WR 138: new results from X-ray and optical spectroscopy

[en] Massive-binary evolution models predict that some systems will go through an evolutionary phase where the original primary has become a supernova and left a compact object behind that then orbits a Wolf-Rayet (WR) star. WR 138 is an X-ray bright WR star that has been described as a triple system, including a compact companion in a short-period orbit. Our goal is to search for spectroscopic evidence of a compact companion around WR 138. We used optical and X-ray spectra to search for signatures of a compact companion, which can be revealed by systematic variations in WR optical spectral lines induced by orbital motion of the compact companion or by hard, luminous X-rays from accretion onto this companion. The optical spectra display emission-line profile variations that are most probably caused by clumps inside the stellar winds. The radial velocities do not vary on a short time-scale compatible with the suggested orbital period of a putative compact companion. The X-ray spectra are found to be normal for a WN5-6+OB system with no indication of accretion by a compact companion. There is no evidence for the presence of a compact companion, and we therefore conclude that WR 138 is a normal long-period (P ~ 1521 d) eccentric WR+OB system.

Research Center/Unit :

LiSRI - Liège Space Research Institute - ULiège

Disciplines :

Space science, astronomy & astrophysics

Author, co-author :

Palate, Matthieu ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Sciences spatiales

Rauw, Grégor ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Sciences spatiales

De Becker, Michaël ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO)

Nazé, Yaël ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GAPHE : Astrophysique observationnelle (sol et espace)

Eenens, P.; Departamento de Astronomia, Universidad de Guanajuato, Apartado 144, 36000, Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico)

Language :

English

Title :

WR 138: new results from X-ray and optical spectroscopy

Publication date :

01 December 2013

Journal title :

Astronomy and Astrophysics

ISSN :

0004-6361

eISSN :

1432-0746

Publisher :

EDP Sciences, Les Ulis, France

Volume :

560

Pages :

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2013A%26A...560A..27P

Available on ORBi :

since 15 January 2014

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