Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jun 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005sptz.prop20130l&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #20130
Computer Science
Scientific paper
The identification of Type Ia Supernova progenitors still remains elusive. The most promising channel to form SNe Ia involves accreting white dwarfs (WDs) in close binary systems. The hot WDs sustain steady nuclear burning and are observed as ultrasoft X-ray sources. The companions have remained until now undetected because the UV and optical spectrum is dominated by the emission from the accretion disk around the WDs. At present, these close binary supersoft sources (CBSS) have not been observed in the infrared, with the single exception of near-IR photometry of the Galactic CBSS QR And that provides the first hint of the secondary. Because of the general lack of a direct detection, the nature of the donor stars in these systems is still debated. By combining ultraviolet and optical SEDs with Spitzer observations of 4 CBSS in the mid-infrared, we will be able to definitively identify the nature of the donor stars in CBSS systems, as well as determining the size of the accretion disks. We propose to observe eclipsing systems at different phases to disentangle the contribution of the companions from the emission of the disks. Spitzer observations of CBSS will therefore represent a significant step forward in characterizing the binary systems that are best candidates for becoming SNe Ia.
Audard Marc
Hubeny Ivan
Lanz Thierry
Paerels Frits
No associations
LandOfFree
Searching for the Donor Star in Close Binary Supersoft Sources does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Searching for the Donor Star in Close Binary Supersoft Sources, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Searching for the Donor Star in Close Binary Supersoft Sources will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1166841