A New Transient X-ray Pulsar in the SMC (XTE J0051-727)
ATel #273; R. H.D. Corbet (NASA/GSFC and USRA), C. B. Markwardt (NASA/GSFC and University of Maryland), M. J. Coe, W. R.T. Edge (Southampton University), S. Laycock (CfA), F. E. Marshall (NASA/GSFC)
on 27 Apr 2004; 20:01 UT
Credential Certification: Robin Corbet (corbet@gsfc.nasa.gov)
Subjects: X-ray, Binary, Neutron Star, Transient, Pulsar
We have detected a new transient X-ray pulsar in the direction of the
Small Magellanic Cloud with the RXTE Proportional Counter Array. The
source was found within the 2 degree FWZI field of view of the PCA
while pointed at R.A. = 00h50m00s, Decl. = -73o06'00" (equinox 2000.0).
Pulsations with periods of 293.9 +/- 0.4 s and 292.7 +/- 0.4 s were seen
on 2004 April 19 and April 22 respectively. From fits to slews made over
this region in both observations we derive a position of R.A. = 00h51.7m
Decl. = -72o45' (equinox 2000). The error box is ellipsoidal with maximum
extent 2 sigma statistical errors of approximately +/- 3 arc minutes
in R.A. and +/- 1.5 arc minutes in declination. Systematic
errors on the source position are unknown but may well be significant
and affected by both other sources in this rich field and the effects
of the pulsations on the light curve. Collimator response corrected
2 - 10 keV count rates of 3.6 +/- 0.2 (1.7 mCrab) and 3.3 +/- 0.2 (1.6
mCrab) counts/s/Proportional Counter Unit were obtained respectively.
The source was not detected in observations made on March 23.
