Evolution of eccentric high-mass X-ray binaries

Context. The formation of neutron stars is associated with powerful astrophysical transients such as supernovae. In many cases, asymmetries in the supernova explosions are thought to be responsible for the large observed velocities of neutron stars. Aims. We aim to study the complete evolutionary history of one particular eccentric high-mass X-ray binary containing a neutron star, GX 301–2, and characterize the natal kick at the time of neutron star formation. Methods. We used the publicly available stellar-evolution code MES