Spectral evolution during pre-eclipse dips in Hercules X-1

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

12

Absorption Spectra, Eclipses, Eclipsing Binary Stars, Evolution (Development), Spectrum Analysis, X Ray Absorption, X Ray Binaries, X Ray Spectra, Accretion Disks, Compton Effect, Continuous Spectra, Ginga Satellite, Iron, Satellite-Borne Instruments, Spectral Energy Distribution, Stellar Coronas, Stellar Luminosity

Scientific paper

Hercules X-1 was observed by the Large Area Proportional Counter (LAC) instrument on the Ginga satellite during 1988 August when pre-eclipse dips of Her X-1 were taking place. A detailed analysis of the X-ray spectra during the dips is presented here. The dips are confirmed to be caused by absorption, and for the first time the evolution of absorption during a dip is determined. However, in addition to the absorbed component, there is a significant unabsorbed continuum component from an extended corona around the neutron star, which also changes with time. By analyzing the spectral changes, evidence is found for important properties that have not been previously detected in X-ray binaries: the power-law index spectrum increases with luminosity; the covering fraction of a scattering corona by the accretion disk is variable on several minute timescales; and the flourescent iron line energy is downshifted by Compton scattering.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Spectral evolution during pre-eclipse dips in Hercules X-1 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Spectral evolution during pre-eclipse dips in Hercules X-1, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spectral evolution during pre-eclipse dips in Hercules X-1 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1070455

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.