The high energy X-ray spectrum of 4U1700-37 observed from OSO-8
Abstract
The most intense hard X-ray source in the confused region in Scorpius is identified as 4U1700-37. The 3.4-day modulation is seen above 20 keV with the intensity during eclipse being consistent with zero flux. The photon-number spectrum from 20 to 150 keV is well represented by a single power law with a photo-number spectral index of -2.77 + or - 0.35 or by a thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum with kT = 27 96.8-min X-ray modulation previously reported at lower energies. Despite the difficulties in reconciling both the lack of periodic modulation in the emitted X-radiation and the orbital dynamics of the system with theories of the evolution and physical properties of neutron stars, the observed properties of 4U1700-37 are all consistent with the source being a spherically accreting neutron star rather than a black hole.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- October 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979STIN...8017975D
- Keywords:
-
- Oso-8;
- Scorpius Constellation;
- X Ray Sources;
- X Ray Spectra;
- Black Holes (Astronomy);
- Neutron Stars;
- Orbital Velocity;
- Periodic Variations;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Space Radiation