Related papers: The violent past of Cygnus X-2
The X-ray binary Cygnus X-2 (Cyg X-2) has recently been shown to contain a secondary that is much more luminous and hotter than is appropriate for a low-mass subgiant. We present detailed binary-evolution calculations which demonstrate that…
We consider the unusual evolutionary state of the secondary star in Cygnus X-2. Spectroscopic data give a low mass ($M_2 \simeq 0.5 - 0.7\msun$) and yet a large radius ($R_2 \simeq 7\rsun$) and high luminosity ($L_2 \simeq 150\lsun$). We…
The recent discovery of a neutron star accretor in the ultra-luminous X-ray source M82 X-2 challenges our understanding of high-mass X-ray binary formation and evolution. By combining binary population synthesis and detailed mass-transfer…
Cygnus X-2 is one of the brightest and longest known X-ray sources. We present high resolution optical spectroscopy of Cyg X-2 obtained over 4 years which gives an improved mass function of 0.69 +/- 0.03 Msun (1 sigma error). In addition,…
We present the results of a systematic study of the evolution of low- and intermediate-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs and IMXBs). Using a standard Henyey-type stellar-evolution code and a standard model for binary interactions, we have…
In recent years, accurate observational constraints become available for an increasing number of Galactic X-ray binaries. Together with proper motion measurements, we could reconstruct the full evolutionary history of X-ray binaries back to…
(abridged) We present the first study that combines binary population synthesis in the Galactic disk and detailed evolutionary calculations of low- and intermediate-mass X-ray binaries (L/IMXBs). We show that the formation probability of…
We have analyzed the kinematical parameters of Cir X-1 to constrain the nature of its companion star, the eccentricity of the binary and the pre-supernova parameter space. We argue that the companion is most likely to be a low-mass (< 2.0…
The formation of neutron stars is associated with powerful astrophysical transients such as supernovae. In many cases, asymmetries in the supernova explosions are thought to be responsible for the large observed velocities of neutron stars.…
Recently the first finding of a spin period of an accreting neutron star in M31 is reported. The observed spin period is 1.2 s and it shows 1.27 d modulations due to orbital motion. From the orbital information, the mass donor could not be…
We have computed an extensive grid of binary evolution tracks to represent low- and intermediate mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs and IMXBs). The grid includes 42,000 models which covers 60 initial donor masses over the range of 1-4 solar masses…
I have carried out a project to study the eccentric neutron-star binary Circinus X-1 through an extensive series of observational studies with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite and through theoretical computer models I developed to…
This work provides a statistical analysis of the massive star binary characteristics in the Cygnus OB2 Association using radial velocity information of 114 B3-O3 primary stars and orbital properties for the 24 known binaries. We compare…
The source 2A 1822-371 is an eclipsing low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) consisting of a neutron star (NS) and a $\sim0.5~M_{\odot}$ donor star in an orbit of 5.57 hr. Based on timing of the eclipse arrival times, this source was found to be…
We study the formation of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) through helium star supernovae in binary systems that have each emerged from a common-envelope phase. LMXB progenitors must satisfy a large number of evolutionary and structural…
We present phase resolved optical spectroscopy and Doppler tomography of V1341 Cygni, the optical counterpart to the neutron star low mass X-ray binary Cygnus X-2. We derive a radial velocity curve for the secondary star, finding a…
We identify and quantify the set of constraints that neutron star-normal star binaries must satisfy in order to become observable LMXBs. These constraints are related to (i) the thermal and hydrostatic equilibrium of the donors, (ii) the…
The recent distance determination allowed precise estimation of the orbital parameters of Cyg X-1, which contains a massive 14.8 Msun BH with a 19.2 Msun O star companion. This system appears to be the clearest example of a potential…
We have developed a detailed stellar evolution code capable of following the simultaneous evolution of both stars in a binary system, together with their orbital properties. To demonstrate the capabilities of the code we investigate…
Massive stars that lose their hydrogen-rich envelope down to a few tenths of a solar mass explode as extended type IIb supernovae, an intriguing subtype that links the hydrogen-rich type II supernovae with the hydrogen-poor type Ib and Ic.…