X-ray Binaries in the Globular Cluster 47 Tucanae

Abstract

Chandra observations of globular clusters provide insight into the formation, evolution, and X-ray emission mechanisms of X-ray binary populations. Our recent (2002) deep observations of 47 Tuc allow detailed study of its populations of quiescent LMXBs, CVs, MSPs, and active binaries (ABs). First results include the confirmation of a magnetic CV in a globular cluster, the identification of 31 additional chromospherically active binaries, and the identification of three additional likely quiescent LMXBs containing neutron stars. Comparison of the X-ray properties of the known MSPs in 47 Tuc with the properties of the sources of uncertain nature indicates that relatively few X-ray sources are MSPs, probably only ~30 and not more than 60. Considering the \~30 implied MSPs and 5 (candidate) quiescent LMXBs, and their canonical lifetimes of 10 and 1 Gyr respectively, the relative birthrates of MSPs and LMXBs in 47 Tuc are comparable.