The X-ray sources at the center of the supernova remnant RXJ0852.0-4622

Abstract

We present a BeppoSAX observation of the X-ray source AX J0851.9-4617.4 that has been proposed as the neutron star associated to the shell like-supernova remnant RX J0852.0-4622. The image at E>5 keV shows the presence of a new source, SAX J0852.0-4615, not resolved from AX J0851.9-4617.4 in previous observations. The improved positional accuracy obtained for AX J0851.9-4617.4 confirms its possible identification with an early type star, also consistent with its soft thermal spectrum (kT~1.3 keV). SAX J0852.0-4615, with a harder X-ray spectrum and a higher X-ray to optical flux ratio, is a more likely candidate for the neutron star associated to the supernova remnant.