Proposal Details - 0720017
Understanding the X-ray binary populations of the Magellanic Cloud Family - Large, Small & Bridge (Coe)

Proposal Abstract

The Large & Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC & SMC) represent an exceptional opportunity to study the evolution of X-ray binaries (XRB) under very di erent conditions to that in the Milky Way. The Clouds are close enough for the individual sources to be detected, identi ed & studied, whilst presenting diverse environments in terms of metallicity and tidal e ects. A recent Key Programme covering the SMC is producing a wealth of data on persistent and transient systems, plus revealing strong evidence for the emergence of a previously-unknown XRB population in the western Bridge (the structure linking the LMC to the SMC). In this proposal we request a 2Ms Key Programme to investigate the LMC and the eastern end of the Bridge to a similar depth. Such a programme, which will entail both the monitoring of transient sources and a search for a faint persistent population, enables us to explore stellar and binary evolution in di erent chemical and tidal environments.

Observation Strategy (Recommended by TAC)

1 Ms in the standard 5x5 dithering mode centred on RA, Dec = 80, -68 (l, b = 278.471, -33.525), which is near the middle of the LMC to ensure a complete coverage with both JEM-X and IBIS.

Proposal grade: C

Data Rights (Recommended by TAC)

The TAC has allocated the following specific data rights to this proposal: 19 sources in the LMC, in the SMC and in the Bridge to explore stellar and binary evolution in different chemical and tidal environments only for statistical studies as an ensemble: LMC X-2, RX J0501.6-7034, Swift J045106.8-6948, RX J0502.9-6626, RX J0529.8-6556, XMMU J053011.2-65512, RX J0531.2-6607, LMC X-4, RX J0535.0-6700, 1A 0535-668, LMC X-3, LMC X-1, XMMU J054134.7-68255, SAX J0544.1-7100, SMC X-1, Swift J0208.4-7428, IGR J015712-7259, RX J0209.6-7427 and IGR J05009-7044. Data rights for individual source studies can be asked for in the call for Data Rights proposals.

Exposure Map

The exposure maps are in galactic coordinates and units of ksec, and the colour scale is indicated at the bottom. The green lines provide the 100 ksec contour.