The X-ray spectra of symbiotic stars

Abstract

Symbiotic stars are thought to show distinct X-ray emission from the accreting object and from the colliding winds of the two stars. I show that the colliding wind component is unnecessary. Instead, the spectra can be interpreted as emission only from the compact object that is strongly absorbed by the partially-ionised wind of the red giant. There remains no evidence of any X-ray emission from colliding winds, and thus no need for a substantial wind from the compact object.

4 pages, to appear in the proceedings of the Bologna conference "X-ray Astronomy 1999"