An accreting low magnetic field magnetar for the ultraluminous X-ray source in M82
Abstract
One ultraluminous X-ray source in M82 has recently been identified as an accreting neutron star (named NuSTAR J095551+6940.8). It has a super-Eddington luminosity and is spinning up. An aged magnetar is more likely to be a low magnetic field magnetar. An accreting low magnetic field magnetar may explain both the super-Eddington luminosity and the rotational behavior of this source. Considering the effect of beaming, the spin-up rate is understandable using the traditional form of accretion torque. The transient nature and spectral properties of M82 X-2 are discussed. The theoretical range of periods for accreting magnetars is provided. Three observational appearances of accreting magnetars are summarized.
Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.- Publication:
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Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- April 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1088/1674-4527/15/4/005
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1411.3168
- Bibcode:
- 2015RAA....15..517T
- Keywords:
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- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- 7 pages, Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, in press