Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2004-07-05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Submitted in January 2004 for the Proceedings of the meeting 'X-Ray Timing 2003: Rossi and Beyond', eds. P. Kaaret, F. K. Lamb
Scientific paper
10.1063/1.1781036
Presently seven superbursters have been identified representing 10% of the total Galactic X-ray burster population. Four superbursters were discovered with the Wide Field Cameras (WFCs) on BeppoSAX and three with the All-Sky Monitor and Proportional Counter Array on RXTE. We discuss the properties of superbursters as derived from WFC observations. There are two interesting conclusions. First, the average recurrence time of superbursts among X-ray bursters that are more luminous than 10% of the Eddington limit is 1.5 yr per object. Second, superbursters systematically have higher alpha values and shorter ordinary bursts than most bursters that have not exhibited superbursts, indicating a higher level of stable thermonuclear helium burning. Theory predicts hitherto undetected superbursts from the most luminous neutron stars. We investigate the prospects for finding these in GX~17+2.
Cornelisse Remon
Heise Jaret
in 't Zand J. M. J.
Kuulkers Eric
Verbunt Frank
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