Image Deconvolution to Resolve Astronomical X-Ray Sources in Close Proximity: The <i>NuSTAR</i> Images of SXP 15.3 and SXP 305
The broad point spread function of the <i>NuSTAR</i> telescope makes resolving astronomical X-ray sources a challenging task, especially for off-axis observations. This limitation has affected the observations of the high-mass X-ray binary pulsars SXP 15.3 and SXP 305, in which pulsation...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Algorithms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4893/18/4/191 |
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| Summary: | The broad point spread function of the <i>NuSTAR</i> telescope makes resolving astronomical X-ray sources a challenging task, especially for off-axis observations. This limitation has affected the observations of the high-mass X-ray binary pulsars SXP 15.3 and SXP 305, in which pulsations are detected from nearly overlapping regions without spatially resolving these X-ray sources. To address this issue, we introduce a deconvolution algorithm designed to enhance <i>NuSTAR</i>’s spatial resolution for closely spaced X-ray sources. We apply this technique to archival data and simulations of synthetic point sources placed at varying separations and locations, testing the algorithm’s efficacy in source detection and differentiation. Our study confirms that on some occasions when SXP 305 is brighter, SXP 15.3 is also resolved, suggesting that some prior non-detections may have resulted from imaging limitations. This deconvolution technique represents a proof of concept test for analyzing crowded fields in the sky with closely spaced X-ray sources in future <i>NuSTAR</i> observations. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4893 |