The Nature of the X-Ray Binaries in the Whirlpool Galaxy/M51
Date
2018-05
Authors
Bichon, Luis, III
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Abstract
This research consists of the analysis of data from space based observatories such as the Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory. The method includes the stellar identification of optical sources in Messier 51 (the Whirlpool Galaxy) found in images from the Hubble Space Telescope. A multi-wavelength analysis (including aperture photometry) is performed on the identified stars, followed by age-dating, and mass estimation. These results are then cross-correlated with the results from preexisting catalogues of X-ray sources. These findings yield a deeper understanding of the nature of the X-ray binaries in the Whirlpool Galaxy and provide greater insight on the X-ray binary formation, and evolution in the galaxy. This knowledge can be generalized to other spiral galaxies much like our own Milky Way.
Description
Keywords
physics, astrophysics, space, astronomy, stellar, evolution, galaxy, x-ray, Honors College
Citation
Bichon, L. (2018). The nature of the x-ray binaries in the Whirlpool Galaxy/M51 (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.