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.
Supersoft X-ray sources
Advances in Space Research ; 38 , 12 ; 2836-2839
2005-10-17
4 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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