Publication Date:
2019-06-27
Description:
Data from nine high-dispersion spectra of HDE 226868, the optical candidate for Cyg X-1, are presented. The line profiles at He II (4686 A) show marked changes from night to night. Our data are not compatible with models where the emission line arises from the unseen secondary component of the system, as has been suggested by other observers. We propose that the emission originates in a gas stream falling toward the secondary; this provides observational evidence that the X-ray source is powered by accretion. We also see changes in spectral type and luminosity class with phase, further complicating attempts to make mass estimates for the system.
Keywords:
SPACE SCIENCES
Type:
Astrophysical Journal; 179; Feb. 1
Format:
text
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