The strange case of IGR J17091-3624: a sub-Eddington GRS 1915+105?
Abstract
IGR J17091-3624 is a Low Mass X-ray Binary. This object shows highly complex X-ray variability over timescales of seconds to minutes, strongly reminiscent of that seen in GRS 1915+105. The mechanism behind this variability is poorly understood, but has generally been described as being caused by the near-Eddington accretion rate of GRS 1915. We have analysed RXTE data of the 2011 outburst of IGR J17091-3624 to compare and contrast this object with GRS 1915, and have found that IGR J17091 is likely accreting at a significantly sub-Eddington rate. As such, we conclude that Eddington-limited accretion can no longer be considered a sufficient or necessary criterion for GRS 1915+105-like variability to occur in Low Mass X-Ray Binaries. We discuss the implications of these results on our understanding of these enigmatic objects.
- Publication:
-
42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018cosp...42E.714C