The case for a low-level active nucleus in M32

The X-ray emission from M32 has been studied with ROSAT PSPC and HRI observations. A new analysis of the best available PSPC exposure with M32 in the central part of the frame improves on a previously published analysis and indicates only one source associated with M32. The spectral data suggest absorption greater than the Galactic column. Our analysis of a dedicated HRI exposure of M32 also leads to different conclusions than published recently. At HRI resolution this source may be extended, with an offset from the optical nucleus that is not deemed reliably established. In view of these results, conceivable interpretations are discussed that refer to a low-level active nucleus or a Supernova Remnant, rather than an X-ray binary as has been proposed. A low-level AGN remains an attractive interpretation for this X-ray source. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.