ABSTRACT
The mass distribution of black holes identified through X-ray emission suggests a paucity of black holes in the mass range of 3 to 5 solar masses. Modified theories have been devised to explain this mass gap, and it is suggested that natal kicks during a supernova explosion can more easily disrupt binaries with lower-mass black holes. Although recent Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory observations reveal the existence of compact remnants within this mass gap, the question of whether low-mass black holes can exist in binaries remains a matter of debate.
Recently, through a joint analysis of radial velocity and astrometry, we discovered a potential mass-gap black hole in a wide binary system. The system has an orbital period of approximately 880 days and a near-zero eccentricity. It consists of a red giant star and an unseen companion with a mass of about 3.6 solar masses, strongly suggesting the existence of binary systems containing low-mass black holes. The system‘s wide circular orbit also poses a challenge to current binary evolution and supernova explosion theories.
BIO
Song Wang is currently an Associate Researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2014. His research interests include black hole discovery and accretion physics, as well as stellar activity and habitability. He has published over 80 SCI papers with more than 1,100 citations, including over 30 as the first or corresponding author.
Host: Junjie Mao
