Mass and orbit constraints of the gamma-ray binary LS 5039

Abstract

We present the results of space-based photometric and ground-based spectroscopic observing campaigns on the gamma-ray binary LS 5039. The new orbital and physical parameters of the system are similar to former results, except we found a lower eccentricity. Our MOST-data show that any broad-band optical photometric variability at the orbital period is below the 2 mmag level. Light curve simulations support the lower value of eccentricity and imply that the mass of the compact object is higher than 1.8 solar masses.

2 pages, 1 figure (with 2 panels); to be published in the Proceedings: From Interacting Binaries to Exoplanets: Essential Modeling Tools, IAU Symposium 282 (18-22 July, 2011, Tatranska Lomnica, Slovakia)