There is compelling evidence that most -if not all- galaxies harbour a super-massive black hole (SMBH) at their nucleus, hence binaries of these massive objects are an inevitable product of the hierarchical evolution of structures in the universe, and represent an important but thus-far elusive phase of galaxy evolution. Gas accretion via a circumbinary disc is thought to be important for the dynamical evolution of SMBH binaries, as well as in producing luminous emission that can be used to infer their properties. One plausible source of the gaseous fuel is clumps of gas formed due to turbulence and gravitational instabilities in the interstellar medium, that later fall toward and interact with the binary. In this context, we model numerically the evolution of turbulent clouds in near-radial infall onto equal-mass SMBH binaries, using a modified version of the SPH code GADGET-3. We present a total of 12 simulations that explore different possible pericentre distances and relative inclinations, and show that the formation of circumbinary discs and discs around each SMBH ('mini-discs') depend on those parameters. We also study the dynamics of the formed discs, and the variability of the feeding rate onto the SMBHs in the different configurations.
The formation of massive black hole binaries (MBHBs) is an unavoidable outcome of galaxy evolution via successive mergers. However, the mechanism that drives their orbital evolution from parsec separations down to the gravitational wave (GW) dominated regime is poorly understood, and their final fate is still unclear. If such binaries are embedded in gas-rich and turbulent environments, as observed in remnants of galaxy mergers, the interaction with gas clumps (such as molecular clouds) may efficiently drive their orbital evolution. Using numerical simulations, we test this hypothesis by study…
We investigate the evolution of low mass (Md /Mb = 0.005) misaligned gaseous discs around eccentric supermassive black hole (SMBH) binaries. These are expected to form from randomly oriented accretion events onto a SMBH binary formed in a galaxy merger. When expanding the interaction terms between the binary and a circular ring to quadrupole order and averaging over the binary orbit, we expect four non-precessing disc orientations: aligned or counter-aligned with the binary, or polar orbits around the binary eccentricity vector with either sense of rotation. All other orientations precess arou…
We re-estimate the surface magnetic fields of neutron stars (NSs) in Be X-ray binaries (BeXBs) with different models of torque, improved beyond Klus et al. (2014). In particular, a new torque model (Dai \& Li 2006) is applied to three models of magnetosphere radius. Unlike the previous models, the new torque model does not lead to divergent results for any fastness parameter. The inferred surface magnetic fields of these NSs for the two compressed magnetosphere models are much higher than that for the uncompressed magnetosphere model. The new torque model using the compressed-magnetosphere rad…
Galaxies can grow through their mutual gravitational attraction and subsequent union. While orbiting a regular high-surface-brightness galaxy, the body of a low-mass galaxy can be stripped away. However, the stellar heart of the infalling galaxy, if represented by a tightly-bound nuclear star cluster, is more resilient. From archival Hubble Space Telescope images, we have discovered a red, tidally-stretched star cluster positioned ~5 arcseconds (~400 pc in projection) from, and pointing toward the center of, the post-merger spiral galaxy NGC 4424. The star cluster, which we refer to as `Nikhul…
The intracluster medium (ICM), as a magnetized and highly ionized fluid, provides an ideal laboratory to study plasma physics under extreme conditions that cannot yet be achieved on Earth. NGC 1404 is a bright elliptical galaxy that is being gas stripped as it falls through the ICM of the Fornax Cluster. We use the new {\sl Chandra} X-ray observations of NGC 1404 to study ICM microphysics. The interstellar medium (ISM) of NGC 1404 is characterized by a sharp leading edge, 8 kpc from the galaxy center, and a short downstream gaseous tail. Contact discontinuities are resolved on unprecedented sp…
I discuss the possibility that accreting supermassive black hole (SMBH) binaries with sub-parsec separations produce periodically recurring luminous outbursts that interrupt periods of relative quiescence. This hypothesis is motivated by two characteristics found generically in simulations of binaries embedded in prograde accretion discs: (i) the formation of a central, low-density cavity around the binary, and (ii) the leakage of gas into this cavity, occurring once per orbit via discrete streams on nearly radial trajectories. The first feature would reduce the emergent optical/UV flux of the…
We model numerically the evolution of $10^4M_\odot$ turbulent molecular clouds in near-radial infall onto $10^6M_\odot$, equal-mass super-massive black hole binaries, using a modified version of the SPH code GADGET-3. We investigate the different gas structures formed depending on the relative inclination between the binary and the cloud orbits. Our first results indicate that an aligned orbit produces mini-discs around each black hole, almost aligned with the binary; a perpendicular orbit produces misaligned mini-discs; and a counter-aligned orbit produces a circumbinary, counter-rotating rin…
Low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (LFQPOs) have been routinely observed in black hole X-ray binaries (BHXRBs). These LFQPOs can be explained by axisymmetric shock oscillation in accretion flow around a rotating black hole. We address the physical origin of Type-C LFQPOs in BHXRBs observed by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite considering a minimum number of free parameters, namely, specific energy and specific angular momentum of the infalling matter for a given set of BH mass and spin parameter. We apply the solution for a large number of BH candidates to further strengthen the…
We construct a time-dependent relativistic accretion model for tidal disruption events (TDEs) with an $α-$viscosity and the pressure dominated by gas pressure. We also include the mass fallback rate $\dot{M}_f$ for both full and partial disruption TDEs, and assume that the infalling debris forms a seed disc in time $t_c$, which evolves due to the mass addition from the infalling debris and the mass loss via accretion onto the black hole. Besides, we derive an explicit form for the disc height that depends on the angular momentum parameter in the disc. We show that the surface density of the di…
X-ray binaries are excellent laboratories to study collapsed objects. On the one hand, transient X-ray binaries contain the best examples of stellar-mass black holes while persistent X-ray binaries mostly harbour accreting neutron stars. The determination of stellar masses in persistent X-ray binaries is usually hampered by the overwhelming luminosity of the X-ray heated accretion disc. However, the discovery of high-excitation emission lines from the irradiated companion star has opened new routes in the study of compact objects. This paper presents novel techniques which exploits these irrad…
Stellar-mass binary black holes (BBHs) embedded in active galactic nucleus (AGN) discs are possible progenitors of black-hole mergers detected in gravitational waves by LIGO/VIRGO. To better understand the hydrodynamical evolution of BBHs interacting with the disc gas, we perform a suite of high-resolution 2D simulations of binaries in local disc (shearing-box) models, considering various binary mass ratios, eccentricities and background disc properties. We use the $γ$-law equation of state and adopt a robust post-processing treatment to evaluate the mass accretion rate, torque and energy tran…
We review the current status of studies of disc atmospheres and winds in low mass X-ray binaries. We discuss the possible wind launching mechanisms and compare the predictions of the models with the existent observations. We conclude that a combination of thermal and radiative pressure (the latter being relevant at high luminosities) can explain the current observations of atmospheres and winds in both neutron star and black hole binaries. Moreover, these winds and atmospheres could contribute significantly to the broad iron emission line observed in these systems.
We propose a new method for black hole spin measurement. In this method, we consider a gas blob or ring falling onto a black hole from the marginally stable orbit, keeping its initial orbital angular momentum. We calculate the gas motion and photon trajectories in the Kerr space-time and, assuming that the gas blob or ring emits monochromatic radiation, carefully examine how it is observed by a distant observer. The light curve of the orbiting gas blob is composed of many peaks because of periodic enhancement of the flux due to the gravitational lensing and beaming effects. Further, the intens…
Massive black hole binaries (MBHBs) are a natural byproduct of galaxy mergers. Previous studies have shown that flares from stellar tidal disruption events (TDEs) are modified by the presence of a secondary perturber, causing interruptions in the light curve. We study the dynamics of TDE debris in the presence of a milliparsec-separated MBHB by integrating ballistic particle orbits in the time-varying potential of the binary. We find that gaps in the light curve appear when material misses the accretion radius on its first return to pericentre. Subsequent recurrences can be decomposed into "co…
In the last decade, X-ray spectroscopy has enabled a wealth of discoveries of photoionised absorbers in X-ray binaries. Studies of such accretion disc atmospheres and winds are of fundamental importance to understand accretion processes and possible feedback mechanisms to the environment. In this work, we review the current observational state and theoretical understanding of accretion disc atmospheres and winds in low-mass X-ray binaries, focusing on the wind launching mechanisms and on the dependence on accretion state. We conclude with issues that deserve particular attention.
Disc-driven migration is a key evolutionary stage of supermassive black-hole binaries hosted in gas-rich galaxies. Besides promoting the inspiral, viscous interactions tend to align the spins of the black holes with the orbital angular momentum of the disc. We present a critical and systematic investigation of this problem, also known as the Bardeen-Petterson effect. We design a new iterative scheme to solve the non-linear dynamics of warped accretion discs under the influence of both relativistic frame dragging and binary companion. We characterize the impact of the disc "critical obliquity",…
We present an accretion cycle which can explain state transitions and other observed phenomena in black hole X-ray binaries. This model is based on the process of disc tearing, where individual rings of gas break off the disc and precess effectively independently. This occurs when the Lense-Thirring effect is stronger than the local disc viscosity. We discuss implications of this model for quasi-periodic oscillations and the disc-jet-corona coupling. We also speculate on applying this model to active galactic nuclei and other accreting systems.
We report on a Chandra/HETG X-ray spectrum of the black hole candidate MAXI J1305-704. A rich absorption complex is detected in the Fe L band, including density-sensitive lines from Fe XX, XXI, and XXII. Spectral analysis over three bands with photoionization models generally requires a gas density of n > 1 E+17 cm^-3. Assuming a luminosity of L = 1 E+37 erg/s, fits to the 10-14 A band constrain the absorbing gas to lie within r = 3.9(7) E+3 km from the central engine, or about r = 520 +/- 90 (M/5 Msun) r_g, where r_g = GM/c^2. At this distance from the compact object, gas in Keplerian orbits …
The purpose of this work is to review the observational properties of Be/X-ray binaries. The open questions in Be/X-ray binaries include those related to the Be star companion, that is, the so-called "Be phenomenon", such as, timescales associated to the formation and dissipation of the equatorial disc, mass-ejection mechanisms, V/R variability, and rotation rates; those related to the neutron star, such as, mass determination, accretion physics, and spin period evolution; but also, those that result from the interaction of the two constituents, such as, disc truncation and mass transfer. Unti…
We revisit a core prediction of the disc instability model (DIM) applied to X-ray binaries. The model predicts the existence of a critical mass transfer rate, which depends on disc size, separating transient and persistent systems. We therefore selected a sample of 52 persistent and transient neutron star and black hole X-ray binaries and verified if observed persistent (transient) systems do lie in the appropriate stable (unstable) region of parameter space predicted by the model. We find that, despite the significant uncertainties inherent to these kinds of studies, the data are in very good…
Circumbinary discs are generally thought to take up angular momentum and energy from the binary orbit over time through gravitational torques mediated by orbital resonances. This process leads to the shrinkage of the binary orbit over time, and is important in a variety of astrophysical contexts including the orbital evolution of stellar binaries, the migration of planets in protoplanetary discs, and the evolution of black hole binaries (stellar and supermassive). The merger of compact object binaries provides a source of gravitational waves in the Universe. Recently, several groups have repor…
Most common formation channels of stellar mass black hole (BH) binaries like the ones observed by LIGO, often assume they are assembled from the direct collapse of massive pre-supernova stars. However, it is still unclear whether the final mass and spin of the newly formed BH arises from the collapse of the entire stellar progenitor or just a fraction of it, given that coupling of accretion feedback released during BH formation to the surrounding infalling star will inevitably lead to its ejection. If the BH is built up via disk accretion, outflows from the center will result in residual gas e…
There are over 100 Be stars that are known to have neutron star companions but only one such system with a black hole. Previous theoretical work suggests this is not due to their formation but due to differences in X-ray luminosity. It has also been proposed that the truncation of the Be star's circumstellar disc is dependent on the mass of the compact object. Hence, Be star discs in black hole binaries are smaller. Since accretion onto the compact object from the Be star's disc is what powers the X-ray luminosity, a smaller disc in black hole systems leads to a lower luminosity. In this paper…
I present a review of the main phenomenological properties at high energies related to massive gamma-ray binaries and I discuss some aspects of pulsar models for these objects.
X-ray flux from the inner hot region around central compact object in a binary system illuminates the upper surface of an accretion disc and it behaves like a corona. This region can be photoionised by the illuminating radiation, thus can emit different emission lines. We study those line spectra in black hole X-ray binaries for different accretion flow parameters including its geometry. The varying range of model parameters captures maximum possible observational features. We also put light on the routinely observed Fe line emission properties based on different model parameters, ionization r…
In this chapter I will review the status of our phenomenological understanding of the relation between accretion and outflows in accreting black hole systems. This understanding arises primarily from observing the relation between X-ray and longer wavelength (infrared, radio) emission. The view is necessarily a biased one, beginning with observations of X-ray binary systems, and attempting to see if they match with the general observational properties of active galactic nuclei.
We apply epicyclic resonances to the magnetic connection (MC) of a black hole (BH) with a relativistic accretion disc, interpreting the high frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) with 3:2 pairs observed in three BH X-ray binaries. It turns out that the 3:2 HFQPO pairs are associated with the steep power-law states, and the severe damping can be overcome by transferring energy and angular momentum from a spinning BH to the inner disc in the MC process.
We study the interplay between mass transfer, accretion and gravitational torques onto a black hole binary migrating in a self-gravitating, retrograde circumbinary disc. A direct comparison with an identical prograde disc shows that: (i) because of the absence of resonances, the cavity size is a factor a(1+e) smaller for retrograde discs; (ii) nonetheless the shrinkage of a circular binary semi--major axis, a, is identical in both cases; (iii) a circular binary in a retrograde disc remains circular while eccentric binaries grow more eccentric. For non-circular binaries, we measure the orbital …
We present long term H$α$ monitoring results of five Be/X-ray binaries to study the Be disc size variations and their influence on Type II (giant) X-ray outbursts. The work is done in the context of the viscous decretion disc model which predicts that Be discs in binary systems are truncated by resonant torques induced by the neutron star in its orbit. Our observations show that type II outbursts are not correlated(nor anti-correlated) with the disc size, as they are seen to occur both at relatively small and large Be disc radii. We discuss these observations in context of alternate interpreta…
We used dedicated SRG/eROSITA X-ray, ASKAP/EMU radio, and DECam optical observations of a 15 sq.deg region around the interacting galaxy cluster system A3391/95 to study the warm-hot gas in cluster outskirts and filaments, the surrounding large-scale structure and its formation process. We relate the observations to expectations from cosmological hydrodynamic simulations from the Magneticum suite. We trace the irregular morphology of warm-hot gas of the main clusters from their centers out to well beyond their characteristic radii, $r_{200}$. Between the two main cluster systems, we observe an…
As the largest population of high mass X-ray binaries, Be/X-ray binaries provide an excellent laboratory to investigate the extreme physics of neutron stars. It is generally accepted that Be stars possess a circumstellar disc, providing an additional source of accretion to the stellar winds present around young hot stars. Interaction between the neutron star and the disc is often the dominant accretion mechanism. A large amount of work has gone into modelling the properties of these circumstellar discs, allowing for the explanation of a number of observable phenomena. In this paper, smoothed p…
We present evidence for a simple linear relationship between the orbital period and super-orbital period in ultra-luminous X-ray (ULX) pulsars, akin to what is seen in the population of disc-fed neutron star super-giant X-ray binary and Be/X-ray binary systems. We argue that the most likely cause of this relationship is the modulation of precessing hot spots or density waves in an accretion or circumstellar disc by the binary motion of the system, implying a physical link between ULX pulsars and high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) pulsars. This hypothesis is supported by recent studies of Galactic a…
Here we report our first spectral observations of Be/X-ray and gamma-ray binaries obtained with the new Echelle spectrograph of the National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen. For four objects (LSI+61303, gamma Cas, MWC 148, 4U 2206+54), we report the parameters and estimate the sizes of their circumstellar discs using different emission lines (H-alpha, H-beta, H-gamma, HeI and FeII). For MWC 148, we find that the compact object goes deeply through the disc. The flank inflections of H-alpha can be connected with inner ring formed at the periastron passage or radiation transfer effects. We point …
We explore the effect of anisotropic wind driving on the properties of accretion onto black holes in close binaries. We specifically focus on line-driven winds, which are common in high-mass X-ray binaries. In close binary systems, the tidal force from the companion star can modify the wind structure in two different ways. One is the reduction of wind terminal velocity due to the weaker effective surface gravity. The other is the reduction in mass flux due to gravity darkening. We incorporate these effects into the so-called CAK theory in a simple way and investigate the wind flow around the a…
As neutron star - black hole binaries are expected to be discovered through future pulsar surveys using upcoming facilities, it is necessary to understand various observable properties of such systems. In the present work, we study the advance of the periastron of such binaries under the post-Newtonian formalism over a wide range of parameters. We find that the first and second order post-Newtonian effects and the leading order spin-orbit coupling effects are significant for such binaries but higher order effects can be neglected.
