Long-Term Observations of Three Massive X-Ray Binary Transients: 4U0115+63, V0332+53, and GX301-2.
Abstract
The known massive X-ray binaries, 4U0115+63, V0332+53, and GX301-2, which are considered to be "transients" or "highly variable," are looked at with the Vela 5B X-ray data. In order to exploit the full richness of the data, a reorganization of the data base was necessary with two main objectives: (1) convert from time to celestial -coordinate order and (2) transfer the data base to reside and run on a VAX. Upon completion of this effort, access to each 1-second observation for a given X-ray source for the 10 years spanned by the data could be accomplished quickly and easily, allowing a detailed study of the long -term time histories as well as short-term variations. The known periodicities in the sources are monitored for changes either in period or pulse shape. Also, new periods are searched for in the context of recent theoretical predictions. Combining the results obtained from these analyses, better models and perhaps a deeper understanding of the overall behavior of these systems can be achieved. The sources chosen here are all B or Be/neutron star binaries. However, it is seen that they exhibit diverse temporal and spectral behaviors. Four previously unknown recurrences for 4U0115+63 are reported. Also now available to analysis are the pulse periods of the sources (ranging from 3 to 700 seconds) and a well-resolved monitor of the 41.5 day orbital period light curve for GX301- 2. This source is the only one of this study which exhibits persistent periodic outbursts associated with periastron passage. A reanalysis of the 1973 outburst of V0332+53 on 1-second timescales reveals new information concerning the orbital and pulse periods of this unusual system as well as further details on the variability observed over timescales of seconds to hours.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1989
- Bibcode:
- 1989PhDT........14W
- Keywords:
-
- Physics: Astronomy and Astrophysics;
- Data Bases;
- Neutron Stars;
- Stellar Mass;
- X Ray Binaries;
- X Ray Spectra;
- B Stars;
- Celestial Geodesy;
- Celestial Reference Systems;
- Light Curve;
- Periodic Variations;
- Spectrum Analysis;
- Vax Computers;
- Astronomy