A Transient Black-Hole Low-Mass X-Ray Binary Candidate in Centaurus A
We report the discovery of a bright transient X-ray source, CXOU J132518.2–430304, toward Centaurus A (Cen A) using six new Chandra X-Ray Observatory observations in 2007 March-May. Between 2003 and 2007, its flux has increased by a factor of >770. The source is likely a low-mass X-ray binary in Cen A with unabsorbed 0.3-10 keV band luminosities of (2-3) × 1039ergs s−1 and a transition from the steep-power-law state to the thermal state during our observations. CXOU J132518.2–430304 is the most luminous X-ray source in an early-type galaxy with extensive timing information that reveals transience and a spectral state transition. Combined with its luminosity, these properties make this source one of the strongest candidates to date for containing a stellar-mass black hole in an early-type galaxy. Unless this outburst lasts many years, the rate of luminous transients in Cen A is anomalously high compared to other early-type galaxies.
Item Type | Article |
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Date Deposited | 26 Jul 2024 10:57 |
Last Modified | 26 Jul 2024 10:57 |
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- Sivakoff, G.R.
- Kraft, R.P.
- Jordan, A.
- Juett, A.M.
- Evans, D.A.
- Forman, W.R.
- Hardcastle, M.J.
- Sarazin, C.L.
- Birkinshaw, M.
- Brassington, Nicola
- Croston, J.H.
- Harris, W.F.
- Jones, C.
- Murray, S.S.
- Raychaudhury, S.
- Woodley, K.A.
- Worrall, D.M.
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