A First Look at the X-ray Polarization of 4U 1624-49 with IXPE
Abstract
Recently the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) has observed the neutron star low mass X-ray binary 4U 1624-49. This source has been nicknamed "the Big Dipper" due to the regular dips in intensity that feature prominently in its lightcurve. These dips are thought to occur as a result of obscuration of the central regions of the accretion disk by clouds in the outer edge of the accretion flow where the stream from the companion star impacts the disk's outer edge. IXPE is the first instrument with the capability to measure the polarization of the X-rays produced by X-ray binaries like 4U 1624-49. Polarization combined with spectroscopy provides information about the geometry of the source that can be used to better constrain models of the system than with spectroscopy alone. I will discuss the first X-ray polarization results for 4U 1624-49 and what the implication of these results are for the nature of the system.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- February 2024
- Bibcode:
- 2024AAS...24312605S