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At least 379 records · Page 21

Compact and diffuse X-ray sources in the core of the Perseus cluster /Abell 426/

Data on the X-ray structure of the Perseus cluster of galaxies in the energy range from 2 to 10 keV are analyzed which were obtained during a 12-day observation with the rotating modulation collimator aboard SAS 3. In particular, the nature of the compact X-ray source coincident with NGC 1275 is examined. The data are shown to confirm the presence of a diffuse region of X-ray emission surrounding the nucleus of NGC 1275; it is found that a model which also includes a point source at the nucleus is consistent with the data if the point contribution is no larger than 20% of the X-ray flux detected within 3 to 5 arcmin of the galaxy. The results suggest that NGC 1275 may have accreted a large amount of gas from the intracluster medium and that the flux from the possible point source is consistent with a synchro/Compton model.

Helmken, H.↗

Positions of galactic X-ray sources with l/II/ between -20 deg and +6 deg

The precise positions of nine X-ray sources in the vicinity of the galactic center are reported. The data were obtained as part of the comprehensive survey of the galactic plane performed with the rotating modulation collimator detectors on the SAS-3 X-ray observatory. The sources include the binary X-ray source 4U 1700-37 which has a well established optical counterpart that lies 7 sec from the reported position. The other sources GX 349+2, 4U 1702-42, 4U 1705-44, MX 1716-31, A 1742-294, 4U 1755-33, GX 5-1, and 2S 1803-245 lack established counterparts in other wavelengths. The obtained position for GX 5-1 adds confidence to the radio counterpart proposed by Braes et al. (1972). The reported position for 4U 1755-33 excludes the optical counterpart proposed by Jones et al. (1974).

Jernigan, J. G.↗

Positions of galactic X-ray sources - At longitudes /l-II/ of 55-320 deg

Rotating modulation collimeter detectors on the SAS-3 X-ray observatory were used to supply precise (20-40 sec) positional data on 10 galactic X-ray sources in the l super II region between 55 and 320 deg. It is noted that the position for 2S0114+650 has led to the discovery of an optical counterpart. Attention is given to the temperature dependence of the experiments, and it is found that position measurements made at low temperatures are consistent with those obtained at normal (0 C) temperatures. Positions, error radii, and intensities (2-11 keV) are listed for each of the ten sources.

Dower, R. G.↗

Discovery of 3.6-s X-ray pulsations from 4U0115+63

SAS 3 observations reveal a pulsation period of 3.61 sec for the transient X-ray source 4U0115+63. Positional measurement is accurate to approximately 30 arc s, and has led to the likely identification of an optical counterpart. The intensity of the pulses, as reported on 5.9 January 1978, is given as approximately 1.7 times that of the Crab Nebula (1-27 keV). Spectral information was also obtained from the ratios of counting rates in the first three energy channels of the center slat collimator detector (1-27 keV). Two classes of models are proposed to explain the transient nature of the X-ray sources: (1) episodic mass transfer in a binary system, and (2) eccentric binary orbits.

Cominsky, L.↗

Diffuse gamma radiation

Results are reported for an investigation of the intensity, energy spectrum, and spatial distribution of the diffuse gamma radiation detected by SAS 2 away from the galactic plane in the energy range above 35 MeV. The gamma-ray data are compared with relevant data obtained at other wavelengths, including 21-cm emission, radio continuum radiation, and the limited UV and radio information on local molecular hydrogen. It is found that there are two quite distinct components to the diffuse radiation, one of which shows a good correlation with the galactic matter distribution and continuum radiation, while the other has a much steeper energy spectrum and appears to be isotropic at least on a coarse scale. The galactic component is interpreted in terms of its implications for both local and more distant regions of the Galaxy. The apparently isotropic radiation is discussed partly with regard to the constraints placed on possible models by the steep energy spectrum, the observed intensity, and an upper limit on the anisotropy.

Fichtel, C. E.↗

An energy-dependent map of the X-ray emission of the Perseus cluster

Results are discussed for X-ray scans of the Perseus cluster with the SAS 3 slat detectors. Counting rates in two broadband channels (1.5 to 5.5 keV and 5.5 to 15.5 keV) are compared as a function of the instrument scan angle measured from the center of emission, and it is found that the emission in the higher energy range is broader in extent. Tests for a systematic energy-dependent error in the background demonstrate that the discovered energy dependence of the Perseus cluster emission is valid. Iron line emission is determined by two methods, various models are fitted to the data, and the total cluster emission in the two energy ranges is computed. The iron line emission is determined to be 0.003 photon/sq cm per sec. It is concluded that the diffuse emission increases in the range from 1.5 to 15.5 keV within the bounds of a model involving a point source with a radius not exceeding about 3 arcmin plus a diffuse source.

Ulmer, M. P.↗

X-ray and radio emission from the compact galaxy III Zw 2

X-rays from the compact galaxy III Zw 2 have been detected with the rotating modulation collimator on board SAS 3. The (2-10-keV) flux is (4.3 + or - 0.5) by 10 to the -11th power erg/sq cm per sec, which corresponds to a luminosity of 1.4 by 10 to the 45th power erg/s at 530 Mpc. Subsequent radio observations between 1.46 and 90 GHz were made at the NRAO Very Large Array and 36-foot (11-m) installations. The radio spectrum rises sharply toward higher frequencies and, below about 100 GHz, is indicative of a self-absorbed synchrotron spectrum from an extremely compact, rapidly evolving object.

Schnopper, H. W.↗

Short-term time variability of Cygnus X-1. III

Data from a SAS 3 observation of Cygnus X-1 have been analyzed, assuming a simple shot-noise model for the time variability. The results confirm the suggestion of Sutherland, Weisskopf, and Kahn that the shot parameters are constant when the source is in its low state. The first significant measurement of the time sense of the shot-noise pulses was performed, with the result that the average pulse shape is time-symmetric, not asymmetric as has been previously assumed.

Weisskopf, M. C.↗

Position and pulse profile of the X-ray transient 4U 0115 + 63

The celestial position of the 3.6-s X-ray pulsar, 4U 0115 + 63, has been measured to a precision of 12 arcsec in one dimension with the scanning modulation collimator experiment on HEAO 1. This result, together with a position obtained with SAS 3, has led to the identification of an early-type star as the optical counterpart. An X-ray luminosity of approximately 3 by 10 to the 37th power erg/s (3-13 keV) is inferred from the observed flux of about 30% that of the Crab and an estimated distance of 5 kpc. The pulse profile over the energy range 3-13 keV is similar to that of Cen X-3.

Johnston, M.↗

Optical monitoring of X-ray burst sources

Results are presented for simultaneous optical and X-ray observations of the X-ray burst sources MXB 1837+05 and 1916-05. On two occasions during these observations an X-ray burst from MXB 1837+05 was detected by SAS 3, but no accompanying optical signal was detected. The 3-sigma upper limit to the ratio of the energy in a possible optical burst to the energy in the X-ray burst is 0.0001.

Abramenko, A. N.↗

Discovery of optical bursts from an X-ray burst source, MXB1735-44

The optical counterpart of 4U 1735-44, X-ray burst source MXB 1735-44, was studied with the 1.5-m telescope at Cerro Tololo, and by SAS 3, during the period between June 1 and 3, 1978. Explanations for the optical activity are discussed in terms of accretion instabilities onto a neutron star, or thermonuclear flashes on the neutron star itself. Attention is given to the timing of the bursts, which indicate that the burst source probably is located in a region within 1-2 light seconds from the X-ray source. In the binary case, it is noted that the optical emission is probably removed from the X-ray heated stellar atmosphere of the possible companion.

Grindlay, J. E.↗

Optical studies of the X-ray globular cluster NGC 6624

Photographic, photometric, and spectroscopic studies of the core of the globular cluster NGC 6624 have been undertaken with the aim of obtaining some evidence regarding the location and nature of the associated X-ray source 3U 1820-30. The studies include an extended simultaneous observation with the SAS 3 satellite, which was carried out to search (unsuccessfully) for optical emission during X-ray bursts. All the results reported are shown to be negative, but serve to set some constraints on the source properties. The photometric results are used to derive a core radius of 5.0 + or - 0.5 arcsec (0.19 + or 0.02 pc at 8 kpc) and a central density of 110,000 solar masses per cu pc for the cluster. It is found that NGC 6624 is one of the most centrally dense globular clusters but otherwise normal and that the colors and spectrum of the nucleus are the same as those of the cluster as a whole. An X-ray source similar to HZ Her at maximum light is ruled out.

Canizares, C. R.↗

Orbital elements of 4U 0115+63 and the nature of the hard X-ray transients

Extended SAS 3 timing observations of the hard transient X-ray source 4U 0115+63 are reported, and a definitive measurement of the binary orbit of this transient source is presented. It is shown that this source is in a long orbit (period of approximately 24.3 days) that is moderately eccentric (e about 0.34) and that the mean value of the rate of decrease of the pulse period is consistent with the expected spinup of a rotating neutron star that is accreting from a disk. A distance of about 2.5 kpc is inferred, and the B-star optical counterpart is estimated to have an absolute magnitude of approximately -1.5 and a mass of at least 5 solar masses. It is suggested that the companion is a Be star which does not fill its Roche lobe and that the eccentricity and transient nature of the source result from the large orbital separation. It is proposed that hard X-ray transients as a class are collapsed stars (perhaps all neutron stars) in binary systems that are substantially wider than the more persistent X-ray binaries and that the large orbital separation, the small radius of the companion, or both, result in episodic rather than continuous mass transfer onto the X-ray star.

Rappaport, S.↗

The discovery of a 97 minute periodicity in 4U 1700-37

SAS 3 observations of a complete orbital cycle (about 3.5 days) of the X-ray source 4U 1700-37 are presented. A persistent, approximately sinusoidal modulation of about 60% amplitude is present in the data at 97 minutes. Satellite orbital effects are ruled out by using other detectors pointed away from the source but sampled at the same time. The effect of such a long rotation period (if indeed the period is rotational) on current ideas involving accretion torques and stellar wind is discussed.

Matilsky, T.↗

A coordinated X-ray, optical, and microwave study of the flare star Proxima Centauri

Results are reported for a three-day coordinated observing program to monitor the flare star Proxima Centauri in the X-ray, optical, and radio spectrum. During this interval 30 optical flares and 12 possible radio bursts were observed. The SAS 3 X-ray satellite made no X-ray detections. An upper limit of 0.08 on the X-ray/optical luminosity ratio is derived for the brightest optical flare. The most sensitive of the radio telescopes failed to detect 6-cm emission during one major and three minor optical flares, and on this basis an upper limit on the flare radio emission (1 hundred-thousandth of the optimal luminosity) is derived.

Haisch, B. M.↗

Flight experience with advanced controls and displays during piloted curved decelerating approaches in a powered-lift STOL aircraft

The control, display, and procedural features are described for a flight experiment conducted to assess the feasibility of piloted STOL approaches along predefined, steep, curved, and decelerating approach profiles. It was found to be particularly important to assist the pilot through use of the flight director computing capability with the lower frequency control-related tasks, such as those associated with monitoring and adjusting configuration trim as influenced by atmospheric effects, and preventing the system from exceeding powerplant and SAS authority limitations. Many of the technical and pilot related issues identified in the course of this flight investigation are representative of similarly demanding operational tasks that are thought to be possible only through the use of sophisticated control and display systems.

Hindson, W. S.↗

On the nature of the sources of hard pulse X-ray radiation

Besides the identified sources of cosmic pulse X-ray radiation with globular clusters NGC 6624, NGC 1851 and MXB 1730-335 several new identifications were made. The source in Norma was probably identified with globular cluster NGC 5927, the source in Aquila with globular cluster NGC 6838 (M71), and the source in Puppis with globular cluster NGC 2298. Gamma pulses discovered by the Vela satellites and X-ray pulses thoroughly measured by the SAS-3, Ariel-5, and ANS satellites are thought to be the same phenomenon. The sources of such a radiation must be some kind of peculiarity at the central part of globular clusters; it is most probably a massive black hole. The sources of hard pulse radiation which cannot be identified with globular clusters are considered to be a new kind of galactic object, invisible globular clusters, which are naked nuclei of globular clusters.

Shklovskiy, I. S.↗

A search for X-ray pulsations from the galactic center

Data from the SAS-3 satellite were used in a search for X-ray pulsations from the direction of the galactic center. No periodic X-ray behavior was detected in the frequency interval 0.6 Hz to 0.0006 Hz and energy range 2.5 - 35 keV. For periods less than 60 sec, the upper limit to the amplitude of any pulsation in the 2.5 - 10 keV band is approximately .0017 cts/sq cm/s. This corresponds to a pulsed fraction of approximately 1.3 percent of the total GCX flux. Somewhat higher limits apply for longer periods and for energies greater than 10 keV.

Cordova, F. A.↗