Colloquium Abstract - Costa - 2024Mar22

March 22, 2024

11:00am Mountain

Allison Costa (NRAO)

 

Faraday Complexity in the High Mass X-ray Binary LS I +61 303

 

Abstract

I present Faraday Rotation Measure (RM) Synthesis analyses of multi-epoch polarimetric observations of the Gamma-ray loud High Mass X-ray Binary LS I +61 303. With the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, I obtained eight observations of LS I +61 303, spanning three orbital periods between 2019 and 2020. In each observing epoch, I find that the Faraday spectrum contains multiple peaks at more than 10 times the noise. Considering the recent pulsation detection attributed to the system (Weng et al. 2022, Nature, 6, 698), I employ a analytical model for the plasma environments that includes RM contributions from the interaction of the pulsar with the stellar winds of the companion Be star and the decretion disc of the Be star. I discuss the results of the multi-epoch Faraday rotation analyses in the context of this model to probe the magneto-ionic environments responsible for the Faraday complex spectrum.


Local Host: Amy Mioduszewski

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.