Engineering topics

Corbet, R. H. D.

Publications and source records attributed to Corbet, R. H. D..

18 records

NASA NTRS2013

The Swift-BAT Hard X-Ray Transient Monitor

The Swift/Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) hard X-ray transient monitor provides near real-time coverage of the X-ray sky in the energy range 15-50 keV. The BAT observes 88% of the sky each day with a detection sensitivity of 5.3 mCrab for a full-day observation and a time resolution as fine as 64 s. The three main purposes of the monitor are (1) the discovery of new transient X-ray sources, (2) the detection of outbursts or other changes in the flux of known X-ray sources, and (3) the generation of light curves of more than 900 sources spanning over eight years. The primary interface for the BAT transient monitor is a public Web site. Between 2005 February 12 and 2013 April 30, 245 sources have been detected in the monitor, 146 of them persistent and 99 detected only in outburst. Among these sources, 17 were previously unknown and were discovered in the transient monitor. In this paper, we discuss the methodology and the data processing and filtering for the BAT transient monitor and review its sensitivity and exposure.We provide a summary of the source detections and classify them according to the variability of their light curves. Finally, we review all new BAT monitor discoveries. For the new sources that are previously unpublished, we present basic data analysis and interpretations.

black hole physics↗

NASA NTRS2013

Contrasting Behaviour from Two Be/X-ray Binary Pulsars: Insights into Differing Neutron Star Accretion Modes

In this paper we present the identification of two periodic X-ray signals coming from the direction of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). On detection with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), the 175.4 s and 85.4 s pulsations were considered to originate from new Be/X-ray binary (BeXRB) pulsars with unknown locations. Using rapid follow-up INTEGRAL and XMM-Newton observations, we show the first pulsar (designated SXP175) to be coincident with a candidate high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) in the northern bar region of the SMC undergoing a small Type II outburst. The orbital period (87d) and spectral class (B0-B0.5IIIe) of this system are determined and presented here for the first time. The second pulsar is shown not to be new at all, but is consistent with being SXP91.1 - a pulsar discovered at the very beginning of the 13 year long RXTE key monitoring programme of the SMC. Whilst it is theoretically possible for accreting neutron stars to change spin period so dramatically over such a short time, the X-ray and optical data available for this source suggest this spin-up is continuous during long phases of X-ray quiescence, where accretion driven spin-up of the neutron star should be minimal.

Magellanic Clouds↗

NASA NTRS2013

Swift J045106.8-694803: A Highly Magnetised Neutron Star in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We report the analysis of a highly magnetised neutron star in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The high mass X-ray binary pulsar Swift J045106.8-694803 has been observed with Swift X-ray telescope (XRT) in 2008, The Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) in 2011 and the X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission - Newton (XMM-Newton) in 2012. The change in spin period over these four years indicates a spin-up rate of 5.010.06 s/yr, amongst the highest observed for an accreting pulsar. This spin-up rate can be accounted for using Ghosh and Lambs (1979) accretion theory assuming it has a magnetic field of (1.2 +/= 0.20/0.7) x 10(exp 14) Gauss. This is over the quantum critical field value. There are very few accreting pulsars with such high surface magnetic fields and this is the first of which to be discovered in the LMC. The large spin-up rate is consistent with Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) observations which show that Swift J045106.8-694803 has had a consistently high X-ray luminosity for at least five years. Optical spectra have been used to classify the optical counterpart of Swift J045106.8-694803 as a B0-1 III-V star and a possible orbital period of 21.631 +/- 0.005 days has been found from MACHO optical photometry.

Klus, H.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Long-Term Monitoring of the High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission from LS I +61 deg 303 and LS 5039

The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) reported the first definitive gigaelectron volts detections of the binaries LS I +61 deg 303 and LS 5039 in the first year after its launch in 2008 June. These detections were unambiguous as a consequence of the reduced positional uncertainty and the detection of modulated gamma-ray emission on the corresponding orbital periods. An analysis of new data from the LAT, comprising 30 months of observations, identifies a change in the gamma-ray behavior of LS I +61 deg 303. An increase in flux is detected in 2009 March and a steady decline in the orbital flux modulation is observed. Significant emission up to 30 gigaelectron volts is detected by the LAT; prior data sets led to upper limits only. Contemporaneous terraelectron volt observations no longer detected the source, or found it-in one orbit-close to periastron, far from the phases at which the source previously appeared at terraelectron volt energies. The detailed numerical simulations and models that exist within the literature do not predict or explain many of these features now observed at gigaelectron volt and terraelectron volt energies. New ideas and models are needed to fully explain and understand this behavior. A detailed phase-resolved analysis of the spectral characterization of LS I +61 deg 303 in the gigaelectron volt regime ascribes a power law with an exponential cutoff spectrum along each analyzed portion of the system's orbit. The on-source exposure of LS 5039 is also substantially increased with respect to our prior publication. In this case, whereas the general gamma-ray properties remain consistent, the increased statistics of the current data set allows for a deeper investigation of its orbital and spectral evolution.

High-energy↗

NASA NTRS2012

A Giant Radio Flare from Cygnus X-3 with Associated Gamma-Ray Emission

With frequent flaring activity of its relativistic jets, Cygnus X-3 (Cyg X-3) is one of the most active microquasars and is the only Galactic black hole candidate with confirmed high energy gamma-ray emission, thanks to detections by Fermi/LAT and AGILE. In 2011, Cyg X-3 was observed to transit to a soft X-ray state, which is known to be associated with high-energy gamma-ray emission. We present the results of a multiwavelength campaign covering a quenched state, when radio emission from Cyg X-3 is at its weakest and the X-ray spectrum is very soft. A giant (approx 20 Jy) optically thin radio flare marks the end of the quenched state, accompanied by rising non-thermal hard X-rays. Fermi/LAT observations (E greater than or equal 100 MeV) reveal renewed gamma-ray activity associated with this giant radio flare, suggesting a common origin for all non-thermal components. In addition, current observations unambiguously show that the gamma-ray emission is not exclusively related to the rare giant radio flares. A 3-week period of gamma-ray emission is also detected when Cyg X-3 was weakly flaring in radio, right before transition to the radio quenched state. No gamma rays are observed during the one-month long quenched state, when the radio flux is weakest. Our results suggest transitions into and out of the ultrasoft X-ray (radio quenched) state trigger gamma-ray emission, implying a connection to the accretion process, and also that the gamma-ray activity is related to the level of radio flux (and possibly shock formation), strengthening the connection to the relativistic jets.

Corbel, S.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Periodic Emission from the Gamma-ray Binary 1FGL J1018.6-5856

Gamma-ray binaries are stellar systems containing a neutron star or black hole with gamma-ray emission produced by an interaction between the components. These systems are rare, even though binary evolution models predict dozens in our Galaxy. A search for gamma-ray binaries with the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) shows that IFGL JI018.6-5856 exhibits intensity and spectral modulation with a 16.6 day period. We identified a variable X-ray counterpart, which shows a sharp maximum coinciding with maximum gamma-ray emission, as well as an 06V f) star optical counterpart and a radio counterpart that is also apparently modulated on the orbital period. IFGL J1018.6-5856 is thus a gamma-ray binary, and its detection suggests the presence of other fainter binaries in the Galaxy.

Celic, O.↗

NASA NTRS2008

RXTE and BeppoSAX Observations of the Transient X-ray Pulsar XTE J 18591+083

We present observations of the 9.8 s X-ray pulsar XTE J159+083 made with the All-Sky Monitor (ASM) and Proportional Counter Array (PCA) on board the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), and the Wide Field Cameras (WFC) on board BeppoSAX. The ASM data cover a 12 year time interval and show that an extended outburst occurred between approximately MJD50, 250, and 50, 460 (1996 June 16 to 1997 January 12). The ASM data excluding this outburst interval suggest a possible 61 day modulation. Eighteen sets of PCA observations were obtained over an approx. one month interval in 1999. The flux variability measured with the PCA appears consistent with the possible period found with the ASM. The PCA measurements of the pulse period showed it to decrease non-monotonically and then to increase significantly. Doppler shifts due to orbital motion rather than accretion torques appear to be better able to explain the pulse period changes. Observations with the WFC during the extended outburst give an error box which is consistent with a previously determined PCA error box but is significantly smaller. The transient nature of XTE J1859+083 and the length of its pulse period are consistent with it being a Be/neutral star binary. The possible 61 day orbital period would be of the expected length for a Be star system with a 9.8 s pulse period.

Corbet, R. H. D.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Swift/BAT and RXTE Observations of the Peculiar X-ray Binary 4U 2206+54 - Disappearance of the 9.6 Day Modulation

Observations of the high-mass X-ray binary 4U 2206+54 with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) do not show modulation at the previously reported period of 9.6 days found from observations made with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) All-Sky Monitor (ASM). Instead, the strongest peak in the power spectrum of the BAT light curve occurs at a period of 19.25+/-0.08 days, twice the period found with the RXTE ASM. The maximum of the folded BAT light curve is also delayed compared to the maximum of the folded ASM light curve. The most recent ASM data folded on twice the 9.6 day period show 'similar morphology to the folded BAT light curve. This suggests that the apparent period doubling is a recent secular change rather than an energy-dependent effect. The 9.6 day period is thus not a permanent strong feature of the light curve. We suggest that the orbital period of 4U 2206+54 may be twice the previously proposed value.

Corbet, R. H. D.↗

NASA NTRS2007

A Comparison of the Variability of the Symbiotic X-ray Binaries GX 1+4, 4U 1954+31, and 4U 1700+24 from Swift/BAT and RXTE/ASM Observations

We present an analysis of the X-ray variability of three symbiotic X-ray binaries, GX 1+4, 4U 1700+24, and 4U 1954+31, using observations made with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) All-Sky Monitor (ASM). Observations of 4U 1954+31 with the Swift BAT show modulation at a period near 5 hours. Models to explain this modulation are discussed including the presence of an exceptionally slow X-ray pulsar in the system and accretion instabilities. We conclude that the most likely interpretation is that 4U 1954+31 contains one of the slowest known X-ray pulsars. Unlike 4U 1954+31, neither GX 1+4 nor 4U 1700+24 show any evidence for modulation on a timescale of hours. An analysis of the RXTE ASM light curves of GX l+4, 4U 1700+24, and 4U 1954+31 does not show the presence of periodic modulation in any source, although there is considerable variability on long timescales for all three sources. There is no modulation in GX 1+4 on either the optical 1161 day orbital period or a previously reported 304 day X-ray period. For 4U 1700+24 we do not confirm the 404 day period previously proposed for this source from a shorter duration ASM light curve.

Corbet, R. H. D.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The spectrum and pulses of 1E 2259+586 from ASCA and BBXRT observations

The 7 s X-ray pulsator 1E 2259+586 was observed for approximately 1 day in 1993 with the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA). Observations were also obtained with Broad Band X-ray Telescope (BBXRT) in 1990 a few months after Ginga had observed 1E 2259+586 to be brighter than normal and the BBXRT data show 1E 2259+586 to be at an intermediate brightness level. By contrast, the ASCA data appear to have been obtained during a more common lower luminosity state. The pulse profiles we obtain are consistent with a connection between flux and pulse shape reported from Ginga data, and the pulsator continues to spin down. We use our high spectral resolution data to search for cyclotron lines in the spectrum that were claimed from observations made with other satellites. We find that the ASCA spectra of 1E 2259+586 cannot be satisfactorily fitted with either a single power law or a combination of two power laws, and that significant residuals occur around 1.5 and 5 keV. However, a combination of a power law and blackbody gives a good fit over the entire ASCA energy band with no evidence of spectral features. We have reanalyzed a Ginga LAC spectrum and find that this is also significantly better fitted by this two-component spectrum than a single power law. A possible explanation for such a two-component spectrum is that the blackbody emission comes from a neutron star and that the power-law component comes, at least in part, from a surrounding nebula. As there has, so far, no direct evidence that 1E 2259+586 is a binary system we consider whether there are other plausible mechanisms that might power the observed X-ray emission.

Corbet, R. H. D.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Is the changing orbital period of EXO 0748-676 evidence for a triple system?

We present eclipse timing measurements of the low-mass X-ray binary (LMxB) EXO 0748-676 made with ASCA. These measurements, when combined with previous results, are consistent with the hypothesis that eclipse times are modulated by a third body. The parameters of the orbit of the postulated third body are now apparently well constrained and will allow further observations to effectively test the hypothesis that EXO 0748-676 is a triple system. The derived orbital parameters are such that, unless the inclination angle is very low, a third body in the system must have a mass less than the lower limit for a main-sequence star.

Corbet, R. H. D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Ginga observations of Centaurus X-3

Attention is given to a series of observations of Centaurus X-3 made with Ginga on March 22-24, 1989, over a complete orbital cycle. The data set includes a preeclipse dip, the eclipse ingress and egress, the eclipse itself, and a phase of high steady emission after egress. The mideclipse ephemeris obtained yields an estimate of the rate of change of the orbital period of -(1.738 +/- 0.004) x 10 exp 6/yr, confirming the rate of change reported by Kelley et al. (1983) and improving the precision by a factor of 20. The pulse profiles obtained with Ginga during the high postegress phase are double-peaked at low energies, and show a reversal of phase of 180 deg. No pulsations are detected during the eclipse and at low energies during the preeclipse dip, indicating that X-ray emission at these phases is due to scattering by extended matter. The energy of the iron emission line varies between 6.5 and 6.7 keV during the observation, while its equivalent width varies between 0.18 and 1.5 keV.

Nagase, F.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A new candidate orbital period for KO Velorum (E1013-477)

CCD photometry of KO Vel obtained on five nights in April 1987 is reported. From this and the two previously published sets of CCD photometry, a new candidate orbital period of 0.422 d (10.12 h) is derived. The shape of the folded light curve is nonsinusoidal, which has made the Fourier transform method less effective than usual. It is shown that all three sets of light curves examined here are consistent with the proposed period. All three data sets for the presence of a shorter period are examined, and no conclusive evidence for a periodic variation on an approximately 1 hr time scale is found. The nature of KO Vel therefore still remains an open question.

Mukai, K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The orbital ephemeris and eclipse transitions of the low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748 - 676

Using the eclipses as fiducial markers, an updated ephemeris for EXO 0748 - 676 is derived and evidence is found that between February 1985 and March 1989 the 3.82-h orbital period of EXO 0748 - 676 decreased with a time scale of -5 x 10 to the 6th yr. The sense of this change is the same as that predicted by simple models for the evolution of low-mass X-ray binaries containing main-sequence companions, but is a factor about 100 faster than expected. This rapid change in orbital period could result from the expansion of the companion due to the effects of X-ray heating. The eclipse transition durations are variable, with the shortest observed taking 1.5 s and the longest 40 s. This latter figure is about an order of magnitude too large to be due to absorption effects in the atmosphere of the secondary assuming a Roche geometry and likely stellar temperature. Either flaring activity or the presence of an X-ray heated evaporative wind or a corona may enhance the scale height of the companion's atmosphere producing the extended eclipse transitions.

Parmar, A. N.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Connections between X-ray and optical variability in the low mass X-ray binary 1735-444

The results of a long duration (4 day) simultaneous optical and X-ray observation of the low mass X-ray binary 1735-444 are presented. The observed X-ray and optical fluxes are correlated; the strength of this correlation is increased when allowance is made for the relatively large orbital modulation of the optical light. A simple interpretation of the optical radiation as reprocessed X-rays in a blackbody disk leads to an implausibly low disk temperature if the disk is assumed to have constant geometry. 1735-444 exhibits bimodal behavior having an X-ray spectral hardness ratio versus source intensity which is similar to that previously seen in sources such as Cyg X-2.

Corbet, R. H. D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

EX Hydrae in outburst

Photometry and red spectroscopy of the intermediate polar EX Hya in its rare outburst state are presented. Photometry during the declining phase of the July-August 1986 outburst shows the 67-min (spin) modulation to be present with similar characteristics to that in quiescence. In contrast, photometry from near the peak of the 1987 May outburst shows little evidence of the 67-min modulation, while spectroscopy obtained nearly simultaneously is similarly lacking in such evidence, despite its presence in quiescent spectroscopic data. Near the beginning of the May 1987 outburst the H alpha emission line develops a broad, high velocity base component whose velocity is modulated with the orbital cycle. The velocity and phase of the broad base component suggest that it is produced near the magnetosphere of the white dwarf at a point along the projected trajectory of the gas stream from the companion. The feature disappears later in the outburst and is not present during quiescence. It is suggested that the outbursts in EX Hya are caused by an increase in the rate of mass transfer from the companion, and that part of this enhanced mass-transfer stream skims over the top of the accretion disk to strike the magnetosphere directly. The interaction of the stream with the magnetosphere gives rise to the broad-base component observed.

Hellier, C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

X-ray and optical observations of a dMe flare star in the T Tauri field

Observations of a newly discovered dMe flare star within 20 pc of the sun are presented. An EXOSAT observation of this source shows an almost complete X-ray flare light curve with rise time about 600 s, decay time about 1500 s, and peak luminosity 6.1 x 10 to the 29th erg/s, a 40-fold increase in brightness over the quiescent level. The total energy in the flare is between 2.7 x 10 to the 32nd and 3.3 x 10 to the 33rd erg. Results of two Einstein IPC observations are also presented; the source is quiescent in the first and shows evidence for a luminosity enhancement, possibly the tail of another flare, in the second. The source is identified with a hitherto unsteadied nearby star with magnitude V about 13 and spectral type roughly dM5e, at a distnce of about 13 pc. For the flare, a variety of different physical assumptions about the cooling mechanism is explored and possible values for loop lengths and electron densities are derived.

Smale, A. P.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Optical and X-ray observations of 2S 0921-630

The present investigation is concerned with photometric and spectroscopic measurements of 2S 0921-630 covering the years 1975-82. The X-ray source 2S 0921-630 was discovered by Li et al. (1978) and identified with an approximately 17th magnitude star showing He II 4686 A and H-beta in emission. Attention is given to photoelectric photometry, photographic photometry, aspects of periodic behavior, spectroscopy, radial velocity measurements and equivalent widths, and X-ray observations. It is found that the radial velocity data confirm the 9-day period previously suggested for the system and exclude alternative periods of 17.9 and 7.7 days.

Branduardi-Raymont, G.↗