Long-term optical and X-ray variability of the Be/X-ray binary H 1145-619: Discovery of an ongoing retrograde density wave

Multiwavelength monitoring of Be/X-ray binaries is crucial to understand the mechanisms producing their outbursts. H 1145-619 is one of these systems, which has recently displayed X-ray activity. We investigate the correlation between the optical emission and the X-ray activity to predict the occurrence of new X-ray outbursts from the inferred state of the circumstellar disc. We have performed a multiwavelength study of H 1145-619 from 1973 to 2017 and present here a global analysis of its variability over the last 40 years. We have used optical spectra from the SAAO, SMARTS and SALT telescopes and optical photometry from INTEGRAL/OMC and ASAS. We also used X-ray observations from INTEGRAL/…

Discovery of the optical counterpart to the CGRO transient GRO J1008 - 57

Discovery of the optical counterpart to the ASCA transient AX 1845.0 - 0433

Disc loss and renewal in A0535+26

This paper presents observations of the Be/X-ray binary system A0535+26 revealing the first observed loss of its circumstellar disc, demonstrated by the loss of its JHK infrared excess and optical/IR line emission. However optical/IR spectroscopy reveals the formation of a new inner disc with significant density and emission strength at small radii; the disc has proven to be stable over 5 months in this intermediate state.

A Decade in the Life of EXO 2030+375: A Multiwavelength Study of an Accreting X‐Ray Pulsar

Using BATSE and RXTE observations from 1991 April to 2001 August we have detected 71 outbursts from 82 periastron passages of EXO 2030+375, a 42-second transient X-ray pulsar with a Be star companion, including several outbursts from 1993 August to 1996 April when the source was previously believed to be quiescent. Combining BATSE, RXTE, and EXOSAT data we have derived an improved orbital solution. Applying this solution results in a smooth profile for the spin-up rate during the giant outburst and results in evidence for a correlation between the spin-up rate and observed flux in the brighter BATSE outbursts. Infrared and Halpha measurements show a decline in the density of the circumstell…

Near-IR photometry of southern X-ray binary systems

We report IR measurements of 30 optical counterparts to a group of possible and probable High Mass X-ray Binaries (HMXRBs). In the majority of the systems these measurements represent the rst reported IR flux values. In common with many other similar sys- tems, the results show the presence of a strong, frequently variable IR signal. The implications of some of the results are discussed.

Long-term optical/IR variability of the Be/X-ray binary LS V +44 17/RX J0440.9+4431

We present the first long-term study of the optical counterpart to the X-ray pulsar LS V +44 17/RX J0440.9+4431. The results of our photometric and spectroscopic analysis show that LS V +44 17/RX J0440.9+4431 contains a moderately reddened, E(B-V)=0.65+-0.05, B0.2V star located at about 3.3 kpc. The Ha line consistently shows a double-peak profile varying from symmetric shape to completely distorted on one side (V/R phases). A correlation between the equivalent width of the Ha line and the infrared magnitudes is seen: as the EW(Ha) decreases the IR magnitudes become fainter. This long-term optical/IR variability is attributed to structural changes in the Be star's circumstellar disc. The ob…

A 0535+26: Back in business

In May/June 2005, after 10 years of inactivity, the Be/X-ray binary system A 0535+26 underwent a major X-ray outburst. In this paper data are presented from 10 years of optical, IR and X-ray monitoring showing the behaviour of the system during the quiescent epoch and the lead up to the new outburst. The results show the system going through a period when the Be star in the system had a minimal circumstellar disk and then a dramatic disk recovery leading, presumably, to the latest flare up of X-ray emission. The data are interpreted in terms of the state of the disk and its interaction with the neutron star companion.

The Be/X-ray Transient V0332+53: Evidence for a tilt between the orbit and the equatorial plane?

We present optical and infrared observations of BQ Cam, the optical counterpart to the Be/X-ray transient system V0332+53. BQ Cam is shown to be an O8-9Ve star, which places V0332+53 at a distance of ~7 kpc. H-alpha spectroscopy and infrared photometry are used to discuss the evolution of the circumstellar envelope. Due to the low inclination of the system, parameters are strongly constrained. We find strong evidence for a tilt of the orbital plane with respect to the circumstellar disc (pressumably on the equatorial plane). Even though the periastron distance is only ~ 10 R_*, during the present quiescent state the circumstellar disc does not extend to the distance of periastron passage. U…

Multiwavelength observations of the Be/X-ray binary 4U1145-619

We report optical and infrared observations of the massive X-ray binary system 4U1145-619 (V801 Cen) which show that the circumstellar disc of the Be star component is in decline. Infrared J,H,K,L magnitudes of V801Cen have been monitored from 1993 March to 1996 April. H alpha spectra have been obtained throughout the same period. We find that both the infrared excess and the Balmer emission have been in decline throughout the period of observations. A 13 year optical and X-ray history of the source has been collated, revealing a possible correlation between the optical and X-ray activity. In addition, we have used u,v,b,y,beta indices, corrected for both circumstellar and interstellar effe…

A rapid H? change in X Persei

A trend of decreasing Hα emission over a period of thirty minutes is apparent in a series of spectra of X Persei taken on 31 December, 1987. This change appears to be astrophysical in origin and it indicates an anomalous state for X Persei that may be linked to its transition from a Be star to a normal B star, which occurred sometime between March 1988 and November 1990.

The Large Observatory for X-ray Timing (LOFT)

High-time-resolution X-ray observations of compact objects provide direct access to strong-field gravity, to the equation of state of ultra-dense matter and to black hole masses and spins. A 10 m^2-class instrument in combination with good spectral resolution is required to exploit the relevant diagnostics and answer two of the fundamental questions of the European Space Agency (ESA) Cosmic Vision Theme "Matter under extreme conditions", namely: does matter orbiting close to the event horizon follow the predictions of general relativity? What is the equation of state of matter in neutron stars? The Large Observatory For X-ray Timing (LOFT), selected by ESA as one of the four Cosmic Vision M…

Multiwavelength monitoring of BD+53°2790 , the optical counterpart to 4U 2206+54

We present the results of our long-term monitoring of BD+53 2790, the optical counterpart to the X-ray source 4U~2206+54. Unlike previous studies that classify the source as a Be/X-ray binary, we find that its optical and infrared properties differ from those of typical Be stars: the variability of the V/R ratio is not cyclical; there are variations in the shape and strength of the H$\alpha$ emission line on timescales less than 1 day; and no correlation between the EW and the IR magnitudes or colors is seen. Our observations suggest that BD+53 2790 is very likely a peculiar O9.5V star. In spite of exhaustive searches we cannot find any significant modulation in any emission line parameter …

Global One-armed Oscillations in the Be/X-ray Binary LS I +61° 235/RX J0146.9+6121

AbstractWe present results of our long-term monitoring of LS I +61° 235 in the optical and infrared bands. This Be/X-ray binary exhibits V/R variability in the Hα line, which can be explained in the framework of the Global One-armed Oscillation model: a high density perturbation moves around inside the circumstellar disc of the Be star. The V>R and V<R peaks occur when the perturbation moves towards and away from the observer, respectively. In this work we show that the perturbation also affects the He I λ6678Å and Paschen lines. We also report on a correlation between the infrared emission and the V/R variability.

On the radio emitting high mass X-ray binary LS 5039

We present new optical - near-IR spectroscopic and photometric observations of the newly discovered galactic microquasar LS 5039, which indicate a classification for the mass donor in the system of O6.5V((f)). Optical spectroscopy and photometry shows no variability over a timescale of years, and we find no evidence of modulation by, or emission from the compact companion in these data. However significant photometric variability (~0.4 mag) is present in the H and K bands between 1995-2000. Such variability has been observed in other radio bright X-ray binaries where it has been attributed to synchrotron emission from the jet. However, given the non-thermal spectral index of the radio emiss…

X-RAY AND OPTICAL OBSERVATIONS OF A 0535+26

We present recent contemporaneous X-ray and optical observations of the Be/X-ray binary system A\,0535+26 with the \textit{Fermi}/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) and several ground-based observatories. These new observations are put into the context of the rich historical data (since $\sim$1978) and discussed in terms of the neutron star Be-disk interaction. The Be circumstellar disk was exceptionally large just before the 2009 December giant outburst, which may explain the origin of the unusual recent X-ray activity of this source. We found a peculiar evolution of the pulse profile during this giant outburst, with the two main components evolving in opposite ways with energy. A hard 30-70 mH…

A Multiwavelength Investigation of the Relationship Between 2CG135+1 and LSI+61o 303

We present the results of a multiwavelength monitoring campaign targeting the gamma-ray source 2CG 135+1 in an attempt to confirm the association of this object with the radio/Be/X-ray binary system LSI +61o 303. The campaign included simultaneous radio, optical, infrared, and hard x-ray/gamma-ray observations carried out with a variety of instruments, covering (not continously) almost three binary cycles of LSI +61o 303 during the period April-July 1994. Three separate OSSE observations of the gamma-ray source were carried out, covering different phases of the radio lightcurve. Hard X-ray/gamma-ray emission was detected from the direction of 2CG 135+1 during the first of these OSSE observa…

Long-term variability of the Be/X-ray binary EXO 2030+375

We present a multi-wavelength study of the Be/X-ray binary system EXO 2030+375. We report that the Be companion is currently in a low-activity phase as indicated by the notable decrease of the infrared and optical emission. If this trend continues the source will lose its circumstellar envelope. Infrared spectroscopy in the IJHK bands is presented for the first time, along with optical and X-ray observations. These infrared spectra agree with the optical companion being an early-type (B0) main-sequence star. When active EXO 2030+375 shows an X-ray outburst at each periastron passage of the neutron star. In addition to the maximum X-ray luminosity displayed at orbital phase ∼0.0, we find a s…

Long-term variability of the Be/X-ray binary A 0535+26 -- I. Optical and UV spectroscopy

The results of a 7-yr optical and UV spectroscopic study of the high-mass X-ray binary A 0535+26 are presented. It was found that throughout the period of the observations the line profile of Hα showed considerable variability. A correlation between the equivalent width of Hα and both V-band magnitude and (B−V) colour excess was observed, albeit with considerable scatter present in the data set. A giant X-ray flare in early 1994 was accompanied by a fading in optical and infrared photometric bands, and a reduction in the equivalent width of Hα. When the star was observed in 1994 September, it was found to have developed a double-peaked Hα profile, and further observations saw the V/R peak r…

Long-term optical variability of high-mass X-ray binaries. II. Spectroscopy

We present the results of our monitoring program to study the long-term variability of the Halpha line in high-mass X-ray binaries. We have carried out the most complete optical spectroscopic study of the global properties of high-mass X-ray binaries so far with the analysis of more than 1100 spectra of 20 sources. Our aim is to characterise the optical variability timescales and study the interaction between the neutron star and the accreting material. Our results can be summarised as follows: i) we find that Be/X-ray binaries with narrow orbits are more variable than systems with long orbital periods, ii) we show that a Keplerian distribution of the gas particles provides a good descripti…

Infrared and optical observations of the newly identified Be/X-ray binary LSI + 61  235

Observational (IR) and optical data are presented of the newly discovered Be/X-ray binary system LSI + 61° 235, taken over the period 1991 August – 1992 May. Though the IR shows little evidence for any changes, the optical Hα spectrum has undergone substantial modification. Combination of optical photometric measurements with the IR photometry allows the overall spectrum to be investigated and the existence of the Be star’s circumstellar disc to be directly confirmed.

A phase change in X Persei

We present a series of optical spectroscopic and infrared photometric observations of the Be/X-ray binary system X Per made over the last four years. Over this period the Hα line profile changed from emission to absorption, accompanied by a decrease in the infrared flux by over a magnitude and a flattening of the infrared spectrum. Such behaviour is consistent with the loss of the circumstellar disc or shell of material around the Be star and the reversion to a normal O/B-type star.

Substantial Disc Loss in the Be/X-ray Binary System A0535+26

AbstractInfrared JHK photometry from October 1998 revealed a remarkable change in the Be/X-ray binary system A0535+26, manifesting itself as a dramatic reduction in emission from the circumstellar disc. Optical and IR spectra presented here have confirmed this disc-loss in greater detail showing radically reduced Hydrogen and Helium line emission, to a degree never before seen in this system, and only rarely in a handful of Be/X-ray binaries. Optical spectroscopy has revealed the re-appearance of a small, stable inner disc, and IR spectra/photometry show the eventual regrowth of a robust circumstellar disc resembling the pre-disc-loss state.

Photometric and Hα Observations of LSI+61°303

The Be massive X-ray binary LSI+61°303 is a 26.5 days periodic radiosource (Taylor & Gregory, 1984), exhibiting radio outbursts maxima between phases 0.6-0.8. Evidence of a photometric period of similar value has also been reported (Paredes & Figueras, 1986; Mendelson & Mazeh, 1989). The previous spectroscopic radial velocity observations of Hutchings & Crampton (1981) are in agreement with the radio period, and give support to the presence of a companion. We present new optical and infrared photometric observations and high resolution Hα spectra of LSI+61°303.

Photometric observations of the radio bright B[e]/X-ray binary CI Cam

We present multiwavelength (optical, IR, radio) observations of CI Cam, the optical counterpart to the transient X-ray source XTE J0421+560. Pre-outburst quiescent observations reveal the presence of a dusty envelope around the system. Pronounced short term variability is observed at all wavebands from U-K, but no indication of prior flaring of a similar magnitude to the 1998 April outburst is found in these data.\ud \ud Data obtained during the 1998 April X-ray flare reveal pronounced optical-radio flaring. The optical flux was observed to quickly return to quiescent levels, while the radio flare was of much longer duration. The optical component is likely to result from a combination of f…

The Be/X-ray transient 4U0115+63/V635 Cassiopeiae : II. Outburst mechanisms

We present multi-wavelength long-term monitoring observations of V635 Cas, the optical counterpart to the transient X-ray pulsar 4U0115+63. The evolution of emission lines and photometric magnitudes indicates that the Be star undergoes relatively fast ( ~3 - 5yr) quasi-cyclic activity, losing and reforming its circumstellar disc. We show that the general optical, infrared and X-ray behaviour can be explained by the dynamical evolution of the viscous circumstellar disc around the Be star. After each disc-loss episode, the disc starts reforming and grows until it reaches the radius at which the resonant interaction of the neutron star truncates it. At some point, the disc becomes unstable to …

The Be/X-ray binary LS 992/RX J0812.4-3114: Physical parameters and long-term variability

We present the first long-term optical and infrared study of the optical counterpart to the source RX J0812.4-3114, an X-ray pulsar with a Be type companion. During the period covered by the observations the profile of some Balmer lines changed from absorption to emission and back again to absorption. Contemporaneously, the infrared magnitudes varied by more than 0.8 mag. This long-term variability is interpreted as the formation and subsequent dissipation of the Be star's disc. The building up of the disc ended up in an active X-ray state characterised by regular outbursts occurring at 80 day intervals. The overall duration of the formation/dissipation of the disc is found to be < 4.3 year…

Cyclical behaviour and disc truncation in the Be/X-ray binary A0535+26

A0535+26 is shown to display quantised IR excess flux states, which are interpreted as the first observational verification of the resonant truncation scheme proposed by Okazaki and Negueruela (2001) for BeXRBs. The simultaneity of X-ray activity with transitions between these states strongly suggests a broad mechanism for outbursts, in which material lost from the disc during the reduction of truncation radius is accreted by the NS. Furthermore changes between states are shown to be governed by a 1500 day period, probably due to precession of the Be disc, which profoundly dictates the global behaviour of the system. Such a framework appears to be applicable to BeXRBs in general.

Comparison of the H-alpha circumstellar disks in Be/X-ray binaries and Be stars

We present a comparative study of the circumstellar disks in Be/X-ray binaries and isolated Be stars based upon the H-alpha emission line. From this comparison it follows that the overall structure of the disks in the Be/X-ray binaries is similar to the disks of other Be stars, i.e. they are axisymmetric and rotationally supported. The factors for the line broadening (rotation and temperature) in the disks of the Be stars and the Be/X-ray binaries seem to be identical. However, we do detect some intriguing differences between the envelopes. On average, the circumstellar disks of the Be/X-ray binaries are twice as dense as the disks of the isolated Be stars. The different distribution of the…