High Energy Astrophysics -
Spring
2010
Homework #4 - due March 2
1. Derive the equation for the evolution of the Roche lobe given in the
lecture on 2/23.
2. Using ADS, find the energy of the cyclotron line from Cen X-3.
Using the line energy, calculate the magnetic field of the neutron
star. Be sure to include literature references.
3. If the spin period of SAX J1808.4-3658 is at the limit at which
accretion can occur through the magnetosphere, then what must be the
magnetic field of the neutron star? Use ADS to find the spin
period and
typical luminosity of SAX J1808.4-3658. Be sure to include
literature references.