RUI: The Unique Microquasar SS 433 - An Optical Program and Contribution to a Multiwavelength Collaborative Study

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The overall goal of this research is a better understanding of the nature of the Galacticmicroquasar SS 433 - an object which possesses many of the characteristics of a quasarsuch as a hot disk, a strong disk wind, evidence for a compact object, and relativistic jets.However, because it is a Galactic object, it is closer and is not obscured by a galaxy ofmaterial surrounding it, thereby providing an opportunity to explore important but poorlyunderstood physics. Specific goals here are to identify the nature of the compact object inSS 433 (is it a neutron star or black hole?), to examine the structure and origin of therelativistic jets, and to accurately assess the system's evolutionary state. This will beaccomplished through a multiwavelength campaign using simultaneous radio imagingand optical plus x-ray spectroscopy to study the disk and jet in SS 433. Through this, themotion of the relativistic jet will be followed, the time and distance scale of jetfragmentation determined, the disappearance of optical jet lines monitored, and the truespace velocities of the jets will be found. In addition, optical spectroscopy will be used tostudy the jet, mass donor star, and the compact object. It is expected that the mass of thedonor star will be conclusively determined as well as its evolutionary state. Finally, theobservations should also provide the mass of the compact object thereby revealingwhether it is a black hole or a neutron star.Through this award, the research infrastructure at Valparaiso will be improved in part bycreating new student research opportunities. Participating students will serve as researchassistants during ten weeks each summer and will be trained in aspects of astronomicaldata acquisition, reduction, and analysis. They will have the opportunity to present theirresults at national conferences and to co-author referred journal articles. Dr. Hillwig'swork in SS 433 has also been featured in many popular articles and he will continue topursue public dissemination of the results in the press and through public talks.