Imagine the Universe!

Estimating the Mass of the Companion Star

binary star animation

The star in question can be determined by its spectral classification to be a type OB supergiant. Using various measurements of distance, luminosity, and interstellar reddening, its mass can be reasonably determined. The absolute lower limit, which is what we are interested in for determining the lowest possible mass of the visible companion is about 9 solar masses. Further research has established that it is more likely around 30 solar masses.

Return Click here to return to solve for the mass of Cyg X-1.

Imagine the Universe is a service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC), Dr. Nicholas White (Director), within the Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

The Imagine Team
Project Leader: Dr. Jim Lochner
All material on this site has been created and updated between 1997-2004.

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