An Extended X-Ray Object Ejected from the PSRB1259-63/LS2883 Binary
Abstract
We present the analysis of Chandra X-ray Observatory observations of the eccentric γ-ray binary PSR B1259-63/LS 2883. The analysis shows that the extended X-ray feature seen in previous observations is still moving away from the binary with an average projected velocity of ≈ 0.07c and shows a hint of acceleration. The spectrum of the feature appears to be hard (photon index Γ ≈ 0.8) with no sign of softening compared to previously measured values. We interpret it as a clump of plasma ejected from the binary through the interaction of the pulsar with the decretion disk of the O-star around periastron passage. We suggest that the clump is moving in the unshocked relativistic pulsar wind (PW), which can accelerate the clump. Its X-ray emission can be interpreted as synchrotron radiation of the PW shocked by the collision with the clump.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- June 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1088/0004-637X/806/2/192
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1505.07155
- Bibcode:
- 2015ApJ...806..192P
- Keywords:
-
- pulsars: individual: B1259;
- 63;
- stars: early-type;
- stars: individual: LS 2883;
- stars: neutron;
- X-rays: binaries;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- 8 pages, 4 figures accepted for publication by ApJ