Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jun 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994apj...428..777r&link_type=abstract
The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 428, no. 2, pt. 1, p. 777-784
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
7
Gamma Rays, Harmonics, Light Curve, Pulsars, Pulsed Radiation, X Ray Binaries, Cerenkov Counters, Gamma Ray Telescopes, Photomultiplier Tubes, Synchronism
Scientific paper
Evidence is presented, from 5 years of observation, that Vela X-1 is a persistent emitter of pulsed TeV gamma-rays at the expected X-ray period. The significance of this effect is 99.3%, and an average, constant, pulsed signal of 2.3% of the cosmic-ray background was detected from 1986 to 1990. The light curve is a mixture of the fundamental period (283 s) and the second harmonic. No orbital modulation was detected, and there are indications of gamma-ray emission during X-ray eclipse. Enhancements in the signal strength of the order of seven and a duration of up to eight pulsar rotations occurred. These enhancements occurred on average once every 12.9 hr. We conclude that the TeV gamma-ray emission mimics the X-ray behavior of the source. The gamma-rays are probably produced during periods of higher accretion when the density of the accreting material produces a sufficiently dense target for the high-energy protons produced at the poles of the neutron star. Such a scenario can also explain the emission during X-ray eclipse.
de Jager Ocker C.
Meintjes Pieter J.
Nel H. I.
North A. R.
Raubenheimer Christo B.
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