Deep XMM-Newton survey of M33

Abstract

In an XMM-Newton raster observation of the bright local group spiral galaxy M33 we study the population of X-ray sources (X-ray binaries, supernova remnants, super-shells) down to a 0.5-10 keV luminosity of 10^35 erg s^-1 -- more than a factor of 10 deeper than earlier ROSAT observations. EPIC spectra and hardness ratios are used to distinguish between different source classes. We confirmed the 3.45 d orbital light curve of the X-ray binary M33 X7, detected a transient super-soft source in M33, and searched for short term variability of the brighter sources. We characterize the diffuse X-ray component that is correlated with the inner disk and spiral arms. We will compare the results with other nearby galaxies.

Proceedings of the "X-ray surveys, in the light of the new observatories" workshop, Astronomische Nachrichten, in the press (4 pages, 5 figures, uses an.cls)