Timing and Spectral Studies of the Extreme Binary Population in M82
Abstract
We propose 12 observations of the starburst galaxy M82 designed to study its extreme binary population. Only Chandra can separate the emission of the hyperluminous IMBH candidate M82 X-1 from the recently discovered ULX pulsar M82 X-2. We can confirm the claimed 62 day flux modulation of X-1, and search for super-orbital modulations in X-2. One observation overlapping with the NuSTAR A01 pointing will determine the relative fluxes of the extreme sources, and if X-2 is in quiescence will obtain the first broadband X-ray spectrum of X-1. More than a dozen other binaries can be monitored, enabling population studies complementing Chandra's observations of the Antennae, M81 and M83. In this Cycle uniquely, Chandra's visibility enables cadenced observations spanning a year.
- Publication:
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Chandra Proposal
- Pub Date:
- September 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015cxo..prop.4669H