The Magellanic Bridge: evidence for a population of X-ray binaries

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a new population of high-mass X-ray binaries in the Magellanic Bridge, identified through X-ray observations and optical counterparts, likely formed by tidal interactions between the Magellanic Clouds.

Contribution

It provides the first evidence of a population of X-ray binaries in the Magellanic Bridge, linking their formation to gravitational interactions between the Clouds.

Findings

Detection of two transient hard X-ray sources in the Magellanic Bridge.

Spectral and timing analysis confirming they are high-mass X-ray binaries.

Identification of a total of five such systems suggesting an emerging population.

Abstract

INTEGRAL observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud region have resulted in the serendipitous detection of two transient hard X-ray sources in the Magellanic Bridge. In this paper we present the timing and spectral characteristics of these sources across the 2-100 keV energy range, which, in conjunction with their optical counterparts, demonstrate that they are high mass X-ray binaries in the Magellanic Bridge. Together with one previously known high mass X-ray binary system, and three candidates, these sources represent an emerging population of X-ray binaries in the Bridge, probably initiated by tidally induced star formation as a result of the gravitational interaction between the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.