AAVSO Alert Notice 397
June 30, 2009
Request for optical photometry of the bright X-ray binary V884 Sco (4U 1700-377)
June 30, 2009
Dr. Jerome Orosz (SDSU) has requested the assistance of southern bright
star observers in observing the high-mass X-ray binary star V884 Sco
(== 4U 1700-377). Orosz and collaborators are attempting to measure the
mass of the compact object to clarify whether the object is a black hole
or a neutron star. Optical photometry of the ellipsoidal variations of
V884 Sco will be used in conjunction with optical spectroscopy to be
performed at Las Campanas in mid-July and early August 2009 to measure
the dynamical properties of the system. Orosz requests time-series B and
V observations of this bright (V ~ 6.5) system beginning now
(2009 June 30) and continuing through early August 2009.
V884 Sco is a binary system composed of a massive, main sequence O-type
star in orbit with either a black hole or a neutron star. Dr. Orosz
provides the following justification for the project:
"...[A] note about the importance of 4U 1700-377. If it has a
neutron star, it has by far the most massive neutron star known.
Furthermore, the high mass would rule out all sorts of equations of
state for neutron star matter. On the other hand, if the compact object
is a black hole, it would be by far the least massive black hole known,
and its mass would raise all sorts of interesting questions about the
formation of black holes, and what kinds of stars produce black holes."
V884 Sco is a low-amplitude (amplitude < 0.04 mag) variable star which
shows ellipsoidal variations rather than binary eclipses. The period of
the star is approximately 3.45 days. Photometry is requested to obtain
a current ephemeris; examination of data from the 1970s makes clear the
period of the system has changed. ASAS-3 data do exist for this star
and are being used, but the star is near the bright limit for the ASAS
system. Observers capable of performing precision bright star
photometry are encouraged to participate, particularly those in the
southern hemisphere.
V884 Sco is located at the following (J2000) coordinates:
RA: 17 03 56.80 , Dec: -37 50 39.0
For this project, we recommend the use of HD 153767 (SAO 208340; RA: 17
03 00.34 , Dec: -37 43 10.8 , V=7.43) as the comparison star. This will
require either a CCD camera with a field of view larger than 15
arcminutes, or a photoelectric photometer. If you are using a CCD
camera, use short exposures to avoid saturating the chip, or stop down
your telescope. If you choose to stop down your system, new flat fields
should be created. For photoelectric observers, we recommend using HD
154310 (SAO 208406; RA: 17 06 20.19 , Dec: -37 13 39.3 , V=5.98) as the
check star. This is a known double, but the B component is four
magnitudes fainter than A, and should not interfere with the photometry.
These comparison and check stars have been added to the PEPObs online
processing program. Johnson B and V filters are the preferred filters
if they are available, but data taken in any filter will be useful and
all observers are encouraged to participate.
Charts for the field may be plotted with AAVSO's Variable Star Plotter:
http://www.aavso.org/observing/charts/vsp/index.html?pickname=V884%20Sco
Please submit data to the AAVSO with the name "V884 SCO".
This AAVSO Alert Notice was prepared by M. Templeton.
SUBMIT OBSERVATIONS TO THE AAVSO
Information on submitting observations to the AAVSO may be found at:
http://www.aavso.org/observing/submit/
US $69.99
