Astrophysics and Astronomy Commons^™

Grb060602b = Swift J1749.4-2807: An Unusual Transiently Accreting Neutron-Star X-Ray Binary, R. Wijnands, E. Rol, E. Cackett, R. L. C. Starling, R. A. Remillard

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

We present an analysis of the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and X-ray telescope (XRT) data of GRB060602B, which is most likely an accreting neutron star in a binary system and not a gamma-ray burst. Our analysis shows that the BAT burst spectrum is consistent with a thermonuclear flash (type I X-ray burst) from the surface of an accreting neutron star in a binary system. The X-ray binary nature is further confirmed by the report of a detection of a faint point source at the position of the XRT counterpart of the burst in archival XMM-Newton data approximately six year …

A Search For Iron Emission Lines In The Chandra X-Ray Spectra Of Neutron Star Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries, E. M. Cackett, J. M. Miller, J. Homan, M. Van Der Klis, W. H. G. Lewin, M. Méndez, J. Raymond, D. Steeghs, R. Wijnands

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

While iron emission lines are well studied in black hole systems, both in X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei, there has been less of a focus on these lines in neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). However, recent observations with Suzaku and XMM-Newton have revealed broad, asymmetric iron line profiles in three neutron star LMXBs, confirming an inner disk origin for these lines in neutron star systems. Here, we present a search for iron lines in six neutron star LMXBs. For each object we have simultaneous Chandra and RXTE observations at two separate epochs, allowing for both a high-resolution spectrum …

Cooling Of The Crust In The Neutron Star Low-Mass X-Ray Binary Mxb 1659-29, Edward M. Cackett, Rudy Wijnands, Jon M. Miller, Edward F. Brown, Nathalie Degenaar

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

In quasi-persistent neutron star transients, long outbursts cause the neutron star crust to be heated out of thermal equilibrium with the rest of the star. During quiescence, the crust then cools back down. Such crustal cooling has been observed in two quasi-persistent sources: KS 1731-260 and MXB 1659-29. Here we present an additional Chandra observation of MXB 1659-29 in quiescence, which extends the baseline of monitoring to 6.6 yr after the end of the outburst. This new observation strongly suggests that the crust has thermally relaxed, with the temperature remaining consistent over 1000 days. Fitting the temperature cooling curve with …

Metallicity And Effective Temperature Of The Secondary Or Rs Ophicuhi, R. L. Pearson Iii, Ya. V. Pavlenko, A. Evans, T. Kerr, L. Yakovina, C. E. Woodward, D. Lynch, R. Rudy, R. W. Russell

Faculty Publications

Context. The recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi undergoes nova eruptions every 10-20 years as a result of thermonuclear runaway on the surface of a white dwarf close to the Chandrasekhar limit. Both the progress of the eruption and its aftermath depend on the (poorly known) composition of the red giant in the RS Oph system. Aims. Our aim is to understand better the effect of the giant secondary on the recurrent nova eruption. Methods. Synthetic spectra were computed for a grid of M-giant model atmospheres having a range of effective temperatures 3200 < Teff < 4400 K, gravities 0 < log g < 1 and abundances -4 < [Fe/H] < 0.5, and fit to infrared spectra of RS Oph as it returned to quiescence after its 2006 eruption. We have modelled the infrared spectrum in the range 1.4-2.5µm to determine metallicity and effective temperature of the red giant. Results. We find Teff= 4100 ±100 K, log g = 0.0 ±0.5, [Fe/H] = 0.0 ±0.5, [C/H] = -0.8 ±0.2, [N/H] = +0.6 ±0.3 in the atmosphere of the secondary, and demonstrate that inclusion of some dust "veiling" in the spectra cannot improve our fits.

Investigating The Nature Of Absorption Lines In The Chandra X-Ray Spectra Of The Neutron Star Binary 4u 1820-30, E. M. Cackett, J. M. Miller, J. Raymond, J. Homan, M. Van Der Klis, M. Méndez, D. Steeghs, R. Wijnands

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

We use four Chandra gratings spectra of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1820-30 to better understand the nature of certain X-ray absorption lines in X-ray binaries, including the Ne II, Ne III, Ne IX, O VII, and O VIII lines. The equivalent widths of the lines are generally consistent between the observations, as expected if these lines originate in the hot interstellar medium. No evidence was found that the lines were blueshifted, again supporting the interstellar medium origin, although this may be due to poor statistics. There is apparent variability in the O VIII Lyα line equivalent width …

De Canum Venaticorum: A Bright, Eclipsing Red Dwarf–White Dwarf Binary, E. J. M. Van Den Besselaar, R. Greimel, L. Morales-Rueda, G. Nelemans, J. R. Thorstensen

Dartmouth Scholarship

Close white dwarf - red dwarf binaries must have gone through a common-envelope phase during their evolution. DE CVn is a detached white dwarf - red dwarf binary with a relatively short (~8.7 hours) orbital period. Its brightness and the presence of eclipses makes this system ideal for a more detailed study. From a study of photometric and spectroscopic observations of DE CVn we derive the system parameters which we discuss in the frame work of common-envelope evolution. Photometric observations of the eclipses are used to determine an accurate ephemeris. From a model fit to an average low-resolution spectrum of …

Relativistic Iron Emission Lines In Neutron Star Low-Mass X-Ray Binaries As Probes Of Neutron Star Radii, Edward M. Cackett, Jon M. Miller, Sudip Bhattacharyya, Jonathan E. Grindlay, Jeroen Homan, Michiel Van Der Klis, M. Coleman Miller, Tod E. Strohmayer, Rudy Wijnands

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

Using Suzaku observations of three neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries (Ser X-1, 4U 1820-30, and GX 349+2) we have found broad, asymmetric, relativistic Fe K emission lines in all three objects. These Fe K lines can be well fit by a model for lines from a relativistic accretion disk (``diskline''), allowing a measurement of the inner radius of the accretion disk and hence an upper limit on the neutron star radius. These upper limits correspond to 14.5-16.5 km for a 1.4 M_solar neutron star. The inner disk radii that we measure with Fe K lines are in good agreement …

Cooling Of The Quasi-Persistent Neutron Star X-Ray Transients Ks 1731-260 And Mxb 1659-29, Edward M. Cackett, Rudy Wijnands, Manuel Linares, Jon M. Miller, Jeroen Homan, Walter H. G. Lewin

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

We present Chandra and XMM-Newton X-ray observations that monitor the neutron star cooling of the quasi-persistent neutron star X-ray transients KS 1731-260 and MXB 1659-29 for approximately 4 yr after these sources returned to quiescence from prolonged outbursts. In both sources the outbursts were long enough to significantly heat the neutron star crust out of thermal equilibrium with the core. We analyse the X-ray spectra by fitting absorbed neutron star atmosphere models to the observations. The results of our analysis strengthen the preliminary findings of Wijnands et al. that in both sources the neutron star crust cools down very rapidly …

Xmm-Newton Discovery Of The X-Ray Transient Xmmu J181227.8-181234 In The Galactic Plane, Edward M. Cackett, Rudy Wijnands, Ron Remillard

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

We report the discovery of an X-ray transient, observed in outburst with XMM-Newton on 2003 March 20, and with position (J2000, approximate positional error 2arcsec). No known source is present at this position and the source was not detected during published ROSAT or ASCA observations of that region. However, the source may be associated with 1H1812-182 detected by HEAO 1, although the error bars on the HEAO 1 position are very large and the two sources could also be unrelated. Therefore, we name the source XMMU J181227.8-181234. Initially, the source was not detected using the All-Sky Monitor (ASM) on-board the …

A Chandra X-Ray Observation Of The Globular Cluster Terzan 1, E. M. Cackett, R. Wijnands, C. O. Heinke, D. Pooley, W. H. G. Lewin, J. E. Grindlay, P. D. Edmonds, P. G. Jonker, J. M. Miller

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

We present a ~19-ks Chandra Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS)-S observation of the globular cluster Terzan 1. 14 sources are detected within 1.4arcmin of the cluster centre with two of these sources predicted to be not associated with the cluster (background active galactic nuclei or foreground objects). The neutron star X-ray transient, X1732-304, has previously been observed in outburst within this globular cluster with the outburst seen to last for at least 12yr. Here, we find four sources that are consistent with the ROSAT position for this transient, but none of the sources are fully consistent with the position of …

Hs 2331+3905: The Cataclysmic Variable That Has It All, S. Araujo-Betancor, B. T. Gänsicke, H.-J. Hagen, T. R. Marsh, E T. Harlaftis, J Thorstensen

Dartmouth Scholarship

We report detailed follow-up observations of the cataclysmic variable HS 2331+3905, identified as an emission- line object in the Hamburg Quasar Survey. An orbital period of 81.08 min is unambiguously determined from the detection of eclipses in the light curves of HS 2331+3905. A second photometric period is consistently detected at P ≃ 83.38 min, ∼2.8% longer than Porb, which we tentatively relate to the presence of permanent superhumps. High time resolution photometry exhibits short-timescale variability on time scales of ≃5−6 min which we interpret as non-radial white dwarf pulsations, as well as a coherent signal at 1.12 min, which …

X-Ray Variability During The Quiescent State Of The Neutron Star X-Ray Transient In The Globular Cluster Ngc 6440, Edward M. Cackett, Rudy Wijnands, Craig O. Heinke, Peter D. Edmonds, Walter H. G. Lewin, David Pooley, Jonathan E. Grindlay, Peter G. Jonker, Jon M. Miller

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research Publications

The globular cluster NGC 6440 is known to harbor a bright neutron star X-ray transient. We observed the globular cluster with Chandra on two occasions when the bright transient was in its quiescent state, in 2000 July and 2003 June (both observations were made nearly 2 yr after the end of their preceding outbursts). The quiescent spectrum during the first observation is well represented by a two-component model (a neutron star atmosphere model plus a power-law component that dominates at energies above 2 keV). During the second observation (which was roughly of equal duration to the first observation) we found …

Parallaxes And Distance Estimates For 14 Cataclysmic Variable Stars, John R. Thorstensen

Dartmouth Scholarship

I used the 2.4 m Hiltner Telescope at MDM Observatory in an attempt to measure trigonometric parallaxes for 14 cataclysmic variable stars. Techniques are described in detail. In the best cases the parallax uncertainties are below 1 mas, and significant parallaxes are found for most of the program stars. A Bayesian method that combines the parallaxes together with proper motions and absolute magnitude constraints is developed and used to derive distance estimates and confidence intervals. The most precise distance derive here is for WZ Sge, for which I find 43: 3.1:6 1:5 pc. Six Luyten Half-Second stars with previous precise …

The Cataclysmic Variable Cw 1045+525: A Secondary-Dominated Dwarf Nova?, C. Tappert, J. R. Thorstensen, W. H. Fenton, N. Bennert

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present spectroscopic and photometric observations of the cataclysmic variable CW 1045+525. Both the optical spectrum and the photometric lightcurve show a strong contribution of a K5V–M0V secondary. We derive an orbital period Porb = 0.271278(1) d by measuring the radial velocities of the absorption lines of the secondary. The period and spectral type of the secondary suggest a distance of 350–700 pc. There is evidence for additional sources of line- and continuum emission, but no direct evidence of an accretion disc. We discuss several scenarios for the nature of CW 1045+525 on the basis of our results, finding a …

A Newly-Discovered Cataclysmic Binary Near The Rosat Galactic Plane Source Rx J1910.8+2856, J R. Thorstensen, F Haberl

Dartmouth Scholarship

We report the discovery of a new cataclysmic binary star from the ROSAT Galactic Plane Survey. The star has V >∼ 18.5atminimumlightandwehavemeasureditasbrightasV = 15.7. Spectroscopy shows broad hydrogen and helium emission lines; HeII λ4686 is not detected. Hα radial velocities yield an orbital period of 0.1429 ± 0.0004 d (3.430 ± 0.010 h). Time- series photometry covering one orbital cycle near maximum light shows irregular variability, but no evidence of an eclipse. ThesystemappearstobeanewdwarfnovaoftheUGemorZ Cam type, and is unlikely to be a magnetic system. Its period is unusually short for a U Gem star.

Curiously, the new cataclysmic binary is 83′′ …

A Photometric And Spectroscopic Study Of The Cataclysmic Variable Sx Leonis Minoris In Quiescence And Superoutburst, R. Mark Wagner, John R. Thorstensen, R. K. Honeycutt, S. B. Howell

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present CCD imaging, CCD photometry on long and short timescales, and time-resolved spectroscopy of SX LMi, a new SU Ursae Majoris type dwarf nova. The quiescent optical spectrum shows broad double-peaked Balmer, He I, and He II emission lines, similar to other quiescent dwarf novae. Absorption lines from a late-type secondary are not detected. Time-resolved spectra obtained in quiescence reveal radial velocity variations of the Balmer emission lines on a period of 0.06717 ± 0.00011 days, or 96.72 ± 0.16 minutes, with only a slight possibility of a daily cycle-count error. Optical photometry obtained between 1987 and 1991 shows …

The Orbital Period Of Bk Lyncis (Pg 0917 + 342), F. A. Ringwald, J. R. Thorstensen, R. K. Honeycutt, J. W. Robertson

Dartmouth Scholarship

Long-term light curves of the cataclysmic variable BK Lyn = PG 0917 + 342 from the Indiana Automated CCD photometric telescope (‘RoboScope’) and the Harvard College Observatory plate archive reveal no dwarf nova outbursts. Two radial velocity studies show its orbital period to be 107.97 ;1 0.07 min, confirming that it does have an orbital period shorter than the period gap for cataclysmic variables. Whether this is the first nova-like variable below the period gap or a dwarf nova with rare outbursts resembling WZ Sge is still unclear, however.

The Orbital Period Of The Pre-Cataclysmic Binary Re 2013+400 And A Study Of The Atmosphere Of The Dao White Dwarf Primary, M. A. Barstow, M. R. Burleigh, T. A. Fleming, J. B. Holberg, D. Koester, M. C. Marsh, S. R. Rosen, R. G.M. Rutten, S. Sakai, R. W. Tweedy, G. Wegner

Dartmouth Scholarship

Several pre-cataclysmic binaries, comprising a hot white dwarf with a red dwarf companion, have been discovered as a result of the optical identification of EUV sources from the ROSAT all-sky survey. The optical spectra have the steep blue continuum and Balmer absorption typical of a hot white dwarf, but there are bright, narrow emission lines of H I (and sometimes He I and Ca II) superimposed. An intense campaign of follow-up observations has been devoted to these binary systems. So far, only RE 2013+400 has exhibited any measurable changes in the radial velocities of the emission components, from which it …

Orbital Studies Of The Cataclysmic Variables Cz Orionis, V1193 Orionis And Bz Ursae Majoris, F. A. Ringwald, J. R. Thorstensen, R. M. Hamwey

Dartmouth Scholarship

Time-resolved spectroscopy reveals the orbital periods of three cataclysmic variables. CZ Ori has an orbital period of 0.2189 d. This is within 3 per cent of a prediction relating orbital period and dwarf nova outburst decline time. We find the M2.5 ± 1.0 secondary, and infer an absolute magnitude for CZ Ori in RKc of 8.5 ± 1.0 and a distance of 260 ± 110 pc. V1193 Ori, also called Hamuy's Blue Variable, has an orbital period of 0.165 d. In 1988, Ha emission line profile variations suggested red star illumination. In 1989, this line's red wing flared at orbital …

A Far-Ultraviolet Atlas Of Symbiotic Stars Observed With Iue. I. The Swp Range, S. R. Meier, Menas Kafatos, R. P. Fahey, A. G. Michalitsianos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

This atlas contains sample spectra from the far-ultraviolet observations of32 symbiotic stars obtained with the lnternational Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite. In all, 394 low-resolution spectra from the short-wavelength pnmary (SWP) camera covering the range 1200-2000 A have been extracted from the IUE archive, calibrated, and measured. Absolute line fluxes and wavelengths for the prominent emission lines have been tabulated. Tables of both the general properties of these symbiotics and of features specific to the spectrum of each are included. The spectra shown are representative of the different classes of symbiotic stars that are currently in the IUE archive. These include …

The 14.8-H Orbital Period Of Gx339-4, P. J. Callanan, P. A. Charles, W. B. Honey, J. R. Thorstensen

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present the results of photometric observations of the black hole candidate GX339-4, obtained while the system was in an 'off' state. We show that a 14.8-h modulation was present, and provide evidence for a similar periodicity in the 'high' state from a reanalysis of previously published photometry and spectroscopy. The presence of the same period in both states implies that it is likely to be the orbital period of the system. The spectroscopy analysis provides evidence for an apparent change in the systemic velocity of the system. The amplitude of the observed radial velocity variations, however, permits only crude …

Gamma-Ray Emission From Cygnus-X-1 - Emission Mechanisms And Implications For The Standard Model, A Owens, Mark L. Mcconnell

Physics & Astronomy

No abstract provided.

Gamma-Ray Observations Of Cygnus X-1 And Cygnus X-3 Using A Coded-Aperture Telescope, Mark L. Mcconnell, D J. Forrest, A Owens, P. P. Dunphy, W T. Vestrand, E. L. Chupp

Physics & Astronomy

A balloon-borne coded-aperture telescope, measuring gamma-ray photons in the 160 keV to 9.3 MeV range, was used to observe the Cygnus region of the sky on October 1 and 2, 1984. In the 2-9.3-MeV band, evidence is found for a hard spectral component with a mean flux level at the top of the atmosphere of 7.4 + or - 2.5 x 10 to the -7th photons/sq cm per s per keV, inconsistent with the predictions of the inverse Compton models normally used to describe the X-ray emission. Both Cyg X-1 and Cyg X-3 could be observed simultaneously with the telescope. …