Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Swank, J. H.

Publications and source records attributed to Swank, J. H..

132 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Iron line emission from a high temperature plasma in Cas A

The X-ray spectrum of Cassiopeia A was observed for several days by the proportional counter experiment on board OSO-8. The high energy ( 5 keV) data are fit well by a thermal spectrum. A narrow iron line which is predicted by the thermal model is also observed. The low energy (2-5 keV) data show an excess over the high temperature component which is consistent with the presence of an additional low temperature thermal component. Iron abundance in the source relative to normal cosmic abundance is discussed, as in the relation of this observation to shock wave and multi-component thermal models for supernova remnants.

Pravdo, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Cosmic X-ray observations with OSO-8

The GSFC Cosmic X-ray Spectroscopy experiment aboard OSO-8 has operated successfully since launch providing spectral and temporal data on X-ray sources in tha energy range 2-60 keV. Analysis of quick look data shows a variety of spectral features, some stable, others variable, which will increase understanding of the nature of individual sources. In particular, observed emission and absorption features that can be attributed to iron will result in abundance measures of this important element in sources such as some X-ray binaries, the supernova remnant Cas A, and the nucleus of the galaxy Cen A.

Serlemitsos, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

OSO-8 observations of Hercules X-1

The X-ray binary Her X-1 was observed by the GSFC cosmic X-ray detectors aboard OSO-8 between August 26 and September 3, 1975. The results reported are based on quick look tapes which contain less than 10% of the total time spent on source. Spectra were observed during different phases of the binary period including the anomalous low state (dip) in X-ray intensity. The normal high spectra is well represented by a power law with a short cutoff above approximately 25 keV. A significant and varying enhancement in the intensity around 6.7 keV was observed, suggesting the presence of an iron line. Absorption was seen in the spectrum immediately following eclipse. The dip spectrum is found to be considerably flattened. Also spectra are presented for different phases of the pulse period.

Pravdo, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

OSO-8 GSFC results on Cen X-3

Spectra of Cen X-3 during eclipse, in transition out of eclipse, and during several later phases of the binary orbit were obtained from quick look data of the July 16-25, 1975 observation by the Goddard X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8. In the high state there was no absorption turn over. Pulsations were present at least to 23 keV. The spectrum at the pulse minimum was flatter above 7 keV than that of the pulse peak. In transition out of eclipse Cen X-3 emerged above a small low energy flux seen during eclipse. The observations appear to indicate absorption by cold and ionized matter and the presence of iron in the companion's atmosphere. Decreased intensities were observed at late phases of some binary orbits in some cases corresponding to dips. Absorption appears although the low energy component remains. Variable features may be interpretable as absorption and emission by iron and possibly other trace elements.

Swank, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The observation program for the GSFC cosmic X-ray spectroscopy experiment

The cosmic X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8 will observe seven X-ray binary sources in its first six months of operation. If possible, each of these sources will be observed for one or more binary orbits so that the X-ray spectrum of each object can be observed through all phases of its orbit. For the two pulsing binaries, Her X-1 and Cen X-3, spectral variations over the pulse period will be studied. Simultaneous radio observations of Cyg X-1 and Cyg X-3 will search for any correlation between radio and X-ray emission. During the first year of operation, the detectors will observe over 50% of the known X-ray sources.

Becker, R. H.↗