CXOU J122518.6+144545: Type IIn supernova or hyperluminous X-ray source?
Abstract
In 2010 we reported the discovery of CXOU J122518.6+144545. A new Chandra observation in 2012 showed that it varies by more than a factor 10 in X-ray flux. This leaves us with two options: we either discovered a rare type IIn SN, or the second most luminous HLX thus far. Deeper Chandra observations combined with a new HST visit will decide between these scenarios. If CXO J1225 was a supernova, with these new data we will be able to identify the progenitor star. This will be only the second type IIn SN for which this is done. If instead the source is an HLX it is a strong candidate to contain an intermediate mass black hole. In this case the new Chandra data will give us information about its variability and the HST image will give us stronger constraints on the size of the optical source.
- Publication:
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Chandra Proposal
- Pub Date:
- September 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013cxo..prop.3788H