Resolving the X-ray emission from the Lyman continuum emitting galaxy Tol 1247-232

TL;DR

This study uses Chandra X-ray observations to resolve the X-ray emission in the LyC-emitting galaxy Tol 1247-232, revealing a point-like, hard-spectrum source likely due to accretion, which may influence LyC escape.

Contribution

First detailed X-ray resolution of Tol 1247-232 showing a point-like source, suggesting accreting X-ray sources impact LyC photon escape in such galaxies.

Findings

X-ray emission dominated by a point-like source with a hard spectrum

Flux variation indicates an accreting X-ray source, possibly an AGN or X-ray binaries

Similarity to Haro 11 suggests a common mechanism in LyC emitters

Abstract

Chandra observations of the nearby, Lyman-continuum (LyC) emitting galaxy Tol 1247-232 resolve the X-ray emission and show that it is dominated by a point-like source with a hard spectrum ($\Gamma = 1.6 \pm 0.5$) and a high luminosity ($(9 \pm 2) \times 10^{40} \rm \, erg \, s^{-1}$). Comparison with an earlier XMM-Newton observation shows flux variation of a factor of 2. Hence the X-ray emission likely arises from an accreting X-ray source: a low-luminosity AGN or one or a few X-ray binaries. The Chandra X-ray source is similar to the point-like, hard spectrum ($\Gamma = 1.2 \pm 0.2$), high luminosity ($10^{41} \rm \, erg \, s^{-1}$) source seen in Haro 11, which is the only other confirmed LyC-emitting galaxy that has been resolved in X-rays. We discuss the possibility that accreting X-ray sources contribute to LyC escape.