Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
In a recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal, an international team of scientists leveraged India's AstroSat's full multi-wavelength capabilities to delve into the mysteries surrounding a black hole hosted within an X-ray binary system.
X-ray binary systems, consisting of a compact object like a neutron star or black hole and a normal star, emit significant X-ray radiation. AstroSat's advanced technology allowed scientists to explore these enigmatic systems in detail.
Equipped with three X-ray payloads and a UV telescope, AstroSat captured a wealth of data including soft and hard X-ray emissions and far ultraviolet radiation. This comprehensive dataset provided a detailed portrait of the black hole within the X-ray binary system MAXI J1820+070.
The black hole's immense gravitational pull draws in stellar material from its companion star, resulting in the release of energy primarily in the form of X-rays. MAXI J1820+070, located approximately 9,800 light-years away, gained prominence during its 2018 outburst.
Accreting black holes in transient X-ray binaries emit electromagnetic radiation across a wide energy spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays. The study focused on MAXI J1820+070's 2018 outburst, combining data from various sources to analyze its behavior.
The research revealed significant changes in the inner accretion disk's position relative to the black hole during different states, shedding light on the system's accretion geometry. AstroSat's instruments played a crucial role in understanding these dynamics.
According to Prof. Gulab Dewangan of IUCAA, Pune, AstroSat's unique capabilities for multi-wavelength observations are indispensable for unravelling the complexities of cosmic systems like X-ray binaries.
The study also unveiled a fascinating connection between X-ray emission near the black hole and optical/UV emission from the outer accretion disk. This discovery hints at the presence of a warped or convex outer disk, adding to the intrigue surrounding these cosmic phenomena.