Spatial, Temporal and Spectral Properties of X-ray Emission from the Magnetar SGR~0501+4516

TL;DR

This study provides detailed analysis of the X-ray emission properties of the magnetar SGR~0501+4516, revealing energy-dependent pulse profiles, spectral evolution linked to bursting activity, and precise localization, enhancing understanding of magnetar behavior.

Contribution

The paper presents the most accurate localization and a long-term phase-connected timing solution for SGR~0501+4516, along with insights into its spectral and temporal variability during outburst.

Findings

Pulse profile varies with energy and bursting activity.

Spectral hardening occurs during bursts.

Location determined with 0.11'' accuracy.

Abstract

SGR~0501+4516 was discovered with the Swift satellite on 2008 August 22, after it emitted a series of very energetic bursts. Since then, the source was extensively monitored with Swift, the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) and observed with Chandra and XMM-Newton, providing a wealth of information about its outburst behavior and burst induced changes of its persistent X-ray emission. Here we report the most accurate location of SGR~0501+4516 (with an accuracy of 0.11'') derived with Chandra. Using the combined RXTE, Swift/X-ray Telescope, Chandra and XMM-Newton observations we construct a phase connected timing solution with the longest time baseline (~240 days) to date for the source. We find that the pulse profile of the source is energy dependent and exhibits remarkable variations associated with the SGR~0501+4516 bursting activity. We also find significant spectral evolution (hardening) of the source persistent emission associated with bursts. Finally, we discuss the consequences of the SGR~0501+4516 proximity to the supernova remnant, SNR G160.9+2.6 (HB9).