Chandra Spectroscopy of SMC X-3 in Outburst
Abstract
SMC X-3 is an HMXB and pulsar in the SMC. It is currently in the midst of an apparently super-Eddington outburst (10^39 erg/s, or about 10x Eddington for a neutron star). This is the brightest outburst from 50-60 sources traced by Coe et al. over a decade, and a special opportunity. The predicted HETGS count rates will give sensitive spectra. Lines from the massive companion wind are anticipated; if the source is truly super-Eddington very strong outflows should also be detected since radiation and gas will be strongly coupled. Simulated 40 ks spectra based on recent XRT observations, including plasma components, predict 3-5 sigma line detections in the HETGS band. Stronger detections are expected if a super-Eddington outflow is present. Recent work on ULXs shows that at least one such source is a super-Eddington neutron star. SMC X-3 is much closer and may offer insights into the accretion flow geometry and physical processes in this rare accretion phase.
- Publication:
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Chandra Proposal
- Pub Date:
- September 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015cxo..prop.5027C