The complex X-ray spectrum of the supersoft source MR Vel

Abstract

We present the X-ray spectrum of MR Vel/RXJ0925.7-4758 obtained with the Medium Energy Grating spectrometer of the Chandra X-ray Telescope. The simplest models used by earlier authors, stellar atmospheres in combination with a thermal plasma in collisional ionization equilibrium, cannot explain the spectrum. Neither does a photo-ionized plasma. We identify P Cygni profiles of Fe XVII and O VIII, from which we conclude that these lines arise in a wind. We conclude that major uncertainty exists about the bolometric luminosity of MR Vel, and perhaps of supersoft sources in general, so that the theoretical prediction that this luminosity derives from steady nuclear burning cannot be verified.

accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 6 pages, 2 figures