Spatial, temporal, and spectral properties of X-ray emission from the magnetar SGR 0501+4516

Abstract

SGR 0501+4516 was discovered with the Swift satellite on 2008 August 22 after it emitted a series of very energetic bursts. Since then, the source was extensively monitored with Swift and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) and observed with Chandra and XMM-Newton, providing a wealth of information about its outburst behavior and burst-induced changes of its persistent X-ray emission. Here, we report the most accurate location of SGR 0501+4516 (with an accuracy of 0. "11) derived with Chandra. Using the combined RXTE, Swift/X-ray Telescope, Chandra, and XMM-Newton observations, we construct a phase-connected timing solution with the longest time baseline (̃240 days) to date for the source. We find that the pulse profile of the source is energy dependent and exhibits remarkable variations associated with the SGR 0501+4516 bursting activity. We also find significant spectral evolution (hardening) of the source persistent emission associated with bursts. Finally, we discuss the consequences of the SGR 0501+4516 proximity to the supernova remnant, SNR G160.9+2.6 (HB9). © 2010. The American Astronomical Society.