Near IR spectroscopy of the X-ray binary Circinus X-1

Clark, J. S.; Charles, P. A.; Clarkson, W. I. and Coe, M. J. (2003). Near IR spectroscopy of the X-ray binary Circinus X-1. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 400(2) pp. 655–658.

DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link:	https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20030017
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Abstract

We report on new K band spectroscopy of the X-ray binary Cir X-1 , which reveals the spectrum to be dominated by emission from H I, He I and low-excitation metals. No features of photospheric origin are identifiable in the spectrum, preventing an unambiguous classification of the mass donor within the system. While the spectrum superficially resembles that of a high-luminosity mid-B supergiant we consider that the magnitude and timescale of the photometric and spectroscopic variability renders such an identification highly unlikely. Instead we favour an explanation where the spectrum is dominated by emission from an accretion disc and/or accretion driven outflow(s), hence obscuring the spectrum of the underlying star.

Item Type:	Journal Item
Copyright Holders:	2003 ESO
ISSN:	1432-0746
Keywords:	binary stars; infrared stars
Academic Unit/School:	Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Physical Sciences Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Interdisciplinary Research Centre:	Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Item ID:	13292
Depositing User:	Astrid Peterkin
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2009 16:06
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2016 10:18
URI:	http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/13292
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