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Comment on "A noninteracting low-mass black hole-giant star binary system"
Ed P J van den Heuvel1, Thomas M Tauris2,3
1Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands. e.p.j.vandenheuvel@uva.nl.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 9, 2020
Summary
We propose that the unseen companion of red giant star 2MASS J05215658+4359220 may be a binary star system, not a black hole. This binary star hypothesis explains the lack of detected X-ray emissions from the system.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Stellar Evolution
- Exoplanet Research
Background:
- The red giant star 2MASS J05215658+4359220 has an unobserved companion.
- Previous research suggested this companion is a black hole.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an alternative explanation for the unseen companion of 2MASS J05215658+4359220.
- To investigate the possibility of a binary star system as the companion.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the red giant star's mass.
- Stellar modeling to assess companion possibilities.
Main Results:
- If the red giant star has a mass of approximately one solar mass, its companion could be a binary system of two main-sequence stars.
- This binary star system configuration is consistent with the absence of X-ray emissions.
Conclusions:
- The companion to 2MASS J05215658+4359220 is not necessarily a black hole.
- A close binary of two main-sequence stars offers a plausible alternative explanation.
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