XMM-Newton X-Ray Observations of the Unusual Wolf-Rayet Star WR 66
- Author(s)
- Stephen Lee Skinner, Werner Schmutz, Manuel Güdel, Svetozar A. Zhekov
- Abstract
We summarize results of an XMM-Newton X-ray observation of the WN8h-type Wolf-Rayet star WR 66 which shows unusual 3.5-4.1 hr optical variations. One possible explanation is a compact companion (cc) which, if present, could give rise to luminous X-ray emission. WR 66 was marginally detected and its inferred X-ray luminosity (Lx) is orders of magnitude below that expected from wind accretion onto a neutron star, but is comparable to that of the WN8h stars WR 16 and WR 124. If luminous X-ray emission from an accreting WR+cc system is present then it is absorbed and escapes detection. Other explanations of the faintly detected X-ray emission of WN8h stars are not ruled out.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Astrophysics
- External organisation(s)
- Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), University of Colorado, Boulder, Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos World Radiation Center
- Journal
- Research Notes of the AAS
- Volume
- 5
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3847/2515-5172/ac053b
- Publication date
- 05-2021
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 103003 Astronomy, 103004 Astrophysics
- Keywords
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/37d836fe-b343-455f-ba36-5ee07039b654