XMM-Newton optical monitor observations of LMC X-3
Abstract
We study the optical counterpart of the black-hole X-ray binary LMC X-3, by using XMM-Newton/OM observations carried out during a low-hard X-ray state. We derive a better constraint for the temperature, mass and radius of the companion star, and we show that the star is likely to be a ~ B5 subgiant filling its Roche lobe. Taking into account the effect of X-ray irradiation, we suggest a value fM ~ 1.5 Msun for the mass function in this system, lower than previously thought; we provide a more accurate lower limit to the mass of the compact object.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- January 2001
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361:20000065
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0010546
- Bibcode:
- 2001A&A...365L.273S
- Keywords:
-
- ACCRETION;
- ACCRETION DISKS;
- BLACK HOLE PHYSICS;
- BINARIES: GENERAL;
- STARS: EARLY TYPE;
- X-RAYS: GENERAL;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- accepted for publication in the special XMM-Newton issue of A&