Low-Mass X-ray Binary (LMXB)

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X-ray binaries are a remarkable class of binary stars formed by a normal star and a compact, degenerate object such as a neutron star or black hole. The material flows steadily from the normal star, which is typically filling its Roche lobe, to the compact object. X-ray binaries are classified as low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) when the donor star is less massive than the accretor and high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) when this situation is reversed. These binaries shine brightly with X-rays produced by matter plummeting from the donor to the accretor, releasing gravitational potential energy in the process. A stunning artist's impression depicts a LMXB consisting of an evolved low-mass star, a red giant that serves as the donor, and a neutron star acting as the accretor. The falling material forms an accretion disk around the neutron star, while jets emerge from its poles and are guided by the magnetic field.