Temporal X-ray astronomy with a pinhole camera.
Abstract
Preliminary results from the Ariel-5 all-sky X-ray monitor are presented, along with sufficient experiment details to define the experiment sensitivity. Periodic modulation of the X-ray emission was investigated from three sources with which specific periods were associated, with the results that the 4.8 hour variation from Cyg X-3 was confirmed, a long-term average 5.6 day variation from Cyg X-1 was discovered, and no detectable 0.787 day modulation of Sco X-1 was observed. Consistency of the long-term Sco X-1 emission with a shot-noise model is discussed, wherein the source behavior is shown to be interpretable as approximately 100 flares per day, each with a duration of several hours. A sudden increase in the Cyg X-1 intensity by almost a factor of three on 22 April 1975 is reported, after 5 months of relative source constancy. The light curve of a bright nova-like transient source in Triangulum is presented, and compared with previously observed transient sources. Preliminary evidence for the existence of X-ray bursts with duration less than 1 hour is offered.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the COSPAR Symp. on Fast Transients in X- and Gamma-rays; Varna
- Pub Date:
- May 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975txaw.book.....H
- Keywords:
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- All Sky Photography;
- Ariel Satellites;
- Cygnus Constellation;
- Scorpius Constellation;
- X Ray Astronomy;
- Light Curve;
- Signal To Noise Ratios;
- X Ray Sources;
- Astronomy