Gamma Velorum X-RAY Monitoring
Faculty Mentor Name
Pragati Pradhan
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
We present results from X-ray monitoring of six NuSTAR observations of the colliding-wind binary at key orbital phases, to characterize the shock-heated plasma in the wind-interaction zone. Gamma Vel is composed of a Wolf–Rayet (WR) star and an O-type companion in a 7.9-day orbit, making it the closest and brightest WR binary system in the sky. This study provides the first characterization of Gamma Vel in hard X-rays, probing energies above 10 keV. As a scaled-down version of another quintessential colliding wind binary, WR 140, Gamma Vel’s shorter orbital period offers a unique opportunity to study colliding-wind dynamics and variability on more accessible timescales.
Gamma Velorum X-RAY Monitoring
We present results from X-ray monitoring of six NuSTAR observations of the colliding-wind binary at key orbital phases, to characterize the shock-heated plasma in the wind-interaction zone. Gamma Vel is composed of a Wolf–Rayet (WR) star and an O-type companion in a 7.9-day orbit, making it the closest and brightest WR binary system in the sky. This study provides the first characterization of Gamma Vel in hard X-rays, probing energies above 10 keV. As a scaled-down version of another quintessential colliding wind binary, WR 140, Gamma Vel’s shorter orbital period offers a unique opportunity to study colliding-wind dynamics and variability on more accessible timescales.