Lens Flare: Magnified X-Ray Binaries as Passive Beacons in SETI

Abstract

Abstract Low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) containing neutron stars are both extremely luminous and compact, emitting up to ∼106 within a kilometer-scale boundary layer. This combination allows for easy modulation, motivating an X-ray Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. When X-ray lenses with radii magnify the LMXB boundary layer, it brightens by a factor of several thousand for a fraction of a second. In addition, there should be occultation events where the neutron star is blocked out. Passive X-ray lenses could require little internal power, and the LMXB light source itself shines for millions of years, with potential for an effective beacon for interstellar communication. A very large number of lenses would be needed to ensure frequent signals in all directions, however, and gathering material to construct them could be very difficult. Avoiding collisions between lenses, aiming them, and building and maintaining their precise shapes pose additional challenges. “Lens flares” of bright LMXBs are easily detectable in the Galaxy, although they would be rare events, occurring perhaps once per decade. Our more sensitive X-ray instruments could detect the eclipses of Galactic LMXBs and possibly intergalactic flares, but it is unlikely they would be observing the LMXB at the right time.