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

Authors :
Hang Gong
Ryan Urquhart
Alexandr Vinokurov
Yu Bai
Antonio Cabrera-Lavers
Sergei Fabrika
Liang Wang
Jifeng Liu
Source :
The Astrophysical Journal, Vol 958, Iss 1, p 24 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
IOP Publishing, 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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
15384357
Volume :
958
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
The Astrophysical Journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.3622760fbbbe416d9f7a680cc99e9d09
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/acf8c3