Exploring the High Energy Sky: A Survey of X-ray Sources in Galaxies Within 15 Megaparsecs of the Milky Way

By examining the spectral properties of X-ray sources in other galaxies, we can learn about the population of different types of sources. In this thesis, we examine 3,560 X-ray emitting sources using observations by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. By extracting their hardness ratios and automating spectral fitting routines, we provide strong evidence for a color regime containing Low Mass X-ray Binaries (LMXB), supporting claims made in previous smaller scale studies. We also identify a number of interesting super soft sources in elliptical galaxies and present some interesting findings about the color distribution of sources in low 60 micron luminosity galaxies.

    Item Description
    Name(s)
    Thesis advisor: Kilgard, Roy E.
    Date
    April 15, 2017
    Extent
    68 pages
    Language
    eng
    Genre
    Physical Form
    electronic
    Discipline
    Rights and Use
    In Copyright – Non-Commercial Use Permitted
    Restrictions on Use
    Access limited to Wesleyan Community only. Please contact wesscholar@wesleyan.edu for more information.
    Digital Collection
    PID
    ir:2196