Formation of X-Ray Binaries Outside Black Holes

In summary, the jets of an X-ray binary are perpendicular to the plane of the accretion disk, which is thought to be due to the gravitational forces of the black hole.
  • #1
Abtinnn
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Just curious...
I mean they don't form inside the event horizon, so how would they form outside? How does accretion do this?
 
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  • #2
Stars are formed in clusters, and a certain percentage of them end up in binaries. So a binary star system forms consisting of two main sequence stars. The more massive of the two main sequence stars evolves off the main sequence and collapses into a black hole. The other star is still a normal star and continues to orbit while the black hole pulls material from the normal star into an accretion disk around the black hole. The hot matter in the accretion disk emits X-rays, and you have an X-ray binary. The normal star and the accretion disk are all outside the event horizon.
 
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  • #3
phyzguy said:
Stars are formed in clusters, and a certain percentage of them end up in binaries. So a binary star system forms consisting of two main sequence stars. The more massive of the two main sequence stars evolves off the main sequence and collapses into a black hole. The other star is still a normal star and continues to orbit while the black hole pulls material from the normal star into an accretion disk around the black hole. The hot matter in the accretion disk emits X-rays, and you have an X-ray binary. The normal star and the accretion disk are all outside the event horizon.

Thank you for your response.
Also, why is the jet perpendicular to the plane of the accretion disk?
 
  • #4
Abtinnn said:
Thank you for your response.
Also, why is the jet perpendicular to the plane of the accretion disk?

This is a much more difficult question. The formation of the jets is a topic of active research, so nobody knows for certain why they have the structure they do. You could start here.
 
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  • #5
Cool!

Thanks a lot! :D
 

1. What is an X-ray binary?

An X-ray binary is a binary star system in which one of the stars is a compact object, such as a neutron star or black hole, that accretes matter from its companion star. This accretion process releases large amounts of X-ray radiation, making X-ray binaries an important source of X-rays in the universe.

2. How do X-ray binaries form outside of black holes?

X-ray binaries can form outside of black holes through a process called mass transfer. This occurs when a star in a binary system expands and transfers matter onto its companion star, which is a compact object. As the matter falls onto the compact object, it heats up and emits X-ray radiation.

3. What is the role of black holes in the formation of X-ray binaries?

Black holes play a crucial role in the formation of X-ray binaries. They are often the compact object in the binary system that is accreting matter from its companion star. This accretion process releases large amounts of X-ray radiation, making black hole X-ray binaries an important source of X-rays in the universe.

4. Can X-ray binaries form outside of black holes in other ways?

Yes, X-ray binaries can also form outside of black holes through a process called wind accretion. This occurs when a compact object, such as a neutron star, has a strong gravitational pull that can strip matter from the outer layers of its companion star. The captured matter then falls onto the neutron star, releasing X-ray radiation.

5. What are some potential uses for studying X-ray binaries outside of black holes?

Studying X-ray binaries outside of black holes can provide valuable information about the physical properties of black holes and neutron stars. It can also help us better understand the process of mass transfer and accretion in binary systems. Additionally, X-ray binaries can serve as important probes for studying the structure and evolution of galaxies and the universe as a whole.

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