Date Presented:
2024/05/1
Abstract:
The Magellanic Clouds are our closest star-forming galaxies with low Galactic foreground absorption and well determined distances. In addition, a low metallicity environment makes them a unique laboratory to study the population of high-energy sources. The SMC hosts a large population of Be/X-ray binaries associated with high star formation activity 25-40 Myr ago. The HMXB population in the LMC is associated with a star formation period at an earlier epoch and a lower HMXB formation efficiency. The Magellanic Bridge is thought to be a product of the tidal interaction between the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC). It contains both gas and stellar components, with young stellar components (therefore HMXBs) which is thought to have formed in situ, as well as an older population of stars (e.g. LMXBs) mostly stripped from the SMC by the LMC. The recent eROSITA all-sky survey marks the first comprehensive X-ray coverage of the entire Magellanic system, offering a broad band X-ray coverage in 0.2-10 keV. Proximity to the south-ecliptic pole facilitates extended monitoring of LMC sources during each survey, enabling a deep total exposure and the exploration of long-term temporal behavior. This presentation will unveil the findings from our study of the X-ray binary population across the entire Magellanic system through the SRG/eROSITA all-sky survey. Additionally, we will showcase unique discoveries, including an X-ray burster in the Magellanic Bridge and an ultra-compact binary system in the direction of the LMC.
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