We update the ephemeris of the eclipsing high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) systems LMC X-4, Cen X-3, 4U 1700-377, 4U 1538-522, SMC X-1, IGR J18027-2016, Vela X-1,IGR J17252-3616, XTE J1855-026, and OAO ...1657-415 with the help of more than ten years of monitoring these sources with the All Sky Monitor onboard RXTE and with the Integral Soft Gamma-Ray Imager onboard INTEGRAL. These results are used to refine previous measurements of the orbital period decay of all sources (where available) and provide the first accurate values of the apsidal advance in Vela X-1 and 4U 1538-522. Updated values for the masses of the neutron stars hosted in the ten HMXBs are also provided, as well as the long-term light curves folded on the best determined orbital parameters of the sources. These light curves reveal complex eclipse ingresses and egresses that are understood mostly as being caused by accretion wakes. Our results constitute a database to be used for population and evolutionary studies of HMXBs and for theoretical modeling of long-term accretion in wind-fed X-ray binaries.
Context. XSS J1227.0-4859 is a peculiar, hard X-ray source recently positionally associated to the Fermi-LAT source 1FGL J1227.9-4852/2FGL J1227.7-4853. Multi-wavelength observations have added ...information on this source, indicating a low-luminosity low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB), but its nature is still unclear. Aims. To progress in our understanding, we present new X-ray data from a monitoring campaign performed in 2011 with the XMM-Newton, RXTE, and Swift satellites and combine them with new gamma-ray data from the Fermi and AGILE satellites. We complement the study with simultaneous near-UV photometry from XMM-Newton and with previous UV/optical and near-IR data. Methods. We analysed the temporal characteristics in the X-rays, near-UV, and gamma rays and studied the broad-band spectral energy distribution from radio to gamma rays. Results. The X-ray history of XSS J1227 over 7 yr shows a persistent and rather stable low-luminosity (6 × 1033 d1 kpc2 erg s-1) source, with flares and dips being peculiar and permanent characteristics. The associated Fermi-LAT source 2FGL J1227.7-4853 is also stable over an overlapping period of 4.7 yr. Searches for X-ray fast pulsations down to msec give upper limits to pulse fractional amplitudes of 15−25% that do not rule out a fast spinning pulsar. The combined UV/optical/near-IR spectrum reveals a hot component at ~13 kK and a cool one at ~4.6 kK. The latter would suggest a late-type K2−K5 companion star, a distance range of 1.4−3.6 kpc, and an orbital period of 7–9 h. A near-UV variability (≳6 h) also suggests a longer orbital period than previously estimated. Conclusions. The analysis shows that the X-ray and UV/optical/near-IR emissions are more compatible with an accretion-powered compact object than with a rotational powered pulsar. The X-ray to UV bolometric luminosity ratio could be consistent with a binary hosting a neutron star, but the uncertainties in the radio data may also allow an LMXB black hole with a compact jet. In this case, it would be the first associated with a high-energy gamma-ray source.
Aims. We aim at characterizing a sample of nine new hard X-ray selected cataclysmic variable (CVs), to unambiguously identify them as magnetic systems of the intermediate polar (IP) type. Methods. We ...performed detailed timing and spectral analysis by using X-ray, and simultaneous UV and optical data collected by XMM-Newton, complemented with hard X-ray data provided by INTEGRAL and Swift. The pulse arrival time were used to estimate the orbital periods. The broad band X-ray spectra were fitted using composite models consisting of different absorbing columns and emission components. Results. Strong X-ray pulses at the white dwarf (WD) spin period are detected and found to decrease with energy. Most sources are spin-dominated systems in the X-rays, though four are beat dominated at optical wavelengths. We estimated the orbital period in all system (except for IGR J16500-3307), providing the first estimate for IGR J08390-4833, IGR J18308-1232, and IGR J18173-2509. All X-ray spectra are multi-temperature. V2069 Cyg and RX J0636+3535 posses a soft X-ray optically thick component at kT ~ 80 eV. An intense Kα Fe line at 6.4 keV is detected in all sources. An absorption edge at 0.76 keV from OVII is detected in IGR J08390-4833. The WD masses and lower limits to the accretion rates are also estimated. Conclusions. We found all sources to be IPs. IGR J08390-4833, V2069 Cyg, and IGR J16500-3307 are pure disc accretors, while IGR J18308-1232, IGR J1509-6649, IGR J17195-4100, and RX J0636+3535 display a disc-overflow accretion mode. All sources show a temperature gradient in the post-shock regions and a highly absorbed emission from material located in the pre-shock flow which is also responsible for the X-ray pulsations. Reflection at the WD surface is likely the origin of the fluorescent iron line. There is an increasing evidence for the presence of a warm absorber in IPs, a feature that needs future exploration. The addition of two systems to the subgroup of soft X-ray IPs confirms a relatively large (~30%) incidence.
Abstract
Some polars show quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in their optical light curves that have been interpreted as the result of shock oscillations driven by the cooling instability. Although ...numerical simulations can recover this physics, they wrongly predict QPOs in the X-ray luminosity and have also failed to reproduce the observed frequencies, at least for the limited range of parameters explored so far. Given the uncertainties on the observed polar parameters, it is still unclear whether simulations can reproduce the observations. The aim of this work is to study QPOs covering all relevant polars showing QPOs. We perform numerical simulations including gravity, cyclotron and bremsstrahlung radiative losses, for a wide range of polar parameters, and compare our results with the astronomical data using synthetic X-ray and optical luminosities. We show that shock oscillations are the result of complex shock dynamics triggered by the interplay of two radiative instabilities. The secondary shock forms at the acoustic horizon in the post-shock region in agreement with our estimates from steady-state solutions. We also demonstrate that the secondary shock is essential to sustain the accretion shock oscillations at the average height predicted by our steady-state accretion model. Finally, in spite of the large explored parameter space, matching the observed QPO parameters requires a combination of parameters inconsistent with the observed ones. This difficulty highlights the limits of one-dimensional simulations, suggesting that multi-dimensional effects are needed to understand the non-linear dynamics of accretion columns in polars and the origins of QPOs.
Context. The nature of the hard X-ray source XSS J12270-4859 is still unclear. It was claimed to be a possible magnetic cataclysmic variable of the Intermediate Polar type from its optical spectrum ...and a possible 860 s X-ray periodicity in RXTE data. However, recent observations do not support the latter variability, leaving this X-ray source still unclassified. Aims. To investigate its nature we present a broad-band X-ray and gamma ray study of this source based on a recent XMM-Newton observation and archival INTEGRAL and RXTE data. Using the Fermi/LAT 1-year point source catalogue, we tentatively associate XSS J12270-4859 with 1FGL J1227.9-4852, a source of high-energy gamma rays with emission up to 10 GeV. We further complement the study with UV photometry from XMM-Newton and ground-based optical and near-IR photometry. Methods. We have analysed both timing and spectral properties in the gamma rays, X-rays, UV and optical/near-IR bands of XSS J12270-4859. Results. The X-ray emission is highly variable, showing flares and intensity dips. The flares consist of flare-dip pairs. Flares are detected in both X-rays and the UV range, while the subsequent dips are present only in the X-ray band. Further aperiodic dipping behaviour is observed during X-ray quiescence, but not in the UV. The broad-band 0.2–100 keV X-ray/soft gamma ray spectrum is featureless and well described by a power law model with Γ = 1.7. The high-energy spectrum from 100 MeV to 10 GeV is represented by a power law index of 2.45. The luminosity ratio between 0.1–100 GeV and 0.2–100 keV is ~0.8, indicating that the GeV emission is a significant component of the total energy output. Furthermore, the X-ray spectrum does not greatly change during flares, quiescence and the dips seen in quiescence. The X-ray spectrum however hardens during the post-flare dips, where a partial covering absorber is also required to fit the spectrum. Optical photometry acquired at different epochs reveals a period of 4.32 hr that could be ascribed to the binary orbital period. Near-IR, possibly ellipsoidal, variations are detected. Large amplitude variability on shorter (tens mins) timescales is found to be non-periodic. Conclusions. The observed variability at all wavelengths together with the spectral characteristics strongly favour a low-mass atypical low-luminosity X-ray binary and are against a magnetic cataclysmic variable nature. The association with a Fermi/LAT high-energy gamma ray source further strengths this interpretation.
The death of massive stars produces a variety of supernovae, which are linked to the structure of the exploding stars. The detection of several precursor stars of type II supernovae has been reported ...(see, for example, ref. 3), but we do not yet have direct information on the progenitors of the hydrogen-deficient type Ib and Ic supernovae. Here we report that the peculiar type Ib supernova SN 2006jc is spatially coincident with a bright optical transient that occurred in 2004. Spectroscopic and photometric monitoring of the supernova leads us to suggest that the progenitor was a carbon-oxygen Wolf-Rayet star embedded within a helium-rich circumstellar medium. There are different possible explanations for this pre-explosion transient. It appears similar to the giant outbursts of luminous blue variable stars (LBVs) of 60-100 solar masses, but the progenitor of SN 2006jc was helium- and hydrogen-deficient (unlike LBVs). An LBV-like outburst of a Wolf-Rayet star could be invoked, but this would be the first observational evidence of such a phenomenon. Alternatively, a massive binary system composed of an LBV that erupted in 2004, and a Wolf-Rayet star exploding as SN 2006jc, could explain the observations.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) of a few seconds have been detected in some polars, the synchronised subclass of cataclysmic systems containing a strongly magnetised white dwarf which accretes ...matter from a red dwarf companion. The QPOs are thought to be related to instabilities of a shock formed in the accretion column, close to the white dwarf photosphere above the impact region. We present optical observations of the polar V834 Centauri performed with the fast ULTRACAM camera mounted on the ESO-VLT simultaneously in three filters (u′, He ii λ4686, r′) to study these oscillations and characterise their properties along the orbit when the column is seen at different viewing angles. Fast Fourier transforms and wavelet analysis have been performed and the mean frequency, rms amplitude, and coherence of the QPOs are derived; a detailed inspection of individual pulses has also been performed. The observations confirm the probable ubiquity of the QPOs for this source at all epochs when the source is in a high state, with observed mean amplitude of 2.1% (r′), 1.5% (He ii), and 0.6% (u′). The QPOs are present in the r′ filter at all phases of the orbital cycle, with a higher relative amplitude around the maximum of the light curve. They are also detected in the He ii and u′ filters but at a lower level. Trains of oscillations are clearly observed in the r′ light curve and can be mimicked by a superposition of damped sinusoids with various parameters. The QPO energy distribution is comparable to that of the cyclotron flux, consistent for the r′ and He ii filters but requiring a significant dilution in the u′ filter. New 1D hydrodynamical simulations of shock instabilities, adapted to the physical parameters of V834 Cen, can account for the optical QPO amplitude and X-ray upper limit assuming a cross section of the accretion column in the range ~(4 − 5) × 1014 cm2. However, the predicted frequency is larger than the observed one by an order of magnitude. This shortcoming indicates that the QPO generation is more complex than that produced in a homogeneous column and calls for a more realistic 3D treatment of the accretion flow in future modelling.
The peculiar low-mass X-ray binary XSS J12270−4859, associated with the Fermi/LAT source 2FGL J1227.7−4853, was in an X-ray, gamma-ray and optical low-luminosity persistent state for about a decade ...until the end of 2012, when it entered into the dimmest state ever observed. The nature of the compact object has been controversial until the detection of a 1.69 ms radio pulsar early 2014. We present optical spectroscopy and optical/near-IR photometry during the previous brighter and in the recent faint states. We determine the first spectroscopic orbital ephemeris and an accurate orbital period of 6.912 46(5) h. We infer a mid G-type donor star and a distance d = 1.8–2.0 kpc. The donor spectral type changes from G5 V to F5 V between inferior and superior conjunctions, a signature of strong irradiation effects. We infer a binary inclination 45° ≲ i ≲ 65° and a highly undermassive donor, M
2 ∼ 0.06–0.12 M⊙, for a neutron star mass in the range 1.4–3 M⊙. Thus, this binary joins as the seventh member the group of ‘redbacks’. In the high state, the emission lines reveal the presence of an accretion disc. They tend to vanish at the donor star superior conjunction, where also flares are preferentially observed together with the occurrence of random dips. This behaviour could be related to the propeller mechanism of the neutron star recently proposed to be acting in this system during the high state. In the low state, the emission lines are absent in all orbital phases indicating that accretion has completely switched-off and that XSS J12270−4859 has transited from an accretion-powered to a rotation-powered phase.
Magnetic cataclysmic variables are close binary systems containing a strongly magnetized white dwarf that accretes matter coming from an M-dwarf companion. We study the temporal and spectral ...behaviour of the accretion region and use the tools we developed to accurately connect the simulation results to the X-ray and optical astronomical observations. The radiation hydrodynamics code HADES was adapted to simulate this specific accretion phenomena. Classical approaches were used to model the radiative losses of the two main radiative processes: bremsstrahlung and cyclotron. Synthetic light curves and X-ray spectra were extracted from numerical simulations. The complete characterization of the emitting region is described for the two main radiative regimes: when only the bremsstrahlung losses and when both cyclotron and bremsstrahlung losses are considered. The importance of secondary shock instability on the quasi-periodic oscillation phenomenon is discussed. The stabilization effect of the cyclotron process is confirmed by our numerical simulations, as well as the power distribution in the various modes of oscillation.
The INTEGRAL and Swift hard X-ray surveys have identified a large number of new sources, among which many are proposed as Cataclysmic Variables (CVs). Here, we present the first detailed study of ...three X-ray-selected CVs, Swift J1907.3−2050, IGR J12123−5802 and IGR J19552+0044 based on XMM-Newton, Suzaku, Swift observations and ground-based optical and archival (near-IR) nIR/IR data. Swift J1907.3−2050 is highly variable from hours to months-years at all wavelengths. No coherent X-ray pulses are detected but rather transient features. The X-ray spectrum reveals a multitemperature optically thin plasma absorbed by complex neutral material and a soft blackbody component arising from a small area. These characteristics are remarkably similar to those observed in magnetic CVs. A supra-solar abundance of nitrogen could arise from nuclear processed material from the donor star. Swift J1907.3−2050 could be a peculiar magnetic CV with the second longest (20.82 h) binary period. IGR J12123−5802 is variable in the X-rays on a time-scale of 7.6 h. No coherent pulsations are detected, but its spectral characteristics suggest that it could be a magnetic CV of the Intermediate Polar (IP) type. IGR J19552+0044 shows two X-ray periods, ∼1.38 h and ∼1.69 h and an X-ray spectrum characterized by a multitemperature plasma with little absorption. We derive a low accretion rate, consistent with a CV below the orbital period gap. Its peculiar nIR/IR spectrum suggests a contribution from cyclotron emission. It could either be a pre-polar or an IP with the lowest degree of asynchronism.
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