Chandra HETG X-Ray Spectra and Variability of π Aqr, a γ Cas-type Be Star

David P. Huenemoerder; Pragati Pradhan; Claude R. Canizares; Sean Gunderson; Richard Ignace; Joy S. Nichols; A. M. T. Pollock; Norbert S. Schulz; Dustin K. Swarm; Jose M. Torrejon

doi:10.3847/2041-8213/ad4095

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Chandra HETG X-Ray Spectra and Variability of π Aqr, a γ Cas-type Be Star

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Chandra HETG X-Ray Spectra and Variability of π Aqr, a γ Cas-type Be Star

David P. Huenemoerder, Pragati Pradhan, Claude R. Canizares, Sean Gunderson, Richard Ignace, Joy S. Nichols, A. M. T. Pollock, Norbert S. Schulz, Dustin K. Swarm and Jose M. Torrejon

Astrophysical journal. Letters, Vol.966(2), p.L23

05/01/2024

DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad4095

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Abstract

High-resolution X-ray spectra of pi Aqr, a gamma Cas-type star, obtained with the Chandra/HETG spectrometer, revealed emission lines of H-like ions of Mg, Si, S, and Fe; a strong, hard continuum; and a lack of He-like ions, indicating the presence of very hot thermal plasma. The X-ray light curve showed significant fluctuations, with coherent variability at a period of about 3400 s in one observation. The hardness ratio was relatively constant except for one observation in which the spectrum was much harder and more absorbed. We interpret the X-ray emission as arising from accretion onto the secondary, which is likely a magnetic white dwarf, an intermediate polar system.

Astronomy & Astrophysics

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Title: Subtitle: Chandra HETG X-Ray Spectra and Variability of π Aqr, a γ Cas-type Be Star
Creators: David P. Huenemoerder - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Pragati Pradhan - Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Claude R. Canizares - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sean Gunderson - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Richard Ignace - East Tennessee State University
Joy S. Nichols - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian
A. M. T. Pollock - University of Sheffield
Norbert S. Schulz - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dustin K. Swarm - University of Iowa
Jose M. Torrejon - University of Alicante
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Astrophysical journal. Letters, Vol.966(2), p.L23
DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad4095
ISSN: 2041-8205
eISSN: 2041-8213
Publisher: IOP Publishing Ltd
Number of pages: 6
Grant note: NAS8-03060 / NASA through the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Science Instruments SV3-73016 / SI divided by Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)https://doi.org/10.13039/100009207
Language: English
Date published: 05/01/2024
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9984934670802771

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