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Formation of the black-hole binary M33 X-7 through mass exchange in a tight massive system

Author

Listed:
  • Francesca Valsecchi

    (Northwestern University)

  • Evert Glebbeek

    (McMaster University)

  • Will M. Farr

    (Northwestern University)

  • Tassos Fragos

    (Northwestern University
    Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street)

  • Bart Willems

    (Northwestern University)

  • Jerome A. Orosz

    (San Diego State University)

  • Jifeng Liu

    (National Astronomical Observatories
    Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street)

  • Vassiliki Kalogera

    (Northwestern University)

Abstract

A powerful X-ray source explained The binary X-ray source X-7 in the nearby galaxy M33 has proved a challenge to theorists trying to explain its evolutionary history. Until now it has not been possible to account for the massive components and the tight orbit of the system relative to the size of the large hydrogen-rich companion star orbiting the rapidly spinning black hole. Valsecchi et al. now report simulations of evolutionary tracks that reveal that if M33 X-7 started as a primary of 85–99 solar masses and a secondary of 28–32, in a 2.8–3.1 day orbit, its properties can be consistently explained. In support of the new model, the various phases for the evolutionary past of M33 X-7 have been observed in other binaries.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Valsecchi & Evert Glebbeek & Will M. Farr & Tassos Fragos & Bart Willems & Jerome A. Orosz & Jifeng Liu & Vassiliki Kalogera, 2010. "Formation of the black-hole binary M33 X-7 through mass exchange in a tight massive system," Nature, Nature, vol. 468(7320), pages 77-79, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:468:y:2010:i:7320:d:10.1038_nature09463
    DOI: 10.1038/nature09463
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