scholarly journals Evidence for a Compact Object in the Aftermath of the Extra-Galactic Transient AT2018cow

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dheeraj Pasham ◽  
Wynn Ho ◽  
William Alston ◽  
Ronald Remillard ◽  
Mason Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Compact Objects ◽  
Power Density Spectrum ◽  
High Time Resolution ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Density Spectrum ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Circumstellar Medium

Abstract Fast Blue Optical Transients (FBOTs) are mysterious extragalactic explosions that may represent a new class of astrophysical phenomena. Their fast time to maximum brightness of less than 10 days and decline over less than 2 months and unusual optical spectra and evolution are difficult to explain within the context of core-collapse of massive stars which are powered by radioactive decay of Nickel-56 and evolve slowly on months timescales. AT2018cow (at a redshift of 0.014) is an extreme FBOT both in terms of rapid evolution and high X-ray and bolometric luminosities. Several alternative hypotheses have been proposed to explain its unusual properties. These include shock interactions with dense circumstellar medium, tidal disruption of a star by a 10,000−million solar mass black hole, failed supernova with fallback accretion onto a newborn black hole, neutron star formed in a supernova or from merging compact objects, etc. Here, we present evidence for a high-amplitude (fractional root-mean-squared amplitude of>30%) quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) of AT2018cow’s soft X-rays with a centroid frequency of roughly 225 Hz (statistically significant at the 3.7-sigma level, or a false alarm probability of 0.02%). This signal is found in the average power density spectrum of data taken over the entire outburst lasting roughly 60 days and thus suggests that the signal is highly persistent over several hundreds of millions of cycles (60 daysx225 Hz). This high frequency (rapid timescale) of 225 Hz (4.4 ms) argues for the presence of a compact object in AT2018cow which can either be a neutron star or a black hole, and disfavors circumstellar medium interactions for the origin of X-ray emission. Also, the QPO’s timescale sets an upper limit on the compact object's mass to be 850 solar masses, and thus disfavors models with a heavier black hole. If the QPO represents the spin period of a neutron star we can set upper limits on its magnetic field under different scenarios. This work highlights a new way of using high time-resolution X-ray observations to study FBOTs.

scholarly journals Effect of Compact Objects Near Be Stars

1987 ◽  
Vol 92 ◽  
pp. 516-518
Author(s):  
Krishna M.V. Apparao ◽  
S.P. Tarafdar
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Compact Objects ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Be Stars ◽  
Eccentric Orbit ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Be Star

Several Be stars are identified with bright X-ray sources. (Rappaport and Van den Heuvel, 1982). The bright X-ray emission and observed periodicities indicate the existence of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes) near the Be stars. A prime example is the brightest X-ray source A0538-66 in LMC, which contains a neutron star with a rotation period of 59 ms. Apparao (1985) explained the X-ray emission, which occurs in periodic flares, by considering an inclined eccentric orbit for the neutron star around the assumed Be-star. The neutron star when it enters a gas ring (around the Be-star) accreting matter giving out X-rays.The X-ray emission from the compact objects, when the gas ring from the Be-star envelopes the objects, has interesting consequences. The X-ray emission produces an ionized region (compact object Stromgren sphere or COSS) in the gas surrounding the compact object (CO).

scholarly journals Measuring the Masses of Compact Objects in Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries

2004 ◽  
Vol 194 ◽  
pp. 214-214
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Gelino
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Compact Objects ◽  
Orbital Inclination ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Secondary Star ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
The Masses ◽  
X Ray Binaries

Low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) contain compact, black hole (BH) or neutron star (NS) primaries, and cool, low-mass secondary stars. We measure the orbital inclination of the system in quiescence by modeling infrared (IR) ellipsoidal variations from the secondary star in order to determine the compact object mass. I present our results for a few LMXBs, including the first BH that appears to conclusively fall in the 3-5 M⊙ range.

scholarly journals Big Game Hunting in the Andromeda Galaxy: Identifying and Weighing Black Holes in Low Mass X-Ray Binaries

2004 ◽  
Vol 194 ◽  
pp. 71-72
Author(s):  
R. Barnard
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Power Density Spectrum ◽  
Density Spectrum ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
X Ray Binaries

AbstractWe have devised a new technique for identifying stellar mass black holes in low mass X-ray binaries, and have applied it to XMM-Newton observations of two X-ray sources in M31. In particular we search for low accretion rate power density spectra; these are very similar for all LMXB, whether the primary is a black hole or a neutron star. Galactic neutron star LMXB exhibit these distinctive PDS at very low luminosities (~ 1036 erg s–1) while black hole LMXB can exhibit them at luminosities > 1038 erg s–1! Following the work of van der Klis (1994), we assume a maximum accretion rate (as a fraction of the Eddington limit) for low accretion rate PDS that is constant for all LMXB, and obtain an empirical value of ~10% Eddington. We have so far discovered two candidate black hole binaries in M31, exhibiting low accretion rate PDS at up to 3 x 1038 and 5 x 1037 erg s–1. If we assume that they are at <10% Eddington, they have minimum masses of 20 and 4 M⊙ respectively. Furthermore, any LMXB exhibiting a low accretion rate power density spectrum at a luminosity > 5 x 1037 erg s–1 is likely to have a black hole primary.

scholarly journals Properties of Faint X-ray Activity of XTE J1908+094 in 2019

Galaxies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Debjit Chatterjee ◽  
Arghajit Jana ◽  
Kaushik Chatterjee ◽  
Riya Bhowmick ◽  
Sujoy Kumar Nath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Power Density Spectrum ◽  
Periodic Oscillations ◽  
Telescope Array ◽  
Density Spectrum ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Black Hole Candidate ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Spectral State

We study the properties of the faint X-ray activity of Galactic transient black hole candidate XTE J1908+094 during its 2019 outburst. Here, we report the results of detailed spectral and temporal analysis during this outburst using observations from Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR). We have not observed any quasi-periodic-oscillations (QPOs) in the power density spectrum (PDS). The spectral study suggests that the source remained in the softer (more precisely, in the soft–intermediate) spectral state during this short period of X-ray activity. We notice a faint but broad Fe Kα emission line at around 6.5 keV. We also estimate the probable mass of the black hole to be 6.5−0.7+0.5M⊙, with 90% confidence.

scholarly journals A Machine Learning Approach For Classifying Low-mass X-ray Binaries Based On Their Compact Object Nature

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Pattnaik ◽  
K Sharma ◽  
K Alabarta ◽  
D Altamirano ◽  
M Chakraborty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Binary Systems ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Average Accuracy ◽  
Machine Learning Approach ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
X Ray Binaries

Abstract Low Mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are binary systems where one of the components is either a black hole or a neutron star and the other is a less massive star. It is challenging to unambiguously determine whether a LMXB hosts a black hole or a neutron star. In the last few decades, multiple observational works have tried, with different levels of success, to address this problem. In this paper, we explore the use of machine learning to tackle this observational challenge. We train a random forest classifier to identify the type of compact object using the energy spectrum in the energy range 5-25 keV obtained from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer archive. We report an average accuracy of 87±13% in classifying the spectra of LMXB sources. We further use the trained model for predicting the classes for LMXB systems with unknown or ambiguous classification. With the ever-increasing volume of astronomical data in the X-ray domain from present and upcoming missions (e.g., SWIFT, XMM-Newton, XARM, ATHENA, NICER), such methods can be extremely useful for faster and robust classification of X-ray sources and can also be deployed as part of the data reduction pipeline.

scholarly journals Mass transfer on a nuclear timescale in models of supergiant and ultra-luminous X-ray binaries

2019 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
pp. A19 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Quast ◽  
N. Langer ◽  
T. M. Tauris
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Roche Lobe ◽  
High Mass ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Mass Ratios ◽  
X Ray Binaries ◽  
Eddington Limit

Context. The origin and number of the Galactic supergiant X-ray binaries is currently not well understood. They consist of an evolved massive star and a neutron star or black-hole companion. X-rays are thought to be generated from the accretion of wind material donated by the supergiant, while mass transfer due to Roche-lobe overflow is mostly disregarded because the high mass ratios of these systems are thought to render this process unstable. Aims. We investigate how the proximity of supergiant donor stars to the Eddington limit, and their advanced evolutionary stage, may influence the evolution of massive and ultra-luminous X-ray binaries with supergiant donor stars (SGXBs and ULXs). Methods. We constructed models of massive stars with different internal hydrogen and helium gradients (H/He gradients) and different hydrogen-rich envelope masses, and exposed them to slow mass-loss to probe the response of the stellar radius. In addition, we computed the corresponding Roche-lobe overflow mass-transfer evolution with our detailed binary stellar evolution code, approximating the compact objects as point masses. Results. We find that a H/He gradient in the layers beneath the surface, as it is likely present in the well-studied donor stars of observed SGBXs, can enable mass transfer in SGXBs on a nuclear timescale with a black-hole or a neutron star accretor, even for mass ratios in excess of 20. In our binary evolution models, the donor stars rapidly decrease their thermal equilibrium radius and can therefore cope with the inevitably strong orbital contraction imposed by the high mass ratio. We find that the orbital period derivatives of our models agree well with empirical values. We argue that the SGXB phase may be preceded by a common-envelope evolution. The envelope inflation near the Eddington limit means that this mechanism more likely occurs at high metallicity. Conclusion. Our results open a new perspective for understanding that SGBXs are numerous in our Galaxy and are almost completely absent in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Our results may also offer a way to find more ULX systems, to detect mass transfer on nuclear timescales in ULX systems even with neutron star accretors, and shed new light on the origin of the strong B-field in these neutron stars.

scholarly journals The Lense–Thirring timing-accretion plane for ULXs

2019 ◽  
Vol 489 (1) ◽  
pp. 282-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Middleton ◽  
P C Fragile ◽  
A Ingram ◽  
T P Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Resonance Scattering ◽  
Phase Lag ◽  
Black Hole Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Surface Magnetic Field ◽  
Accretion Rates

ABSTRACT Identifying the compact object in ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) has to date required detection of pulsations or a cyclotron resonance scattering feature (CRSF), indicating a magnetized neutron star. However, pulsations are observed to be transient and it is plausible that accretion on to the neutron star may have suppressed the surface magnetic field such that pulsations and CRSFs will be entirely absent. We may therefore lack direct means to identify neutron star systems whilst we presently lack an effective means by which to identify black hole ULXs. Here we present a possible method for separating the ULX population by assuming the X-ray, mHz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), and day time-scale periods/QPOs are associated with Lense–Thirring precession of the inflow and outflowing wind, respectively. The precession time-scales combined with the temperature of the soft X-ray component produce planes where the accretor mass enters as a free parameter. Depending on the properties of the wind, use of these planes may be robust to a range in the angular momentum (spin) and, for high accretion rates, essentially independent of the neutron star’s surface dipole field strength. Our model also predicts the mHz QPO frequency and magnitude of the phase lag imprinted due to propagation through the optically thick wind; in the case of NGC 5408 X-1 we subsequently infer a black hole mass and moderate-to-high spin. Finally, we note that observing secular QPO evolution over sufficient baselines may indicate a neutron star, as the precession responds to spin-up which is not readily observable for black hole primaries.

scholarly journals Constraint on Hybrid Stars with Gravitational Wave Events

Universe ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Kilar Zhang ◽  
Feng-Li Lin
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Dark Matter ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Compact Objects ◽  
Compact Stars ◽  
Hybrid Star ◽  
Hybrid Stars

Motivated by the recent discoveries of compact objects from LIGO/Virgo observations, we study the possibility of identifying some of these objects as compact stars made of dark matter called dark stars, or the mix of dark and nuclear matters called hybrid stars. In particular, in GW190814, a new compact object with 2.6 M⊙ is reported. This could be the lightest black hole, the heaviest neutron star, and a dark or hybrid star. In this work, we extend the discussion on the interpretations of the recent LIGO/Virgo events as hybrid stars made of various self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) in the isotropic limit. We pay particular attention to the saddle instability of the hybrid stars which will constrain the possible SIDM models.

scholarly journals Chemical Abundances of the Secondary Stars in the Black Hole Binary A0620-00 and the Neutron Star Binary Cen X-4

2004 ◽  
Vol 194 ◽  
pp. 204-204
Author(s):  
J. I. González-Hernández ◽  
R. Rebolo ◽  
G. Israelian ◽  
J. Casares
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Neutron Star ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Accretion Disc ◽  
Accretion Discs ◽  
Chemical Abundances ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Black Hole Binary ◽  
Star Binary

We have determined abundances in the secondary stars of the black hole X-ray binary A0620-00 and the neutron star Binary Cen X-4. These are K type stars veiled by the emission produced by the respective accretion discs. We searched for evidence of nucleosynthetic products from the progenitor of the compact object that could have contaminated the secondary stars (as in Israelian et al., 1999).Using high resolution spectra obtained with VLT/UVES, we have derived in a consistent way stellar parameters and the veiling caused by the accretion disc.

scholarly journals Black hole magnetosphere with small-scale flux tubes – II. Stability and dynamics

2019 ◽  
Vol 487 (3) ◽  
pp. 4114-4127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yajie Yuan ◽  
Anatoly Spitkovsky ◽  
Roger D Blandford ◽  
Dan R Wilkins
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Compact Star ◽  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Compact Object ◽  
Accretion Disc ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Central Object

ABSTRACT In some Seyfert galaxies, the hard X-rays that produce fluorescent emission lines are thought to be generated in a hot corona that is compact and located at only a few gravitational radii above the supermassive black hole. We consider the possibility that this X-ray source may be powered by small-scale magnetic flux tubes attached to the accretion disc near the black hole. We use three-dimensional, time-dependent, special relativistic, force-free simulations in a simplified setting to study the dynamics of such flux tubes as they get continuously twisted by the central compact star/black hole. We find that the dynamical evolution of the flux tubes connecting the central compact object and the accretion disc is strongly influenced by the confinement of the surrounding field. Although differential rotation between the central object and the disc tends to inflate the flux tubes, strong confinement from surrounding field quenches the formation of a jet-like outflow, as the inflated flux tube becomes kink unstable and dissipates most of the extracted rotational energy relatively close to the central object. Such a process may be able to heat up the plasma and produce strong X-ray emission. We estimate the energy dissipation rate and discuss its astrophysical implications.

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