The Inclination Angle and Mass of the Black Hole in XTE J1118+480

We have obtained optical and infrared photometry of the quiescent soft X-ray transient XTE J1l18+480. In addition to optical and J-band variations, we present the first observed H- and K sub(s)-band ellipsoidal variations for this system. We model the variations in all bands simultaneously with the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Astrophysical journal 2006-05, Vol.642 (1), p.438-442
Main Authors: Gelino, Dawn M, Balman, Şölen, Kızıloğlu, Ümit, Yılmaz, Arda, Kalemci, Emrah, Tomsick, John A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
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Summary:We have obtained optical and infrared photometry of the quiescent soft X-ray transient XTE J1l18+480. In addition to optical and J-band variations, we present the first observed H- and K sub(s)-band ellipsoidal variations for this system. We model the variations in all bands simultaneously with the WD98 light curve modeling code. The infrared colors of the secondary star in this system are consistent with a spectral type of K7 V, while there is evidence for light from the accretion disk in the optical. Combining the models with the observed spectral energy distribution of the system, the most likely value for the orbital inclination angle is 68 c 2. This inclination angle corresponds to a primary black hole mass of 8.53 c 0.60 M sub( ). Based on the derived physical parameters and infrared colors of the system, we determine a distance of 1.72 c 0.10 kpc to XTE J1ll 8+480.
ISSN:0004-637X
1538-4357
DOI:10.1086/500924