Select a year:
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
· More scientific highlights from this year.
Determination of the range of masses for the compact object in binary r-X 2S 0921-630
Author/s: Shahbaz, T.; Casares, J.; Watson, C. A.; Charles, P. A.; Hynes, R. I.; Shih, S. C.; Steeghs, D.
Reference: The Astrophysical Journal, 616:L123–L126, 2004 December 1 | Link
Distribution of the masses of compact objects in X ray binaries. Neutron stars have a mass of around 1.4 solar masses, with very slight dispersion. The average mass of a black hole is around 10 solar masses, and all have a mass greater than 4 solar masses. As can be seen from the graphic, there is a "desert" of objects in the mass interval between 2 and 4 solar masses. 2S 0921-630 has a mass between 2 and 4 solar masses and is therefore considered to be the first compact star confirmed in this mass interval.
The range of masses for the compact object in binary r-X 2S 0921-630 has been determined (between 2.0-4.3 solar masses), consistent with a massive neutron star or a low-mass black hole.