X-ray binaries in the ultrahigh encounter rate globular cluster NGC6388

Abstract

We report the results of a joint Chandra Hubble Space Telescope study of the X-ray binary (XRB) population in the massive, high-density globular cluster NGC6388. NGC6388 has one of the highest predicted XRB production rates of any Galactic cluster. We detected a large population of 61 Chandra sources within the half-mass radius with LX > 5 × 1030 erg s-1. From the X-ray colors, luminosities, (lack of) variability, and spectral fitting, we identify five as likely quiescent low-mass X-ray binaries. Due to the extremely crowded nature of the core of NGC6388, finding optical identifications to Chandra sources is challenging. We have identified four blue, optically variable counterparts to spectrally hard X-ray sources, evidence that these are bright cataclysmic variables (CVs). One showed variability of 2 mag in V, indicative of a dwarf nova eruption. One other likely CV is identified by its X-ray spectrum (partial covering with high N H) and strong variability, making five likely CVs identified in this cluster. The relatively bright optical magnitudes of these sources put them in the same class as CV1 in M15 and the brightest CVs in 47 Tuc. © 2012. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.