Bibcode
DOI
Casares, J.; Charles, P. A.; Kuulkers, E.
Bibliographical reference
Astrophysical Journal Letters v.493, p.L39
Advertised on:
1
1998
Citations
101
Refereed citations
87
Description
Cygnus X-2 is one of the brightest and longest known X-ray sources. We
present high-resolution optical spectroscopy of Cyg X-2 obtained over 4
yr, which gives an improved mass function of 0.69 +/- 0.03 Msolar (1
sigma ). In addition, we resolve the rotationally broadened absorption
features of the secondary star for the first time, deriving a rotation
speed of v{sin}i=34.2+/-2.5 km s-1 (1 sigma ), which leads to a mass
ratio of q=Mc/M_{{X}}=0.34 +/- 0.04 (1 sigma , assuming a
tidally locked and Roche lobe-filling secondary). Hence, with the lack
of X-ray eclipses (i.e., i<~73^° ) we can set firm 95% confidence
lower limits to the neutron star mass of M_{{X}}>1.27 Msolar and to
the companion star mass of Mc>0.39 Msolar. However, by
additionally requiring that the companion must exceed 0.75 Msolar (as
required theoretically to produce a steady low-mass X-ray binary), then
M_{{X}}>1.88 Msolar and i<61^° (95% confidence lower and upper
limit, respectively), thereby making Cyg X-2 the highest mass neutron
star measured to date. If confirmed, this would set significant
constraints on the equation of state of nuclear matter.