Mass Limits for the Centaurus X-3 System
Abstract
Constraints on the mass of Cen X-3 based on the observed amplitude of the optical light curve are discussed. A 2 sigma lower limit of 0.6 solar mass is derived, assuming corotation and the interpretation of the ellipsoidal light variations as caused by gravity- and limb-darkening effects. Including the constraints imposed by the eclipse duration, it is found that the mass of Cen X-3 is equal to 0.6 to 1.1 solar mass, while the mass of its optical companion is equal to 16.5 to 18.5 solar masses. The sensitivity of the derived masses to the assumed geometry is demonstrated.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- September 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1086/181610
- Bibcode:
- 1974ApJ...192L.139A
- Keywords:
-
- Early Stars;
- Eclipsing Binary Stars;
- Pulsars;
- Stellar Mass;
- Companion Stars;
- Light Curve;
- Limb Darkening;
- Orbit Calculation;
- X Ray Sources;
- Astrophysics