X-ray binary system
Quick Summary
An X-ray binary system is a pair of stars where one star is a compact object, such as a neutron star or a black hole, and the other is a more ordinary star. The compact object's intense gravity pulls matter from its companion star. As this matter spirals inward, it heats up to extremely high temperatures, emitting powerful X-rays. These X-ray emissions are so intense that they are detectable from Earth with specialized telescopes. Cygnus X-1 is a notable example, providing early evidence for the existence of black holes.12
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accretion diskquasars, radio galaxies, X-ray binaries (see X-ray astronomy), and probably also Type Ia supernovas all involve accretion disks. The astronomical object whose mass is growing is known as the accretor.
Read Morequasars, radio galaxies, X-ray binaries (see X-ray astronomy), and probably also Type Ia supernovas all involve accretion disks. The astronomical object whose mass is growing is known as the accretor.
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accretion diskAccretors and mass supply>X-ray binaries.
Read More>X-ray binaries.
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accretion diskPhysical processesIn X-ray binaries, where the accretor is a neutron star or a black hole, the temperatures in the accretion disks range from a few thousand to several million kelvins. Therefore, the disk emits light from infrared to low-energy (soft) X-ray wavelengths. Frequently parts of the disk…
Read MoreIn X-ray binaries, where the accretor is a neutron star or a black hole, the temperatures in the accretion disks range from a few thousand to several million kelvins. Therefore, the disk emits light from infrared to low-energy (soft) X-ray wavelengths. Frequently parts of the disk…
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