Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Apr 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005aj....129.2018c&link_type=abstract
The Astronomical Journal, Volume 129, Issue 4, pp. 2018-2025.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
91
Stars: Binaries: General, Stars: Early-Type, Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: Η Carinae, X-Rays: Stars
Scientific paper
We present monitoring observations by the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer of the 2-10 keV X-ray emission from the supermassive star η Carinae from 1996 through late 2003. These data cover more than one of the stellar variability cycles in temporal detail and include especially detailed monitoring through two X-ray minima. We compare the current X-ray minimum, which began on 2003 June 29, with the previous X-ray minimum, which began on 1997 December 15, and refine the X-ray period to 2024 days. We examine the variations in the X-ray spectrum with phase and with time, and also refine our understanding of the X-ray ``peaks,'' which have a quasi period of 84 days, with significant variation. Cycle-to-cycle differences are seen in the level of X-ray intensity and in the detailed variations of the X-ray flux on the rise to maximum just prior to the X-ray minimum. Despite these differences, the similarities between the decline to minimum, the duration of the minimum, and correlated variations of the X-ray flux and other measures throughout the electromagnetic spectrum leave little doubt that the X-ray variation is strictly periodic and produced by orbital motion as the wind from η Carinae collides with the wind of an otherwise unseen companion.
No associations
LandOfFree
X-Ray Monitoring of η Carinae: Variations on a Theme 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 X-Ray Monitoring of η Carinae: Variations on a Theme, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and X-Ray Monitoring of η Carinae: Variations on a Theme will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1453741