AbstractMore than 100 supersoft X-ray sources (SSS) are reported in ∼20 external galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) and our Galaxy. The effective temperatures of the brighter SSS are ∼20–100eV. SSS with luminosities below ≈3×1038ergs−1 are consistent with accreting white dwarfs (WDs) with steady nuclear burning or post-novae. Optical identifications exist for SSS in our Galaxy and the MCs (including orbital period determinations) and for SSS in M31 (with novae and symbiotic stars, SySs). High resolution X-ray spectra of the brightest SSS in our Galaxy and the MCs reveal the existence of spectral features due to high gravity WDs. Timing studies in X-rays (combined with the optical) of the stable nuclear burning phase in steady nuclear burning sources and in post-novae allow to constrain the mass accretion rate onto and the mass of the nuclear burning WD. The nature of a few SSS with luminosities ≳1039ergs−1 remains unclear.


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    Title :

    Supersoft X-ray sources


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 38 , 12 ; 2836-2839


    Publication date :

    2005-10-17


    Size :

    4 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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