Determining the stellar masses in the binary system containing the pulsar PSR 1913 + 16 - Is the companion a helium main-sequence star
The stellar masses and the angle of inclination are determined for the system containing PSR 1913+16 in terms of the observable periastron advance and second-order relativistic effects, for the cases (a) in which classical contributions to the apsidal motion are negligible, and (b) in which the companion is a helium main-sequency star. In case b, the apsidal motion constant is calculated from models of such stars. Depending on the values found for the observable parameters, it may be possible to distinguish between cases a and b. The further uncertainty in the mass determination which arises if the companion is a rapidly rotating degenerate dwarf or helium main-sequence star is discussed. Black holes, neutrons stars, degenerate dwarfs, and helium main-sequence stars remain viable candidates for the companion at present. (AIP)
- Research Organization:
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-33-030571
- OSTI ID:
- 4037050
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal Vol. 203; ISSN 0004-637X
- Publisher:
- Institute of Physics (IOP)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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