Measuring the spin of GRS 1915+105 with relativistic disk reflection

Authors
  • J.L. Blum
  • J.M. Miller
  • A.C. Fabian
  • M.C. Miller
Publication date 2009
Journal Astrophysical Journal
Volume | Issue number 706 | 1
Pages (from-to) 60-66
Organisations
  • Faculty of Science (FNWI) - Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (API)
Abstract
GRS 1915+105 harbors one of the most massive known stellar black holes in the Galaxy. In 2007 May, we observed GRS 1915+105 for similar to 117 ks in the low/hard state using Suzaku. We collected and analyzed the data with the Hard X-ray Detector/Positive Intrinsic Negative and X-ray Spectrometer cameras spanning the energy range from 2.3 to 55 keV. Fits to the spectra with simple models reveal strong disk reflection through an Fe K emission line and a Compton backscattering hump. We report constraints on the spin parameter of the black hole in GRS 1915+105 using relativistic disk reflection models. The model for the soft X-ray spectrum (i.e., < 10 keV) suggests <(a)over cap> = 0.56(-0.02)(+0.02) and excludes zero spin at the 4 sigma level of confidence. The model for the full broadband spectrum suggests that the spin may be higher, (a) over cap = 0.98(-0.01)(+0.01) (1 sigma confidence), and again excludes zero spin at the 2 sigma level of confidence. We discuss these results in the context of other spin constraints and inner disk studies in GRS 1915+105.
Document type Article
Note DOI: 10.1088/0004-637X/706/1/60; eprintid: arXiv:0909.5383
Language English
Published at https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/706/1/60
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