The light curve of the companion to PSR B1957+20

  • Mark Reynolds
  • , Paul Callanan
  • , Andy Fruchter
  • , Manuel Torres
  • , Martin Beer
  • , Rachel Gibbons

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingsChapterpeer-review

Abstract

We present a new analysis of the light curve for the secondary star in the PSR B1957+20 system. Combining previous data and new data points at minimum from the Hubble Space Telescope, we have 100% coverage in the R-band. We also have a number of new K s band data points which we use to constrain the IR magnitude of the system. We model this with the Eclipsing Light Curve code. From our best fit model we are able to constrain the system inclination to 63.9 ± 2.4° for pulsar masses ranging from 1.35 - 1.9 M . The pulsar mass is unconstrained. We also find that the secondary is not filling its Roche lobe which has important consequences for evolutionary models of this system. The temperature of the un-irradiated side of the companion is in agreement with previous estimates.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationINTERACTING BINARIES
Subtitle of host publicationAccretion, Evolution, and Outcomes
Pages607-610
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 May 2005
EventINTERACTING BINARIES: Accretion, Evolution, and Outcomes - Cefalu, Sicily, Italy
Duration: 4 Jul 200410 Jul 2004

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume797
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceINTERACTING BINARIES: Accretion, Evolution, and Outcomes
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityCefalu, Sicily
Period4/07/0410/07/04

Keywords

  • Binaries: eclipsing
  • Pulsars: individual (PSR B1957+20)
  • Stars: neutron, low mass

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