Discovery of an X-Ray Photoionized Optical Nebula and a Radio Nebula Associated with the ULX NGC 4861 X-1
Abstract
We have conducted long-slit spectroscopic observations and analyzed archival radio data for the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) NGC 4861 X-1. Our spectral line analysis unveils NGC 4861 X-1 as the fourth ULX situated within an X-ray photoionized nebula, following three previous findings made approximately two decades ago. Remarkably, we discover NGC 4861 X-1 also possesses a radio nebula emitting optically thin synchrotron radiation, which contradicts its X-ray photoionization and raises doubts about the four ULXs being a mere coincidence. Instead of gradually accumulating from different bands bit by bit, our multiband discovery is made all at once. Moreover, we tentatively perceive a faint continuum spectrum of the optical nebula. Further observations are needed to ascertain its radio structures and verify the optical continuum.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 2023
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2309.05718
- Bibcode:
- 2023ApJ...958...24G
- Keywords:
-
- Ultraluminous x-ray sources;
- Radio jets;
- Emission nebulae;
- X-ray binary stars;
- 2164;
- 1347;
- 461;
- 1811;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- ApJ published