally, we find a new ultraluminous X-ray source that has turned on since 2009 August and has a faint, blue optical counterpart; images from prior to turn-on indicate a low mass companion for this source. We will report on the properties of these objects as derived from the combined data sets.
We thank NASA for support of this work through Chandra Award Nos. GO1-12115A, B, and C issued by the CXC, which is administered by SAO. PFW also acknowledges NSF grant AST-0908566.- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #219
- Pub Date:
- January 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012AAS...21934631B