Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2009-12-12
A & A 516 A24 (2010)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
6 pages, 3 figures. This version to appear in A&A is a little more detailed than the original
Scientific paper
{The Galactic microquasar SS 433 is very luminous and ejects opposite jets at approximately one quarter the speed of light. It is regarded as a super-Eddington accretor but until recently there were no observations of accretion.} % aims heading (mandatory) {To present an analysis of spectroscopic optical data obtained before and during a major flare, which yield in H$\alpha$ unambiguous evidence for the accretion disk.} % methods heading (mandatory) {Published high resolution spectra, taken with a 3.6-m telescope almost nightly over 0.4 of a precession cycle, are analysed.} % results heading (mandatory) {Optical spectra taken almost nightly in August and September 2004 revealed a period of quiescence followed by activity which culminated in the accretion disk of SS433 becoming visible. The visible material in the accretion disk orbited the compact object at greater than 500 km s$^{-1}$, implying that the mass of the compact object is less than 37 $M_\odot$. Evidence that an accretion stream joins the disk at over 700 km s$^{-1}$ suggests that the mass is considerably below this upper limit. The accretion disk clearly orbits the centre of mass of the binary system with the compact object, sharing its speed of approximately 175 km s$^{-1}$. The mass of the companion lies between 20 and 30 $M_\odot$ and it probably does not fill its Roche lobe.}
No associations
LandOfFree
SS 433: The accretion disk revealed in H alpha 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 SS 433: The accretion disk revealed in H alpha, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and SS 433: The accretion disk revealed in H alpha will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-533311