Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Mar 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003head....7.1706c&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, HEAD meeting #7, #17.06; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 35, p.625
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
1
Scientific paper
We report results on the X-ray pulsar GX 1+4, based on data from our weekly monitoring of the source with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite. The spin-down of GX 1+4 is continuing, with the pulsar is currently at its longest period ever measured ( ˜ 138 s). Recently, the source entered an extended "low state" in X-rays, when its flux (2-60 keV) dropped and stayed below ˜ 5 x 10-10 ergs cm-2 s-1. In several observations during the interval, the pulsation became undetectable, as the source flux reached the minimum flux of ˜ 3x 10-11 ergs cm-2 s-1. This is very similar to what was observed of GX 1+4 in 1996 when it became similarly faint in X-rays. In fact, the flux at which the cessation of X-ray pulsation first occurred is nearly the same as it was in 1996. The non-detection of pulsation indicates a dramatic change in the pulse fraction, which is normally greater than 80%. We argue that we have most likely observed the "propeller effect" in GX 1+4, a phenomenon that is predicted by theoretical models of accreting X-ray pulsars.
No associations
LandOfFree
Cessation of X-ray pulsation of GX 1+4 in a "low state" 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 Cessation of X-ray pulsation of GX 1+4 in a "low state", we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Cessation of X-ray pulsation of GX 1+4 in a "low state" will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-999464