Accurate Localization and Identification of Six Hard X-ray Sources from Chandra and XMM-Newton data

TL;DR

This study improves the localization of six hard X-ray sources using Chandra and XMM-Newton data, enabling optical identification and classification, including the discovery of a cataclysmic variable and extragalactic sources.

Contribution

The paper provides precise localization and optical identification of six hard X-ray sources, revealing their nature and classifications for the first time.

Findings

IGR J18048-1455 is a cataclysmic variable, likely an intermediate polar.

IGR J12134-6015 and IGR J17350-2045 are extragalactic.

IGR J18219-1347 is a high-mass X-ray binary.

Abstract

We present the results of Chandra and XMM-Newton observations for six hard X-ray sources (IGR J12134-6015, IGR J18293-1213, IGR J18219-1347, IGR J17350-2045, IGR J18048-1455, XTE J1901+014) from the INTEGRAL all-sky survey. Based on these observations, we have improved significantly the localization accuracy of the objects and, therefore, have managed to identify their optical counterparts. Using data from the publicly available 2MASS and UKIDSS infrared sky surveys as well as data from the SOFI/NTT telescope (European Southern Observatory), we have determined the magnitudes of the optical counterparts, estimated their types and (in some cases) the distances to the program objects. A triplet of iron lines with energies of 6.4, 6.7, and 6.9 keV has been detected in the X-ray spectrum of IGR J18048-1455; together with the detection of pulsations with a period of ~1440 s from this source, this has allowed it to be classified as a cataclysmic variable, most likely an intermediate polar. In addition, broadband X-ray spectra of IGR J12134-6015 and IGR J17350-2045 in combination with infrared and radio observations suggest an extragalactic nature of these objects. The source IGR J18219-1347 presumably belongs to the class of high-mass X-ray binaries.