The X-Ray Sources at the Center of the Supernova Remnant RX J0852.0−4622

We present a BeppoSAX observation of the X-ray source AX J0851.9-4617.4. This source has been proposed as the neutron star that is associated with the shell-like supernova remnant RX J0852.0-4622. At E > 5 keV, the image shows the presence of a new source, SAX J0852.0-4615, that was not resolved from AX J0851.9-4617.4 in previous observations. The improved positional accuracy obtained for AX J0851.9-4617.4, along with its soft thermal spectrum ( kT ~ 1.3 keV), confirms its possible identification with an early-type star. SAX J0852.0-4615, with its harder X-ray spectrum and higher X-ray-to-optical flux ratio, is a more likely candidate for the neutron star associated with the supernova remnant.