Spatial, Temporal, and Spectral Properties of X-ray Emission from the Magnetar SGR 0501+4516

Abstract

SGR 0501+4516 was discovered with the Swift satellite on 2008 August 22 after it emitted a series of very energetic bursts. Since then, the source was extensively monitored with Swift and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) and observed with Chandra and XMM-Newton, providing a wealth of information about its outburst behavior and burst-induced changes of its persistent X-ray emission. Here, we report the most accurate location of SGR 0501+4516 (with an accuracy of 0farcs11) derived with Chandra. Using the combined RXTE, Swift/X-ray Telescope, Chandra, and XMM-Newton observations, we construct a phase-connected timing solution with the longest time baseline (~240 days) to date for the source. We find that the pulse profile of the source is energy dependent and exhibits remarkable variations associated with the SGR 0501+4516 bursting activity. We also find significant spectral evolution (hardening) of the source persistent emission associated with bursts. Finally, we discuss the consequences of the SGR 0501+4516 proximity to the supernova remnant, SNR G160.9+2.6 (HB9).