Coronae in the Coronet: a very deep X-ray look into a stellar nursery

Aims. To study the X-ray properties of young stellar objects (YSOs), we analyze an exceptionally sensitive Chandra dataset of the Coronet cluster in the CrA star-forming region, achieving a limiting luminosity of L-X,L- min similar to 5 x 10(26) erg/ s for lightly absorbed sources. This dataset represents one of the most sensitive X- ray observations ever obtained of a star-forming region. Methods. The X- ray data are used to investigate the membership status of tentative members of the region, to derive plasma temperatures and X- ray luminosities of the YSOs, and to investigate variability on the timescale of several years. Results. 46 of the 92 X- ray sources in the merged Chandra image can be identified with optical or near/mid-infrared counterparts. X- ray emission is detected from all of the previously known optically visible late-type ( spectral types G to M) stellar cluster members, from five of the eight brown dwarf candidates, and from nine embedded objects (protostars) with class 0, class I, or flat-spectrum spectral-energy distributions ( SEDs) in the field of view. While the Herbig Ae/Be stars TY CrA and R CrA, a close companion of the B9e star HD 176386, and the F0e star T CrA are detected, no X- ray emission is found from any of the Herbig-Haro ( HH) objects or the protostellar cores without infrared source. We find indications for diffuse X- ray emission near R CrA/IRS 7. Conclusions. The observed X- ray properties of the Coronet YSOs are consistent with coronal activity; soft spectral components hinting towards X- ray emission from accretion shocks were not found. The X- ray emission of the AeBe stars TY CrA and HD 176386 probably originates from close late-type companions. The Ae star R CrA shows a peculiar X- ray spectrum and an extremely hot plasma temperature. Finally, we discuss the differences of the X- ray properties of YSOs in different evolutionary stages.