X–ray emission from the giant molecular clouds in the Galactic Center region and the discovery of new X–ray sources

We report the results of X–ray (2–10 keV) observations of the giant molecular clouds Sgr B, Sgr C and Sgr D in the Galactic Center region, together with the discovery of the point-like source SAX J1748.2–2808. The data have been obtained with the MECS instrument on the BeppoSAX satellite. The core of Sgr B2 has an X–ray luminosity of ∼6×10 erg s and its spectrum is characterized by a strong Fe emission line at ∼6.5 keV with an equivalent width of 2 keV. Faint diffuse X–ray emission is detected from Sgr C and from the SNR G1.05–0.15 (Sgr D). A new, unresolved source with a strong Fe line has been discovered in the Sgr D region. This source, SAX J1748.2–2808, is probably associated with a SiO and OH maser source at the Galactic Center distance. If so, its luminosity is 10 erg s. We propose that the X–ray emission from SAX J1748.2–2808 is produced either by protostars or by a giant molecular cloud core. Emission from sources similar to SAX J1748.2–2808 could have an impact on the expected contribution on the observed Fe line emission from the Galactic ridge.