Optical emission of the black hole x-ray transient MAXIJ1659-152 during quiescence

Abstract

We report on the optical detection of the black hole X-ray transient MAXIJ1659-152 during its quiescent state. By using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, we observed MAXIJ1659-152 about seven months after the end of an X-ray outburst. The optical counterpart of MAXIJ1659-152 is clearly detected with an r′-band magnitude of 23.6-23.8. The detection confirms that the optical emission of MAXIJ1659-152 during quiescence is relatively bright compared to other black hole X-ray transients. This implies that the distance to MAXIJ1659-152 is 4.6-7.5kpc for an M2 dwarf companion star or 2.3-3.8kpc for an M5 dwarf companion star. By comparing with other measurements, an M2 dwarf companion is more likely. © 2012. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.