LMC X-1: A Black Hole Candidate
Explanation:
The strongest source of X-rays in the
Large Magellanic Cloud originates
from an unusually energetic
binary star system. This strong source, dubbed
LMC X-1, is thought to be a normal and compact star orbiting each other.
Gas stripped of the normal star
falls onto the compact star, heats up, and
emits X-rays. The X-rays shining from the system knock electrons off atoms
for light years around, causing some atoms to glow noticeably in X-rays
when the electrons re-combine. Motion in the binary system indicates the
compact star is probably a
black hole, since its high mass -
roughly five times that of our
Sun -
should be enough to cause even a
neutron star to implode.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
