Keck observations of ROSAT ultra-luminous X-ray source candidates

We present results of optical follow-up observations of candidate ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs). Using Keck optical spectroscopy, 17 of the candidates from the Colbert and Ptak [Colbert, E.J.M., Ptak, A.F. A catalog of candidate intermediate-luminosity X-ray objects. ApJS 143, 25–45, 2002] catalog have been identified; this is one of the largest sets of optical identifications of such objects thus far. Fifteen are background active galactic nuclei (AGN); two are foreground stars in our Galaxy. These findings are consistent with background and foreground object expectations, as derived from log N–log S relations. Also, the results are briefly discussed in terms of the spiral-galaxy/ULX connection.     

Global value of Hubble constant

Multiaperture photometry in V (5500Å), r (6738Å) and IV (10500Å) of 52 spirals in nearby clusters Virgo, Fornax and Grus and farther clusters Cancer, Zw 74-23 and Peg I in the redshift range up to 6000 Km s⁻¹ was combined with HI width to derive three independant distances for each galaxy in these clusters.The plot between the mean distance of each cluster and its redshift, indicates the Hubble ratios of distant clusters Cancer, Zw 74-23 and Peg I are about 77 Km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹. Further, the Hubble ratios of distant clusters vary only from 76.3 to 78.9 Km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹ while those of nearby clusters Virgo, Fornax and Grus vary through a large range of 58.5 to 83.5 Km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹. We interpret these data by postulating a systematic motion toward Virgo for the Local Group.The best value for the global Hubble constant from farther and nearby clusters is derived as 74.3± 4 Km s⁻¹ Mpc⁻¹ and an average value of 289±60 Km s⁻¹ for the infall velocity of the Local Group toward Virgo is also derived.