The formation scenarios of low-mass X-ray binaries
Abstract
NGC4342 is a compact, very low stellar mass early-type galaxy, which has an extended, massive dark matter halo and presumably hosts a large population of globular clusters. Based on Chandra observations, we resolved ~17 bright excess X-ray sources beyond the optical extent of the galaxy, part of which are likely to be low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) associated with the extended population of globular clusters. The unique combination of these properties allows us to address the debate about the formation scenarios of LMXBs, namely to directly assess the sources that were formed in globular clusters and expelled into the field. We will discuss current results and future prospects in resolving the debate about the formation scenarios of LMXBs.
- Publication:
-
X-ray Binaries. Celebrating 50 Years Since the Discovery of Sco X-1
- Pub Date:
- July 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012xrb..confE...5B