Supergiant fast X-ray transients: A new class of high mass X-ray binaries unveiled by integral

I. Negueraela, D. M. Smith, P. Reig, S. Chaty, J. M. Torrejón

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

INTEGRAL monitoring of the Galactic Plane is revealing a growing number of recurrent X-ray transients, characterised by short outbursts with very fast rise times (∼ tens of minutes) and typical durations of a few hours. Here we show that several of these transients are associated with OB supergiants and hence define a new class of massive X-ray binaries which we call Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients. Many other transient X-ray sources display similar X-ray characteristics, suggesting that they belong to the same class. Since they are difficult to detect and their number is growing fast and steadily, they could represent a major class of X-ray binaries.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationX-ray Universe 2005
Pages165-170
Number of pages6
Edition604
Publication statusPublished - 10 Apr 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventX-ray Universe 2005 - Madrid, Spain
Duration: 26 Sept 200530 Sept 2005

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Number604
Volume1
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Conference

ConferenceX-ray Universe 2005
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMadrid
Period26/09/0530/09/05

Keywords

  • Binaries: close
  • Stars: supergiants
  • X-rays: binaries

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