Doppler Shifts in the X-ray Spectrum of Cygnus X-3
Abstract
We have measured phase dependent Doppler shifts in several emission lines in the X-ray spectrum of Cygnus X-3 as observed with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. These measurements have enabled us to put an upper limit on the mass of the binary system. This limit constrains the compact object to <3.6M⊙ and the companion to < 7.3M⊙ . We also make indirect measurements of the orbital separation of the system and the radius of the companion. Our analysis prefers models of the system with a small inclination of the orbital plane to the line of sight and a small nonzero eccentricity. Future observations ought to constrain this system much more strongly.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002AAS...201.5409S