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Title:
Tidal Stream as Origin of X-ray Outburst in GX 301-2
Authors:
Leahy, D. A.; Kostka, M.
Affiliation:
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
Publication:
A POPULATION EXPLOSION: The Nature & Evolution of X-ray Binaries in Diverse Environments. AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 1010, pp. 201-203 (2008). (AIPC Homepage)
Publication Date:
05/2008
Origin:
AIP
PACS Keywords:
X-ray binaries, X-ray sources; X-ray bursts, Accretion and accretion disks
DOI:
10.1063/1.2945041
Bibliographic Code:
2008AIPC.1010..201L

Abstract

GX 301-2 is an X-ray binary system with a neutron star in an eccentric orbit accreting from the stellar wind of a massive early-type companion. We model the stellar wind and accretion onto the neutron star, including calculation of the dynamics of a gas stream emanating from the sub-L1 point of the massive companion. We compare models of X-ray flux vs. orbital phase and column density vs. orbital phase to observations. The data are from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) Proportional Counter Array (PCA) and All-Sky Monitor (ASM). We confirm the existence of the tidal accretion stream and determine wind and stream properties such as mass-loss rates and velocities. In addition we find secular changes in the orbital light curve: bright, medium and dim phases differ in the mass-loss rate in the stellar wind and in the central density of the accretion stream.
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