Discovery of an X-Ray Photoionized Optical Nebula and a Radio Nebula Associated with the ULX NGC 4861 X-1

Gong, Hang; Urquhart, Ryan; Vinokurov, Alexandr; Bai, Yu; Cabrera-Lavers, Antonio; Fabrika, Sergei; Wang, Liang; Liu, Jifeng
Bibliographical reference

The Astrophysical Journal

Advertised on:
11
2023
Number of authors
8
IAC number of authors
1
Citations
0
Refereed citations
0
Description
We have conducted long-slit spectroscopic observations and analyzed archival radio data for the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) NGC 4861 X-1. Our spectral line analysis unveils NGC 4861 X-1 as the fourth ULX situated within an X-ray photoionized nebula, following three previous findings made approximately two decades ago. Remarkably, we discover NGC 4861 X-1 also possesses a radio nebula emitting optically thin synchrotron radiation, which contradicts its X-ray photoionization and raises doubts about the four ULXs being a mere coincidence. Instead of gradually accumulating from different bands bit by bit, our multiband discovery is made all at once. Moreover, we tentatively perceive a faint continuum spectrum of the optical nebula. Further observations are needed to ascertain its radio structures and verify the optical continuum.
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