Swift BAT Survey Reports 3 New Hard X-ray Sources Near the Galactic Plane

ATel #853; J. Tueller (NASA/GSFC), C. Markwardt (UMD/NASA/GSFC), M. Ajello (MPE Garching), S. Barthelmy (GSFC), T. Belloni (INAF/OAB), A. Falcone (PSU), N. Gehrels (GSFC), O. Godet (U Leicester) , D. Grupe (PSU), S. Holland (USRA/NASA/GSFC), J. Kennea (PSU), K. Mukai (USRA/NASA/GSFC), R. Mushotzky (NASA/GSFC), R. Sambruna (NASA/GSFC), G. K. Skinner (CERS)
on 7 Jul 2006; 17:16 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Request For Observations
Credential Certification: Jack Tueller (jack.tueller-1@nasa.gov)

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The Swift/BAT hard X-ray survey (ATEL #668, ATEL #669) reports the detection of 3 sources near the galactic plane, including two with possible SNR counterparts. The BAT error circle for these weak sources is ~6 arcmin radius. Transient sources are likely and without a better position, a firm identification of these sources is not possible. Swift/XRT observations are planned. We are requesting observations at all wavelengths to identify these sources.

  
NAME               RA      DEC   Possible Counterparts		
  
SWIFT J0525.8+4256  81.43  42.94 SNR 166.0+04.3 aka VRO 42.05.01 
  
SWIFT J2015.9+3715 303.98  37.25 SNR 074.9+01.2 or 3EG J2016+3657 
  
SWIFT J2037.2+4151 309.31  41.85 none 
  

SWIFT J0525.8+4256: SNR 166.0+04.3 is an old SNR with no indication of a hard component in the x-ray spectrum. The BAT position corresponds to the radio and X-ray shock front in this large remnant.

SWIFT J2015.9+3715 is 2.6 arcmin from the Crab-like SNR 074.9+01.2, consistent with the BAT position. The BAT position is 24 arcmin from 3EG J2016+3657 (consistent with the EGRET position), and 6.2 arcmin from the radio source G74.87+1.22 (at the edge of the BAT error circle). This radio source has been associated with the EGRET source by Halpern et al. 2001 ApJ, 551, 1016.

SWIFT J2037.2+4151 9 sigma detection (14-25 keV) and very soft in BAT band. It is 1.26 degrees from the bright source Cyg X-3, and has no obvious counterpart in SIMBAD or NED. The nearest ROSAT source is 23 arcmin from the BAT position, too far to be the BAT source.