X-ray emission of interacting wind binaries in Cyg OB2

Département A.G.O., Université de Liège, Belgium

Abstract

Cyg OB2 #5, #8A, and #9 are binary or multiple massive stars in the Cyg OB2 association displaying several peculiarities, such as bright X-ray emission and non-thermal radio emission. Our X-ray monitoring of these stars reveals the details of their behaviours at high energies, which can be directly linked to wind-wind collisions (WWCs). In addition, the X-ray emission of Cyg OB2 #12, an evolved massive star, shows a long-term decrease, which could hint at the presence of a companion (with associated colliding winds) or indicate the return to quiescence of the star following a recent eruption.