Göttingen 2025 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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EP: Fachverband Extraterrestrische Physik

EP 13: Astrophysics I

EP 13.1: Hauptvortrag

Freitag, 4. April 2025, 09:00–09:30, ZHG101

High-Mass X-Ray Binaries: Living Together with a Black Hole — •Lidia Oskinova — Potsdam University, Potsdam

What happens when the life of a massive binary star takes a dramatic turn, and one of its companions collapses into a neutron star or black hole? The answer lies in high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) systems where the transfer of mass from a giant star onto its compact companion generates extraordinary strong X-ray radiation.

HMXBs are among the most enigmatic and fascinating objects in cosmos, serving as natural laboratories for studying fundamental astrophysical processes. In this talk, I will present a holistic view of HMXBs, connecting their properties to the broader story of stellar lifecycles. We will delve into the intricate dynamics between donor stars and their black hole or neutron star companions, with a special focus on the rare and intriguing HMXBs hosting black holes. Recent improvements in understanding of these systems provide fresh insights into their astrophysical significance.

Finally, I will explore HMXB populations across galaxies, illustrating how X-ray observations with modern powerful X-ray telescopes uncover secrets about compact objects and their pivotal role in the Universe.

Keywords: massive stars; black holes; neutron stars; accretion; X-ray