Get started
Work

A Multiwavelength View of $ρ$ Oph I: Resolving the X-ray Source Between A and B

Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: We present a multiwavelength analysis of the central stellar pair of $ρ$ Oph, components A and B. Using recent high-resolution \textit{Chandra X-ray Observatory} observations, we demonstrate with high confidence that the dominant X-ray source is $ρ$ Oph B, while $ρ$ Oph A is comparatively X-ray faint. This result contrasts with earlier \textit{XMM-Newton} observations, which, due to limited spatial resolutions, attributed the X-ray emission to $ρ$ Oph A. An analysis of $ρ$ Oph B's X-ray light curves and spectra reveals properties more consistent with a cool star than a hot star. We therefore propose that $ρ$ Oph B is an Algol-like binary system, consisting of a B-type primary and an active, X-ray-emitting GK-type companion.
Authors: Gunderson, Sean J., Codd, Jackson, Golay, Walter W., Huenemoerder, David P., Cannon, John M., Fluegel, J. Alex, Griffin, Philip E., Haurberg, Nathalie C., Ignace, Richard, Moreno, Alexandrea, Pradhan, Pragati, Riggs, Alexis, Wetzel, James, Canizares, Claude R., consortium, the MACRO
Institutions: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Macalester College, Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian, East Tennessee State University, University of Iowa, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott Arizona Campus, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Language: English
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Science Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Knox College, Macalester College, Augustana College, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Awards: G1390571956, G3561758408, G3815726687, G5482575541, G5780980149, G6493187601, G8493109902
OpenAlex ID: W7084447446
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: