[HP99] 159 -- Properties of the first Supersoft X-ray Source with a Helium star donor

TL;DR

[HP99] 159 is the first supersoft X-ray source with a helium star donor, showing sustained high mass transfer and providing insights into single-degenerate SN Ia progenitors through extensive spectroscopy and photometry.

Contribution

This study presents the first detailed long-term spectroscopic and photometric analysis of [HP99] 159, confirming its orbital period and challenging existing models of its nature.

Findings

Supports 2.327-day orbital period.

Finds low He II radial velocity modulation.

Rules out the decaying nova model for this source.

Abstract

[HP99] 159 is remarkable as the first supersoft X-ray source (SSS) identified with an evolved helium star donor. With a likely orbital period of 1.164 d or 2.327 d, the origin of the SSS component is controversial, with the two current models being either steady He-burning on the white dwarf surface, or that it is a helium nova in the decaying phase. To help resolve this issue we present extensive new long-term spectroscopy (with SALT) and photometry (at SAAO and with OGLE) of [HP99] 159 which (a) supports 2.327 d as the orbital period, and (b) finds only a small He II radial velocity modulation. The latter is surprising as it implies a very low inclination system, whereas our light curve modelling suggests $i{\sim}50^\circ$, and hence that the He II must be produced in outflowing material further above, or beyond, the disc. We find that the decaying nova model cannot fit our OGLE light curve and the observed SSS flux level. [HP99] 159 has been essentially constant as an SSS over several decades, implying a sustained high level of mass-transfer from its He star donor, making it the only confirmed single-degenerate scenario SN Ia progenitor. We have updated the known SSS binary parameters and find a clear $\sim$1.5 mag difference in their $M_{\rm V}$ when compared to the $M_{\rm V} - \Sigma$ properties of LMXBs, likely due to the larger irradiated areas and more luminous donors.