Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Phase-Dependent X-Ray Observations Of The Beta Lyrae System: No Eclipse In The Soft Band., Richard Ignace, L. Oskinova, W. Waldron, J. Hoffman, W.-R. Hamann

ETSU Faculty Works

Aims.We report on observations of the eclipsing and interacting binary beta Lyrae from the Suzaku X-ray telescope. This system involves an early B star embedded in an optically and geometrically thick disk that is siphoning atmospheric gases from a less massive late B II companion. Methods.Motivated by an unpublished X-ray spectrum from the Einstein X-ray telescope suggesting unusually hard emission, we obtained time with Suzaku for pointings at three different phases within a single orbit. Results.From the XIS detectors, the softer X-ray emission appears typical of an early-type star. What is surprising is the remarkably unchanging character …