Determining the Radial Location of the X-ray Emitting Zone of Spica

Abstract

Although it is well known that O and B type stars are X-ray emitters, the machanism driving this process is not entirely understood. Knowing the radial location of the X-ray emission is key to understanding which models of X-ray emission are correct. In this project, we analyzed several ultraviolet wavelengths over a range of temperatures. We then compared this flux to a unique H-alpha data set for the B-star Spica to scale the model.