scholarly journals Swift UVOT observations of the 2015 outburst of V404 Cygni

2019 ◽  
Vol 488 (4) ◽  
pp. 4843-4857 ◽  
Author(s):  
S R Oates ◽  
S Motta ◽  
A P Beardmore ◽  
D M Russell ◽  
P Gandhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Neutral Hydrogen ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Optical Telescope ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Uv Emission ◽  
Optical Time

ABSTRACT The black hole binary, V404 Cygni, went into outburst in 2015 June, after 26 years of X-ray quiescence. We observed the outburst with the Neil Gehrels Swift observatory. We present optical/UV observations taken with the Swift Ultra-violet Optical Telescope, and compare them with the X-ray observations obtained with the Swift X-ray Telescope. We find that dust extinction affecting the optical/UV does not correlate with absorption due to neutral hydrogen that affects the X-ray emission. We suggest there is a small inhomogeneous high-density absorber containing a negligible amount of dust, close to the black hole. Overall, temporal variations in the optical/UV appear to trace those in the X-rays. During some epochs we observe an optical time-lag of (15–35) s. For both the optical/UV and X-rays, the amplitude of the variations correlates with flux, but this correlation is less significant in the optical/UV. The variability in the light curves may be produced by a complex combination of processes. Some of the X-ray variability may be due to the presence of a local, inhomogeneous and dust-free absorber, while variability visible in both the X-ray and optical/UV may instead be driven by the accretion flow: the X-rays are produced in the inner accretion disc, some of which are reprocessed to the optical/UV; and/or the X-ray and optical/UV emission is produced within the jet.

scholarly journals X-ray dips and a complex UV/X-ray cross-correlation function in the black hole candidate MAXI J1820+070

2019 ◽  
Vol 488 (1) ◽  
pp. L18-L23 ◽  
Author(s):  
J J E Kajava ◽  
S E Motta ◽  
A Sanna ◽  
A Veledina ◽  
M Del Santo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Correlation Function ◽  
Cross Correlation ◽  
Timing Analysis ◽  
Cross Correlation Function ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Black Hole Candidate ◽  
Uv Emission ◽  
Partial Covering

ABSTRACT MAXI J1820+070, a black hole candidate first detected in early 2018 March, was observed by XMM–Newton during the outburst rise. In this letter we report on the spectral and timing analysis of the XMM–Newton X-ray and UV data, as well as contemporaneous X-ray data from the Swift satellite. The X-ray spectrum is well described by a hard thermal Comptonization continuum. The XMM–Newton X-ray light curve shows a pronounced dipping interval, and spectral analysis indicates that it is caused by a moderately ionized partial covering absorber. The XMM–Newton/OM U-filter data do not reveal any signs of the 17 h orbital modulation that was seen later on during the outburst decay. The UV/X-ray cross-correlation function shows a complex shape, with a peak at positive lags of about 4 s and a precognition dip at negative lags, which is absent during the X-ray dipping episode. Such shape could arise if the UV emission comes partially from synchrotron self-Compton emission near the black hole, as well as from reprocessing of the X-rays in the colder accretion disc further out.

scholarly journals Multiwavelength power-spectrum analysis of NGC 5548

2020 ◽  
Vol 499 (2) ◽  
pp. 1998-2006
Author(s):  
C Panagiotou ◽  
I E Papadakis ◽  
E S Kammoun ◽  
M Dovčiak
Keyword(s):  
Power Spectrum ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Optical Emission ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Short Term ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Uv Emission ◽  
Accretion Rates ◽  
Measured Time ◽  
Ngc 5548

ABSTRACT NGC 5548 was recently monitored intensively from NIR to X-rays as part of the STORM campaign. Its disc emission was found to lag behind the observed X-rays, while the measured time lag was increasing with wavelength. These results are consistent with the assumption that short-term variability in AGN emission is driven by the X-ray illumination of the accretion disc. In this work, we studied the power spectrum of UV/optical and X-ray emission of NGC 5548, using the data of the STORM campaign as well as previous Swift data, in order to investigate the relation between the UV/optical and X-ray variability and to examine its consistency with the above picture. We demonstrate that even the power spectrum results are compatible with a standard disc being illuminated by X-rays, with low accretion rates, but the details are not entirely consistent with the results from the modelling of the ‘τ versus λ’ relation. The differences indicate that the inner disc might be covered by a ‘warm corona’ which does not allow the detection of UV/optical emission from the inner disc. Finally, we found strong evidence that the UV emission of NGC 5548 is not stationary.

scholarly journals Jets from Compact X-ray Sources

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 266-267
Author(s):  
Nick D. Kylafis
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Common Belief ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Radio Waves ◽  
Characteristic Frequencies ◽  
X Ray

AbstractJets have been observed from both neutron stars and black holes in binary X-ray sources. The neutron star jets are typically 30 times weaker than the black-hole ones. Thus, the second have been studied more extensively. Contrary to common belief, jets from compact X-ray sources are not simply “fireworks” that emit radio waves. I will demonstrate that they play a central role in the observed phenomena in both neutron star and black-hole systems. In particular, for black-hole jets, a simple jet model can explain the very stringent correlations that have been found between the power-law X-ray spectrum and a) the time lag between hard and soft X-rays and b) the characteristic frequencies observed in the power spectra. Up to now, no other model has even attempted to explain these correlations. I will present the weaknesses of the model and the improvements that need to be done to it.

scholarly journals The X-ray/UV ratio in active galactic nuclei: dispersion and variability

2018 ◽  
Vol 619 ◽  
pp. A95 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Chiaraluce ◽  
F. Vagnetti ◽  
F. Tombesi ◽  
M. Paolillo
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Cosmological Parameters ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Distance Modulus ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Viewing Angle ◽  
Black Hole Mass ◽  
Intrinsic Variability ◽  
X Ray

Context. The well established negative correlation between the αOX spectral slope and the optical/ultraviolet (UV) luminosity, a by-product of the relation between X-rays and optical/UV luminosity, is affected by relatively large dispersion. The main contributors to this dispersion can be variability in the X-ray/UV ratio and/or changes in fundamental physical parameters. Aims. We want to quantify the contribution from variability within single sources (intra-source dispersion) and that from variations of other quantities different from source to source (inter-source dispersion). Methods. We use archival data from the XMM-Newton Serendipitous Source Catalog (XMMSSC) and from the XMM-OM Serendipitous Ultraviolet Source Survey (XMMOM-SUSS3). We select a sub-sample in order to decrease the dispersion of the relation due to the presence of radio-loud and broad absorption line objects, and that due to absorptions in both X-ray and optical/UV bands. We use the structure function (SF) to estimate the contribution from variability to the dispersion. We analyse the dependence of the residuals of the relation on various physical parameters in order to characterise the inter-source dispersion. Results. We find a total dispersion of σ ∼ 0.12 and find that intrinsic variability contributes 56% of the variance of the αOX − LUV relation. If we select only sources with a larger number of observational epochs (≥3) the dispersion of the relation decreases by approximately 15%. We find weak but significant dependencies of the residuals of the relation on black-hole mass and on Eddington ratio, which are also confirmed by a multivariate regression analysis of αOX as a function of UV luminosity and black-hole mass and/or Eddington ratio. We find a weak positive correlation of both the αOX index and the residuals of the αOX − LUV relation with inclination indicators, such as the full width at half maximum (Hβ) and the equivalent width (EW)[OIII], suggesting a weak increase of X-ray/UV ratio with the viewing angle. This suggests the development of new viewing angle indicators possibly applicable at higher redshifts. Moreover, our results suggest the possibility of selecting a sample of objects, based on their viewing angle and/or black-hole mass and Eddington ratio, for which the αOX − LUV relation is as tight as possible, in light of the use of the optical/UV – X-ray luminosity relation to build a distance modulus (DM)-z plane and estimate cosmological parameters.

scholarly journals A study of the cross-correlation and time lag in black hole X-ray binary XTE J1859+226

2017 ◽  
Vol 362 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Songpeng Pei ◽  
Guoqiang Ding ◽  
Zhibing Li ◽  
Yajuan Lei ◽  
Rai Yuen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Cross Correlation ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Cross

scholarly journals Energy and time-lag spectra of galactic black-hole X-ray sources in the low/hard state

2003 ◽  
Vol 403 (1) ◽  
pp. L15-L18 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Reig ◽  
N. D. Kylafis ◽  
D. Giannios
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Galactic Black Hole ◽  
Hard State

scholarly journals X-Ray Aspects of the IRAS Galaxies

1998 ◽  
Vol 188 ◽  
pp. 145-148
Author(s):  
E.J.A. Meurs
Keyword(s):  
Stellar Evolution ◽  
Seyfert Galaxies ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Spectral Studies ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Active Core

Several IRAS galaxies have been detected at X-rays, with a variety of satellite observatories. About half of these are classified optically as Seyfert galaxies. Among those not (convincingly) classified as AGN, many have X-ray luminosities for which stellar evolution products offer convenient explanations. Some non-active IRAS galaxies display anomalously high levels of X-ray emission for which several conceivable origins are investigated: optical misclassification, X-ray misidentification, hidden AGN, incidental activity, starburst, environmental sources. X-ray spectral studies and temporal variations constitute important tools for further investigation, for instance to assess the strength of a starburst or to establish signatures of an active core.

scholarly journals Mass transfer on a nuclear timescale in models of supergiant and ultra-luminous X-ray binaries

2019 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
pp. A19 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Quast ◽  
N. Langer ◽  
T. M. Tauris
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Roche Lobe ◽  
High Mass ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Mass Ratios ◽  
X Ray Binaries ◽  
Eddington Limit

Context. The origin and number of the Galactic supergiant X-ray binaries is currently not well understood. They consist of an evolved massive star and a neutron star or black-hole companion. X-rays are thought to be generated from the accretion of wind material donated by the supergiant, while mass transfer due to Roche-lobe overflow is mostly disregarded because the high mass ratios of these systems are thought to render this process unstable. Aims. We investigate how the proximity of supergiant donor stars to the Eddington limit, and their advanced evolutionary stage, may influence the evolution of massive and ultra-luminous X-ray binaries with supergiant donor stars (SGXBs and ULXs). Methods. We constructed models of massive stars with different internal hydrogen and helium gradients (H/He gradients) and different hydrogen-rich envelope masses, and exposed them to slow mass-loss to probe the response of the stellar radius. In addition, we computed the corresponding Roche-lobe overflow mass-transfer evolution with our detailed binary stellar evolution code, approximating the compact objects as point masses. Results. We find that a H/He gradient in the layers beneath the surface, as it is likely present in the well-studied donor stars of observed SGBXs, can enable mass transfer in SGXBs on a nuclear timescale with a black-hole or a neutron star accretor, even for mass ratios in excess of 20. In our binary evolution models, the donor stars rapidly decrease their thermal equilibrium radius and can therefore cope with the inevitably strong orbital contraction imposed by the high mass ratio. We find that the orbital period derivatives of our models agree well with empirical values. We argue that the SGXB phase may be preceded by a common-envelope evolution. The envelope inflation near the Eddington limit means that this mechanism more likely occurs at high metallicity. Conclusion. Our results open a new perspective for understanding that SGBXs are numerous in our Galaxy and are almost completely absent in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Our results may also offer a way to find more ULX systems, to detect mass transfer on nuclear timescales in ULX systems even with neutron star accretors, and shed new light on the origin of the strong B-field in these neutron stars.

scholarly journals X-ray Interferometry

2001 ◽  
Vol 205 ◽  
pp. 457-462
Author(s):  
Webster Cash
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Event Horizon ◽  
Surface Brightness ◽  
High Surface ◽  
X Rays ◽  
High Surface Brightness ◽  
X Ray

X-rays have tremendous potential for imaging at the highest angular resulution. The high surface brightness of many x-ray sources will reveal angular scales heretofore thought unreachable. The short wavelengths make instrumentation compact and baselines short. We discuss how practical x-ray interferometers can be built for astronomy using existing technology. We describe the Maxim Pathfinder and Maxim missions which will achieve 100 and 0.1 micro-arcsecond imaging respectively. The science to be tackled with resolution of up to one million times that of HST will be outlined, with emphasis on eventually imaging the event horizon of a black hole.

scholarly journals Glimpses of the past activity of Sgr A★ inferred from X-ray echoes in Sgr C

2018 ◽  
Vol 610 ◽  
pp. A34 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Chuard ◽  
R. Terrier ◽  
A. Goldwurm ◽  
M. Clavel ◽  
S. Soldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Monte Carlo Model ◽  
Line Of Sight ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Supermassive Black Hole ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sgr A ◽  
Past Activity

Context. For a decade now, evidence has accumulated that giant molecular clouds located within the central molecular zone of our Galaxy reflect X-rays coming from past outbursts of the Galactic supermassive black hole. However, the number of illuminating events as well as their ages and durations are still unresolved questions. Aims. We aim to reconstruct parts of the history of the supermassive black hole Sgr A★ by studying this reflection phenomenon in the molecular complex Sgr C and by determining the line-of-sight positions of its main bright substructures. Methods. Using observations made with the X-ray observatories XMM-Newton and Chandra and between 2000 and 2014, we investigated the variability of the reflected emission, which consists of a Fe Kα line at 6.4 keV and a Compton continuum. We carried out an imaging and a spectral analysis. We also used a Monte Carlo model of the reflected spectra to constrain the line-of-sight positions of the brightest clumps, and hence to assign an approximate date to the associated illuminating events. Results. We show that the Fe Kα emission from Sgr C exhibits significant variability in both space and time, which confirms its reflection origin. The most likely illuminating source is Sgr A★. On the one hand, we report two distinct variability timescales, as one clump undergoes a sudden rise and fall in about 2005, while two others vary smoothly throughout the whole 2000–2014 period. On the other hand, by fitting the Monte Carlo model to the data, we are able to place tight constraints on the 3D positions of the clumps. These two independent approaches provide a consistent picture of the past activity of Sgr A★, since the two slowly varying clumps are located on the same wavefront, while the third (rapidly varying) clump corresponds to a different wavefront, that is, to a different illuminating event. Conclusions. This work shows that Sgr A★ experienced at least two powerful outbursts in the past 300 yrs, and for the first time, we provide an estimation of their age. Extending this approach to other molecular complexes, such as Sgr A, will allow this two-event scenario to be tested further.

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