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X-ray Data From HT Cas
Congratulations! You have demonstrated that you know how to match
points on an X-ray light curve with the appropriate places in the X-ray
binary orbit. Now, take a look at the HT Cas data and finish up
the challenge question!
Here are part of the X-ray data from observations of HT Cas. Although a
lot noisier than the sample binary data, you can still see the
general shape of the curve and how the X-ray intensity drops as the X-ray
emitting star is eclipsed by the central star. It might be easier to
print out this page and measure from the printed version, rather than
from the screen.
The orbital velocity of the secondary star in the HT Cas system is 390
km/sec. Using this information and the ASCA light curve above, calculate
the size of the central star.
HINT:
Warning: Do not type a comma in your answer!
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