X-ray and γ-ray orbital variability from the γ-ray binary HESS J1832−093

Abstract

Context.γ-ray binaries are systems composed of a massive star and a compact object whose interaction leads to particle acceleration up to relativistic energies. In the last fifteen years, a few binaries have been found to emit at high energies, but their number is still low. The TeV source HESS J1832−093 has been proposed as a binary candidate, although its nature is unclear. Neither a GeV counterpart nor a period was detected. Aims. The purpose of this work is to search for a GeV counterpart to understand the origin of the TeV signal detected by H.E.S.S. For an unambiguous identification of its binary nature, finding an orbital modulation is crucial. Methods. We analysed data spanning more than 10 years from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT), together with Swift archival observations taken between 2015 and 2018, using both the X-Ray Telescope and UV/Optical Telescope. We searched for periodicities in both X-ray and GeV bands. Results. We find a periodic modulation of ∼ 86 days in the X-ray source candidate counterpart XMMU J183245−0921539, together with indications of γ-ray modulation with a compatible period in the GeV candidate counterpart 4FGL J1832.9−0913. Neither an optical nor a UV counterpart is found at the X-ray source location. The overall spectral energy distribution strongly resembles the known γ-ray binary HESS J0632+057. Conclusions. Both the spectral energy distribution and the discovery of an orbital period allow the identification of the TeV source HESS J1832−093 as a new member of the γ-ray binary class.