The three types of high-mass X-ray pulsator

Abstract

Published observational data on 20 probable high-mass X-ray pulsators are compiled and analyzed. The objects are divided into three classes (those with Be-star primaries, long-pulse-period objects with non-Be-star primaries, and short-period non-Be objects). The implications of the data for mass-transfer processes, spin-period changes, group correlations the questionable classification of A0538-66, and the circumstellar envelopes of Be stars are discussed in detail.