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The luminosity function of galactic X-ray sources - A cutoff and a 'standard candle'Analysis of the 2- to 10-kev luminosity distribution of 36 X-ray sources in the Local Group having known or estimated distances, showing that there exists a luminosity cutoff of approximately 10 to the 37.7th ergs/sec in agreement with the theoretical (Eddington) limit for the luminosity of an approximately 1 solar mass star. Furthermore, among the complete sample of high-luminosity sources, there appears to be a statistically significant group of X-ray 'standard candles' at (within less than 0.8 mag) the critical luminosity. This finding (which is in agreement with the self-consistent mass flow accretion models) presents the possibility that X-ray sources may be used as extragalactic distance indicators in the next generation of X-ray astronomy experiments.
Document ID
19740030820
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Margon, B.
(California, University Berkeley, Calif., United States)
Ostriker, J. P.
(California, University Berkeley, Calif.; Princeton University, New Observatory, Princeton, N.J., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
November 15, 1973
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Volume: 186
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Accession Number
74A13570
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-003-450
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF GP-34888X
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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