Back to Search Start Over

Discovery of an X-Ray Photoionized Optical Nebula and a Radio Nebula Associated with the ULX NGC 4861 X-1.

Authors :
Gong, Hang
Urquhart, Ryan
Vinokurov, Alexandr
Bai, Yu
Cabrera-Lavers, Antonio
Fabrika, Sergei
Wang, Liang
Liu, Jifeng
Source :
Astrophysical Journal; 11/20/2023, Vol. 958 Issue 1, p1-7, 7p
Publication Year :
2023

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0004637X
Volume :
958
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Astrophysical Journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173494327
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/acf8c3