The optical counterpart of the supersoft Small Magellanic Cloud transient pulsar RX~J0059.2-7138

Abstract

We identify the probable optical counterpart of the SMC supersoft source, RX~J0059.2-7138, with a $\sim$~14th magnitude star lying within the X-ray error circle. We present high resolution optical spectroscopy, which reveals strong HI emission and HeI absorption, indicative of a Be star. This classification is consistent with the colours we derive from optical photometry. We thus find evidence to support the existing tentative identification of this object as a Be/X-ray binary, the first of its kind to exhibit luminous supersoft X-ray emission.

4 pages, 3 figures, to appear in MNRAS. Uses mn.sty

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• A Study of the Populations of X-ray Sources in the Small Magellanic Cloud with ASCA
• SXP 5.05 = IGR J00569-7226 : using X-rays to explore the structure of a Be stars circumstellar disk
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