Multi-wavelength observations of the binary system PSR B1259-63/LS 2883 around the 2014 periastron passage
Abstract
We report on the results of the extensive multi-wavelength campaign from optical to GeV γ-rays of the 2014 periastron passage of PSR B1259-63, which is a unique high-mass γ-ray emitting binary system with a young pulsar companion. Observations demonstrate the stable nature of the post-periastron GeV flare and prove the coincidence of the flare with the start of rapid decay of the Hα equivalent width, usually interpreted as a disruption of the Be stellar disc. Intensive X-ray observations reveal changes in the X-ray spectral behaviour happening at the moment of the GeV flare. We demonstrate that these changes can be naturally explained as a result of synchrotron cooling of monoenergetic relativistic electrons injected into the system during the GeV flare.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- December 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1093/mnras/stv1988
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1508.01339
- Bibcode:
- 2015MNRAS.454.1358C
- Keywords:
-
- stars: emission-line;
- Be;
- pulsars: individual: PSR B1259-63;
- gamma rays: stars;
- X-rays: binaries;
- X-rays: individual: PSR B1259-63;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- 13 pages, submitted to MNRAS