Searching for X-ray nuclear sources in Virgo dwarfs in stripping

Over the last 10 - 15 years, a population of dwarf galaxies hosting massive black holes with masses of 10^4 - 10^6.5 M_Sun has been strongly suggested from observations. However, it is also clear that strong AGN in local dwarfs are rare. Dwarf galaxies in galaxy clusters are subject to ram pressure stripping (RPS) that can have an initial positive effect on star formation and AGN accretion, as suggested by studies of more massive galaxies. In this proposal, we select a sample of dwarf galaxies undergoing RPS in the Virgo cluster. New Chandra observations are proposed to search for X-ray AGN and X-ray binaries (including ULXs) in these dwarfs. Joint HST observations are also requested. This survey also complements previous Chandra surveys on massive Virgo galaxies with a similar depth.