Evidence for the degenerate dwarf nature of Cygnus X-2

Observations of Cygnus X-2 using the Copernicus satellite have revealed a novel relationship between the spectral hardness and the intensity of this source in the 3-8 keV band. This behavior is very similar to that predicted for a spherically accreting nonmagnetic degenerate dwarf. The data, interpreted in terms of this model, determine solar mass, luminosity, and the distance for Cyg X-2; these parameters are at variance with the values derived from optical observations of the system. The implications of this discrepancy for the understanding of the source are examined.