Black hole soft X-ray transients in quiescence SSC_11

GTThe defining property of a black hole is its event horizon through whichmatter and energy can rain in, but from which nothing can escape. Proof ofthe existence of event horizons is a foremost goal of astrophysics. However,the goal is an extraordinary challenge since no photon can reach us from thehorizon. We propose to establish the reality of event horizons bycomparing in quiescent Xray novae the behaviour of accreting black holes tothe behaviour of accreting neutron stars. A byproduct of this study will bea handle on the processes that transport angular momentum in accretion discs.Guided by earlier work and a new paradigm for accretion the ADAFmodel we propose to observe A062000 and GRO J165540. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]