MUNA Lunch Talk
| Date & Time | Monday November 2, 2009
12:10-1:00pm |
| Location | NRAO, Room 230 |
| Title | Populations of LMXBs in Nearby Galaxies |
| Speaker | Rasmus Voss, Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik | | Abstract | Chandra observations of nearby galaxies make it possible to study
statistical properties of the LMXBs, such as the spatial distribution
and the luminosity function. Two distinct populations of LMXBs were
known from the Milky Way: field LMXBs believed to be formed from
primordial binaries and globular cluster LMXBs believed to be formed
in dynamical encounters. Recent studies find the luminosity functions
to be different with a clear lack of faint sources in the globular
clusters. A third population of LMXBs has been found in the dense
central regions of galaxies. Their spatial distribution indicates a
dynamical origin and their luminosity function is consistent with the
one of globular cluster LMXBs. Despite decades of study, both the
formation and evolution of LMXBs are very poorly understood,
especially in globular clusters where there are three possible
formation channels. The Chandra observations provide useful
constraints with the potential to significantly improve our
understanding of LMXBs. |
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