The ultraluminous X-ray source ic 342 X-1 and its environment

F. Grisé, M. Pakull, C. Motch

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present optical observations of a ULX in the nearby spiral galaxy IC 342. This variable source has an average X-ray luminosity of some 1040 erg/s. At the position of the source there is an ionized nebula (the "Tooth") having huge dimensions (280 × 130 pc), much larger than normal supernova remnants. Our optical spectra reveal highly supersonic expansion velocities and emission line ratios typical of SNRs. It has been claimed that two [OIII] λ5007 bright regions in the nebula might be indicative of excitation by non-isotropic emission from the ULX. However, our continuum subtracted [OIII] A5007 image reveals that O++ ions are rather smoothly distributed in the nebula, fully consistent with shock excitation. Within the nebula we find two candidate stars (V=24.0 & 24.6) in the Chandra X-ray error circle. Both are substantially reddened being consistent with the patchy interstellar absorption. We will discuss the nature of this source in the framework of what is currently known about optical counterparts of ULXs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationX-ray Universe 2005
Pages451-452
Number of pages2
Edition604
StatePublished - 2006
EventX-ray Universe 2005 - Madrid, Spain
Duration: Sep 26 2005Sep 30 2005

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Number604
Volume1
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Other

OtherX-ray Universe 2005
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMadrid
Period9/26/059/30/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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