Perry Y. Li

Multiwavelength observations and speculations on SGR 1900+14

We present optical and IR imaging and photometry of the field of SGR 1900+14 and identify a possible stellar binary counterpart of this source. Two IR‐bright stars were discovered at a location consistent with the ROSAT source discussed in the companion paper by Hurley et al. Spectroscopy of the two counterpart candidates suggests that they are evolved stars of spectral class M5. The relationship of these stars to the X‐ray source and the nearby IPN position is not clear at present. However, if these stars are indeed associated with the SGR, the association with a fast (∼1,000 km s−1) neutron star ejected in the event that created the nearby supernova remnant G42.8+0.6 is not feasible. If one retains the fast pulsar hypothesis for SGRs, the IR stars must be considered a coincidence, although this appears to be unlikely. We discuss a scenario in which the X‐ray emission is due to sporadic energy deposition into a nebula by particle bursts from the SGR. The data suggest that SGR 1900+14 is located at a heli...