Yet another galaxy identification for an ultraluminous X-ray source

Abstract

We report on the identification of the optical and infrared counterparts of the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) XMMU J121214.5+131248 (NGC4168-ULX1). The optical spectrum yields a redshift of z=0.217, which implies that the ULX is not associated with the nearby galaxy NGC 4168, but rather with a background object. Optical spectral line ratios and the spectral energy distribution constructed from the available data indicate that the source is likely a starburst nucleus.

5 pages, 3 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication on A&A Letters