Infrared Observations of XTE J1118+480

Hynes, R.I., Gelino, D.M., Pearson, K.J. and Robinson, E.L. (2005) Infrared Observations of XTE J1118+480. Editors: R. E. Rutledge, Derek Fox and Mansi M. Kasliwal. (The Astronomer's Telegram #393)

Abstract/Summary

Infrared observations of the outbursting black hole XTE J1118+480 (ATEL #383) were performed using SQIID on the Kitt Peak National Observatory 2.1m telescope. Observations spanning 2005 January 15.42-15.58 found it somewhat fainter than the previous outburst (IAUC # 7394 , # 7407 ), at average brightness J=12.91+/-0.03, H=12.50+/-0.03, K=11.95+/-0.03. The colors again correspond to an approximately flat spectrum in F_nu. No orbital variation is apparent, but there is substantial unresolved rapid variability with rms amplitude 22% in K (between 2s exposures). Further observations are planned nightly until Jan 21.