Abstract We explore the possibility of attributing the recent discovery of the variable hard X-ray source CXO M82 J095550.2+694047 in M82 to the gravitational magnification by an intervening stellar object along the line of sight acting as a microlens. The duration of the event (>84 days) allows us to set robust constraints on the mass and location of the microlensing object when combined with the dynamical properties of the Galactic halo, M82 and typical globular clusters. Except for the extremely low probability, the microlensing magnification by MACHO in either the Galactic halo or M82 halo is able to explain the X-ray variability of CXO M82 J095550.2+694047. It is hoped that the lensing hypothesis can be tested soon by measurement of the light curve.
Keywords X-rays: stars --- Galaxies: individual: M82 --- gravitational lensing
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