A luminous companion to SGR 1806-20

Open Access

1 May 1995

journal article
Published by American Astronomical Society in The Astrophysical Journal

Vol. 444, L33
https://doi.org/10.1086/187853

Abstract

We have obtained infrared spectra of the star suggested to be the counterpart of the soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) 1806-20. We found strong emission lines similar to those seen in the spectra of the rare Luminous Blue Variables and B[e] stars. A He I absorption line is also seen, from which we infer a spectral type O9--B2. This classification, in combination with the minimum distance of simgt6 kpc inferred from its extinction, makes the star one of the most luminous in the Galaxy. We infer that it is a companion to SGR 1806-20, and suggest that the presence of a companion is somehow related to the SGR phenomenon

Keywords

RED SHIFT
SPECTRUM ANALYSIS
INFRARED SPECTRA
COLOR
GAMMA RAY BURST
ABSORPTION LINE
INTERSTELLAR EXTINCTION
EMISSION LINE
GAMMA RAY BURSTS
LINE SPECTRA
STELLAR WINDS

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Version 1, 1995-02-07, ArXiv

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