Possible Infrared Counterparts to the Soft Gamma-Ray Repeater SGR 1806−20

Abstract

We report the discovery of possible infrared counterparts to SGR 1806-20. We use archival Chandra observations to determine the location of SGR 1806-20 to less than 1'' accuracy. We then locate two infrared objects within this error circle in K-band (2.2 μm) images of this field. Based on the X-ray absorption toward SGR 1806-20 and the extinction toward the nearby star cluster, we discuss the likelihood of association for the possible counterparts and the implications for SGR 1806-20's physical properties and origins.