Accepted Cycle 13 Observing Proposals

NORMAL GALAXIES DIFFUSE EMISSION & SURVEYS

Proposal Number	Subject Category	PI Name	Title
13610541	NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION	BUOTE	Baryons and Dark Matter in Isolated Elliptical Galaxies
13610546	NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION	Li	Hot gaseous halos around superthin galaxies: testing galaxy formation models
13610643	NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION	Sun	X-raying the spectacular star-forming trail behind IC 3418
13610752	NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION	Kuntz	M51: Using the Kinematics of a Grand-Design Spiral to Understand the Physics of the Hot ISM, SNRs, and XRBs
13610808	NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION	Irwin	A Chandra Legacy Project to Resolve the Accretion Flow of Gas Captured by a Supermassive Black Hole
13620028	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Kaastra	Chandra follow-up of brigt off-nuclear X-ray sources in galaxies
13620035	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Murray	Black Hole X-ray Novae in M31
13620198	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Rappaport	Colliding Galaxies Arp 256 and NGC 5754/52
13620487	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Garcia	M31*: A Resolved Low-Luminosity Accretion Flow Around a Murmuring Monster
13620516	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Lehmer	DIRECT CHANDRA CONSTRAINTS ON THE EVOLUTION OF FIELD LMXB POPULATIONS
13620679	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Hornschemeier	Broad-band (0.5-30 keV) X-ray imaging of starburst galaxies with Chandra and NuSTAR
13620707	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Garcia	Monitoring M31 for BHXNe
13620807	NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS	Baganoff	Chandra HETG Ultra-deep Gratings Spectroscopy of Sgr A* (CHUGSS)

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION

Proposal Number: 13610541

Title: Baryons and Dark Matter in Isolated Elliptical Galaxies

PI Name: DAVID BUOTE

The mass profiles of elliptical galaxies are important probes of galaxy formation and cosmology. Only a few elliptical galaxies have detailed mass measurements from X-rays because of the lack of suitable targets in terms of total mass (< ~10^{13} m_sun) and relaxed dynamical states appropriate for hydrostatic analysis. In previously awarded XMM and Chandra snapshot programs to search for optimal targets for X-ray studies of mass profiles on the galaxy scale, we have identified several promising isolated elliptical galaxies. We request follow-up observations with Chandra to map the detailed profiles of stars, dark matter, and hot gas in two of these galaxies which have scheduled complementary XMM observations.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
14:34:37.10	-36:17:09.00	IC 4451	ACIS-S	NONE	30
22:03:27.00	-34:56:31.00	IC 5157	ACIS-S	NONE	50

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION

Proposal Number: 13610546

Title: Hot gaseous halos around superthin galaxies: testing galaxy formation models

PI Name: Zhiyuan Li

We propose to test galaxy formation models by characterizing the hot gaseous halo around a massive spiral galaxy, FGC539, with a superthin disk. Standard theoretical models predict substantial X-ray emission (L_x>10^{40} ergs/s) around present-day massive disk galaxies. This emission is a fundamental test of the theories that have successfully predicted many observed galaxy properties, but an unambiguous detection of it remains a great challenge to X-ray observations. We have selected FGC539 for its large dynamic mass and extremely quiescent morphology, well-suited for probing a symbiotic X-ray halo with minimal internal and external perturbations. We will probe the X-ray emission out to large radii (100 kpc), derive the gas density profile and measure the mean gas temperature.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
05:39:37.10	+77:18:44.90	FGC539	ACIS-S	NONE	80

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION

Proposal Number: 13610643

Title: X-raying the spectacular star-forming trail behind IC 3418

PI Name: Ming Sun

The ICM has long been proposed to play a vital role in galaxy evolution in clusters, through stripping of the cold gas. Studies of gaseous tails behind cluster late-type galaxies have shed light on the energy transfer in the multi-phase gas, demonstrated by the recent discoveries of X-ray tails, intracluster star formation and ULXs in the stripped gas. It is now known that star formation indeed happens commonly in the stripped ISM, but a lot of detail is still unknown. We propose a 35 ks ACIS-S observation of a dwarf galaxy with a remarkable star-forming trail in the Virgo cluster. Its proximity provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the evolution of the stripped gas, intracluster X-ray binaries and star formation. Joint HST and EVLA data observations are also requested.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
12:29:46.40	+11:23:36.50	IC 3418	ACIS-S	NONE	35

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION

Proposal Number: 13610752

Title: M51: Using the Kinematics of a Grand-Design Spiral to Understand the Physics of the Hot ISM, SNRs, and XRBs

PI Name: K.D. Kuntz

M51 is an iconic grand design spiral galaxy with a strong arm/inter-arm density contrast and a high star-formation rate, but with very little star-formation between its arms. As a result, one can age-date the hot gas and high-mass binaries produced in the arms that have moved into the inter-arm regions. We propose a 750 ks observation with ACIS-S3 to employ this technique to measure gas cooling times, search for non-radiative cooling, and constrain time scales for HMXB evolution. We also propose 10 orbits of HST WFC3 observations in [SII], which with existing HST data, will allow the first comprehensive survey of the rich population of SNR expected in M51. Given the strong density contrast, we will better characterize SNR properties as a function of environment.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
13:30:00.00	+47:12:00.00	M51	ACIS-S	NONE	750

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: DIFFUSE EMISSION

Proposal Number: 13610808

Title: A Chandra Legacy Project to Resolve the Accretion Flow of Gas Captured by a Supermassive Black Hole

PI Name: Jimmy Irwin

We propose a 1 Msec observation of the hot gas around the supermassive black hole at the center of the nearby S0 galaxy NGC3115 in order to place the first direct observational constraints on the temperature and density structure of an accretion flow inside the Bondi radius of a black hole. These temperature/density constraints will provide a critical test for competing inefficient accretion flow theories. The large angular Bondi radius of this black hole provides the *only* opportunity to perform such a test of inefficient accretion flow theory in the Chandra era and the foreseeable future. An additional benefit of this long observation is that it will also provide the deepest look of the X-ray binary population of a normal early-type galaxy to date.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
10:05:14.00	-07:43:06.90	NGC3115	ACIS-S	NONE	1000

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620028

Title: Chandra follow-up of brigt off-nuclear X-ray sources in galaxies

PI Name: Jelle Kaastra

We propose to obtain short exposures of unclassified sources that are found in galaxies. The unique Chandra positional capabilities will allow for an optical follow-up study. Follow-up observations are of paramount importance for the classification of the source. The ACIS sensitivity for hard sources is best while pile-up is not a major concern for these short observations of low-flux sources.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
12:21:17.00	+04:36:17.00	NGC4292	ACIS-S	NONE	3
11:51:08.00	+55:04:16.00	NGC3921	ACIS-S	NONE	6
12:25:18.70	+14:45:45.70	CXO J122518.6+144545	ACIS-S	NONE	10

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620035

Title: Black Hole X-ray Novae in M31

PI Name: Stephen Murray

During A01-12 we found sufficient numbers of Black Hole X-ray Novae (BHXN) in M31 in order to estimate orbital periods for 13, and make the first comparison to the MW BHXN orbital period distribution. We propose to continue this Chandra/HST program, concentrating our scarce HST resources on a single transient. Only uninterrupted monitoring can yield the duty cycles and long-term lightcurves of BHXN (and other variables) in M31. Our GO+GTO programs have accumulated over 600ks (ACIS+HRC) near the M31 bulge. By continuing our monitoring program we will reach >750ks on the bulge and >1Msec total Chandra M31 exposure.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
00:42:44.40	+41:16:08.30	M31	ACIS-I	NONE	25

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620198

Title: Colliding Galaxies Arp 256 and NGC 5754/52

PI Name: Saul Rappaport

We propose to observe two galaxy pairs, Arp 256 and NGC 5754/52, each of which is in its initial phase of collision. These will nicely complement the diversity of collisional galaxy morphologies studied thus far with Chandra. Collisions between galaxies produce high rates of star formation, and the concomitant generation of highly luminous X-ray sources. The Chandra observations will enable us to more quantitatively probe the relation between star formation rates and the production of very luminous X-ray sources. Galex and Spitzer images are combined to generate SFR images, and also used separately as "clocks" to investigate where somewhat older stars and slightly less luminous X-ray sources form vs. where somewhat younger stars and more luminous X-ray sources form, respectively.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
00:18:50.90	-10:22:36.40	Arp 256	ACIS-S	NONE	30
14:45:19.70	+38:43:52.60	NGC 5754	ACIS-S	NONE	15

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620487

Title: M31*: A Resolved Low-Luminosity Accretion Flow Around a Murmuring Monster

PI Name: Michael Garcia

We propose a moderately long ACIS-S observation of the nucleus of M31 in order to measure the structure of the only Bondi flow well resolved by Chandra, to search for eclipses in point X-ray sources, and to carry out a sensitive study of the structure of the diffuse gas and x-ray binary/SNR population in the core of M31. M31* recently entered a period of enhanced activity akin to Sgr A* flares, motivating our request for EVLA and HST/UV coverage. The proximity, high mass, and low ISM gas temperature of M31* give it the largest angular Bondi radius of of any SMBH. Thus it is the premier object for studies of SMBH sub-Eddington accretion.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
00:42:44.40	+41:16:08.30	M31*	ACIS-S	NONE	200

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620516

Title: DIRECT CHANDRA CONSTRAINTS ON THE EVOLUTION OF FIELD LMXB POPULATIONS

PI Name: Bret Lehmer

We propose to study in detail the field LMXB populations in four nearby early-type galaxies that cover a broad range of mean stellar ages (3-10 Gyr). We will conduct deep Chandra observations of two galaxies with young and intermediate stellar ages (3-5 Gyr), and image with HST three of the four galaxies. These observations will allow for (1) the detection of >50-100 LMXBs per galaxy, (2) the separation of GC and field LMXBs, and (3) provide empirical constraints on how the field XLF depends on stellar age.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
10:48:16.90	+12:37:46.30	NGC 3384	ACIS-S	NONE	93

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620679

Title: Broad-band (0.5-30 keV) X-ray imaging of starburst galaxies with Chandra and NuSTAR

PI Name: Ann Hornschemeier

We request 120 ks of ACIS imaging for monitoring of the bright accreting binary populations of NGC 253 and M82, the two nearest starburst galaxies. 700 ks of NuSTAR observations, during Chandra Cycle 13, have been approved for these galaxies. We will place basic constraints on the nature of the compact objects (black holes vs neutron stars) in bright binaries, study basic scaling of hard X-ray emission with e.g., star formation rate, monitor ULX sources and search for radio/X-ray flaring events. We will also place the best constraints to date on Inverse Compton emission from starbursts. We request 48 hours of NRAO VLBA imaging for 0.2 arcsec monitoring, allowing radio flares such as observed in the HMXB Cyg X-3 to be detected in these two galaxies.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
00:47:33.30	-25:17:18.00	NGC 253	ACIS-I	NONE	60

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620707

Title: Monitoring M31 for BHXNe

PI Name: Michael Garcia

During A01-12 we found ~27 Black Hole X-ray Novae (BHXNe) in M31 using Chandra, and with HST follow-up have estimated orbital periods for 12 of these. Observations are under way with HST to attempt to estimate additional periods. We propose to continue this program concentrating our HST resources on a single transient which is >1e38 erg/s or <2' from the nucleus. Only uninterrupted monitoring can yield the duty cycles and long-term light curves of BHXNe (and other variables) in M31. Our GO+GTO programs have accumulated over 375ks ACIS-I exposure on the bulge within the 3' mirror sweet spot, and total Chandra exposure on M31 is now almost 1Msec. By continuing our monitoring program through a second decade we will reach ~800ks within 3' of the bulge.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
00:42:44.40	+41:16:08.30	M31 BHXN	ACIS-I	NONE	25

Subject Category: NORMAL GALAXIES: X-RAY POPULATIONS

Proposal Number: 13620807

Title: Chandra HETG Ultra-deep Gratings Spectroscopy of Sgr A* (CHUGSS)

PI Name: Frederick Baganoff

We propose a 3-Msec HETG exposure to spatially and spectrally resolve the Bondi flow of Sgr A*. This would provide the first high spectral resolution data on Sgr A* and diffuse emission from the central pc of the galaxy. The spectrum will measure the energy and velocity width of the known Fe line from accreting matter within the Bondi radius. It will also detect plasma line emission (e.g., Si & S), if present at levels predicted by RIAF models. Polarization measurements suggest most of the matter crossing the Bondi radius does not reach the event horizon. Understanding the dynamics and thermal structure of this plasma will tell us how this matter flows in and how much and where some of it flows back out. This exposure will also permit extensive multiwavelength monitoring of Sgr A* flares.

R.A.	Dec.	Target Name	Det.	Grating	Exp.Time
17:45:40.00	-29:00:28.10	Sgr A*	ACIS-S	HETG	2680
17:45:40.00	-29:00:28.10	Sgr A*	ACIS-S	HETG	160
17:45:40.00	-29:00:28.10	Sgr A*	ACIS-S	HETG	40
17:45:40.00	-29:00:28.10	Sgr A*	ACIS-S	HETG	40
17:45:40.00	-29:00:28.10	Sgr A*	ACIS-S	HETG	40
17:45:40.00	-29:00:28.10	Sgr A*	ACIS-S	HETG	40

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