Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-22-1992
Publication Title
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Department
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
We present the results of photometric observations of the black hole candidate GX339-4, obtained while the system was in an 'off' state. We show that a 14.8-h modulation was present, and provide evidence for a similar periodicity in the 'high' state from a reanalysis of previously published photometry and spectroscopy. The presence of the same period in both states implies that it is likely to be the orbital period of the system. The spectroscopy analysis provides evidence for an apparent change in the systemic velocity of the system. The amplitude of the observed radial velocity variations, however, permits only crude limits to be placed on the mass of the compact object. Only absorption-line spectroscopy of the secondary in the 'off' state will provide a convincing mass determination.
DOI
10.1093/mnras/259.2.395
Dartmouth Digital Commons Citation
Callanan, P. J.; Charles, P. A.; Honey, W. B.; and Thorstensen, J. R., "The 14.8-h Orbital Period of GX339-4" (1992). Dartmouth Scholarship. 3294.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/facoa/3294