Masses of neutron stars and black holes in X-ray binaries.
Abstract
A coherent summary is presented of the methods used to determine the masses of X-ray sources in binary systems, and the presently available results are described. The elements of the analysis are considered, taking into account X-ray and optical mass functions, the equipotential surfaces of the optical primaries, eccentric orbits, X-ray eclipse durations, rotational velocities of the optical primaries, and ellipsoidal light variations. The mass determinations are discussed for six X-ray sources in binary systems which have been extensively studied. The systems include 3U 0900-40, SMC X-1, Cen X-3, Her X-1, 3U 1700-37, and Cyg X-1.
- Publication:
-
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- DOI:
- 10.1146/annurev.aa.16.090178.001325
- Bibcode:
- 1978ARA&A..16..241B
- Keywords:
-
- Binary Stars;
- Black Holes (Astronomy);
- Neutron Stars;
- Stellar Mass;
- X Ray Binaries;
- X Ray Stars;
- Eccentricity;
- Light Curve;
- Stellar Luminosity;
- Stellar Mass Accretion;
- Stellar Mass Ejection;
- Velocity Distribution;
- Astrophysics;
- Black Holes:X-Ray Binaries;
- Masses:X-Ray Sources;
- Neutron Stars:X-Ray Binaries