9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 1] PROPOSAL FOR HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS ST ScI Use Only ID: 9796 Version: 4 Check-in Date: 16-May-2003 06:39:03 1.Proposal Title: Observations of Intermediate Mass Black Hole Candidate Ultra-Luminous X-ray Sources ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Proposal For 3. Cycle GO 12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Investigators Contact? PI: Dr. Jon Matthew Miller Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory CoI: Dr. Giuseppina Fabbiano Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical N Observatory CoI: Dr. Andreas Zezas Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical N Observatory CoI: Dr. Philip Kaaret Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical N Observatory CoI: Prof. Jonathan E. Grindlay Harvard University N CoI: Dr. Albert Kong Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical N Observatory CoI: Dr. Andrew R. King University of Leicester N CoI: Dr. Martin J. Ward University of Leicester N CoI: Dr. Vicky Kalogera Northwestern University N CoI: Ms. Miriam Krauss Massachusetts Institute of Technology N CoI: Dr. Michael R. Garcia Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical N Observatory ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5. Abstract Ultra-luminous X-ray (ULX) sources are off-nuclear point sources in nearby normal galaxies. Variability observed on the timescale of days, weeks, and years signals that ULXS are accreting sources, likely harboring black holes. However, the observed X-ray luminosity of these systems far exceeds the Eddington limit for a 10 Msun black hole; some ULXs may be intermediate mass black holes. The identification and study of optical counterparts with HST will be central to better understanding these objects. We propose to obtain deep U-B-V-I exposures of 4 extremely bright ULXs in nearby spirals: NGC 1313 X-1 and X-2, M81 X-9 (Holmberg II X-1), and M74 X-1. Each has a 0.5'' Chandra position, and X-ray luminosity and spectral characteristics consistent with expectations for intermediate mass black holes. We will use the colors we obtain, the magnitudes we measure, and any source variability (also, correlated optical-X-ray variability from simultaneous Chandra snapshots) to constrain the nature of the donor stars and the black holes (10 Msun or 100-1000 Msun), and the formation and evolution scenarios for each system. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 2] Observations Description ------------------------ We will observe NGC 1313 X-1 and X-2, M81 X-9 (Ho II X-1), and M74 X-1 in U, B, V, and I bands with the HST/ACS, and search for variability with simultaneous Chandra snapshots. Primary and follow-up observations will be made of each source. Primary Observations: For NGC 1313 X-1 and X-2 and M81 X-9 (Ho II X-1), primary observations will consist of 1/2-orbit exposures in I and V filters, and 1-orbit exposures in B and U filters (I=F814W, V=F555W, B=F435W, U=F330W). For M74 X-1, primary observations will consist of 1-orbit exposures in I and V, and a 2-orbit exposure in B. Each primary observation will be complemented by a 5 ksec Chandra snapshot observation. Follow-up Observations: Each source will be observed with a 1-orbit exposure in V, and a simultaneous 5 ksec Chandra snapshot. Technical details: I, V, and B exposures will be made with the ACS/WFC, using the WFC-1 aimpoint, the nominal ACCUM mode, GAIN=2, and dither patterns 13, 23, and 33. U exposures will be made with the ACS/HRC, using the HRC aimpoint, nominal ACCUM mode, GAIN=2, and dither patterns 13, 23, and 33. Chandra snapshots will use the ACIS-S3 detector, with all other CCDs turned off. For NGC 131 X-1 and X-2, and M81 X-9 (Ho II X-1), we will use a 1/8 ACIS subarray to prevent photon pile-up; for M74 X-1 we will use a 1/4 ACIS subarray. Real Time Justification ----------------------- Calibration Justification ------------------------- Additional Comments ------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 3] TARGET LIST Fixed Targets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tar| Target | Target | Target |Coord | Radial | Flux data No | Name | Description | Position |Eqnx | Vel. | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NGC1313X-1 GALAXY, SPIRAL RA=03H18M19.99S +/- 0.1", DEC=- J2000 V = 25.0+/-1.0 66D29'10.97" +/- 0.5" Coordinate Source: Other_Source: Chandra 2 NGC1313X-2 GALAXY, SPIRAL RA=03H18M22.34S +/- 0.1", DEC=- J2000 V = 25.0+/-1.0 66D36'3.68" +/- 0.1" Coordinate Source: Other_Source: Chandra 3 M81-X-9 GALAXY, SPIRAL RA=09H57M54.3S +/- 0.1", J2000 V = 25.0+/-1.0 DEC=+69D03'46.4" +/- 0.1" Coordinate Source: Other_Source: Chandra 4 M74-X-1 GALAXY, SPIRAL RA=01H36M51.1S +/- 0.1", J2000 V = 26.5+/-1.0 DEC=+15D45'47.0" +/- 0.1" Coordinate Source: Other_Source: Chandra 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 4] Patterns ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pattern_Number: 1 Primary_Pattern Secondary_Pattern Pattern_Type ACS-WFC-DITHER-LINE Pattern_Purpose DITHER Number_Of_Points 2 Point_Spacing 0.365 Coordinate_Frame POS-TARG Pattern_Orient 85.28 Center_Pattern NO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pattern_Number: 2 Primary_Pattern Secondary_Pattern Pattern_Type ACS-WFC-DITHER-BOX Pattern_Purpose DITHER Number_Of_Points 4 Point_Spacing 0.265 Coordinate_Frame POS-TARG Pattern_Orient 20.67 Center_Pattern NO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pattern_Number: 3 Primary_Pattern Secondary_Pattern Pattern_Type ACS-HRC-DITHER-BOX Pattern_Purpose DITHER Number_Of_Points 4 Point_Spacing 0.15 Coordinate_Frame POS-TARG Pattern_Orient 19.89 Center_Pattern NO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 5] Visit: 01 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NGC1313X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F814W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 580 S PATTERN 1 1-2 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 NGC1313X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 580 S C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 NGC1313X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F435W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 630 S PATTERN 2 3 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 NGC1313X-1 ACS/HR ACCUM HRC F330W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 690 S PATTERN 3 4 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 6] Visit: 02 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NGC1313X-2 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F814W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 580 S PATTERN 1 1-2 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 NGC1313X-2 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 580 S C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 NGC1313X-2 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F435W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 630 S PATTERN 2 3 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 NGC1313X-2 ACS/HR ACCUM HRC F330W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 690 S PATTERN 3 4 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 7] Visit: 03 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 M81-X-9 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F814W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 580 S PATTERN 1 1-2 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 M81-X-9 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 580 S C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 M81-X-9 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F435W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 630 S PATTERN 2 3 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 M81-X-9 ACS/HR ACCUM HRC F330W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 690 S PATTERN 3 4 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 8] Visit: 04 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 M74-X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F814W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 390 S PATTERN 2 1-4 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 M74-X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 550 S C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 M74-X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F435W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 590 S C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 M74-X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F435W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 590 S C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 9] Visit: 05 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: AFTER 01 BY 1 D TO 100 D On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NGC1313X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 600 S PATTERN 2 1 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 10] Visit: 06 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: AFTER 02 BY 1 D TO 100 D On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NGC1313X-2 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 600 S PATTERN 2 1 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 11] Visit: 07 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: AFTER 03 BY 1 D TO 100 D On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 M81-X-9 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 600 S PATTERN 2 1 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 12] Visit: 08 Visit Priority: Visit Requirements: AFTER 04 BY 1 D TO 100 D On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exposure| Target |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Number | Name |Config| Mode |or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 M74-X-1 ACS/WF ACCUM WFC1 F555W CR-SPLIT=NO 1 530 S PATTERN 2 1 C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9796( 4) - 05/16/03 06:40 - [ 13] Summary Form for Proposal 9796 Item Used in this proposal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Apertures WFC1 HRC WFC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Configurations ACS/WFC ACS/HRC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Opmodes ACCUM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Optional Parameters CR-SPLIT=NO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Proposal Category GO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Requirements PATTERN 1 1-2 PATTERN 2 3 PATTERN 3 4 PATTERN 2 1-4 AFTER 01 BY 1 D TO 100 D PATTERN 2 1 AFTER 02 BY 1 D TO 100 D AFTER 03 BY 1 D TO 100 D AFTER 04 BY 1 D TO 100 D ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spectral Elements F814W F555W F435W F330W ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target Names NGC1313X-1 NGC1313X-2 M81-X-9 M74-X-1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------