XMM-Newton X-Ray Observations of the Unusual Wolf-Rayet Star WR 66

Autor(en)
Stephen Lee Skinner, Werner Schmutz, Manuel Güdel, Svetozar A. Zhekov
Abstrakt

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(en)
Institut für Astrophysik
Externe Organisation(en)
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), University of Colorado, Boulder, Physikalisch-Meteorologische Observatorium
Journal
Research Notes of the AAS
Band
5
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3847/2515-5172/ac053b
Publikationsdatum
05-2021
ÖFOS 2012
103003 Astronomie, 103004 Astrophysik
Schlagwörter
Link zum Portal
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/37d836fe-b343-455f-ba36-5ee07039b654