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April 3, 2026The Astronomical Journal0 citationsOpen Access

Weighing Hidden Companions of Compact Object Candidates via Rotational Broadening

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RWRui WangShanghai UniversityZZZhi-Xiang ZhangQuanzhou Normal UniversityWGWei-Min GuXiamen University

Key Points

  • The research aims to determine the mass of unseen companions in binary systems of compact objects and the associated orbital inclinations.
  • Selection of 10 targets from a sample of 89 compact object candidates
  • Measurement of projected rotational velocities from LAMOST spectra
  • Calculation of orbital inclinations using stellar radii and rotational velocities
  • Analysis of companion mass ratios based on calculated values
  • Five sources identified with mass ratios greater than 2/3, indicating compact nature
  • Two targets, J0341 and J0359, inferred to host companions close to the Chandrasekhar limit
  • Notable candidates for Type Ia supernova progenitors identified

Abstract

Abstract The determination of unseen companion masses ( M 1 ) is essential for identifying compact objects in binary systems, yet obtaining reliable orbital inclinations remains one of the most difficult challenges. In this study, we focus on 10 targets selected from a sample of 89 compact object candidates characterized by large mass functions, rapid rotation, and high-quality Large Sky Area Multi-object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) spectra. We measure their projected rotational velocities ( v sin i ) from the LAMOST medium-resolution spectra and, combined with stellar radii, derive orbital inclinations and the corresponding companion masses. Our results show that five sources exhibit mass ratios M 1 / M 2 > 2/3, with no detectable spectral signatures of the unseen companions, providing strong evidence for their compact nature. Two particularly notable cases, J0341 and J0359, host companions with inferred masses of 1.3 9 − 0.10 + 0.09 M ⊙ and 1.3 4 − 0.09 + 0.08 M ⊙ , respectively. These masses suggest that the invisible objects are either neutron stars or massive white dwarfs with masses close to the Chandrasekhar limit. If they are white dwarfs, these two targets are highly likely to be Type Ia supernova progenitors. This study highlights the potential of v sin i measurements as a systematic approach to unveiling compact objects in binaries.

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Cite This Study

Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69cf588f5a333a82146097fchttps://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/ae4ed6
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