Improved Parameters for the Black Hole Binary System X-Ray Nova MUSCAE 1991

Details Improved Parameters for the Black Hole Binary System X-Ray Nova MUSCAE 1991 Improved Parameters for the Black Hole Binary System X-Ray Nova MUSCAE 1991

Sep 1996

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996apj...468..380o&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal v.468, p.380

Physics

65

Stars: Binaries: Spectroscopic, Black Hole Physics, Stars: Novae, Cataclysmic Variables, Stars: Individual Constellation Name: Nova Muscae 1991, X-Rays: Stars

Scientific paper

We have continued to observe the black hole binary X-ray Nova Muscae 1991 (GS 1124 - 683, GU Mus, hereafter XN Mus 91) in quiescence over the last 3 years. These observations have yielded refined values of the orbital period (P = 0d.4326058 ±0d.0000031) and the semiamplitude of the absorption line radial velocity curve (K2 = 406±7 km s-1) The implied mass function is f(M) = 3.01±0.15 Msun, which represents the minimum mass of the compact primary star. A reasonable lower limit on the mass of the primary, based on the lack of observed X-ray and optical eclipses and a previous measurement of the binary mass ratio, is M1 > 4.4 Msun; this mass exceeds the maximum mass of a stable neutron star, reinforcing the argument that XN Mus 91 contains a black hole. The phase-averaged spectrum (Doppler corrected to account for the orbital motion of the secondary) shows strong absorption lines consistent with a dwarf main-sequence star, with an MK type of K3 V-KS V. The disk spectrum, obtained by subtracting the spectrum of a KS V template star from the averaged spectrum, shows strong Balmer emission lines, as well as emission lines of He I and Fe II, which are superimposed on a relatively flat continuum. Ellipsoidal modeling of the light curves indicates that the inclination is in the range 54° ≤ i ≤ 65°. Using the mass function and our previous estimate of the mass ratio, the primary mass is then in the range 5.0 ≤M1 ≤ 7.5 Msun.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Improved Parameters for the Black Hole Binary System X-Ray Nova MUSCAE 1991 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 Improved Parameters for the Black Hole Binary System X-Ray Nova MUSCAE 1991, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Improved Parameters for the Black Hole Binary System X-Ray Nova MUSCAE 1991 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1459045