arXiv subjects

M. H. van Kerkwijk

Publications and source records attributed to M. H. van Kerkwijk.

83 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv1998

Optical Observations of the Isolated Neutron Star RX J0720.4-3125

RX J0720.4-3125 is an unidentified bright soft X-ray source which shows pulsations at a 8.39 s period and has a thermal spectrum. We present deep B and R band images of its X-ray localization. We find one possible counterpart in the X-ray error box, with magnitudes B=26.6+/-0.2 and R=26.9+/-0.3. The very high X-ray to optical flux ratio confirms that this object is an isolated neutron star. We discuss possible models and conclude that only two are consistent with the data and at the same time are able to draw from a large enough population to make finding one nearby likely. In our opinion the second criterion provides a stringent constraint but appears to have been ignored so far. The first model, suggested earlier, is that RX J0720.4-3125 is a weakly magnetized neutron star accreting from the interstellar medium. The second is that it is a relatively young, highly magnetized neutron star, a ``magnetar'', which is kept hot by magnetic field decay.

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arXiv1998

The Spectrum of the Brown Dwarf Gliese 229B

We present a spectrum of the cool (T_eff = 900 K) brown dwarf Gliese 229B. This spectrum, with a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio per spectral resolution element (> 30), spans the wavelength range from 0.837 microns to 5.0 microns. We identify a total of four different major methane absorption features, including the fundamental band at 3.3 microns, at least four steam bands, and two neutral cesium features. We confirm the recent detection of carbon monoxide (CO) in excess of what is predicted by thermochemical equilibrium calculations. Carbon is primarily involved in a chemical balance between methane and CO at the temperatures and pressures present in the outer parts of a brown dwarf. At lower temperatures, the balance favors methane, while in the deeper, hotter regions, the reaction reverses to convert methane into CO. The presence of CO in the observable part of the atmosphere is therefore a sensitive indicator of vertical flows. The high signal-to-noise ratio in the 1 to 2.5 microns region permits us to place constraints on the quantity of dust in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf. We are unable to reconcile the observed spectrum with synthetic spectra that include the presences of dust. The presence of CO but lack of dust may be a clue to the location of the boundaries of the outer convective region of the atmosphere: The lack of dust may mean that it is not being conveyed into the photosphere by convection, or that it exists in patchy clouds. If the dust is not in clouds, but rather sits below the outer convective region, we estimate that the boundary between outer convective and inner radiative layers is between 1250 K and 1600 K, in agreement with recent models.

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arXiv1996

Unique White Dwarfs Accompanying Recycled Pulsars

I introduce the two classes of pulsar, white-dwarf binaries, and describe for each what we have learned from a specific system, PSR J1012+5307 and PSR B0655+64, respectively, summarising what has been done, presenting new results, and discussing what the future may hold. Briefly, for the companion of PSR J1012+5307 we find a DA spectrum, and infer a mass of about 0.16Msun, the lowest among all spectroscopically identified white dwarfs. Combined with a radial-velocity orbit, a neutron-star mass between 1.5 and 3.2Msun (95% conf.) is derived. The companion of PSR B0655+64 shows strong Swan C2 bands, i.e., it is a DQ star. Unlike anything reported for other DQs, however, it shows variations in strength of the bands by a factor two. Most likely, the variations are periodic, with a period of about 9.7h. This is substantially shorter than the 1-day orbital period, which can likely be understood in terms of its past evolution.

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arXiv1996

The White Dwarf Companions of Recycled Pulsars

I review what properties of the white-dwarf companions of recycled pulsars can be inferred from optical observations, and discuss how these can help us understand the characteristics and evolution of these binaries. I focus on spectroscopic observations, describing results obtained recently, and looking forward to what may come.

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arXiv1996

The masses of the millisecond pulsar J1012+5307 and its white-dwarf companion

We report on spectroscopy of the white-dwarf companion of the millisecond radio pulsar PSR J1012+5307. We find strong Balmer absorption lines, as would be expected for a cool DA white dwarf. The profiles are much narrower than usual, however, and lines are seen up to H12, indicating that the companion has a low gravity and hence a low mass. This is consistent with the expectation---based on evolutionary considerations and on the mass function---that it is a low-mass white dwarf with a helium core. By comparing the spectra to model atmospheres, we derive an effective temperature $T_{\rm{}eff}=8550\pm25\,$K and a surface gravity $\log{}g=6.75\pm0.07$ (cgs units). Using the Hamada-Salpeter mass-radius relation for helium white dwarfs, with an approximate correction for finite-temperature effects, we infer a mass $\mwd=0.16\pm0.02\,\msun$. This is the lowest mass among all spectroscopically identified white dwarfs. We determine radial velocities from our spectra, and find a radial-velocity amplitude of $280\pm15\,\kms$. With the pulsar's radial-velocity amplitude, the mass ratio $\mpsr/\mwd=13.3\pm0.7$. From all constraints, we find that with 95\% confidence $1.5<\mpsr/\msun<3.2$.

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arXiv1996

The Wolf-Rayet counterpart of Cygnus X-3

We present orbital-phase resolved I and K-band spectroscopy of Cygnus X-3. All spectra show emission lines characteristic of Wolf-Rayet stars of the WN subclass. On time scales longer than about one day, the line strengths show large changes, both in flux and in equivalent width. In addition, the line ratios change, corresponding to a variation in spectral subtype of WN6/7 to WN4/5. We confirm the finding that at times when the emission lines are weak, they shift in wavelength as a function of orbital phase, with maximum blueshift coinciding with infrared and X-ray minimum, and maximum redshift half an orbit later. Furthermore, we confirm the prediction -- made on the basis of previous observations -- that at times when the emission lines are strong, no clear wavelength shifts are observed. We describe a simplified, but detailed model for the system, in which the companion of the X-ray source is a Wolf-Rayet star whose wind is at times ionised by the X-ray source, except for the part in the star's shadow. With this model, the observed spectral variations can be reproduced with only a small number of free parameters. We discuss and verify the ramifications of this model, and find that, in general, the observed properties can be understood. We conclude that Cyg X-3 is a Wolf-Rayet/X-ray binary.

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arXiv1995

Spectroscopy of the white-dwarf companions of PSR~0655+64 and 0820+02

We present spectra of the white-dwarf companions of the radio pulsars 0655+64 and 0820+02. For the latter, we find a spectrum showing strong lines of hydrogen, i.e., that of a DA star. From modelling these lines, the mass of a white dwarf can, in principle, be determined accurately, thus leading to constraints on the evolution of the binary and the mass of the neutron star. Our present spectrum is not of sufficient quality to set a strong limit, but it does indicate that the white dwarf most likely has a low mass. This is consistent with the star being a helium white dwarf, as would be expected from considerations of the mass function and the preceding evolution. From similar considerations, the companion of PSR 0655+64 is expected to be a more massive, carbon-oxygen white dwarf. This is confirmed by our spectra, which show the Swan bands of molecular carbon, making it a DQ star. Unlike what is observed in other DQ stars, the strength of the Swan C2 bands changes drastically, by a factor two in about two hours. We suggests this reflects large-scale surface inhomogeneities which are rotated in and out of the observed hemisphere. If so, this would imply that the white dwarf rotates supersynchronously.

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arXiv1995

Spectroscopy of HD 77581 and the mass of Vela X-1

We present new high-resolution, high signal-to-noise optical spectra of HD 77581, the optical counterpart of the X-ray source Vela X-1, and determine radial velocities from these spectra, as well as from high-resolution IUE spectra and from digitized photographic spectra. The measured velocities show strong deviations from a pure Keplerian radial-velocity curve, which are autocorrelated within one night, but not from one night to another. Since lines of different ions exhibit very similar changes in profile, these deviations most likely reflect large-scale motions of the stellar surface akin to non-radial pulsations. A possible cause could be that the varying tidal force exerted by the neutron star in its eccentric orbit excites high-order pulsation modes in the optical star which interfere constructively for short time intervals. The effect of such velocity excursions on the orbital solution is estimated by means of a Monte-Carlo simulation technique. We investigate sources of systematic error, due to, e.g., the tidal deformation of the star, and find, in particular, evidence for a systematic perturbation of the radial velocity near the time of velocity minimum. This possible distortion severely compromises the accuracy of the radial-velocity amplitude, leading to a 95\% confidence range of 18.0--28.2\,\kms. The corresponding 95\% confidence limits of the masses are given by $\MX=1.9_{-0.5}^{+0.7}\,\Msun$ and $\Mopt=23.5_{-1.5}^{+2.2}\,\Msun$.

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arXiv1995

On the masses of neutron stars

We analyze the currently available observations of X-ray binaries in a consistent way, to re-determine the masses of the neutron stars in these systems. In particular, our attention is focussed on a realistic and consistent assessment of observational uncertainties and sources of systematic error. Confidence limits for these new mass estimates are generally less optimistic than previously assumed. The available observations, including data on six radio pulsars, do not firmly constrain the equation of state of neutron star matter. In particular, a firm upper mass limit cannot yet be established. An improvement of the accuracy of optical data holds the key to further progress.

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arXiv1995

A Luminous Companion to SGR 1806-20

We have obtained infrared spectra of the star suggested to be the counterpart of the soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) 1806-20. We found strong emission lines similar to those seen in the spectra of the rare Luminous Blue Variables and B[e] stars. A He I absorption line is also seen, from which we infer a spectral type O9--B2. This classification, in combination with the minimum distance of $\simgt6$ kpc inferred from its extinction, makes the star one of the most luminous in the Galaxy. We infer that it is a companion to SGR 1806-20, and suggest that the presence of a companion is somehow related to the SGR phenomenon.

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arXiv1994

Optical and Infrared Observations of SGR 1806-20

The soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) 1806$-$20 is associated with the center-brightened non-thermal nebula G~10.0$-$0.3, thought to be a plerion. As in other plerions, a steady \Xray\ source, AX~1805.7$-$2025, has been detected coincident with the peak of the nebular radio emission. Vasisht et al.\ have shown that the radio peak has a core-jet appearance, and argue that the core marks the true position of the SGR. At optical wavelengths, we detect three objects in the vicinity of the radio core. Only for the star closest to the core, barely visible in the optical but bright in the infrared ($K=8.4\,$mag.), the reddening is consistent with the high extinction ($A_V\simeq30\,$mag.) that has been inferred for AX~1805.7$-$2025. From the absence of CO band absorption, we infer that the spectral type of this star is earlier than late~G/early~K. The large extinction probably arises in a molecular cloud located at a distance of 6$\,$kpc, which means that the star, just like AX~1805.7$-$2025, is in or behind this cloud. This implies that the star is a supergiant. Since supergiants are rare, a chance coincidence with the compact radio core is very unlikely. To our knowledge, there are only three other examples of luminous stars embedded in non-thermal radio nebulae, SS~433, \mbox{Cir X-1} and G~70.7+1.2. Given this and the low coincidence probability, we suggest that the bright star is physically associated with SGR~1806$-$20, making it the first stellar identification of a high-energy transient.

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