Issue |
A&A
Volume 487, Number 2, August IV 2008
|
|
---|---|---|
Page(s) | 619 - 623 | |
Section | Stellar structure and evolution | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20079195 | |
Published online | 24 June 2008 |
Research Note
INTEGRAL and Swift/XRT observations of the SFXT IGR J16479–4514: from quiescence to fast flaring activity
1
IASF/INAF, via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy e-mail: sguera@iasfbo.inaf.it
2
IASF/INAF, via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Roma, Italy
3
School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton, Highfield SO17 1BJ, UK
Received:
5
December
2007
Accepted:
26
April
2008
Context. The fast X-ray transient IGR J16479-4514 is known to display flares typically lasting a few hours. Recently, its counterpart has been identified with a supergiant star, therefore the source can be classified as a member of the newly discovered class of Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients (SFXTs); specifically, it is the one with the highest duty cycle.
Aims. Characterize the quiescent X-ray behaviour of the source and compare its broad band spectrum to those during fast X-ray flares.
Methods. We analysed IBIS and JEM-X data with OSA 5.1, along with archival Swift/XRT data.
Results. We present results from a long-term monitoring of IGR J16479-4514 with detailed spectral and timing information on 19 bright fast X-ray flares,
10 of which are newly discovered. We also report the first results on the quiescent X-ray emission.
The typical luminosity value (~1034 erg s-1) is about 2 orders of magnitude greater than what is typical of SFXTs,
while its broad band X-ray spectrum has a shape very similar to the shape during fast X-ray transient activity,
i.e. a rather steep power law with .
Conclusions. IGR J16479-4514 is characterised by a quiescent X-ray luminosity higher than what is typical of other known SFXTs but lower than persistent emission from classical SGXBs. We suggest that this source is a kind of transition object between these two systems, supporting the idea that there is a continuum of behaviour between the class of SFXTs and that of classical persistent SGXBs.
Key words: gamma rays: observations / X-rays: binaries / X-rays: bursts / X-rays: individuals: IGR J16479-4514 / X-rays: general
© ESO, 2008
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