When a compact object, like a neutron star or white dwarf, orbits a star and material from the star flows to the compact object, that material can heat up to very high temperatures and emit X-rays. Although relatively few examples of these objects have been observed, this article considers the possible number of compact objects in our Galaxy and how they could have developed. The resulting conclusions about statistical properties describing these types of X-ray sources give astronomers a better understanding of them.
|