Letters of Intent received in 2022
LoI 2024-2189
Be X-ray Binaries across the spectrum
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Date:
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8 August 2024 to 9 August 2024 |
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Category:
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GA Focus meeting
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Location:
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Cape Town, South Africa
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Contact:
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Peter Kretschmar (peter.kretschmar@esa.int) |
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Coordinating division:
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Division G Stars and Stellar Physics |
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Other divisions:
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Division D High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics
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Co-Chairs of SOC:
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Itumeleng Monageng (University of Cape Town) |
| Yuki Moritani (Subaru telescope, NAOJ) |
| Lee Townsend (Southern African Large Telescope) |
| Julia Alfonso Garzon (Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), CSIC-INTA) |
| Silas Laycock (University of Massachusetts Lowell) |
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Chair of LOC:
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None (None) |
Topics
* Multiwavelength studies of BeXRBs, from radio to gamma-rays.
* Long- and short-term variability at all wavelengths from near quiescence to ultraluminous systems.
* Evolutionary pathways of BeXRBs and the influence/impact on populations of different environments (from the Milky Way to the Magellanic Clouds)
* Updates on modeling of Be star discs and BeXRB systems.
* Current and future instruments/telescopes and their relevance in this area of research.
Rationale
Be X-ray binaries (BeXRBs), comprising a massive early B-type donor star and an accreting degenerate compact object (neutron star or black hole), form the largest subclass of massive X-ray binary stars. They offer unique astrophysical laboratories which makes them ideal for studying extreme physical processes. BeXRBs are good probes for studying and understanding degenerate compact objects, which are the end products of the stellar evolution, since they provide the most efficient way of identifying them. As BeXRBs are precursors of gravitational waves and short gamma-ray bursts, they are important tools for understanding the pathways to some of the most exotic and extreme objects in the universe.
The purpose of the proposed focus meeting is to bring together the community that has been making significant contributions to the field. This will provide an opportunity to reflect on advances made in the last decade and provide a platform for collaboration and networking. It will also be an opportunity to open up discussion about future prospects in the field in the context of current and future multiwavelength facilities.