Evidence for a black hole in the X-ray nova Muscae 1991

Journal
Date Issued
1991
Author(s)
•
Jarvis, B. J.
•
West, R. M.
DOI
Abstract
X-RAY novae form a subclass of low-mass X-ray binaries, which typically consist of a neutron star accreting material from a low-mass, late-type companion. In a few cases, however-notably A0620-00 (ref. 1)-, the accreting object may be a black hole. The detection and study of the optical counterpart is then of great importance in understanding the origin of the X-ray emission and the nature of the companion. We report here the discovery of a new X-ray nova, Nova Muscae 1991, which we found in a search for the optical counterpart of the new transient X-ray source GRS1121-68. The optical position, light-curve and early spectral development of the outburst support the identification of Nova Muscae 1991 as a binary, and similarities with A0620-00 (known optically as V616 Mon) in its early evolutionary stages led us to classify Nova Muscae 1991 as a candidate black-hole binary.
Volume
353
Issue
6339
Start page
50
Uri
Url
Issn Identifier
0028-0836
Ads BibCode
1991Natur.353...50D
Rights
restricted
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