Colliding winds in WR21 and WR31 -- I. The X-ray view

TL;DR

This study uses XMM-Newton observations to analyze phase-locked X-ray variations in WR21 and WR31, revealing effects of colliding winds and wind absorption, with findings consistent with Coriolis deflection of the collision zone.

Contribution

First detailed X-ray analysis of WR21 and WR31 showing phase-locked variations and wind collision effects, expanding understanding of WR+O binary wind interactions.

Findings

Significant phase-locked X-ray flux variations observed.

Absorption effects linked to dense WR winds confirmed.

Evidence of Coriolis deflection of the collision zone.

Abstract

WR21 and WR31 are two WR+O binaries with short periods, quite similar to the case of V444 Cyg. The XMM-Newton observatory has monitored these two objects and clearly revealed phase-locked variations as expected from colliding winds. The changes are maximum in the soft band (0.5--2.keV, variations by a factor 3--4) where they are intrinsically linked to absorption effects. The increase in absorption due to the dense WR wind is confirmed by the spectral analysis. The flux maximum is however not detected exactly at conjunction with the O star in front but slightly afterwards, suggesting Coriolis deflection of the collision zone as in V444 Cyg. In the hard band (2.--10. keV), the variations (by a factor of 1.5--2.0) are much more limited. Because of the lower orbital inclinations, eclipses as observed for V444 Cyg are not detected in these systems.