Optical emission of the black hole X-ray transient MAXI J1659-152 during quiescence

TL;DR

This study reports the optical detection of the black hole X-ray transient MAXI J1659-152 during its quiescent state, revealing a relatively bright optical emission that suggests a closer distance and a likely M2 dwarf companion.

Contribution

First optical detection of MAXI J1659-152 during quiescence, providing insights into its brightness and companion star type.

Findings

Optical counterpart detected at r'-band magnitude 23.6-23.8.

Optical emission during quiescence is relatively bright.

Distance estimated at 4.6-7.5 kpc for an M2 dwarf companion.

Abstract

We report on the optical detection of the black hole X-ray transient MAXI J1659-152 during its quiescent state. By using the Canada France Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), we observed MAXI J1659-152 about 7 months after the end of an X-ray outburst. The optical counterpart of MAXI J1659-152 is clearly detected with a r'-band magnitude of 23.6-23.8. The detection confirms that the optical emission of MAXI J1659-152 during quiescence is relatively bright comparing to other black hole X-ray transients. This implies that the distance to MAXI J1659-152 is 4.6-7.5 kpc for a M2 dwarf companion star, or 2.3-3.8 kpc for a M5 dwarf companion star. By comparing with other measurements, a M2 dwarf companion is more likely.