X-ray variability in NGC 2516

In our second paper, Damiani et al., 2003, Cat. <J/ApJ/588/1009>, we combined all the extant data sets and detected 284 sources, more than half of which are considered likely cluster members. In this our third paper, we further explore techniques of combining Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) and HRC Chandra data for timing analysis. We have been able to combine almost 70ks of observation time, spread over five epochs, to study variability in this cluster on multiple timescales.

We find that while stochastic variability rates are about the same for all objects in the sample, the timescale for detecting variability is shorter for late-type stars. Both stochastic and flare variability rates seen in NGC 2516 are similar to those seen in younger clusters IC 348, NGC 1333, and M42.