On the Role of Radioactive Decays in Powering Gamma Rays and X-Rays from Novae
Abstract
Existing models for X-ray emission from novae in outburst encounter several difficulties. The X-ray flux that may be expected to result from Compton degradation of gamma rays produced by radioactive decays is calculated. It is demonstrated that radioactive decays of Na-22 may play an interesting role in the production of hard X-rays, particularly in novae enriched in oxygen, neon, and magnesium.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1086/171573
- Bibcode:
- 1992ApJ...394..217L
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Astronomy;
- Novae;
- Nuclear Astrophysics;
- Radioactive Decay;
- X Ray Stars;
- Light Curve;
- Nuclear Fusion;
- Sodium 22;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Models;
- Astrophysics;
- STARS: NOVAE;
- CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES;
- NUCLEAR REACTIONS;
- NUCLEOSYNTHESIS;
- ABUNDANCES;
- X-RAYS: STARS