paper

Possible X-ray Quasi-Periodic Eruptions in a Tidal Disruption Event Candidate

arXiv:2110.10786 · doi:10.3847/2041-8213/ac313b

Abstract

X-ray Quasi-Periodic Eruptions (QPEs) are a recently discovered phenomenon associated with supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. They are high amplitude soft X-ray flares that recur on timescales of hours, but what causes these flares remains uncertain. In the two years since their original discovery, four known QPE-hosting galaxies have been found, with varying properties and levels of activity. We have conducted a blind algorithm-assisted search of the XMM-Newton Source Catalog and found a fifth QPE candidate, XMMSL1 J024916.6-041244. This is a star-forming galaxy hosting a relatively low-mass nuclear black hole, and has previously been identified as a Tidal Disruption Event candidate. An XMM-Newton pointed observation of the source in 2006 exhibited nearly two QPE-like flares in soft X-rays, and, unlike in other QPE sources, there are hints of corresponding dips in the UV light curves. Afterwards, a series of Swift observations observed the rapid dimming of the source; thereafter, in August 2021, we triggered a second XMM-Newton observation, which revealed that the source is detected, but the QPEs are no longer present. Here we report on (I) the strategy we used to systematically search through XMM-Newton archival data; (II) the properties of J0249 and its QPE flares; and (III) the relative behaviors and properties of the QPE sample to date, now 5 members large.

arXiv comment11 pages, 4 figures, accepted to ApJL

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