The X-Ray Photoionized Wind in Cen X-3/V779 Cen

Details The X-Ray Photoionized Wind in Cen X-3/V779 Cen The X-Ray Photoionized Wind in Cen X-3/V779 Cen

2000-09-15

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0009257v1

2001 ApJ 547, 973

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

ApJ accepted

Scientific paper

10.1086/318425

We analyze the ASCA spectrum of the Cen X-3 X-ray binary system in eclipse using atomic models appropriate to recombination-dominated level population kinetics in an overionized plasma. In order to estimate the wind characteristics, we first fit the eclipse spectrum to a single-zone photoionized plasma model. We then fit spectra from a range of orbital phases using global models of photoionized winds from the companion star and the accretion disk that account for the continuous distribution of density and ionization state. We find that the spectrum can be reproduced by a density distribution of the form derived by Castor, Abbot, & Klein (1975) for radiation-driven winds with with the value of the mass-loss rate divided by the terminal velocity consistent with values for isolated stars of the same stellar type. This is surprising because the neutron star is very luminous (~10^38 erg/s) and the X-rays from the neutron star should ionize the wind and destroy the ions that provide the opacity for the radiation-driven wind. Using the same functional form for the density profile, we also fit the spectrum to a spherically symmetric wind centered on the neutron star, a configuration chosen to represent a disk wind. We argue that the relatively modest orbital variation of the discrete spectrum rules out a disk wind hypothesis.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The X-Ray Photoionized Wind in Cen X-3/V779 Cen 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 The X-Ray Photoionized Wind in Cen X-3/V779 Cen, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The X-Ray Photoionized Wind in Cen X-3/V779 Cen will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-288954