Photometric measurements are prone to systematic errors presenting a challenge to low-amplitude variability detection. In search for a general-purpose variability detection technique able to recover ...a broad range of variability types including currently unknown ones, we test 18 statistical characteristics quantifying scatter and/or correlation between brightness measurements. We compare their performance in identifying variable objects in seven time series data sets obtained with telescopes ranging in size from a telephoto lens to 1 m-class and probing variability on time-scales from minutes to decades. The test data sets together include light curves of 127 539 objects, among them 1251 variable stars of various types and represent a range of observing conditions often found in ground-based variability surveys. The real data are complemented by simulations. We propose a combination of two indices that together recover a broad range of variability types from photometric data characterized by a wide variety of sampling patterns, photometric accuracies and percentages of outlier measurements. The first index is the interquartile range (IQR) of magnitude measurements, sensitive to variability irrespective of a time-scale and resistant to outliers. It can be complemented by the ratio of the light-curve variance to the mean square successive difference, 1/..., which is efficient in detecting variability on time-scales longer than the typical time interval between observations. Variable objects have larger 1/... and/or IQR values than non-variable objects of similar brightness. Another approach to variability detection is to combine many variability indices using principal component analysis. We present 124 previously unknown variable stars found in the test data. (ProQuest: ... denotes formulae/symbols omitted.)
Context. Classical novae (CNe) represent the major class of supersoft X-ray sources (SSSs) in the central region of our neighbouring galaxy M 31. Aims. We performed a dedicated monitoring of the M 31 ...central region, which aimed to detect SSS counterparts of CNe, with XMM-Newton and Chandra between Nov. and Mar. of the years 2009/10, 2010/11, and 2011/12. Methods. We systematically searched our data for X-ray counterparts of CNe and determined their X-ray light curves and also their spectral properties in the case of XMM-Newton data. Additionally, we determined luminosity upper limits for all previously known X-ray emitting novae, which are not detected anymore, and for all CNe in our field of view with recent optical outbursts. Results. In total, we detected 24 novae in X-rays. Seven of these sources were known from previous observations, including the M 31 nova with the longest SSS phase, M31N 1996-08b, which was found to fade below our X-ray detection limit 13.8 yr after outburst. Of the new discoveries, several novae exhibit significant variability in their short-term X-ray light curves with one object showing a suspected period of about 1.3 h. We studied the SSS state of the most recent outburst of a recurrent nova, which had previously shown the shortest time ever observed between two outbursts (~5 yr). The total number of M 31 novae with X-ray counterpart was increased to 79, and we subjected this extended catalogue to detailed statistical studies. Four previously indicated correlations between optical and X-ray parameters could be confirmed and improved. Furthermore, we found indications that the multi-dimensional parameter space of nova properties might be dominated by a single physical parameter, and we provide interpretations and suggest implications. We studied various outliers from the established correlations and discuss evidence of a different X-ray behaviour of novae in the M 31 bulge and disk. Conclusions. Exploration of the multi-wavelength parameter space of optical and X-ray measurements is shown to be a powerful tool for examining properties of extragalactic nova populations. While there are hints that the different stellar populations of M 31 (bulge vs. disk) produce dissimilar nova outbursts, there is also growing evidence that the overall behaviour of an average nova might be understood in surprisingly simple terms.
Abstract
We report on the X-ray and optical properties of two high-mass X-ray binary systems located in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Based on the obtained optical spectra, we classify the ...massive companion as a supergiant star in both systems. Timing analysis of the X-ray events collected by XMM–Newton revealed the presence of coherent pulsations (spin period ∼2013 s) for XMMU J053108.3−690923 and fast flaring behaviour for XMMU J053320.8−684122. The X-ray spectra of both systems can be modelled sufficiently well by an absorbed power law, yielding hard spectra and high intrinsic absorption from the environment of the systems. Due to their combined X-ray and optical properties, we classify both systems as SgXRBs: the 19th confirmed X-ray pulsar and a probable supergiant fast X-ray transient in the LMC, the second such candidate outside our Galaxy.
Abstract
We have performed the Fourier decomposition analysis of 8- and 13-yr V-band light curves of a carefully selected sample of 454 fundamental-mode RR Lyrae variables (RRab type), detected in an ...≃14 square degree area of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and listed in the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment, phase III, Catalogue of Variable Stars. The Fourier decomposition parameters were used to derive metal abundances and distance moduli, following the methodology described by Kapakos, Hatzidimitriou & Soszyński. The average metal abundance of the RRab stars on the new scale of Carretta et al. was found to be 〈Fe/HC09〉 = −1.69 ± 0.41 dex (std, with a standard error of 0.02 dex). A tentative metallicity gradient of −0.013 ± 0.007 dex kpc−1 was detected, with increasing metal abundance towards the dynamical centre of the SMC, but selection effects are also discussed. The distance modulus of the SMC was re-estimated and was found to be 〈μ〉 = 19.13 ± 0.19 (std) in a distance scale where the distance modulus of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is μLMC = 18.52 ± 0.06 (std). The average 1σ line-of-sight depth was found to be σint = 5.3 ± 0.4 kpc (std), while spatial variations of the depth were detected. The SMC was found to be deeper in the north-eastern region, while metal-richer and metal-poorer objects in the sample seem to belong to different dynamical structures. The former have smaller scale height and may constitute a thick disc, its width being 10.40 ± 0.02 kpc, and a bulge whose size (radius) is estimated to be 2.09 ± 0.81 kpc. The latter seem to belong to a halo structure with a maximum depth along the line of sight extending over 16 kpc in the SMC central region and falling to ∼12 kpc in the outer regions.
Using Chandra, XMM-Newton, and optical photometric catalogs we study the young X-ray binary (XRB) populations of the Small Magellanic Cloud. We find that the Be/X-ray binaries (Be-XRBs) are observed ...in regions with star formation rate bursts {approx}25-60 Myr ago. The similarity of this age with the age of maximum occurrence of the Be phenomenon ({approx}40 Myr) indicates that the presence of a circumstellar decretion disk plays a significant role in the number of observed XRBs in the 10-100 Myr age range. We also find that regions with strong but more recent star formation (e.g., the Wing) are deficient in Be-XRBs. By correlating the number of observed Be-XRBs with the formation rate of their parent populations, we measure a Be-XRB production rate of {approx}1 system per 3 x 10{sup -3} M{sub sun} yr{sup -1}. Finally, we use the strong localization of the Be-XRB systems in order to set limits on the kicks imparted on the neutron star during the supernova explosion.
Context. Local-Group galaxies provide access to samples of X-ray source populations of whole galaxies. The XMM-Newton survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) completely covers the bar and eastern ...wing with a 5.6 deg2 area in the (0.2−12.0) keV band. Aims. To characterise the X-ray sources in the SMC field, we created a catalogue of point sources and sources with moderate extent. Sources with high extent (≥40′′) have been presented in a companion paper. Methods. We searched for point sources in the EPIC images using sliding-box and maximum-likelihood techniques and classified the sources using hardness ratios, X-ray variability, and their multi-wavelength properties. Results. The catalogue comprises 3053 unique X-ray sources with a median position uncertainty of 1.3′′ down to a flux limit for point sources of ~10-14 erg cm-2 s-1 in the (0.2−4.5) keV band, corresponding to 5 × 1033 erg s-1 for sources in the SMC. We discuss statistical properties, like the spatial distribution, X-ray colour diagrams, luminosity functions, and time variability. We identified 49 SMC high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXB), four super-soft X-ray sources (SSS), 34 foreground stars, and 72 active galactic nuclei (AGN) behind the SMC. In addition, we found candidates for SMC HMXBs (45) and faint SSSs (8) as well as AGN (2092) and galaxy clusters (13). Conclusions. We present the most up-to-date catalogue of the X-ray source population in the SMC field. In particular, the known population of X-ray binaries is greatly increased. We find that the bright-end slope of the luminosity function of Be/X-ray binaries significantly deviates from the expected universal high-mass X-ray binary luminosity function.
ABSTRACT
Ultra-short orbital period contact binaries (Porb < 0.26 d) host some of the smallest and least massive stars. These systems are faint and rare, and it is believed that they have reached a ...contact configuration after several Gyrs of evolution via angular momentum loss, mass transfer, and mass loss through stellar wind processes. This study is conducted in the frame of the Contact Binaries Towards Merging (CoBiToM) Project and presents the results from light curve and orbital analysis of 30 ultra-short orbital period contact binaries, with the aim to investigate the possibility of them being red nova progenitors, eventually producing merger events. Approximately half of the systems exhibit orbital period modulations, as a result of mass transfer or mass loss processes. Although they are in contact, their fill-out factor is low (less than 30 per cent), while their mass ratio is larger than the one in longer period contact binaries. This study investigates the orbital stability of these systems and examines their physical and orbital parameters in comparison to those of the entire sample of known and well-studied contact binaries, based on combined spectroscopic and photometric analysis. It is found that ultra-short orbital period contact binaries have very stable orbits, while very often additional components are gravitationally bound in wide orbits around the central binary system. We confirmed that the evolution of such systems is very slow, which explains why the components of ultra-short orbital period systems are still Main Sequence stars after several Gyrs of evolution.
The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) is well known to harbour a large number of high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs). The identification of their optical counterparts provides information on the nature of ...the donor stars and can help to constrain the parameters of these systems and their evolution. We obtained optical spectra for a number of HMXBs identified in previous Chandra and XMM-Newton surveys of the SMC using the AAOmega/2dF fibre-fed spectrograph at the Anglo-Australian Telescope. We find five new Be/X-ray binaries (BeXRBs; including a tentative one), by identifying the spectral type of their optical counterparts, and we confirm the spectral classification of an additional 15 known BeXRBs. We compared the spectral types, orbital periods and eccentricities of the BeXRB populations in the SMC and the Milky Way and we find marginal evidence for difference between the spectral type distributions, but no statistically significant differences for the orbital periods and the eccentricities. Moreover, our search revealed that the well-known supergiant Be star LHA 115-S 18 (or AzV 154) is associated with the weak X-ray source CXOU J005409.57−724143.5. We provide evidence that the supergiant star LHA 115-S 18 is the optical counterpart of the X-ray source, and we discuss different possibilities of the origin of its low X-ray luminosity (L
x ∼ 4 × 1033 erg s−1).
ABSTRACT
We present the results of the photometric analysis of a large part of the main body of the Small Magellanic Cloud. Using the 6.5m Magellan Telescope at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, ...we have acquired deep B and I images in four fields (0.44 deg each in diameter), yielding accurate photometry for 1068 893 stars down to 24th magnitude, with a spatial resolution of 0.20 arcsec per pixel. Colour–magnitude diagrams and (completeness-corrected) luminosity functions have been constructed, yielding significant new results that indicate at least two discrete star formation events over a period from 2.7 to 4 Gyr ago. Also, we have derived star formation rates as a function of look-back time and have found enhancements of SF between 4 and 6 Gyr and at younger ages.
Studies of the massive star population in galaxies beyond the Local Group are the key to understanding the link between their numbers and modes of star formation in different environments. We present ...the analysis of the massive star population of the galaxies NGC 1326A, NGC 1425, and NGC 4548 using archival images obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 in the F555W and F814W filters. Through high-precision point spread function fitting photometry for all sources in the three fields, we identified 7640 candidate blue supergiants, 2314 candidate yellow supergiants, and 4270 candidate red supergiants. We provide an estimate of the ratio of blue to red supergiants for each field as a function of galactocentric radius. Using Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) at solar metallicity, we defined the luminosity function and estimated the star formation history of each galaxy. We carried out a variability search in the V and I filters using three variability indexes: the median absolute deviation, the interquartile range, and the inverse von Neumann ratio. This analysis yielded 243 new variable candidates with absolute magnitudes ranging from MV = −4 to −10 mag. We classified the variable stars based on their absolute magnitude and their position on the color–magnitude diagram using the MESA evolutionary tracks at solar metallicity. Our analysis yielded 8 candidate variable blue supergiants, 12 candidate variable yellow supergiants, 21 candidate variable red supergiants, and 4 candidate periodic variables.
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