We investigate the global properties of X-ray emission from O stars, analyzing the X-ray spectra of 32 O stars from archival data of the XMM-Newton space observatory. We examine two hypotheses about of the origin of X-ray emission from O stars. The first is a paradigm proposed by Pollock, that was revealed from an analysis of the ζ Ori X-ray observation. The second is the magnetically confined wind-shock (MCWS) model. For checking Pollock's hypothesis, we determine the distribution of the ratio of half width at half maximum (HWHM) to the wind terminal velocity for lines in spectra of all examined stars. In addition, we check three probable consequences from the MCWS model. We analyze if a correlation exists between the spectral hardness and such stellar parameters as the wind terminal velocity, stellar magnetic field and mass loss rate. The result showed that Pollock's hypothesis is not correct. We also established that not all consequences of the MCWS model considered by us are confirmed. In addition, our spectral analysis method indicated that O stars probably have clumped stellar winds with spherical clumps.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104
Number of pages14
JournalResearch in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Volume18
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2018

    Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

    Research areas

  • stars: early-type, stars: spectra: X-ray, ZETA-ORIONIS, SPECTROSCOPY, FIELD, STELLAR, SPECTRAL VARIABILITY, PARAMETERS, MAGNETICALLY CONFINED WIND, PARADIGM

ID: 36159379