Observations of the Peculiar X-Ray Binary

2S0114+65/LSI +65 10


Summary

The x-ray source 2S0114+65 was first observed in 1977 by the SAS 3 galactic survey. A feature of the x-ray source is its 2.78 hour periodicity. In various studies, models of the system were developed which include the possibility that the Be/shell star member of the system is the source of the pulsations.

In the included figure, the Be star LSI +65 10 undergoes matter wave emission. The companion star in an elliptical orbit, passes through these matter waves and emits x-rays due to the accretion of the stellar material on its surface.

State of the Project

The x-ray binary was to be observed in December of 1995 from an orbiting x-ray satellite, RXTE, and from the ground in optical wavelengths. However, due to a setback in the launching of the rocket that carried the satellite into orbit, the simultaneous observation of the x-ray binary has been postponed until sometime in October.

Photometric Correlation to X-Ray Events

Until October, the High Energy Astrophysics Group will be collecting photometric data of the x-ray binary. This will serve to monitor the binary for any changes or trends in the optical pulsations from the system. Photometric data is being collected (slowly) through the use of the Cumberland Observatory in West Lafayette, Indiana via a 16 inch Meade LX200 telescope with Santa Barbara Instruments Group ST-6 CCD camera. The collection is proceeding slowly due to difficulties with the weather, instrumentation trouble and light pollution from the surrounding community.

For Further Information

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