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On the Weak-Wind Problem in Massive Stars: X-Ray Spectra Reveal a Massive Hot Wind in mu Columbae.
The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2012)
  • David P. Huenemoerder, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Lidia M. Oskinova, University of Potsdam
  • Richard Ignace, East Tennessee State University
  • Wayne L. Waldron, Eureka Scientific Inc.
  • Helge Todt, University of Potsdam
  • Kenji Hamaguchi, University of Maryland
  • Shunji Kitamoto, Rikkyo University
Abstract
Mu Columbae is a prototypical weak-wind O star for which we have obtained a high-resolution X-ray spectrum with the Chandra LETG/ACIS instrument and a low-resolution spectrum with Suzaku. This allows us, for the first time, to investigate the role of X-rays on the wind structure in a bona fide weak-wind system and to determine whether there actually is a massive hot wind. The X-ray emission measure indicates that the outflow is an order of magnitude greater than that derived from UV lines and is commensurate with the nominal wind-luminosity relationship for O stars. Therefore, the "weak-wind problem"--identified from cool wind UV/optical spectra--is largely resolved by accounting for the hot wind seen in X-rays. From X-ray line profiles, Doppler shifts, and relative strengths, we find that this weak-wind star is typical of other late O dwarfs. The X-ray spectra do not suggest a magnetically confined plasma-the spectrum is soft and lines are broadened; Suzaku spectra confirm the lack of emission above 2 keV. Nor do the relative line shifts and widths suggest any wind decoupling by ions. The He-like triplets indicate that the bulk of the X-ray emission is formed rather close to the star, within five stellar radii. Our results challenge the idea that some OB stars are "weak-wind" stars that deviate from the standard wind-luminosity relationship. The wind is not weak, but it is hot and its bulk is only detectable in X-rays.
Keywords
  • Weak-Wind Problem,
  • Massive Stars,
  • X-Ray,
  • Spectra,
  • Hot Wind,
  • mu Columbae
Publication Date
September 10, 2012
DOI
10.1088/2041-8205/756/2/L34
Citation Information
David P. Huenemoerder, Lidia M. Oskinova, Richard Ignace, Wayne L. Waldron, et al.. "On the Weak-Wind Problem in Massive Stars: X-Ray Spectra Reveal a Massive Hot Wind in mu Columbae." The Astrophysical Journal Letters Vol. 756 Iss. 2 (2012) ISSN: 2041-8205
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/richard_ignace/61/