An XMM–Newton observation of the neutron star X-ray transient 2S 1803−245 in quiescence

We observed the neutron star X-ray transient 2S 1803−245 in quiescence with the X-ray satellite XMM–Newton , but did not detect it. An analysis of the X-ray bursts observed during the 1998 outburst of 2S 1803−245 gives an upper limit to the distance of ≤7.3 kpc, leading to an upper limit on the quiescent 0.5–10 keV X-ray luminosity of  ≤2.8 × 10³² erg s⁻¹  (3σ). Since the expected orbital period of 2S 1803−245 is several hours, this limit is not much higher than those observed for the quiescent black hole transients with similar orbital periods.     

A signature of the donor star in the extra-galactic X-ray binary LMC X−2

Two nights of phase-resolved medium-resolution Very Large Telescope spectroscopy of the extra-galactic low-mass X-ray binary LMC X−2 have revealed a 0.32 ± 0.02 d spectroscopic period in the radial velocity curve of the He  ii λ4686 emission line that we interpret as the orbital period. However, similar to previous findings, this radial velocity curve shows a longer term variation that is most likely due to the presence of a precessing accretion disc in LMC X−2. This is strengthened by He  ii λ4686 Doppler maps that show a bright spot that is moving from night to night. Furthermore, we detect narrow emission lines in the Bowen region of LMC X−2, with a velocity of   K _em= 351 ± 28 km s⁻¹  , that we tentatively interpret as coming from the irradiated side of the donor star. Since K _em must be smaller than K ₂, this leads to the first upper limit on the mass function of LMC X−2 of   f ( M ₁) ≥ 0.86  M_⊙  (95 per cent confidence), and the first constraints on its system parameters.     

Echoes from the companion star in Sco X-1

We present simultaneous X-ray ( RXTE ) and optical (ULTRACAM) narrow-band (Bowen blend/He  ii and nearby continuum) observations of Sco X-1 at 2–10 Hz time resolution. We find that the Bowen/He  ii emission lags the X-ray light curves with a light traveltime of     s which is consistent with reprocessing in the companion star. The echo from the donor is detected at orbital phase ∼0.5 when Sco X-1 is at the top of the flaring branch (FB). Evidence of echoes is also seen at the bottom of the FB but with time-lags of 5–10 s which are consistent with reprocessing in an accretion disc with a radial temperature profile. We discuss the implication of our results for the orbital parameters of Sco X-1.     

Observational properties of accretion discs: Precessing and warped?

Over the last 40 years, X-ray astronomy missions have revealed long-term, superorbital periods in a variety of X-ray binaries. These modulations can provide significant constraints on the physical properties of accretion discs. Some of these modulations are Her X-1-like and are interpreted as irradiation-driven, tilted, precessing accretion discs. Others show more complex light curves, with the period changing on timescales >1000 d, and are interpreted in terms of the Ogilvie and Dubus [Ogilvie, G.I., Dubus, G., 2001, MNRAS 320, 485 (OD01)] disc stability criteria. We suggest a categorisation of superorbital periods into six different types, based on their observed characteristics.     

A long-term modulation in XTE J1716−389: an SS433-like system

We report on the properties of a 99.3-d periodic modulation in the X-ray transient XTE J1716−389. We associate this source with the transient KS J1716−389, first detected by the Mir /Kvant module in 1994. The spectral characteristics of XTE J1716−389, a high intrinsic absorption column, strong emission features and a power-law spectrum, make it very similar to the class of highly absorbed X-ray binaries detected by INTEGRAL . We associate the 99.3-d periodic behaviour with the geometrical obscuration that results from a precessing circumbinary disc that is moving in and out of the field of view, comparable to what has been proposed for SS 433. We therefore propose that XTE J1716−389 is a high-mass X-ray binary with a supergiant companion that is similar not only to SS 433, but also to the new class of highly obscured X-ray binaries, suggesting that SS 433 is a member of much wider population that is now being detected by INTEGRAL .     

Decade time-scale modulation of low-mass X-ray binaries

Regular observations by the All-Sky Monitor aboard the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite have yielded well-sampled light curves with a time baseline of over 10 years. We find that up to eight of the 16 brightest persistent low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) show significant, possible sinusoidal, variations with periods of the order of 10 years. We speculate on its possible origin and prevalence in the population of LMXBs, and we find the presence of a third object in the system, or long-period variability intrinsic to the donor star, as being attractive origins for the X-ray flux modulation we detect. For some of the objects in which we do not detect a signal, there is substantial short-term variation which may hide modest modulation on long time-scales. Decade time-scale modulations may thus be even more common.     

Optical spectroscopy of the low-mass X-ray binary GX 9+9

Phase-resolved medium-resolution VLT spectroscopy of the low-mass X-ray binary GX 9+9 has revealed narrow C  iii emission lines that move in phase relative to our new estimate of the ephemeris, and show a velocity amplitude of 230 ± 35 km s⁻¹. We identify the origin of these lines as coming from the surface of the donor star, thereby providing the first estimate of the mass function of   f ( M ₁) ≥ 0.22 M_⊙  . Rotational broadening estimates together with assumptions for the mass donor give  0.07 ≤ q ≤ 0.35  and  182 ≤ K ₂≤ 406 km s⁻¹  . Despite a low-mass ratio, there is no evidence for a superhump in our data set. Doppler maps of GX 9+9 show the presence of a stream overflow, either in the form of material flowing downward along the accretion disc rim or in a similar fashion as occurs in high mass transfer rate cataclysmic variables known as the SW Sex stars. Finally, we note that the Bowen region in GX 9+9 is dominated by C  iii instead of N  iii emission as has been the case for most other X-ray binaries.