X-rays from the oxygen-type Wolf-Rayet binary WR30a

preprint2015arXivOpen access

Abstract

We present an analysis of XMM-Newton X-ray data of WR30a (WO+O), a close massive binary that harbours an oxygen-rich Wolf-Rayet star. Its spectrum is characterized by the presence of two well-separated broad peaks, or `bumps', one peaking at energies between 1 and 2 keV and the other between 5 and 7 keV. A two-component model is required to match the observed spectrum. The higher energy spectral peak is considerably more absorbed and dominates the X-ray luminosity. For the currently accepted distance of 7.77 kpc, the X-ray luminosity of WR30a is L_X > 10^{34} erg s^{-1}, making it one of the most X-ray luminous WR+O binary amongst those in the Galaxy with orbital periods less than ~20 d. The X-ray spectrum can be acceptably fitted using either thermal or nonthermal models, so the X-ray production mechanism is yet unclear.

Explore this paper’s authors, topics and related work.

Building this map preview

BZPEER is loading the nearby papers, people, topics and institutions for this page.

Reviews 0

Write a reviewWrite

No reviews yet.

Discussion 0

Add a commentWrite

No comments yet.