ISSN:
1572-946X
Keywords:
stars:Wolf-Rayet
;
stars:X-rays
;
stars:colliding winds
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract We present a preliminary analysis of multiple X-ray (0.1–2.5 keV) observations of HD 50896 andγ Velorum obtained with theROSAT satellite. For HD 50896, our 8 observations show variability at the 30% level on timescales of ∼ 1 day, together with larger (× 1.7) epoch-changes, but no evidence for rapid variability. No phase-dependent modulation is apparent on the 3d.766 optical period. The mean PSPC spectrum gives kT = 0.28 keV, log N(H) = 20.6, and Lx = 3.8 × 1032 erg s−1, and implies that the observed X-rays have undergone little absorption in the WN5 wind. Forγ Velorum, we have 13 observations secured over several cycles in the 78d.5 binary period. At most binary phases, the X-ray emission is relatively constant, with kT ≃ 0.19 keV, log N(H) = 20.2, and Lx = 2.5 × 1031 erg s−1. Near orbital phase 0.5, the X-ray emission is enhanced by a factor of 4, due almost entirely to an additional harder component with kT ≥ 2 keV. We believe this is due to X-ray emission produced in the collision of the two stellar winds.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01091163
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