The Nature of the Compact X-ray Source in Supernova Remnant RCW 103

TL;DR

This paper explores the nature of the X-ray source in supernova remnant RCW 103, proposing that fallback disks around neutron stars or magnetars are key to understanding its properties and evolution.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that fallback disks are crucial in interpreting the X-ray source and its periodicity, extending this concept to other objects like SS 433.

Findings

Fallback disks influence the evolution of young compact objects.

Fallback disks may explain the 6.67 hr periodicity in 1E 161348-5055.

Fallback accretion could power sources like SS 433.

Abstract

The discovery of the 6.67 hr periodicity in the X-ray source 1E 161348-5055 associated with the supernova remnant RCW 103 has raised interesting suggestions about the nature of the X-ray source. Here we argue that in either accreting neutron star or magnetar model, a supernova fallback disk may be a critical ingredient in theoretical interpretations of 1E 161348-5055. We further emphasize the effect of fallback disks on the evolution of young compact objects in various ways, and suggest that even SS 433 could also be powered by fallback disk accretion process.