Abstract
The weak X-ray transient XTE J1739-302, characterized by extremely short outbursts, has recently been identified with a reddened star. Here we present spectroscopy and photometry of the counterpart, identifying it as a O8 Iab(f) supergiant at a distance of ~2.3 kpc. XTE J1739-302 thus becomes the prototype of the new class of supergiant fast X-ray transients (SFXTs). The optical and infrared spectra of the counterpart to XTE J1739-302 do not reveal any obvious characteristics setting it apart from other X-ray binaries with supergiant companions, which display a very different type of X-ray light curve.
Full Text
Submitted Version (
Free)
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call