Recurrent X-Ray Emission Variations of η Carinae and the Binary Hypothesis

Details Recurrent X-Ray Emission Variations of η Carinae and the Binary Hypothesis Recurrent X-Ray Emission Variations of η Carinae and the Binary Hypothesis

Oct 1999

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999apj...524..983i&link_type=abstract

The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 524, Issue 2, pp. 983-987.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

100

Stars: Early-Type, Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: Η Carinae, X-Rays: Stars

Scientific paper

Recent studies by Damineli and coworkers suggest that the supermassive star η Carinae may have a massive stellar companion, although the dense ejecta surrounding the star make this claim hard to test using conventional methods. Settling this question is critical for determining the current evolutionary state and future evolution of the star. We address this problem by an unconventional method: If η Carinae is a binary, X-ray emission should be produced in shock waves generated by wind-wind collisions in the region between η Carinae and its companion. Detailed X-ray monitoring of η Carinae for more than 2 years shows that the observed emission generally resembles colliding-wind X-ray emission, but with some significant discrepancies. Briefly, the presence of enhanced absorbing material-such as a circumstellar disk-has been examined to explain the discrepancies. Furthermore, periodic X-ray ``flaring'' may provide an additional clue to determine the presence of a companion star and for atmospheric pulsation in η Carinae.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Recurrent X-Ray Emission Variations of η Carinae and the Binary Hypothesis 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 Recurrent X-Ray Emission Variations of η Carinae and the Binary Hypothesis, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Recurrent X-Ray Emission Variations of η Carinae and the Binary Hypothesis will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1084026