Linear polarization from tidal distortions of the Cygnus X-1 primary component

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6643392

Bochkarev, N G; Karitskaia, E A; Loskutov, V M; Sokolov, V V

The variability that would be introduced into the optical linear polarization of the Cyg X-1 (V1357 Cyg) binary system due to tidal deformation or shallow partial eclipses of the primary component is calculated, allowing for the optical-depth variation of the source function and single-scattering albedo in a model stellar atmosphere with Teff = 32,900 K and log g = 3.1. Angular distributions of the intensity and polarization per unit area of the stellar surface are derived for selected wavelengths, and the wavelength dependence of the corresponding polarization variability amplitude Ap is predicted. In the optical range Ap should be less than about 0.025 percent, but in principle might be detectable at short wavelengths. The observed V-band variations in p are, however an order of magnitude stronger and cannot result from tidal distortions or partial eclipses. 24 references.

• Research Organization: Moskovskii Gosudarstvennyi Universitet, Moscow, USSR; Astronomicheskii Sovet, Moscow, USSR; Leningradskii Gosudarstvennyi Universitet, Leningrad, USSR; Spetsial'naia Astrofizicheskaia Observatoriia, Nizhni Arkhyz, USSR
• OSTI ID: 6643392
• Journal Information: Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Vol. 30
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BINARY STARS
GRAVITATIONAL INTERACTIONS
POLARIZATION
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION
STAR MODELS
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
VARIATIONS
ATMOSPHERES
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
DISTRIBUTION
INTERACTIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
STARS
640102* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources