Abstract
A NLTE-analysis is presented of high S/N spectra of the optical component of the standard massive X-ray binary Vela X-1. In combination with the orbital parameters we conclude that the optical star is highly helium enriched and is significantly overluminous compared to standard evolutionary tracks of massive accretion stars. We then propose a new accretion model able to explain these features.
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Vanbeveren, D., Herrero, A., Kunze, D. et al. The mass and helium discrepancy in massive stars: The case Vela X-1. Space Sci Rev 66, 395–400 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00771089
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00771089