Two binary cycles of GX 301-2

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

9

Pulsars, Stellar Models, Stellar Winds, X Ray Binaries, Heao 1, Light Curve, Luminosity, Neutron Stars, X Ray Spectra

Scientific paper

The slow X-ray pulsar, GX 301-2, has been observed throughout two full binary cycles of 41.5 days in the energy range 13-170 keV by the UCSD/MIT Hard X-Ray and Low Energy Gamma-Ray Experiment aboard HEAO 1. Increased intensity and variability was observed for about four days near periastron during the two binary cycles, which were separated by six months in 1978. The spectral shape was not observed to vary with binary phase, with the possible exception of a steepening of the continuum above 20 keV near superior conjunction in one of the two observing epochs. Evidence for a spectral line was found in the data at the 1-percent confidence level, but not confirmed in the remaining data. The temporal variability of GX 301-2 was not consistent with simple models of X-ray production by interaction of the stellar wind with the neutron star, implying that future modeling must include effects on wind density and speed caused by shocks in the wind, the X-ray flux from the neutron star, the gravitational influence of the neutron star, and possible mass accumulation near the neutron star.

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

Two binary cycles of GX 301-2 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 Two binary cycles of GX 301-2, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Two binary cycles of GX 301-2 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1347505

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