On the multiwavelength variability of the peculiar high mass X-ray binary XMMU J010331.7-730144
Abstract
Be X-ray binaries, which make up the largest subclass of the high mass X-ray binary systems, comprise a neutron star in an eccentric orbit around Be star companion with a geometrically thin Keplerian disc. The interaction of the neutron star with the Be disc results in accretion of matter leading to X-ray outbursts. The X-ray outbursts occur in two flavours: type I (or normal, with luminosities less than 1e37 erg./s) and type II (or giant, with luminosities greater than 1e37 erg./s). The disc variability is traced through the variability of the Balmer emission lines in the optical spectra, the strongest and best-studied of which is the H-alpha emission line. In this talk, I will present recent and historical optical and X-ray datasets of the peculiar Be X-ray binary, XMMU J010331.7-730144. From optical spectroscopic observations obtained with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), we see the H-alpha line in emission, indicating the presence of the Be disc for the first time in recorded literature of the system. I will highlight the unusual longterm Be disc variability, where I explain the large outbursts seen in the photometric data from OGLE. In the X-rays, XMMU J010331.7-730144 has been monitored by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The long-term X-ray data displays curious behaviour due to the interaction of the neutron star with the Be star/disc system.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E1713M