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Chapter 21: Problem 49

Accretion disks in close binary systems are too small to be seen directly with even the highest-resolution telescopes. How, then, can astronomers detect the presence of such accretion disks?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Astronomers detect accretion disks in close binary systems indirectly by observing the electromagnetic radiation emitted by heated material in the disk, noticing changes in this light's intensity over time, and examining the features of the emitted light's spectrum.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Accretion Disks

Accretion disks are structures often found in binary systems where one star is gaining material from its companion. They are typically very small, making direct observation with even the highest-resolution telescopes impossible.
02

Indirect Detection Methods

While direct observation is not possible, astronomers can detect the presence of accretion disks through indirect methods. These methods rely primarily on the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the heated material in the accretion disk.
03

Light Emission

The material in the accretion disk gets heated up due to the gravitational potential energy of the accreting object, which results in the emission of light. The light is generally emitted in X-rays which can be detected and measured by telescopes. This is an indication of the presence of an accretion disk.
04

Variations in Light Intensity

Changes in the light's intensity over time can also indicate the presence of an accretion disk. The light intensity changes are often periodic, resulting from the disk's rotation or the binary system's orbital motion.
05

Spectral Lines

Certain characteristics of the emitted light's spectrum can indicate the presence of an accretion disk as well. For example, the broadening of spectral lines can suggest the presence of high-speed gas in the disk, further supporting the existence of an accretion disk.

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