The optical counterpart of GX 339-4, a possible black hole X-ray source.
Abstract
Optical studies of the galactic X-ray source GX 339-4 (4U 1658-48), which led to its recent identification as reported by Doxsey et al. (1979), are presented. Reddening and distance estimates are given, as well as evidence for optical variability on differing time scales. The emission-line spectra and UBV photometry suggest that GX 339-4 may be at about 8 kpc and have a main-sequence B star binary companion. Both the optical spectrum and optical/X-ray luminosity ratio for GX 339-4 may be similar to Cir X-1.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1086/183031
- Bibcode:
- 1979ApJ...232L..33G
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Black Holes (Astronomy);
- Galactic Radiation;
- Optical Emission Spectroscopy;
- Spaceborne Astronomy;
- X Ray Sources;
- B Stars;
- Binary Stars;
- Companion Stars;
- Emission Spectra;
- Heao 3;
- Main Sequence Stars;
- Ubv Spectra;
- Astrophysics;
- Black Holes:X-Ray Sources;
- Spectra:X-Ray Sources;
- X-Ray Sources:Optical Counterparts