X-Ray Emission from M32: X-Ray Binaries or a micro-AGN?

Abstract

We have analysed archival {\it ROSAT} PSPC data for M32 in order to study the x-ray emission from this nearest elliptical galaxy. We fit spectra from three long exposures with Raymond-Smith, thermal bremsstrahlung, and power-law models. All models give excellent fits. The thermal fits have kT$\approx$4 keV, the Raymond-Smith iron abundance is $0.4_{-0.3}^{+0.7}$ Solar, the power-law fit has $\alpha$=1.6$\pm$0.1, and all fits have $N_H$ consistent with the Galactic column. The source is centered on M32 to an accuracy of 9${}^{\prime \prime }$, and unresolved at 27${}^{\prime \prime }$ FWHM ($\sim$90 pc). M32 is x-ray variable by a factor of 3--5 on timescales of a decade down to minutes, with evidence for a possible period of $\sim$1.3 days. There are two plausible interpretations for these results: 1) Emission due to low-mass x-ray binaries; 2) Emission due to accretion onto a massive central black hole. Both of these possibilities are supported by arguments based on previous studies of M32 and other old stellar systems; the {\it ROSAT} PSPC data do not allow us to unambiguously choose between them. Observations with the {\it ROSAT} HRI and with {\it ASCA} are required to determine which of these two very different physical models is correct.

9 pages, 5 PostScript figures, uses AASTeX style files, Accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal Letters

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• New evidence for a massive black hole at the centre of the quiescent galaxy M32
• Detection of the "Active" Nucleus of M32
• ROSAT X-ray Colors and Emission Mechanisms in Early-Type Galaxies
• On the Nature of the X-ray Emission from M32
• Activity From Tidal Disruptions in Galactic Nuclei