What does "ERO-QPE2" mean?
Table of Contents
ERO-QPE2 is a source of X-ray bursts found in the centers of galaxies. These bursts, called quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs), happen regularly over time. ERO-QPE2 has shown an amazing consistency in its activity over about 3.5 years.
Key Features
Stable Activity: The brightness and temperature of ERO-QPE2's eruptions and quiet phases have remained steady during the observation period.
Regular Timing: ERO-QPE2 has an average time between its eruptions of about 2.35 hours. This timing has slightly shortened over the years, indicating some changes in its activity.
Unique Patterns: At one point, there was a noticeable change in how long the eruptions happened, but this pattern did not continue in later observations.
Comparison with Other QPEs
Unlike other known sources of QPEs, ERO-QPE2 has not shown a decline in brightness over time. It has had many more bursts compared to others, which have longer intervals between their eruptions.
Implications
The steady behavior of ERO-QPE2 raises questions about what might be causing these eruptions. Some theories suggest it could be linked to a smaller object gradually spiraling into a larger black hole, and understanding these connections can help scientists learn more about the dynamics of galaxies.