X-rays from the colliding wind binary WR 146


Svetozar A. Zhekov

Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory,
72 Tsarigradsko Chaussee Blvd., Sofia 1784, Bulgaria

The X-ray emission from the massive binary WR 146R is analysed in the
framework of the colliding stellar wind (CSW) picture. The
theoretical CSW model spectra match well the shape of the observed
X-ray spectrum of WR 146R but they overestimate considerably the
observed X-ray flux (emission measure). This is valid both in the
case of complete temperature equalization and in the case of partial
electron heating at the shock fronts (different electron and ion
temperatures), but, there are indications for a better correspondence
between model predictions and observations for the latter. To
reconcile the model predictions and observations, the mass-loss rate
of WR 146 must be reduced by a factor of 8 - 10 compared to the
currently accepted value for this object (the latter already takes
clumping into account). No excess X-ray absorption is derived from
the CSW modelling.

Reference: Accepted for publication in MNRAS
Status: Manuscript has been accepted

Weblink: https://arxiv.org/abs/1709.01023

Comments:

Email: szhekov@astro.bas.bg