The origin of Scorpius X-1

Abstract

We have used multi-wavelength observations of high precision to derive the space velocity and compute the orbit around the Galactic Centre of the prototype X-ray binary Scorpius X-1. An origin in the local spiral arm of the Milky Way is ruled out. The galactocentric kinematics of Scorpius X-1 is similar to that of the most ancient stars and globular clusters of the inner Galactic halo. Most probably, this low-mass X-ray binary was formed by a close encounter in a globular cluster. However, it cannot be ruled out that a natal supernova explosion launched Scorpius X-1 into an orbit like this from a birth place in the galactic bulge. In any case, the Galactocentric orbit indicates that Scorpius X-1 was formed more than 30 Myrs ago.

4 pages, 1 figure. Animation and high resolution figures can be retrived from the NRAO press release: http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/epo/pr/2003/scox1/

References in corpus (5)

• The mass donor of Scorpius X-1 revealed
• A high-velocity black hole on a Galactic-halo orbit in the solar neighborhood
• Sco X-1: The Evolution and Nature of the Twin Compact Radio Lobes
• The runaway black hole GRO J1655-40
• NGC 1912 and NGC 1907: a close encounter between open clusters ?

Cited by in corpus (15)

• Taking the Measure of the Universe: Precision Astrometry with SIM PlanetQuest
• Understanding Compact Object Formation and Natal Kicks I. Calculation Methods and the case of GRO J1655-40
• Electromagnetic signals following stellar-mass black hole mergers
• Hypervelocity binary stars: smoking gun of massive binary black holes
• The formation of the black hole in the X-ray binary system V404 Cyg
• Estimating the contribution of Galactic sources to the diffuse neutrino flux
• A microquasar shot out from its birth place
• Astrometric observations of X-ray binaries using very long baseline interferometry
• Super-Orbital Variability in Hard X-rays
• New clues on outburst mechanisms and improved spectroscopic elements of the black-hole binary V4641 Sagittarii
• Optical Photometry and Spectroscopy of the Accretion-Powered Millisecond Pulsar HETE J1900.1-2455
• On the kinematics of the neutron star low mass X-ray binary Cen X-4
• X-ray Eclipse Mapping Constrains the Binary Inclination and Mass Ratio of Swift J1858.6-0814
• High-resolution radio observations of X-ray binaries
• Sco X-1 as a continuous gravitational waves source: modelling the secular evolution using MESA