Chandra X-ray Observatory Observations of 13 Fermi LAT Sources

TL;DR

This study uses Chandra X-ray observations and machine learning to classify and analyze 13 unidentified Fermi LAT gamma-ray sources, revealing potential pulsars and nebulae, and enhancing understanding of their nature.

Contribution

It introduces a combined approach of X-ray observations and machine learning for classifying unassociated gamma-ray sources, identifying new pulsar candidates and nebulae.

Findings

Detection of X-ray counterparts for three known gamma-ray pulsars.

Identification of two extended X-ray sources, likely pulsar-wind nebulae.

Possible discovery of new pulsar candidates based on X-ray and multiwavelength data.

Abstract

In the latest data release from the Fermi $\gamma$-ray Space Telescope (the 4th Fermi LAT 14 yr Catalog, or 4FGL), more than 50% of the Galactic sources are yet to be identified. We observed 13 unidentified Fermi LAT sources with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory to explore their nature. We report the results of the classification of X-ray sources in the fields of these $\gamma$-ray sources and discuss the implications for their nature. We use multiwavelength (MW) data for a machine-learning classification, accompanied by a more detailed spectral/variability analysis for brighter sources. Eight 4FGL sources have $\gamma$-ray pulsars within their position error ellipses. We consider three of these pulsars (PSR J1906+0722, PSR J1105-6037, and PSR J1358-6025) to be detected in X-rays, while PSR J1203-6242 shows a hint of X-ray emission. Within the positional uncertainties of three of the 4FGL sources, we detect X-ray sources that may be yet unknown pulsars, depending on the MW association. In addition to point sources, we discovered two extended sources, one of which is likely to be a bow-shock pulsar-wind nebula associated with PSR J1358-6025. Finally, we classify other X-ray sources detected in these observations and report the most interesting classifications.