Publication Date:
2019-10-30
Description:
We report the discovery of the first transient with MeerKAT, MKT J170456.2–482100, discovered in ThunderKAT images of the low-mass X-ray binary GX339–4. MKT J170456.2–482100 is variable in the radio, reaching a maximum flux density of $0.71pm 0.11, mathrm{mJy}$ on 2019 October 12, and is undetected in 15 out of 48 ThunderKAT epochs. MKT J170456.2–482100 is coincident with the chromospherically active K-type sub-giant TYC 8332-2529-1, and $sim 18, mathrm{yr}$ of archival optical photometry of the star shows that it varies with a period of $21.25pm 0.04, mathrm{d}$. The shape and phase of the optical light curve changes over time, and we detect both X-ray and UV emission at the position of MKT J170456.2–482100, which may indicate that TYC 8332-2529-1 has large star spots. Spectroscopic analysis shows that TYC 8332-2529-1 is in a binary, and has a line-of-sight radial velocity amplitude of $43, mathrm{km, s^{-1}}$. We also observe a spectral feature in antiphase with the K-type sub-giant, with a line-of-sight radial velocity amplitude of $sim 12pm 10, mathrm{km, s^{-1}}$, whose origins cannot currently be explained. Further observations and investigation are required to determine the nature of the MKT J170456.2–482100 system.
Print ISSN:
0035-8711
Electronic ISSN:
1365-2966
Topics:
Physics
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