X-Ray Flare in Norma
Abstract
L. J. Kaluzienski and S. S. Holt, Goddard Space Flight Center, report the detection of an x-ray flare from the Norma region of the galactic plane with the Ariel 5 all-sky monitor. The source is centered (error radius ~ 2o) on the position of the recurrent transient 4U 1608-52 (the 'Norma transient'). The brightening apparently commenced some time between Jan. 28 and 31, with 3-6-keV fluxes of <~ 0.05, 0.1 +/- 0.05 and 0.3 +/- 0.06 times the Crab Nebula being recorded during fine-mode observations on Jan. 27, Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, respectively. Subsequent coarse-mode monitoring of this region, though hampered by source confusion, indicates that the source has remained bright through Feb. 7. If confirmed, the identification of the flaring object with 4U 1608-52 would represent the first known outburst from this source since 1977 July (cf. IAUC 3090, 3099).
- Publication:
-
International Astronomical Union Circular
- Pub Date:
- February 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979IAUC.3328....1K