NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0331
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0331 |
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PI: Rosa Nina Murphy Williams, University of Massachusetts, rosanina@hnr.astro.umass.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, B619E - LGRT, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
CoI: Q. Daniel Wang, University of Massachusetts
CoI: You-Hua Chu, University of Illinois
Title: Energetic Shells Around Luminous X-ray Sources
Abstract: Recent investigations have turned up an interesting sub-class of very luminous X-ray sources, probably X-ray binaries, in which the central source is associated with a surrounding energetic nebula or shell. We propose longslit echelle observations in the (lambda)4300- 7000Arange for eight such objects. These data will allow us to distinguish between three possible scenarios for the formation of this shell: ``microquasar" outflow from a luminous X-ray binary; a ``hypernova remnant" from an extremely energetic explosion; or a re- energized superbubble. The results are expected to add to our knowledge of the kinematics and energetics of these extraordinary shells; provide some constraints on the nature of the central sources; and possibly provide clues to other energetic features such as giant H I shells and gamma-ray bursts.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0331 |
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