The galactic X-ray sources.

This paper presents current observational evidence on the galactic X-ray sources from an astrophysical as well as an astronomical viewpoint. The distribution of the sources in the third Uhuru catalog is discussed, and it is shown that the distribution is compatible with a dual population: one comprising very young objects that are newly born and close to the galactic plane, and one representing a much older class of stars that are more distant from the plane. The properties of these specific sources are described in detail: Cyg X-1, Cen X-3, Her X-1, Cyg X-3, Sco X-1, Cyg X-2, Cir X-1, SMC X-1, 3U 1700-37, and 3U 0900-40. A standard model for the sources is examined which involves close binary systems and accretion onto a compact object.