NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0475
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0475 |
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PI: Valerie Mikles, Louisiana State University, vmikles@phys.lsu.edu
Address: Department of Physics & Astronomy, 202 Nicholson Hall Tower Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4001, United States of America
CoI: Robert Hynes, Louisiana State University
Title: Measuring the Mass of the Neutron Star Sco X-2 = GX 349+2
Abstract:
We will study the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary Sco X-2 = GX 349+2 using
GMOS on Gemini-S. Our goal is to measure the motion of reprocessed NIII and
CIII lines from the companion star and hence derive the mass function and
establish a solid lower limit of the mass of the neutron star in this system.
This technique has been applied successfully to several related objects, but
GX 349+2 stands out as lacking in any phase resolved spectroscopic study,
despite being reasonably bright and having a well-defined period from
photometry. Since GX 349+2 accretes mass at near the maximum theoretical
rate, we expect the neutron star mass to be on the higher end of the neutron
star mass distribution. By probing the most massive neutron stars, we can
better constrain the equation of state of the extremely dense matter
comprising these exotic objects.
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 > 2011A-0475 |
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