Future Developments in Balloon-Borne X-Ray Astronomy
Abstract
Possible uses of balloon-borne X-ray observations to detect short-term temporal variations of X-ray fluxes, irregular and quasi-periodic intensity fluctuations, and the photon energy spectrum above 20 keV of eclipsed X-ray binaries are discussed. Sources that can be observed with balloon-borne detectors are described, including Cen X-3, Her X-1, Vel X-1, SMC X-1, and Cyg X-1. It is noted that such detectors can extend binary spectra to the 100 keV photon energy region. The prerequisites for successful balloon-borne detectors are outlined, and a planned counter, which has a sensitive area of 5000 sq cm and can provide a 20 to 60 keV measurement of Vel X-1, is described.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
- Pub Date:
- September 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1323358000013965
- Bibcode:
- 1974PASA....2..292T
- Keywords:
-
- Balloon-Borne Instruments;
- Technological Forecasting;
- X Ray Astronomy;
- X Ray Stars;
- Eclipsing Binary Stars;
- Late Stars;
- Neutron Stars;
- X Ray Binaries;
- X Ray Sources;
- Astronomy