A SEYFERT-2-LIKE SPECTRUM IN THE HIGH-MASS X-RAY BINARY MICROQUASAR V4641 SGR

We present an analysis of three archival Chandra observations of the black hole V4641 Sgr, performed during a decline into quiescence. The last two observations in the sequence can be modeled with a simple power law. The first spectrum, however, is remarkably similar to spectra observed in Seyfert-2...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Astrophysical journal. Letters 2014-05, Vol.786 (2), p.1-5
Main Authors: Morningstar, Warren R, Miller, Jon M, Reynolds, M T, Maitra, Dipankar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ACCRETION DISKS
ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY
Asymptotic properties
Binary stars
BLACK HOLES
Black holes (astronomy)
EMISSION SPECTRA
GALAXY NUCLEI
JETS
MASS
Microquasars
POTENTIALS
Power law
REFLECTION
SEYFERT GALAXIES
Spectra
X-RAY SPECTRA
X-ray stars
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We present an analysis of three archival Chandra observations of the black hole V4641 Sgr, performed during a decline into quiescence. The last two observations in the sequence can be modeled with a simple power law. The first spectrum, however, is remarkably similar to spectra observed in Seyfert-2 active galactic nuclei, which arise through a combination of obscuration and reflection from distant material. This spectrum of V4641 Sgr can be fit extremely well with a model including partial-covering absorption and distant reflection. This model recovers a [Gamma] [Asymptotically = to] 2.0 power-law incident spectrum, typical of black holes at low Eddington fractions. The implied geometry is plausible in a high-mass X-ray binary like V4641 Sgr, and may be as compelling as explanations invoking Doppler-split line pairs in a jet, and/or unusual Comptonization. We discuss potential implications and means of testing these models.
ISSN:2041-8205
2041-8213
DOI:10.1088/2041-8205/786/2/L20