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arXiv · 0912.5133

Multiwavelength Observations of the Runaway Binary HD 15137

M. Virginia McSwain·Michael De Becker·Mallory S. E. Roberts·Tabetha S. Boyajian·Douglas R. Gies·Erika D. Grundstrom·Christina Aragona·Amber N. Marsh·Rachael M. Roettenbacher
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Abstract

HD 15137 is an intriguing runaway O-type binary system that offers a rare opportunity to explore the mechanism by which it was ejected from the open cluster of its birth. Here we present recent blue optical spectra of HD 15137 and derive a new orbital solution for the spectroscopic binary and physical parameters of the O star primary. We also present the first XMM-Newton observations of the system. Fits of the EPIC spectra indicate soft, thermal X-ray emission consistent with an isolated O star. Upper limits on the undetected hard X-ray emission place limits on the emission from a proposed compact companion in the system, and we rule out a quiescent neutron star in the propellor regime or a weakly accreting neutron star. An unevolved secondary companion is also not detected in our optical spectra of the binary, and it is difficult to conclude that a gravitational interaction could have ejected this runaway binary with a low mass optical star. HD 15137 may contain an elusive neutron star in the ejector regime or a quiescent black hole with conditions unfavorable for accretion at the time of our observations.

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M. Virginia McSwain, Michael De Becker, Mallory S. E. Roberts, Tabetha S. Boyajian, Douglas R. Gies, Erika D. Grundstrom, Christina Aragona, Amber N. Marsh, Rachael M. Roettenbacher. 2009-12-28. Multiwavelength Observations of the Runaway Binary HD 15137. https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256%2F139%2F3%2F857

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