2005ApJ...620..398M -
Astrophys. J., 620, 398-404 (2005/February-2)
Revealing the focused companion wind in Cygnus X-1 with Chandra.
MILLER J.M., WOJDOWSKI P., SCHULZ N.S., MARSHALL H.L., FABIAN A.C., REMILLARD R.A., WIJNANDS R. and LEWIN W.H.G.
Abstract (from CDS):
We have analyzed a Chandra HETGS spectrum of the Galactic black hole Cygnus X-1, obtained at a source flux that is approximately twice that commonly observed in its persistent low-intensity, spectrally hard state. We find a myriad of absorption lines in the spectrum, including H- and He-like resonance lines from Ne, Na, Mg, and Si. We calculate a flux-weighted mean redshift of ≃100 km/s and a flux-weighted mean velocity width of ≃800 km/s (FWHM) for lines from these elements. We also detect a number of transitions from Fe XVIII-XXIV and Ni XIX-XX in absorption; however, the identification of these lines is less certain and a greater range of shifts and breadth is measured. Our observation occurred at a binary phase of φ≃0.76; the lines observed are consistent with absorption in an ionized region of the supergiant O9.7 Iab companion wind. The spectrum is extremely complicated: a rather large range of temperatures is implied, and it is unlikely that a narrow range of ionization parameters can account for the lines observed. Prior Chandra HETGS spectra of Cygnus X-1 were obtained in a similar transition state (at φ≃0.93) and in the low/hard state (at φ≃0.84). Considered together, these spectra provide evidence for a companion wind that is focused as it flows onto the black hole primary in this system.
Abstract Copyright:
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Journal keyword(s):
Accretion, Accretion Disks - Black Hole Physics - Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: Cygnus X-1 - X-Rays: Binaries - X-Rays: Individual: Constellation Name: Cygnus X-1
Simbad objects:
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