Evidence from high-mass X-ray binaries that Galactic WR components of WR+O binaries end their life with a supernova explosion

Context. Theoretical population number studies of binaries with at least one black hole (BH) component obviously depend on whether or not BHs receive a (natal) kick during their formation. Aims. Several observational facts seem to indicate that BHs do indeed receive a kick during their formation. In...

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Veröffentlicht in:Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) 2020-04, Vol.636, p.A99
Hauptverfasser: Vanbeveren, D., Mennekens, N., van den Heuvel, E. P. J., Van Bever, J.
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Context. Theoretical population number studies of binaries with at least one black hole (BH) component obviously depend on whether or not BHs receive a (natal) kick during their formation. Aims. Several observational facts seem to indicate that BHs do indeed receive a kick during their formation. In the present paper, we discuss additional evidence of this. Methods. The progenitors of wind-fed high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXB) with a BH component (BH HMXB) are WR+OB binaries where the Wolf–Rayet (WR) star will finally collapse and form the BH. Starting from the observed population of WR+OB binaries in the solar neighborhood, we predict the population of wind-fed BH HMXBs as a function of the BH-natal kick. Results. The simulations reveal that when WR stars collapse into a BH with a zero or low kick, we should expect 100 or more wind-fed BH HMXBs in the solar neighborhood, whereas only one is observed (Cyg X-1). We consider this as evidence that either WR components in binaries end their life as a neutron star or that they collapse into BHs, both accompanied by a supernova explosion imparting significant (natal) kicks.
ISSN:0004-6361
1432-0746
DOI:10.1051/0004-6361/201937253