Published March 15, 1984 | Version v1
Journal article

IUE observations of the X-ray binary A0538-66: spectroscopic study of a strange stellar system

  • 1. University Coll., London (UK). Dept. of Physics and Astronomy

Description

The results of extensive IUE monitoring of the optical counterpart of the recurrent periodic LMC X-ray transient A0538-66 are presented. Even when the system is not in outburst dramatic spectral variations occur, accompanied by changes in the temperature and surface area of the continuum emitting region. It is shown that, in spite of these variations, the out-of-outburst data are consistent with constant bolometric luminosity (Msub(BOL) = -5.4). The optical outbursts can be powered solely by reprocessed X-rays. The long-term and orbital behaviour of the system is discussed in the light of these results. (author)

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc.
Journal Volume
207
Journal Issue
2
Series
Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc.
Journal Page Range
287-308
ISSN
0035-8711

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
United Kingdom
INIS RN
15054604
Subject category
S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
Resource subtype / Literary indicator
Numerical Data
Descriptors DEI
BINARY STARS; COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES; EXPERIMENTAL DATA; INFRARED RADIATION; PHOTOMETRY; SPECTROSCOPY; TRANSIENTS; ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION; VARIATIONS
Descriptors DEC
COSMIC RAY SOURCES; DATA; ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; INFORMATION; NUMERICAL DATA; RADIATIONS; STARS