An optical & X-ray study of the counterpart to the SMC X-ray binary pulsar system SXP327

TL;DR

This study combines optical and X-ray observations to analyze a newly discovered X-ray transient in the Small Magellanic Cloud, revealing its binary period and interactions with a Be star's circumstellar disk.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed optical and X-ray characterization of the SMC X-ray binary SXP327, including its binary period and evidence of neutron star-disk interactions.

Findings

Detected multiple X-ray outbursts of SXP327

Confirmed a 49.995-day binary period

Observed optical outbursts linked to the binary cycle

Abstract

Optical and X-ray observations are presented here of a newly reported X-ray transient system in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The data reveal many previously unknown X-ray detections of this system and clear evidence for a 49.995d binary period. In addition, the optical photometry show recurring outburst features at the binary period which may well be indicative of the neutron star interacting with a circumstellar disk around a Be star.