An XMM-Newton EPIC X-Ray View of the Symbiotic Star R Aquarii

DOI: 
10.3847/2041-8213/ac589d
Publication date: 
08/03/2022
Main author: 
Toalá, Jesús A.
IAA authors: 
Guerrero, Martín A.
Authors: 
Toalá, Jesús A.;Sabin, Laurence;Guerrero, Martín A.;Ramos-Larios, Gerardo;Chu, You-Hua
Journal: 
The Astrophysical Journal
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
927
Pages: 
L20
Abstract: 
We present the analysis of archival XMM-Newton European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC) X-ray observations of the symbiotic star R Aquarii. We used the Extended Source Analysis Software package to disclose diffuse soft X-ray emission extending up to 2.'2 (≍0.27 pc) from this binary system. The depth of these XMM-Newton EPIC observations reveals in unprecedented detail the spatial distribution of this diffuse emission, with a bipolar morphology spatially correlated with the optical nebula. The extended X-ray emission shares the same dominant soft X-ray-emitting temperature as the clumps in the jet-like feature resolved by Chandra in the vicinity of the binary system. The harder component in the jet might suggest that the gas cools down; however, the possible presence of nonthermal emission produced by the presence of a magnetic field collimating the mass ejection cannot be discarded. We propose that the ongoing precessing jet creates bipolar cavities filled with X-ray-emitting hot gas that feeds the more extended X-ray bubble as they get disrupted. These EPIC observations demonstrate that the jet feedback mechanism produced by an accreting disk around an evolved, low-mass star can blow hot bubbles, similar to those produced by jets arising from the nuclei of active galaxies.
Database: 
ADS
SCOPUS
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/2022ApJ...927L..20T/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
2022ApJ...927L..20T
Keywords: 
Symbiotic binary stars;Stellar jets;Stellar winds;X-ray sources;1674;1607;1636;1822;Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena