Ignition latitude and the shape of Type I X-ray bursts

Details Ignition latitude and the shape of Type I X-ray bursts Ignition latitude and the shape of Type I X-ray bursts

2007-08-23

arxiv.org/abs/0708.3195v2

MNRAS, 383, 387-398 (2008)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Some additions and clarifications, MNRAS accepted

Scientific paper

10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.12558.x

The shape of the lightcurve during the rising phase of Type I X-ray bursts is determined by many factors including the ignition latitude, the accretion rate, and the rotation rate of the star. We develop a phenomenological model of the burst rise process and show that simple measures of the burst morphology can be robust diagnostics of ignition latitude and burning regime. We apply our results to the large sample of bursts from the Low Mass X-ray Binary 4U 1636-536, and find evidence for off-equatorial ignition for many of the bursts. We argue that such behaviour may be associated with the transition from hydrogen to helium ignition at accretion rates a few percent of Eddington. We show that this model can also explain variations in the detectability of burst oscillations, and discuss the implications for other burst sources.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Ignition latitude and the shape of Type I X-ray bursts 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 Ignition latitude and the shape of Type I X-ray bursts, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ignition latitude and the shape of Type I X-ray bursts will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-521858