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Joss, P. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Joss, P. C..

70 records · Page 4
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NASA NTRS1976

The transient X-ray source A0620-00 - Intensity variations and evidence for an 8 day periodicity

The X-ray intensity of the transient source A0620-00 has been measured frequently with the SAS-3 X-ray Observatory from August 8, 1975 to February 13, 1976. This brightest of all known X-ray transients shows intensity variations on a time scale of days superposed on a general decline. Intensity data for the period from January 7 to February 13, 1976, show evidence of an approximate 7.8-day periodicity that may be the result of binary motion.

Matilsky, T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Orbital elements and masses for the SMC X-1/Sanduleak 160 binary system

The binary X-ray source SMC X-1 was observed with the SAS-3 satellite for approximately four days (February 26-29, 1976). Sufficient timing data were obtained on the 0.71 s X-ray pulsations to measure the Doppler velocity curve of the X-ray source and thereby derive orbital and stellar parameters for the system. The projected velocity of the X-ray star is 301.5 plus or minus 2.0 (1 sigma) km/s, and the corresponding mass function is 11.05 plus or minus 0.22 (1 sigma) solar masses. Combining the X-ray timing data with constraints imposed by the X-ray eclipse duration and the available optical data on Sk 160, a range of allowable values of not less than 1.1 and not greater than 4.0 solar masses for the mass of the X-ray star is obtained.

Primini, F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Observational constraints on the masses of neutron stars

The present state of empirical knowledge about neutron-star masses is reviewed. It is shown how the mass function of a pulsar-containing binary system can be inferred from measurements of the pulsation period and the projected semimajor axis of the pulsar orbit plus independent information concerning the inclination of the orbital plane, the mass of the companion star, or both. Relevant observational properties, the type of information used to constrain the pulsar mass, and the range of allowable pulsar masses are summarized for the binary systems 3U 0900-40, Cen X-3, SMC X-1, Her X-1, and PSR 1913+16. It is found that as long as the general theory of relativity is correct, neutron-star masses should range from about 1.4 to 1.9 solar masses if the companion is a normal white dwarf or should be less than about 1.9 solar masses if the companion is some other object. It is concluded that these mass estimates are entirely consistent with the predictions of nuclear physics theory.

Joss, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Evidence for the binary nature of A0535+26

The transient X-ray source A0535+26 was observed extensively with the SAS-3 satellite on two occasions. Sufficient timing data on the 104-s periodicity were obtained to indicate that the pulse period was changing during both of the observations. The possibility that these period changes are intrinsic to the compact star (e.g., due to accretion torques) cannot be completely excluded. However, it is demonstrated that all of the SAS-3 timing data can be explained by orbital motion of the X-ray star about a companion. Constraints are then placed on the orbital elements of the system. The results indicate a model for this source that consists of a neutron star in a long-period orbit (period of at least 17 days) about an OB star with a variable stellar wind.

Rappaport, S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The 3U 0900-40 binary system - Orbital elements and masses

Observations of the 283-s X-ray pulsations from 3U 0900-40 (Vela X-1) over a 36-day interval have led to a determination of the orbital elements for the X-ray star. These elements yield an X-ray mass function of about 18.5 solar masses and, when combined with the results of optical studies of the companion star HD 77581, give a probable lower limit of 1.4 solar masses to the mass of the X-ray star.

Rappaport, S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Search for X-ray emission from Nova Cygni 1975

A search for X-rays from Nova Cygni 1975 was carried out before, during, and after the time of optical maximum. No X-rays were detected over the spectral range 0.1-50 keV. On the basis of these results a strong upper limit of .0001 has been placed on the ratio of X-ray to optical luminosity for this nova, consistent with effective temperatures of about 10,000 K. If Nova Cygni 1975 is a virgin nova, its low mass exchange rate would imply that any associated X-ray emission would not be detectable by present techniques.

Hoffman, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The transient periodic X-ray source in Taurus, A0535+26

Eighteen X-ray light curves of the 104-sec periodicity in the Taurus X-ray nova A 0535+26 are analyzed which were obtained by SAS-3 in six energy intervals between 1 and 35 keV during the period from May 30 to June 2, 1975. It is shown that the pulse structure is relatively simple at energies above 19 keV, but develops a complex series of five irregularly spaced maxima at lower energies. The energy spectrum averaged over the 104-sec period is found to be extremely hard, with a best-fit temperature of about 30 keV for the exponential spectrum, an excess at about 15 keV, and a steepening above 20 keV. It is suggested that A 0535+26 may be a compact object in a binary system containing the peculiar Be star HDE 245770. The transient behavior could arise due to episodic mass loss by the primary or because the compact object is in a highly eccentric orbit about the companion, with appreciable mass transfer occurring only at periastron.

Bradt, H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

On apparent associations among astronomical objects

An apparent association among bright stars and bright galaxies has been found that has a maximum a posteriori probability for chance occurrence of about 0.008. The ability to find such an association is evidence that apparent associations among objects of different redshifts should be viewed with great caution.

Joss, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

An X-ray determination of the orbital elements of 3U 0900-40

The orbital elements of the 3U 0900-40 binary system were determined by measuring the variations in the arrival times of the 283-second X-ray pulses. The best-fit values of the system parameters and their 95% confidence limits are listed.

Mcclintock, J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Is the local supercluster a physical association

A quantitative measure of the degree of concentration of a sample of galaxies toward any great circle is described and applied to the Shapley-Ames and de Vaucouleurs catalogs of bright galaxies as well as to computer-simulated catalogs of galaxies. It is found that the observed distribution can be explained as the combined result of obscuration by our Galaxy, purely local clustering on angular scales of less than about 10 deg, and our proximity to a rather large and populous cluster, the Virgo cluster. In order for this interpretation to be correct, the Virgo cluster must have a mean angular radius of the order of or greater than 15 deg. This interpretation is supported by recent measurements which do not indicate any large inhomogeneities in the motions of nearby galaxy clusters and which show that the mean recessional velocity of the Virgo cluster is consistent with a uniform Hubble expansion. If the present interpretation is correct, it may be possible to determine the Hubble constant directly from measurements of individual distance indicators (such as H II regions and the brightest stars) with distance moduli less than about 32.

Bahcall, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1976

X-ray nova A0620-00 - Celestial position and low-energy flux

The X-ray nova A0620-00 (Nova Monocerotis 1975) has been observed with the SAS-3 satellite. The 1-10 keV intensity was observed to increase by a factor of 2.3 from August 8 to August 11, 1975. It reached and maintained a constant intensity of 1.7 by 10 to the -6 power erg/sq cm/sec from August 11 to August 13. Limits on periodicities of not more than 2 per cent of the power were obtained for periods from 0.2 ms to 435 s. A precise position was obtained with the SAS-3 modulation collimators on August 15. This led directly to optical and radio identifications. Observations with the SAS-3 low-energy concentrator system on August 27 showed an intense 0.4-0.8 keV flux emanating from the nova. A hydrogen column density of 3.5 (plus or minus 0.3) by 10 to the 21st power per sq cm was inferred from these data.

Doxsey, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Average 2-6 keV pulse shapes of Hercules X-1 during the January 1972 'on' state

The available data on the Uhuru satellite sightings of observably bright ('on' state) Her X-1 during January 1972 are divided into eight intervals between successive eclipses. The average pulse shapes obtained are discussed. It is shown that the average pulse shape varies little during most of the 'on' state. However, during about the last three days of the 'on' state, the pulsations almost completely disappear. The results appear to support a class of models in which the 35-day cycle is due to variable obscuration of Her X-1 by a precessing accretion disk or other matter within the system.

Joss, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Are stellar surface heavy-element abundances systematically enhanced

Stellar surface heavy-element abundances may be substantially higher than interior abundances if there is appreciable accretion of chemically fractionated matter after Hayashi-phase convection has terminated. The plausibility of appreciable accretion is discussed, and some possible observational consequences of enhanced surface heavy-element abundances are investigated. These consequences include a reduced solar neutrino flux, systematic variations in surface abundance along the main sequence and along the giant branch, and relatively low heavy-element abundances among planetary nebulas and white dwarfs and in the interstellar medium. There is marginal observational evidence in support of the hypothesis of enhanced stellar surface heavy-element abundances.

Joss, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Orientation-dependent effects in Oort's theory of comet origin. II - Anisotropies in the distribution of long-period comet orbits.

The statistical significance of anisotropies in the distribution of orbital orientations among the long-period and nearly parabolic comets is evaluated. It is suggested that these anisotropies are not the result of observational selection effects. A numerical model for the distribution of orbital orientations is constructed, based on Oort's theory of comet origin and the assumption that the observed anisotropies are caused by multiple planetary perturbations over the course of many perihelion passages. The model, which is restricted to comets with perihelion distances less than 0.3 AU, does not predict any significant anisotropies.

Joss, P. C.↗