X-ray binary star systems. Computer artwork of two extremes of X-ray binary star systems. These are systems where material is transferred from a star

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X-ray binary star systems. Computer artwork of two extremes of X-ray binary star systems. These are systems where material is transferred from a star to an orbiting collapsed stellar core, such as a black hole or neutron star, forming an accretion disc. The high-mass system shown is a black hole candidate (Cygnus X-1) and the blue giant star HDE 226868 (30 solar masses). The low-mass system here is an orange K-type star (similar to the Sun) and the black hole A0620-00. The collapsed companion stars are so dense that the high rotation speeds in the accretion discs produce X-rays. The gravitational mid-point of each system is marked by the figure-of-eight loops (Roche lobes).

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Size: 4500px × 3238px
Photo credit: © MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: -1, -ray, -type, 226868, a0620-00, accretion, artwork, astronomical, astronomy, astrophysical, astrophysics, binaries, binary, black, blue, collapsed, comparing, comparison, computer, core, cores, cosmos, cygnus, dead, diagram, disc, discs, duo, evolution, giant, hde, hole, holes, illustration, lobe, lobes, pair, roche, scale, size, solar, space, star, stars, stellar, sunlike, supergiant, system, systems, universe, xray