The Highs and Lows of It: Magnetic Accretion at All Rates

摘要

Deep spectroscopic surveys are identifying new objects that broaden our understanding of what constitutes a magnetic accretion binary. Extremes in magnetic field strength and accretion rate give rise to both very low and very high X-ray luminosities, circular polarization that is minimal or nearly complete, and dazzling cyclotron harmonic features that carry away most of the accretion energy. This overview highlights some recent developments in the field and speculates on broader issues of evolution and population that are raised by these new discoveries.