X-ray binaries are stellar systems where mass is transferred to a compact object, such as a neutron star or black hole.
My current work aims to develop a big-picture understanding of how different populations of massive binaries fit together and evolve. Some of these systems are thought to be progenitors of neutron star mergers that result in emission of gravitational waves.
Some specific projects I’m involved in:
- Optical transients and variables with MeerLICHT
- Multi-wavelength follow-up of X-ray binaries in outburst
- Estimating the population of radio pulsars in the SMC
- The massive X-ray binary population in the Magellanic Clouds
- Modes of mass transfer in Be X-ray binaries
Most recent publications:
- Targeted search for young radio pulsars in the SMC: discovery of two new pulsars
Titus, N., Stappers, B.W., Morello, V. Caleb, M,; Filipovic, M.D., McBride, V.A., Ho, W.C.G., Buckley, D.A.H, 2019 MNRAS 487, 4332-4342 - The SMC X-ray binary SXP4.78: a new Type II outburst and the identification and study of the optical counterpart
Monageng, I.M., Coe, M.J., Townsend, L.J., Buckley, D.A.H., McBride, V.A., Roche, P.D., Kennea, J.A., Udalski, A., Evans, P.A. 2019 MNRAS 485, 4617 - NGC 3105: a young open cluster with low metallicity
Alonso-Santiago, J.,Marco, A., Negueruela, I., Tabernero, H.M., Castro, N., McBride, V.A., Rajoelimanana, A. F. 2019 A&A 616, A124
See this link for a full list of publication on ADS: http://bit.ly/vmcbridepubs