Abstract
We present an overview of recent X-ray observations of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars with XMM-Newton and Chandra. These observations are aimed at determining the differences in X-ray properties between massive WR + OB binary systems and putatively single WR stars. A new XMM spectrum of the nearby WN8 + OB binary WR 147 shows hard absorbed X-ray emission (including the Fe Kα line complex), characteristic of colliding wind shock sources. In contrast, sensitive observations of four of the closest known single WC (carbon-rich) WR stars have yielded only non-detections. These results tentatively suggest that single WC stars are X-ray quiet. The presence of a companion may thus be an essential factor in elevating the X-ray emission of WC + OB stars to detectable levels.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Berghöfer, T.W., Schmitt, J.H.M.M., Danner, R., Cassinelli, J.P.: A&A 322, 167–174 (1997)
Koesterke, L., Hamann, W.-R.: A&A 299, 503–519 (1995)
Lépine, S., Wallace, D., Shara, M.M.: AJ 122, 3407–3418 (2001)
Pittard, J.M., Stevens, I.R., Williams, P.M.: A&A 388, 335–345 (2002)
Schild, H.R., Güdel, M., Mewe, R.: A&A 422, 177–191 (2004)
Skinner, S.L., Itoh, M., Nagase, F., Zhekov, S.: ApJ 524, 394–405 (1999)
Skinner, S.L., Güdel, M., Schmutz, W., Stevens, I.R.: ApJ 558,L113–L116 (2001)
Skinner, S.L., Zhekov, S.A., Palla, F., Barbosa, C.: MNRAS 361,191–205 (2005)
van der Hucht, K.A.: New Ast. Rev. 45, 135–232 (2001)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2006 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Skinner, S., Güdel, M., Schmutz, W., Zhekov, S. (2006). X-ray Observations of Binary and Single Wolf-Rayet Stars with XMM-Newton and Chandra. In: Giménez, À., Guinan, E., Niarchos, P., Rucinski, S. (eds) Close Binaries in the 21st Century: New Opportunities and Challenges. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5027-5_23
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5027-5_23
Received:
Accepted:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-5026-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-5027-5
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)