Astronomy & Space Science · AST-802
X-Ray Binaries & Accretion Physics: Structures & Vocabulary
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Structure
Structure of X-Ray Binaries & Accretion Physics
Systems can be fed by Roche-lobe overflow or by capture from a stellar wind. The inflow often forms an accretion disk with a hot inner region, corona, winds, and in some cases relativistic jets. Neutron-star systems may also show bursts or pulsations from a material surface and magnetic field.
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References & evidence
Source library for this chapter
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- 01Chandra X-ray ObservatoryOpen source ↗
NASA Science
- 02Black Holes and Curved Spacetime — SummaryOpen source ↗
OpenStax Astronomy 2e
View claim-by-claim traceability3 verified claims
Angular momentum forces transferred gas into orbit before it can fall inward.
supported · checked Sep 22, 2026X-ray spectra, rapid variability, Doppler-shifted companion-star lines, eclipses, and orbital mass functions reveal compact objects.
supported · checked Sep 22, 2026X-ray binaries contain a neutron star or black hole accreting matter from a stellar companion.
supported · checked Sep 22, 2026