An X-Ray Excited Wind in Centaurus X-3
Abstract
We propose a new interpretation of the behavior of the notable X-ray binary source Centaurus X-3. Based on both theoretical and observational arguments (using EXOSAT data), we suggest that an X-ray excited wind emanating from the O star is present in this system. Further, we suggest that this wind is responsible for the mass transfer in the system rather than Roche-lobe overflow or a normal radiatively driven stellar wind. We show that the ionization conditions in Cen X-3 are too extreme to permit a normal radiatively driven wind to emanate from portions of the stellar surface facing toward the neutron star. In addition, the flux of X-rays from the neutron star is strong enough to drive a thermal wind from the O star with sufficient mass-flux to power the X-ray source. We find that this model can reasonably account for the long duration of the eclipse transitions and other observed features of Cen X-3. If confirmed, this will be the first example of an X-ray excited wind in a massive binary. We also discuss the relationship between the excited wind in Cen X-3 to the situation in eclipsing millisecond pulsars, where an excited wind is also believed to be present.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1993
- DOI:
- 10.1086/172205
- Bibcode:
- 1993ApJ...403..322D
- Keywords:
-
- Neutron Stars;
- O Stars;
- Stellar Winds;
- X Ray Binaries;
- Exosat Satellite;
- Light Curve;
- Massive Stars;
- Stellar Mass Accretion;
- Stellar Systems;
- Astrophysics;
- STARS: BINARIES: CLOSE;
- STARS: PULSARS: GENERAL;
- STARS: INDIVIDUAL CONSTELLATION NAME: CENTAURUS X-3;
- STARS: MASS LOSS;
- X-RAYS: STARS