scholarly journals Observations of GRO J1744–28 in quiescence with XMM-Newton

2020 ◽  
Vol 643 ◽  
pp. A62
Author(s):  
V. Doroshenko ◽  
V. Suleimanov ◽  
S. Tsygankov ◽  
J. Mönkkönen ◽  
L. Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Binary System ◽  
Galactic Center ◽  
Optical Counterpart ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Dipole Term ◽  
The Magnetic Field

We report on the deep observations of the “bursting pulsar” GRO J1744–28, which were performed with XMM-Newton and aimed to clarify the origin of its X-ray emission in quiescence. We detect the source at a luminosity level of ∼1034 erg s−1 with an X-ray spectrum that is consistent with the power law, blackbody, or accretion-heated neutron star atmosphere models. The improved X-ray localization of the source allowed us to confirm the previously identified candidate optical counterpart as a relatively massive G/K III star at 8 kpc close to the Galactic center, implying an almost face-on view of the binary system. Although we could only find a nonrestricting upper limit on the pulsed fraction of ∼20%, the observed hard X-ray spectrum and strong long-term variability of the X-ray flux suggest that the source is also still accreting when not in outburst. The luminosity corresponding to the onset of centrifugal inhibition of accretion is thus estimated to be at least two orders of magnitude lower than previously reported. We discuss this finding in the context of previous studies and argue that the results indicate a multipole structure in the magnetic field with the first dipole term of ∼1010 G, which is much lower than previously assumed.

scholarly journals The Nature and Evolutionary Status of GRO J1744–28

1997 ◽  
Vol 163 ◽  
pp. 289-299
Author(s):  
P. C. Joss ◽  
S. Rappaport
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Neutron Stars ◽  
Evolutionary Status ◽  
Type I ◽  
Core Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractGRO J1744–28 is the first known X-ray source to display both bursts and periodic pulsations. This source may thus provide crucial clues that will lead to an understanding of the differences in the nature of the X-ray variability among accreting neutron stars. We deduce that the magnetic field of the neutron star is relatively weak (~ 8 × 1010G) but, nevertheless, sufficiently strong to funnel the accretion flow onto the magnetic polar caps and suppress the thermonuclear flashes that would otherwise give rise to type I X-ray bursts. We also present a series of interrelated arguments which demonstrate that the observed bursts are of type II and probably result from an instability associated with the interaction of the neutron-star magnetic field with the inner edge of the accretion disk. From these results, we infer that X-ray pulsars, GRO J1744–28, the Rapid Burster, and the type I X-ray bursters may form a sequence of possible behaviors among accreting neutron stars, with the strength of the magnetic field serving as the crucial parameter that determines the mode of X-ray variability. The companion star in the GRO J1744–28 binary system is probably a very low-mass (~ 0.2M⊙) giant that is in the final stages of losing its hydrogen-rich envelope. We have carried out binary evolution calculations which show that (1) if the mass of the giant was ~ 1M⊙when mass transfer onto the neutron star commenced, then the orbital period and the core mass of the giant have increased from ~ 1 to ~ 11.8 days and from ~ 0.15 to ~ 0.21M⊙, respectively, during the mass-transfer epoch, which has lasted for ~ 8 × 108yr, (2) the present long-term average X-ray luminosity is ~ 4 × 1036ergs s−1, which is at least two orders of magnitude lower than the luminosity at the peak of the transient outburst, and (3) the predicted long-term equilibrium rotation rate of the neutron star is remarkably close to the observed pulse rate. The transient nature of GRO J1744–28 may well be related to the final stages of dissipation of the envelope of the giant companion.

scholarly journals In-depth study of long-term variability in the X-ray emission of the Be/X-ray binary system AX J0049.4−7323

2018 ◽  
Vol 614 ◽  
pp. A34 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Ducci ◽  
P. Romano ◽  
C. Malacaria ◽  
L. Ji ◽  
E. Bozzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Flux Variability ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Integral Data

AX J0049.4−7323 is a Be/X-ray binary in the Small Magellanic Cloud hosting a ~750 s pulsar which has been observed over the last ~17 years by several X-ray telescopes. Despite numerous observations, little is known about its X-ray behaviour. Therefore, we coherently analysed archival Swift, Chandra, XMM-Newton, RXTE, and INTEGRAL data, and we compared them with already published ASCA data, to study its X-ray long-term spectral and flux variability. AX J0049.4−7323 shows a high X-ray variability, spanning more than three orders of magnitudes, from L ≈ 1.6 × 1037 erg s−1 (0.3−8 keV, d = 62 kpc) down to L ≈ 8 × 1033 erg s−1. RXTE, Chandra, Swift, and ASCA observed, in addition to the expected enhancement of X-ray luminosity at periastron, flux variations by a factor of ~270 with peak luminosities of ≈2.1 × 1036 erg s−1 far from periastron. These properties are difficult to reconcile with the typical long-term variability of Be/XRBs, traditionally interpreted in terms of type I and type II outbursts. The study of AX J0049.4−7323 is complemented with a spectral analysis of Swift, Chandra, and XMM-Newton data which showed a softening trend when the emission becomes fainter, and an analysis of optical/UV data collected by the UVOT telescope on board Swift. In addition, we measured a secular spin-up rate of Ṗ = (−3.00 ± 0.12) × 10−3 s day−1, which suggests that the pulsar has not yet achieved its equilibrium period. Assuming spherical accretion, we estimated an upper limit for the magnetic field strength of the pulsar of ≈3 × 1012 G.

scholarly journals Early neutron star evolution in high-mass X-ray binaries

2020 ◽  
Vol 494 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wynn C G Ho ◽  
M J P Wijngaarden ◽  
Nils Andersson ◽  
Thomas M Tauris ◽  
F Haberl
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Equilibrium Phase ◽  
High Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Spin Period ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
X Ray Binaries ◽  
The Magnetic Field

ABSTRACT The application of standard accretion theory to observations of X-ray binaries provides valuable insights into neutron star (NS) properties, such as their spin period and magnetic field. However, most studies concentrate on relatively old systems, where the NS is in its late propeller, accretor, or nearly spin equilibrium phase. Here, we use an analytic model from standard accretion theory to illustrate the evolution of high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) early in their life. We show that a young NS is unlikely to be an accretor because of the long duration of ejector and propeller phases. We apply the model to the recently discovered ∼4000 yr old HMXB XMMU J051342.6−672412 and find that the system’s NS, with a tentative spin period of 4.4 s, cannot be in the accretor phase and has a magnetic field B > a few × 1013 G, which is comparable to the magnetic field of many older HMXBs and is much higher than the spin equilibrium inferred value of a few × 1011 G. The observed X-ray luminosity could be the result of thermal emission from a young cooling magnetic NS or a small amount of accretion that can occur in the propeller phase.

The magnetic field of an isolated neutron star from X-ray cyclotron absorption lines

Nature ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 423 (6941) ◽  
pp. 725-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. F. Bignami ◽  
P. A. Caraveo ◽  
A. De Luca ◽  
S. Mereghetti
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Absorption Lines ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cyclotron Absorption ◽  
The Magnetic Field

scholarly journals Effect of Photon Rocket in X-ray Binaries

2000 ◽  
Vol 177 ◽  
pp. 653-654
Author(s):  
V. D. Pal’shin ◽  
A. I. Tsygan
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Attraction ◽  
Dipolar Field ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Star Surface ◽  
X Ray Binaries ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractIt is shown that X-ray binaries can be accelerated by their own radiation. It is possible if the magnetic field of a neutron star in a binary differs from the dipolar field. Asymmetric X-ray emission generated due to accretion of matter onto a neutron star surface creates an accelerating force. Its magnitude can be comparable or even larger than gravitational attraction of the binary to the Galaxy.

scholarly journals Spin evolution of neutron stars in wind-fed high-mass X-ray binaries

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeyuki Karino
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Neutron Stars ◽  
Wind Velocity ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Quasi Equilibrium ◽  
Pulse Period ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Spin Evolution ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Abstract The observed X-ray pulse period of OB-type high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) pulsars is typically longer than 100 seconds. It is considered that the interaction between the strong magnetic field of a neutron star and the wind matter could cause such a long pulse period. In this study, we follow the spin evolution of neutron stars, taking into account the interaction between the magnetic field and wind matter. In this line, as new challenges, we solve the evolution of the magnetic field of the neutron star at the same time, and additionally we focus on the effects of the wind properties of the donor. As a result, evolutionary tracks were obtained in which the neutron star spends some duration in the ejector phase after birth, then rapidly spins down, becomes quasi-equilibrium, and gradually spins up. Such evolution is similar to previous studies, but we found that its dominant physics depends on the velocity of the donor wind. When the wind velocity is fast, the spin-down occurs due to magnetic inhibition, while the classical propeller effect and settling accretion shell causes rapid spin-down in the slow wind accretion. Since the wind velocity of the donor could depend on the irradiated X-ray luminosity, the spin evolution track of the neutron star in a wind-fed HMXB could be more complicated than considered.

scholarly journals Recycling in progress: RXTE discovery of the first accretion-powered millisecond pulsar

2000 ◽  
Vol 177 ◽  
pp. 643-648
Author(s):  
M. van der Klis
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Binary System ◽  
Field Strength ◽  
Magnetic Field Strength ◽  
Radio Pulsar ◽  
Millisecond Pulsar ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Millisecond Radio

AbstractThe discovery is reported of the first accretion-powered millisecond pulsar, SAX J 1808.4–3658. This 2.5 millisecond pulsar has a magnetic field strength of 1–10108Gauss and has all the characteristics of the long-predicted millisecond radio pulsar progenitor, a neutron star in an X-ray binary system where the process of recycling is taking place at this time.

scholarly journals Swift J011511.0-725611: discovery of a rare Be star/white dwarf binary system in the SMC

2021 ◽  
Vol 508 (1) ◽  
pp. 781-788
Author(s):  
J A Kennea ◽  
M J Coe ◽  
P A Evans ◽  
L J Townsend ◽  
Z A Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Binary System ◽  
South African ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Large Telescope ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Be Star

ABSTRACT We report on the discovery of Swift J011511.0-725611, a rare Be X-ray binary system (BeXRB) with a white dwarf (WD) compact object, in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) by S-CUBED, a weekly X-ray/UV survey of the SMC by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Observations show an approximately 3 month outburst from Swift J011511.0-725611, the first detected by S-CUBED since it began in 2016 June. Swift J011511.0-725611 shows supersoft X-ray emission, indicative of a WD compact object, which is further strengthened by the presence of an 0.871 keV edge, commonly attributed to O viii K-edge in the WD atmosphere. Spectroscopy by South African Large Telescope confirms the Be nature of the companion star, and long term light curve by OGLE finds both the signature of a circumstellar disc in the system at outburst time, and the presence of a 17.4 day periodicity, likely the orbital period of the system. Swift J011511.0-725611 is suggested to be undergoing a Type-II outburst, similar to the previously reported SMC Be white dwarf binary (BeWD), Swift J004427.3-734801. It is likely that the rarity of known BeWD is in part due to the difficulty in detecting such outbursts due to both their rarity, and their relative faintness compared to outbursts in Neutron Star BeXRBs.

scholarly journals A joint XMM-NuSTAR observation of the galaxy cluster Abell 523: Constraints on inverse Compton emission

2019 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
pp. A83 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Cova ◽  
F. Gastaldello ◽  
D. R. Wik ◽  
W. Boschin ◽  
A. Botteon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Field Strength ◽  
Magnetic Field Strength ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Inverse Compton ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Aims. We present the results of a joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observation (200 ks) of the galaxy cluster Abell 523 at z = 0.104. The peculiar morphology of the cluster radio halo and its outlier position in the radio power P(1.4 GHz) – X-ray luminosity plane make it an ideal candidate for the study of radio and X-ray correlations and for the search of inverse Compton (IC) emission. Methods. We constructed bi-dimensional maps for the main thermodynamic quantities (i.e., temperature, pressure and entropy) derived from the XMM observations to describe the physical and dynamical state of the cluster’s intracluster medium (ICM) in detail. We performed a point-to-point comparison in terms of surface brightness between the X-ray and radio emissions to quantify their morphological discrepancies. Making use of NuSTAR’s unprecedented hard X-ray focusing capability, we looked for IC emission both globally and locally after properly modeling the purely thermal component with a multi-temperature description. Results. The thermodynamic maps obtained from the XMM observation suggest the presence of a secondary merging process that could be responsible for the peculiar radio halo morphology. This hypothesis is supported by the comparison between the X-ray and radio surface brightnesses, which shows a broad intrinsic scatter and a series of outliers from the best-fit relation, corresponding to those regions that could be influenced by a secondary merger. The global NuSTAR spectrum can be explained by purely thermal gas emission, and there is no convincing evidence that an IC component is needed. The 3σ upper limit on the IC flux in the 20−80 keV band is in the [2.2−4.0] × 10−13 erg s−1 cm−2 range, implying a lower limit on the magnetic field strength in the B >  [0.23 − 0.31] μG range. Locally, we looked for IC emission in the central region of the cluster radio halo finding a 3σ upper limit on the 20−80 keV nonthermal flux of 3.17 × 10−14 erg s−1 cm−2, corresponding to a lower limit on the magnetic field strength of B ≳ 0.81 μG.

Long-term optical variability of Her X-1

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (S346) ◽  
pp. 239-241
Author(s):  
T. İçli ◽  
D. Koçak ◽  
K. Yakut
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Star ◽  
Binary System ◽  
Orbital Period ◽  
Optical Variability ◽  
National Observatory ◽  
Short Term ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Robotic Telescope

AbstractLong-term and short-term multicolor photometric variations of the X-ray binary system Her X-1 (HZ Her) has been studied. We obtained new VRI observations of the system by using the 60cm Robotic telescope at the TÜBİTAK National Observatory (TUG) in 2018. Using newly obtained data, we modified the orbital period of the binary system with a neutron star component.

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