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Boldt, E. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Boldt, E. A..

At least 37 records · Page 2
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NASA NTRS1981

HEAO 1 measurements of the galactic ridge

The HEAO A2 experiment data was systematically searched for unresolved galactic disc emission. Although there were suggestions of non-uniformities in the emission, the data were consistent with a disc of half-thickness 241 + 22 pc and surface emissivity (2-10 keV) at galactic radius R(kpc) of 2.2 10 to the minus 7th power exp(-R/3.5) erg/sq cm to the (-2)power/s (R 7.8 kpc). giving a luminosity of approximately 4.4 10 to the 37th power erg S to the (-1) power. If the model is extrapolated to radii less than 7.8 kpc, the unresolved disc emission is approximately 1.4 10 to the 38th power erg S to the (-1) power (2-10 keV) i.e., a few percent of the luminosity of the galaxy in resolved sources. the disc emission has a spectrum which is significantly softer than that of the high galactic latitude diffuse X-ray background and it is most probably of discrete source origin.

Worrall, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A 5.57 hour modulation of the X-ray flux from 4U 1822-37

The X-ray flux of 4U 1822-37 is shown to be modulated with the 5.57 hr period of its optical counterpart. The X-ray light curve is two component, with a smooth sinusoidal-like 25% semiamplitude modulation and a 30 minute dip of approximately 0.2 in phase following the other minimum; the dip center occurs 0.04 in phase after the optical minimum. The X-ray spectrum is a relatively flat power law up to 17 keV, above which it steepens; iron emission is detected at 6.7 keV with a 4 keV FWHM and an equivalent width of 1100 eV. An excess below 2 keV is consistent with either a 0.25 keV thermal component of 350 eV equivalent width iron L emission. Modeling the eclipse for a 0.5-0.7 solar radius companion gives a system inclination of 70-79 deg and a spherical cloud radius of 0.2-0.3 solar radius. Models for the long-term modulation are considered, and a comparison of the properties of 4U 1822-37 with those of Cyg X-3 shows that they are similar systems.

White, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A complete X-ray sample of the high latitude sky from HEAO-1 A-2: log N lo S and luminosity functions

An experiment was performed in which a complete X-ray survey of the 8.2 steradians of the sky at galactic latitudes where the absolute value of b is 20 deg down to a limiting sensitivity of 3.1 x ten to the minus 11th power ergs/sq cm sec in the 2-10 keV band. Of the 85 detected sources 17 were identified with galactic objects, 61 were identified with extragalactic objects, and 7 remain unidentified. The log N - log S relation for the non-galactic objects is well fit by the Euclidean relationship. The X-ray spectra of these objects were used to construct log N - log S in physical units. The complete sample of identified sources was used to construct X-ray luminosity functions, using the absolute maximum likelihood method, for clusters galaxies and active galactic nuclei.

Piccinotti, G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

On syntheses of the X-ray background with power-law sources

The conditions under which the combined emission from power law sources can mimic the X-ray background (XRB) spectrum in the 3-50 keV range are considered in view of HEAO 1 A-2 experiment measurements, and it is confirmed that a good fit may be obtained. The required spectral properties of the component sources differ, however, from those observed for local active galactic nuclei. Constraints are deduced for both the low luminosity extension and evolution of such local objects, and it is shown that any other class of sources contributing to the X-ray background must be characterized by an energy spectral index lower than about 0.4, which is the mean index of the XRB, and exhibit sleeper spectra at higher energies.

Dezotti, G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Rapid X-ray variability in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 6814

The HEAO-1 A-2 high time resolution X-ray observations of the X-ray emitting Seyfert I Galaxy NGC 6814 are reported. In sharp distinction with a sample of over 30 active galactic nuclei this object showed strong X-ray variability on timescales less than 3 hours. The mean flux on a timescale of 90 minutes varied by a factor of approximately 2.5 corresponding to Delta L sub x being approximately 1 x 10 to the 43rd power ergs/sec. An autocorrelation analysis shows a characteristic time for variability of 100 (+60 or -25) seconds. There is no indication of spectral variability with an upper limit on a change in the power law spectral index of the absolute value of Delta gamma .37, for a factor two change in intensity. The constraints of such rapid variability on a wide variety of X-ray source mechanisms are considered.

Tennant, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Observation of the core of the Perseus cluster with the Einstein solid state spectrometer - Cooling gas and elemental abundances

Solid State Spectrometer observations of the core of the Perseus cluster have resulted in the detection of X-ray emission lines due to Si, S, and Fe. Analysis of the spectrum indicates that the X-ray emission has at least two characteristic temperatures. This is interpreted in the framework of radiative accretion in the core of the cluster. The derived parameters are a cooling time less than or approximately equal to 2 x 10 to the ninth years for the low-temperature gas, a mass accretion rate of approximately 300 solar masses per year, and a characteristic size of 10-20 kpc for the cool gas. The Fe abundance in the core (approximately 0.4) is similar to the Fe abundance averaged over the whole cluster, indicating that Fe emission is not strongly concentrated about NGC 1275. The Si and S abundances are consistent with solar values.

Mushotzky, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Precursor active galaxies and the cosmic X-ray background

It is argued that the cosmic X-ray background (CXB) is not dominated by sources that are usual active galaxies or quasars. A comparable number of objects, young galaxies at z approximately 4 containing massive black holes surrounded by hot optically thin accretion disks, constitute the precursor active galaxies (PAG) postulated here for producing the thermal type spectrum required for the CXB. An evolutionary track for such PAG objects is described which would lead to the active galaxies observed as individual nonthermal sources. Unresolved emission from active galaxies at z 1 could then readily account for most of the nonthermal background observed in the gamma ray band.

Boldt, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A 5.57 hour modulation of the X-ray flux of 4U1822-37: A new model for CYG X-3

The X-ray flux of 4U1822-37 is shown to be modulated with the 5.57 hour period of its optical counterpart. The X-ray light curve is two component with a smooth sinusoidal like 25 percent semiamplitude modulation and a 30 minute dip approximately 0.2 in phase following the other minimum. The X-ray spectrum is a relatively flat power law up to 17 keV, above which its steepens. Iron emission is detected at 6.7 keV with a 4 keV FWHM and an equivalent width of 1100 eV. There is an excee below 2 keV that is consistent with either a 0.25 keV thermal component or 350 eV equivalent width iron L emission. A slight softening of the spectrum is seen during both X-ray minima. The dip is interpreted as the partial occultation of an extended cloud of optically thick highly ionized material surrounding the central X-ray source. Modeling the eclipse gives a system inclination of 70-79 deg and a spherical cloud radius of 0.2-0.3 solar radius. Models for the long term modulation are considered. The properties of this source are compared to those of Cyg X-3. It is concluded that they are similar systems.

White, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The HEAO A-2 survey of Abell clusters and the X-ray luminosity function

A statistically complete sample of 225 Abell clusters has been examined. Twelve new identifications of clusters with X-ray sources have been made. It is found that (1) Lx is roughly correlated with richness for richness classes 0, 1, and 2; (2) Lx is well correlated with Rood-Sastry type and only loosely correlated with Bautz-Morgan type; and (3) the cluster contribution to the X-ray background is less than or equal to 5% between 2 and 10 keV.

Mckee, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Observation of the core of the Perseus cluster with the Einstein solid state spectrometer: Cooling gas and elemental abundances

Solid State Spectrometer observations of the core of the Perseus cluster have resulted in the detection of X-ray emission lines due to Si, S, and Fe. Analysis of the spectrum indicates that the X-ray emission has at least two characteristic temperatures. This is interpreted in the framework of radiative accretion in the core of the cluster. The derived parameters are a cooling time tc less than 2 x 109 yrs for the low temperature gas, a mass accretion rate of approximately 300 Mo/yr and a characteristic size of 10 to 20 Kpc for the cool gas. The Fe abundance in the core, approximately 0.4, is similar to the Fe abundance averaged over the whole cluster indicating that Fe emission is not strongly concentrated about NGC 1275. The Si and S abundances are consistent with solar values.

Mushotzky, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

X-ray spectral constraints on the broad-line cloud geometry of NGC 4151

X-ray spectral data from NGC 4151 taken with the Einstein Solid-State Spectrometer (SSS) and the HEAO 1 A-2 experiment cannot be simply reconciled with absorption from a uniform column of cold gas. The SSS data can, however, be explained in terms of a clumped absorber with approximately 10% uncovered fraction and factor-of-two overabundances in Z equal to or greater than 14 elements relative to solar oxygen. It is shown that these and previously reported spectral and variability data can be quantitatively reconciled with absorption arising in the cold clouds responsible for the broad optical line emission if the cloud dimensions are small compared to the central source size. It is suggested that the lack of significant X-ray absorption observed from much higher luminosity Seyferts and quasars is a natural consequence of the proposed picture for NGC 4151.

Holt, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The X-ray spectrum of QSO 0241 + 622

The X-ray spectrum of QSO 0241 + 622 in the range 2-50 keV measured with the Goddard Space Flight Center proportional counters on OSO 8 is presented. The quasar is similar to 3C 273 in the proportion of energy emitted in various bands, excluding the radio, if reported radiation above 50 keV from its direction is indeed associated with QSO 0241 + 622. Comparisons are made between the two quasars in a discussion of possible energy generation scenarios. Implications concerning quasar contributions to the diffuse background are discussed.

Worrall, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Is the remnant of SN 1006 Crablike

The solid-state spectrometer on the Einstein Observatory and the GSFC cosmic X-ray spectrometer on OSO 8 have observed the X-ray spectrum of SN 1006. The data can be well represented by a power-law model with alpha = 1.2, similar to the spectrum of the Crab Nebula. This is in contrast to the radio and X-ray maps of SN 1006 which show a shell structure more typical of SNR with thermal X-ray emission. The X-ray spectrum is suggestive of nonthermal synchrotron emission, raising the possibility that the remnant of SN 1006 contains a source of relativistic electrons.

Becker, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The X-ray pulsars 4U 1145-61 and 1E 1145.1-6141

Observations of the neighboring X-ray pulsars 4U 1145-61 and 1E 1145.1-6141 obtained by OSO 8, HEAO 1 and the Einstein Observatory between 1975 and 1979 are reported. A temporal analysis of Einstein Solid State Spectrometer and Monitor Proportional Counter data, OSO 8 A and C detector data and HEAO 1 A-2(3) experiment data confirms the presence of two periodicites at 291 and 297 sec in the region, with the shorter period located within 3 arcmin of 4U 1145-61. Observations indicate the spectrum of 4U 1145-61 to obey a power law with an index of 1.5 out to at least 60 keV, with little variation with pulse phase, and a 500-eV EW iron line at 6.7 keV. The spectrum of the other source is found to be more absorbed. Similarities between the pulsars are noted, and it is suggested that they may be the result of pulsar formation in a homogeneous cloud of progenitors.

White, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

X-ray observations of Algol

The Solid State Spectrometer on Einstein has been used to study Algol. Two observations six months apart were made, both including a primary optical eclipse. No corresponding X-ray eclipses were seen. During the second observation the source was flaring and was on the average a factor of three brighter. The spectrum on both occasions was consistent with a two-component thermal equilibrium model with temperatures of approximately 7.5 and 40 million degrees. Attempts to insert a third component indicate the temperature distribution to be bimodal. Models for the X-ray emission are discussed and it is suggested that it most likely originates from an active corona surrounding the K star.

White, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

X-ray spectral constraints on the broad-line cloud geometry of NGC 4151

X-ray spectral data from NGC 4151 taken with the Einstein Solid-State Spectrometer (SSS) and the HEAO-1 A-2 experiment cannot be simply reconciled with absorption from a uniform column of cold gas. The SSS data can, however, be explained in terms of a clumped absorber with approximately 10% uncovered fraction and factor-of-two overabundances in Z equal to or greater than 14 elements relative to solar oxygen. It is shown that these and previously reported spectral and variability data can be quantitatively reconciled with absorption arising in the cold clouds responsible for the broad optical line emission if the cloud dimensions are small compared to the central source size. It is suggested that the lack of significant X-ray absorption observed from much higher luminosity Seyferts and quasars is a natural consequence of our picture for NGC 4151.

Holt, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Is the remnant of SN1006 crab-like?

The solid state spectrometer on the Einstein Observatory and the GSFC cosmic X-ray spectrometer on OSO-8 observed the X-ray spectrum of SN1006. The data can be well-represented by a power-law model with alpha = 1.2, similar to the spectrum of the Crab nebula. This is in contrast to the radio and X-ray maps of SN1006 which show a shell structure more typical of SNR with thermal X-ray emission. The X-ray spectrum is suggestive of nonthermal synchrotron emission, raising the possibility that the remnant of SN1006 contains a source of relativistic electrons.

Becker, R. H.↗