The Hunt for New Ultraluminous X-ray Sources
Abstract
We propose snapshot (10ks) Chandra observations of 6 galaxies within ~10Mpc (60 ks total exposure), selected as promising ULX host galaxies based on their star formation rates. These galaxies do not yet have any sensitive X-ray coverage, so represent prime opportunities to grow the population of nearby ULXs for which detailed X-ray and multi-wavelength follow-up studies can be performed. Based on their star formation, we expect these galaxies to host ~5-10 new ULXs, a good return for a fairly modest observational investment. In the long-term, this work has the potential to contribute to searches for new ULX pulsars, the first dynamically-confirmed black hole ULX, and even rare IMBH candidates.
- Publication:
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Chandra Proposal
- Pub Date:
- September 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020cxo..prop.5875W
- Keywords:
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- Chandra Proposal ID #22620421