# Time-resolved Hubble Space Telescope UV observations of an X-ray quasi-periodic eruption source

**Authors:** Thomas Wevers, Muryel Guolo, Sean Lockwood, Andrew Mummery, Dheeraj R. Pasham, Riccardo Arcodia  
**arXiv:** [2501.03335](https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.03335)  
**Date:** 2025-01-06  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2501.03335v1/

## Key points

- A recent study using the Hubble Space Telescope and XMM-Newton X-ray telescope focused on investigating X-ray quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs) in nearby galactic nuclei.
- The study centered on eRO-QPE2, the shortest period X-ray QPE known.
- Researchers discovered a bright ultraviolet (UV) point source with consistent luminosity during both eruption and quiescent phases, ruling out a young stellar population as the source.
- Evidence of a compact accretion disk with an atypical outer radius formed by the tidal disruption of a star was found, contradicting existing models.
- Interactions between the disk and orbiter for both quasi-spherical and eccentric trajectories were suggested based on observations.
- Estimated black hole mass and Eddington ratio further supported this new theory.
- Multi-wavelength observations provided insights into the nature and behavior of these enigmatic sources in galactic nuclei.

## Summary

A recent study using the Hubble Space Telescope and XMM-Newton X-ray telescope investigated the properties of X-ray quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs) in nearby galactic nuclei. These unique sources of variability have puzzled researchers for years. The focus was on eRO-QPE2, the shortest period X-ray QPE known. The team discovered a bright ultraviolet (UV) point source with a consistent luminosity during both eruption and quiescent phases, ruling out a young stellar population as the source. Instead, they found evidence of a compact accretion disk with an atypical outer radius formed by the tidal disruption of a star. This contradicted existing models and suggested interactions between the disk and orbiter for both quasi-spherical and eccentric trajectories. The estimated black hole mass and Eddington ratio further supported this theory. Multi-wavelength observations also revealed insights into the nature and behavior of these enigmatic sources in galactic nuclei. Overall, this comprehensive study sheds light on X-ray QPEs and highlights their importance in understanding the mysteries of our universe.