Raman Research Institute study finds X-ray pulsar Centaurus X-3 accretes matter through an accretion disk, rare for high-mass binaries
Scientists of the Raman Research Institute (RRI), led by Kinjal Roy, found that the bright X-ray pulsar Centaurus X-3 draws in matter through an accretion disk, which is rare for high-mass X-ray binaries, as per a DST release of 21 October 2026.
Summary
Scientists from the Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, found that Centaurus X-3, one of the brightest X-ray pulsars, accretes material through an accretion disk. Led by researcher Kinjal Roy, the team studied four secondary emission lines and traced their variation to an accretion stream that co-rotates with the pulsar, which can exist only if a disk is present. This is rare because high-mass X-ray binaries usually capture matter directly from the companion star's wind. Centaurus X-3, about 24,000 light years away, was one of the first X-ray pulsars discovered.
Key facts
- Object
- Centaurus X-3 (X-ray binary pulsar)
- Type
- High-mass X-ray binary (companion over 10 times Sun's mass)
- Distance
- About 24,000 light years, constellation Centaurus
- Finding
- Accretion through an accretion disk (rare for HMXBs)
- Evidence
- Variation in four secondary emission lines due to co-rotating accretion stream
- Institute
- Raman Research Institute (autonomous, DST)
- Lead researcher
- Kinjal Roy
- Usual HMXB accretion
- Direct capture of stellar wind
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Scientists of which institute reported in October 2026 that the X-ray pulsar Centaurus X-3 accretes matter through an accretion disk?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Raman Research Institute
Why is the finding about Centaurus X-3 (October 2026) considered unusual?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — High-mass X-ray binaries usually accrete by directly capturing stellar wind, not through an accretion disk